Insect Foggers
Bug bombs are also known as total release foggers (TRF), bug foggers, or insecticide foggers. They are easy to find whether it be at the supermarket or, of course, online. But just because they’re easy to find doesn’t mean they should be. They may seem convenient and a cheap way to take care of bugs, but do they?
Will Bug Bombs Work on All Bugs
TRFs, or bug bombs, could help with some flying insects that come in direct contact with the fog released. Unfortunately, scientific research has shown that bug bombs are ineffective against insects like cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs. Insects that spend most of their time hiding will not be exposed to the products released from these insect foggers. Even a small piece of fabric may be enough to protect bed bugs from the pesticide fog created by an over-the-counter fogger. After using a fogger like a bug bomb, you might see a few dead roaches after. Unfortunately, though, many active ingredients in foggers are known to be repellents and may even drive pests deeper into wall voids and other hard-to-reach locations, sometimes even spreading them to other rooms – making your problem worse than before. Worse yet, there is scientific evidence that shows that TRFs can create pest populations that eventually resist insecticides, creating a “super-pest” that is even harder to eliminate.
Are Bombs for Bugs Dangerous
TRF labels list the size of the space they are intended to treat but according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), overuse of TRFs is common. They also leave a lot of residues on surfaces. One scientific paper showed that chemical residues caused by TRFs are 603 times higher than baseline levels. Not only does overuse increase insecticide residue and exposure risk in the area, but the propellent used in foggers is flammable! Explosions can occur if pilot lights are not extinguished before use as instructed by the label. TRFs can also make people sick if they’re exposed. They can cause cough, upper respiratory pain or irritation, difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain or cramping. Injuries also happen when users don’t read the instructions on the label carefully. People can be exposed to the insecticide if they don’t leave the premises after releasing the trigger on the product or return to the area too early. The pesticide residues can be irritating, especially to occupants with asthma or other respiratory ailments. If you don’t measure the size of the area you’re treating before you begin fogging, you may use too little or worse, too much. More pesticide is not better – more can be dangerous.
What Should I Use Instead of a Bug Fogger?
With large areas like warehouses and manufacturing facilities, an effective solution for complete pest control is industrial fogging. This is very different than over the counter TRFs or “bug-bombs.” A professional fogging company will have the equipment that can handle any size area without missing corners, crevices, and hiders. In addition, a professional fogger will be fully licensed, certified, and will perform the fogging safely and effectively. If they do it correctly, they will also secure the area and keep people out – whether it’s customers, vendors, employees, or even curious neighbors. Pest control in general shouldn’t be a DIY situation but fogging? Don’t ever try to do it yourself.