How does a bedbug fog work? - briefly
A fogger emits a fine aerosol of insecticide that infiltrates cracks, seams, and fabric, contacting bedbugs and disrupting their nervous system. The mist stays suspended for minutes, ensuring penetration of concealed habitats before settling and drying.
How does a bedbug fog work? - in detail
A fogging system for bed‑bug control disperses an aerosol of insecticide that penetrates cracks, crevices, and concealed habitats. The device contains a pressurised canister or reservoir filled with a liquid formulation, typically a pyrethroid or a neonicotinoid mixed with a solvent and a propellant. When activated, a pump or electric motor forces the mixture through a nozzle, atomising it into droplets ranging from 10 to 100 µm in diameter.
The droplet size is critical. Particles larger than 100 µm settle quickly and fail to reach hidden areas, while those smaller than 10 µm remain airborne too long, increasing inhalation risk and reducing contact with insects. Manufacturers calibrate the nozzle to produce an optimal spectrum that stays suspended for several minutes, allowing diffusion throughout the treated space.
Mechanically, the fogger operates in three stages:
- Pressurisation – a valve opens, releasing the propellant‑driven liquid into a high‑velocity stream.
- Atomisation – the stream passes through a vortex or ultrasonic transducer, breaking into fine droplets.
- Dispersion – the aerosol exits the nozzle in a cone‑shaped plume, spreading horizontally and vertically under the influence of gravity and air currents.
During application, the operator moves the device slowly, overlapping each pass to ensure uniform coverage. The fog penetrates upholstery, bedding, baseboards, and wall voids where bed‑bugs hide. Contact with the insecticide disrupts the nervous system of the pests, causing paralysis and death within minutes to hours, depending on the active ingredient and resistance level.
Safety mechanisms include a built‑in pressure regulator to prevent over‑pressurisation, a filter to remove particulates that could clog the nozzle, and an interlock that disables the motor if the tank is empty. Personal protective equipment—respirator, gloves, and eye protection—is mandatory to reduce exposure to the aerosol.
Effectiveness relies on proper formulation, correct droplet size, thorough coverage, and adherence to label instructions. Repeated treatments, combined with non‑chemical measures such as heat treatment and vacuuming, increase the likelihood of eliminating infestations.