How Do Foggers Work?

Foggers, commonly referred to as “bug bombs,” are devices used to disperse insecticides, disinfectants, or other substances in a mist or fog form. The primary goal is to treat an area with the substance to kill pests or disinfect a room. Here’s a brief overview of how they work:

• Active Ingredient: The primary ingredient in a fogger is usually an insecticide or disinfectant. The choice of an ingredient depends on the purpose of the fogging – whether it’s to exterminate pests or to sanitize an area.
• Propellants: These are substances that help expel the active ingredient from the container. When the fogger is activated, the propellant pushes the active ingredient out, helping to convert it into a fine mist or fog.
• Activation: Foggers are usually set off by pressing a button or removing a tab. Once activated, they begin to release their contents. Some foggers are designed to empty entirely once activated, while others may have adjustable settings.
• Dispersion: The mist or fog released from the device comprises tiny droplets of the active ingredient. These droplets settle onto surfaces, effectively treating the area. Because the droplets are so fine, they can penetrate cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas.
• Dwell Time: After the fogger has been activated and the area treated, it’s essential to allow some time (dwell time) for the fog to settle and for the active ingredient to work. People and pets should stay away from the treated area during this period. The exact duration will depend on the product’s instructions.
• Ventilation: Once the dwell time has elapsed, the treated area should be well-ventilated to clear any remaining mist or vapors. This is especially crucial if the fogger is used indoors.
• Cleaning: After using a fogger, especially in living spaces, it’s a good idea to clean surfaces that come into regular contact with people, such as countertops and tables. Some residues might be left behind from the fogging process.

When using foggers

• Always read and follow label instructions.
• Ensure the room or area is appropriately sealed off to prevent the mist from escaping to unwanted places.
• Ensure you use the appropriate size fogger for the area being treated.
• Keep them away from open flames, as many foggers are flammable.
• Ensure all humans and pets vacate the area during treatment and for the recommended period afterward.

While foggers can be effective in certain situations, they might not always be the best solution for every pest problem. If you have persistent issues, consulting with a pest control professional might be wise.

How Many Foggers Do I Need?

The amount of foggers needed for a home depends on the area it consumes. 1 oz of foggers will cover an area of 1000 cubic feet. For an apartment of 1200 square feet, two cans will be enough to be effective. So before activating it calculate the area and the amount needed for space. It is a significant measure. There is a widespread belief that the more, the better. In this case, it’s not.

Overusing insecticides will dampen the area and react with the home environment. Too much presence of pesticides will make the roaches harder to kill as they are adopting the situation. Check out the How to Use Roach Fogger Properly Here. 

Do I Have to Unplug My Fridge to Bug Bomb?

Yes. To avoid any unwanted accidents, it is better to unplug your fridge. Why? Suppose you look into the materials used to make foggers. In that case, you will witness some powerful chemicals coming in together to operate this bombing procedure. These elements are highly flammable. In the operation of bug bombing or fogging, most attention is given to safety.

Foggers instruct the situation as ‘anything that creates a spark, Turns it off.’ Air conditioning unit, Room heater, Fan, TV, etc. As for the Fridge, It commences on a cycle, on and off. There is a logical possibility of ignition or spark. As the Fogger is activated in the open space inside the home, they can come in contact and create explosions. Don’t be afraid of the mass it creates. Check out the article on how to clean up after a bug bomb.

Many consumers may argue that they didn’t turn off the fridge, and nothing terrible happened. This is not a rational argument to make. Why would you compromise your safety for such a silly reason when a clear indication of danger is written in the instructions?

Conclusion
Now that you know how roach foggers work and how to use them properly, you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are the right solution for your roach problem. Always follow the instructions on the label and take all safety precautions to avoid accidents. If used correctly, roach foggers can be an effective way to get rid of roaches.