How are bugs eliminated using fog? - briefly
Fogging disperses an insecticidal aerosol as a fine mist that penetrates crevices and contacts insects directly, causing rapid knockdown and death; the particles are inhaled or absorbed through the cuticle, eliminating the pests.
How are bugs eliminated using fog? - in detail
Fogging eliminates insects by dispersing a fine aerosol of insecticide that penetrates concealed habitats and contacts target organisms directly. The process relies on generating droplets small enough (typically 10–50 µm) to remain suspended in the air for several seconds, allowing them to drift into cracks, crevices, and foliage where insects hide.
The operation consists of several stages:
- Selection of formulation – emulsifiable concentrates, micro‑encapsulated powders, or bio‑based agents are mixed with a carrier fluid. The chosen product must be soluble, stable in aerosol form, and approved for the intended pest species.
- Calibration of equipment – thermal foggers heat the mixture to produce vapor that condenses into droplets; cold‑fog generators use high‑pressure nozzles to atomize the solution without heating. Calibration ensures the correct droplet size distribution and discharge rate, typically measured in milliliters per minute.
- Application planning – coverage area, ambient temperature, humidity, and wind speed are recorded. Ideal conditions feature low wind (< 2 m s⁻¹) and relative humidity above 50 % to prevent premature evaporation.
- Dispersion – the fogger is moved systematically through the target zone, maintaining a consistent speed and overlap of fog trails. Overlap percentages of 30–40 % guarantee uniform deposition.
- Residue monitoring – after fogging, surface samples are collected to verify that insecticide concentrations meet efficacy thresholds while remaining below safety limits for non‑target organisms.
Key mechanisms responsible for mortality include:
- Contact toxicity – droplets adhere to the exoskeleton, penetrating the cuticle and delivering the active ingredient directly into the insect’s hemolymph.
- Respiratory disruption – inhaled droplets block spiracles, causing asphyxiation or delivering neurotoxic compounds to the tracheal system.
- Behavioral interference – certain formulations contain repellents that alter feeding or mating patterns, reducing population growth.
Effectiveness depends on droplet persistence, chemical potency, and thorough coverage. Regular maintenance of fogging equipment, accurate dosage calculations, and adherence to safety protocols ensure reliable pest suppression while minimizing environmental impact.