Recently we received a call from a new client. He had never had problems with bugs in his home before, but that all changed when his neighbors moved out and the house next door was bombed for bugs. Bug bombing can be risky, and it’s important to take safety precautions and inform neighbors about the process. All of a sudden roaches were everywhere he said. I explained the process of treating cockroaches and he understood, but before I hung up he asked: “Will this include spraying the yard also?” I explained yard sprays were usually not necessary with cockroaches and it is not generally included in the cost. “But they are all over my yard” he replied. I agreed to have our technician take a look at it and evaluate it from there. Sure enough, when our technician got there, there were thousands of cockroaches fleeing the neighboring house and crawling through the neighbor’s yard. He has done pest control for years and has never seen anything like it. We spoke to the people next door, and they thought they were helping with pest control and getting a head start on controlling the infestation in their home. And they are not alone. Time after time we encountered bed bug jobs or cockroach jobs where the client wanted to get a head start on treatment and went ahead and bombed before we got there. The thing is, it’s not just for your neighbor’s sake you don’t want to bomb, it also makes a simple job a lot harder to treat.
Bug Bombs or Foggers are designed to release an aerosol pesticide in the general vicinity of where it is placed. Foggers will kill insects out in the open, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that they tend to drive bugs that are in the open into the cracks and crevices of the home. This is where many bugs like cockroaches and bedbugs prefer to be anyhow. So the chemical will not affect the bugs in hiding as they are. Studies have shown a simple piece of cloth covering the bugs will protect them from foggers. With bedbugs, cockroaches, and most bugs in general, it is much easier to treat if they haven’t been driven into the crevices of your floors and walls. As pest control professionals, if you don’t bomb your bugs, it allows us to get in there and do a better job the first time around.
The active pesticide contained in bug bombs probably isn’t going to help much, depending on the bugs you are using them on. Cockroaches, bed bugs in particular are hearty bugs. Over time they have developed a resistance to many chemicals on the market. They are a tough bug to kill as it is, and where they are resistant to the chemicals, all a fogger accomplishes is just send the bugs deeper into the crevices of your home and share them with your neighborhood. When we are finally called onto the scene as bugs reappear, it makes the job a lot more difficult than it had to be, and is a really great way to tick off your neighborhood.
Foggers contain little to no residual in their pesticide. You have one shot to annihilate a colony. (Unless of course, you set off multiple bug bombs, which is just as futile, a little dangerous, and pretty expensive) As professionals, the pesticides we use have a residual effect. We expect it to not only stay where it is placed for a period of time to reach as many bugs as possible, but also it should stick to the bug. This is important because with many bugs we are not only treating the bugs you see running around, but we are also hoping to treat those who may come out of the cracks and crevices at night, as well as their friends and neighbors. We also take into account a bug’s egg cycles. We will treat with a residual over a timed cycle usually a minimum of 3 treatments to fully eradicate your bugs. If the egg cycles are not addressed, you will just see them come back over time. A waste of your time and money. Foggers can not compete with professional treatments even if you use a timed cycle, because they contain little residual effect and like we mentioned above the active pesticide just isn’t as effective in this day and age as it once was due to resistance.
They are dangerous. While cockroaches have been becoming resistant to the pesticides used in these bug bombs, they are still super toxic to humans, and great care should be taken to not be in the home while it is being set off. They should never be set off in small enclosed areas with no ventilation. Foggers are also very flammable, and should never be set off near a flame. They have been known to cause some pretty serious explosions.
So are bug bombs always a bad idea? Not necessarily, they can be effective for flying insects if what you need is a one-time blast to deal with a sudden house fly or fruit fly problem that is just more than your fly swatter can handle any more. As it is an aerosol it can be an effective option to consider, when used cautiously for winged insects on a temporary basis. For other insects, the best advice we can give is if you are planning to call a professional (and we recommend you do) the best thing you can do is to leave the bugs alone until we get there. Many times there are steps you can take as we work with you to get rid of your infestation, such as drying your bedding and laundry to help kill the bedbugs and making sure cockroaches don’t have a ready supply of food and water on hand to encourage them. These are very helpful steps in exterminating your pests. Just whatever you do, don’t set off a bug bomb!
Introduction
Bug bombs, also known as total release foggers, have become a go-to DIY pest control solution for many homeowners looking to eliminate household pests quickly. These devices promise a quick fix for pest problems by releasing a fine mist of insecticide into the air, targeting pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, and fleas. However, their effectiveness and safety have been hotly debated among experts and homeowners alike. In this article, we will delve into the risks and limitations of bug bombs, discuss essential safety precautions, and explore alternative solutions for effective pest control.
What is a Bug Bomb?
A bug bomb, or total release fogger, is a pesticide product designed to release a fine mist of insecticide into the air, aiming to kill insects on contact. These devices are often marketed as a quick fix for dealing with household pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, fleas, and other unwelcome critters. While the idea of a bug bomb might seem appealing for its simplicity and immediate results, the reality is that its effectiveness is often short-lived. Bug bombs can provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the root of the pest problem, leading to recurring infestations and potentially more harm than good.
Risks and Limitations of Bug Bombs
Bug bombs come with a host of risks and limitations that can outweigh their benefits:
Health problems: The chemicals released by bug bombs can cause a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other adverse reactions. Prolonged exposure can be particularly harmful to children, pets, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Ineffectiveness: Bug bombs often fail to reach the nooks and crannies where pests like to hide. This means that while you might see a temporary reduction in visible pests, many bugs remain hidden and unaffected, ready to re-emerge once the chemical mist dissipates.
Overuse: Using too many bug bombs in an attempt to eradicate pests can lead to the development of pesticide-resistant bugs. This makes future pest control efforts even more challenging and less effective.
Environmental concerns: The chemicals in bug bombs can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing significant risks to the environment. This contamination can affect not only your home but also the surrounding ecosystem.
Safety Precautions for Bug Bomb Use
If you decide to use a bug bomb, it’s crucial to follow safety precautions to minimize risks:
Read and follow instructions: Carefully read the label and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Remove all food, pets, and people: Ensure that all food items, pets, and people are out of the area before setting off the bug bomb.
Cover surfaces: Protect furniture, carpets, and other surfaces by covering them to prevent contamination.
Turn off pilot lights and unplug appliances: Bug bombs are highly flammable, so it’s essential to turn off pilot lights and unplug any appliances to prevent fires.
Ventilate thoroughly: After using a bug bomb, ventilate the area thoroughly by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and disperse any remaining chemicals.
Alternatives to Bug Bombs for Pest Control
If you’re seeking more effective and safer alternatives to bug bombs for pest control, consider the following options:
Professional pest control services: Hiring a licensed pest control professional can provide targeted and effective treatments tailored to your specific pest problem. These experts use advanced techniques and products that are more effective and longer-lasting than over-the-counter bug bombs.
DIY pest control solutions: Natural deterrents, traps, and baits can be effective in managing household pests. For example, diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and homemade traps can help reduce pest populations without the use of harmful chemicals.
Integrated pest management (IPM): Implementing an IPM approach involves a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, monitoring, and treatment. This method focuses on long-term solutions and minimizes the use of chemicals, making it a safer and more sustainable option for pest control.
Remember, bug bombs should be used as a last resort and with caution. Always prioritize your health, safety, and the environment when dealing with pest problems.