Do you have hard-to-kill pests that just keep coming back? Do creepy crawlies tend to crop up in every corner of a room? Do you want to treat several areas all at once? If so, you might have considered purchasing a bug bomb (which is also known as a home insect fogger). These consumer-grade pest-control products purport to eliminate a wide variety of pests within a broad area.
Do bug bombs really work, though? The evidence just might surprise you. Not only do bug bombs fail to adequately eliminate insects, they also can have significant downsides for humans.
Store-bought Bug Bombs can be Hazardous
Everyone expects the chemicals within pest-control items to pose a danger to the pests. However, bug bombs have injured plenty of people — and not in the way you might expect. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has noted that home insect foggers (aka bug bombs) often contain highly flammable chemicals. “There have been several house fires involving insect foggers when users neglected to extinguish pilot lights on stoves, furnaces, and other household appliances. Fires have also been caused when the ‘bombs’ are set off in the presence of a lit cigarette.”
Additionally, the pesticide itself may harm humans if they come into contact with it. Due to the way bug bombs work (more on that in the next section), they pose a very real inhalation risk to a building’s occupants if they remain inside while it is deploying.
Bug Bombs Require Preparation and Precautions
Most bug bombs use pyrethrin as their active ingredient, and they work by aerosolizing it and other chemicals in a fine spray that shoots up and settles down all over a room. This wide dispersal is both their prime selling point and a significant risk. For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends completely vacating the premises prior to using a bug bomb, saying, “They can pose real risks to your home and family if used improperly.” Other recommended preparations include opening drawers and cabinets to allow the chemicals to settle in places where bugs may hide.
Bug Bombs Alone Are Not Effective
There’s just one problem with exposing extra room real estate to the clingy mess expelled by bug bombs: it rarely reaches its intended targets. Bug bombs cannot get into the little crevasses where most pests like to hide. Additionally, pyrethrin is typically not effective against anything but flying insects, such as house flies.
Bug Bombs Especially Aren’t Effective Against Bed Bugs
Many consumers buy bug bombs hoping that they can help against a bed-bug infestation. But bug bombs fail to do any good against these stubborn pests. Why? Their chemicals aren’t very effective against them and rarely reach them. This conclusion was given extra scholarly weight by a 2012 study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology, which stated, “This study provides the first scientific data supporting the position that total-release foggers should not be recommended for control of bed bugs,” because:
- Many field-collected bed bugs are resistant to pyrethroids, and they are not affected by brief exposure to low concentrations of pyrethrins and/or pyrethroids provided by foggers; and
- There is minimal, if any, insecticide penetration into typical bed bug harborage sites.
Bug Bombs and Fumigation Are Not the Same
While bug bombing an area might seem similar to professional fumigation, it really isn’t. When pest-control professionals fumigate a property, they seal externally with leak-proof tenting and release an agent that thoroughly permeates every nook and cranny. Unlike bug bombing, fumigation ensures that the chemical comes in contact with the pests it aims to eliminate.
Does it Make Sense to Use Bug Bombs?
You might think that using a bug bomb doesn’t make much sense — and you’d be right! The University of Kentucky unequivocally states, “There are many ways to wage war against pests. One of the least effective involves using a fogger.”
If you’re looking for effective ways to remove pests from your home or business, contact Smithereen Pest Management at (800) 336-3500. Not only is our Integrated Pest Management approach environmentally friendly, it also stops current outbreaks and keeps them from coming back. We have over a century of experience in battling pests.
FAQ for Smithereen Pest Control
How does a bug fogger work?
A bug fogger, also known as a fogger, releases a fine mist of insecticide into the air, which settles on surfaces and penetrates cracks and crevices where bugs may be hiding. The active ingredients in the fogger kill insects on contact and provide residual protection.
How do bug bombs work?
Bug bombs, or extermination bombs, work by releasing a burst of insecticide into the air, which disperses throughout the room and targets insects in hard-to-reach areas. The chemicals used in bug bombs are designed to kill insects upon contact and continue to protect against reinfestation for a period.
What are bug bombs?
Bug bombs, also known as foggers or extermination bombs, are canisters of insecticide that disperse a large volume of insect-killing mist when activated. They are used to treat widespread infestations by filling an entire room or area with insecticide.
Do bug foggers work?
Yes, bug foggers can be effective in reducing insect populations, particularly for immediate relief from infestations. However, their effectiveness depends on proper usage and the type of insects being targeted. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines for best results.
How do foggers work?
Foggers work by emitting a fine mist of insecticide that fills the air and settles onto surfaces. This mist kills insects on contact and continues to work for some time after application. The mist can reach into cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots that might be missed by traditional spraying methods.
How effective are bug bombs?
Bug bombs can be effective in killing exposed insects and reducing pest populations quickly. However, they may not reach insects hidden deep within walls or other protected areas. For comprehensive pest control, it’s best to use bug bombs in conjunction with other methods and professional services.
What does a fogger do?
A fogger releases a mist of insecticide to kill pests on contact and provide residual protection. It is designed to cover a large area and can penetrate into small spaces where insects may hide, making it useful for treating whole rooms or areas.
Are there bug bombs for all bugs?
Bug bombs are typically formulated to target a wide range of common household pests, including roaches, ants, fleas, and spiders. However, no single product can effectively eliminate all types of insects, so it’s essential to choose a fogger specifically designed for the pests you are dealing with.
How to use a bug fogger?
To use a bug fogger, follow these steps:
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Clear the area of people, pets, and plants.
- Cover or remove food, dishes, and utensils.
- Close windows and doors.
- Place the fogger on newspaper or a disposable surface in the center of the room.
- Activate the fogger by pressing the release valve.
- Leave the area immediately and do not return until the recommended time has passed.
- Ventilate the area thoroughly before re-entering.
Do bug bombs work?
Bug bombs can work effectively to reduce insect populations quickly, but they may not eliminate all pests, especially those hidden in inaccessible areas. For complete eradication, consider combining bug bombs with other pest control measures and professional services.
How effective are bug bombs for house infestations?
Bug bombs can provide immediate relief from visible pests and help control infestations in open areas. However, their effectiveness is limited against pests hiding deep within walls, under floors, or in other protected spaces. Professional pest control services may be necessary for thorough treatment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Smithereen Pest Control today. Let us help you achieve a pest-free home with our expert services and tailored solutions.
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