How does bedbug treatment in an apartment with cold fog work? - briefly
Cold fog treatment releases a chilled aerosol of insecticide that infiltrates cracks, seams, and fabric folds where bed bugs reside, killing them on contact as the particles condense on surfaces. The application also leaves a residual coating that suppresses further infestation for several weeks.
How does bedbug treatment in an apartment with cold fog work? - in detail
Cold‑fog eradication works by dispersing a fine aerosol of ultra‑low‑temperature particles throughout every accessible cavity of the dwelling. The aerosol typically contains a desiccant such as silica gel, diatomaceous earth, or a proprietary polymer that adheres to the exoskeleton of the insect, drawing moisture from the cuticle until the bug collapses. The temperature of the fog is maintained well below the freezing point of water, which adds a rapid chilling effect that interrupts the nervous system of the pest and accelerates dehydration.
The procedure follows a defined sequence:
- Pre‑treatment inspection – Trained technicians locate harborage sites, identify infestation levels, and map the distribution of activity.
- Preparation of the premises – Residents remove or seal food, clothing, and personal items; furniture is positioned to expose seams, mattress edges, and baseboards; HVAC vents are closed to prevent dispersion into other zones.
- Calibration of the fogger – The unit is loaded with the selected formulation, temperature is set to the target range (‑30 °C to ‑80 °C), and flow rate is adjusted to achieve a uniform droplet size of 10–30 µm.
- Application – The fogger is introduced into the central location and operated while technicians move systematically through rooms, directing the nozzle into cracks, crevices, behind baseboards, and inside upholstered furniture. The cold aerosol settles on all surfaces, forming an invisible coating.
- Dwell period – The treated environment remains sealed for 30–60 minutes, allowing the particles to penetrate the insect’s protective layers and maintain the chilling effect.
- Ventilation and clearance – After the dwell time, the space is aired out using fans or the building’s ventilation system to remove residual fog and restore normal temperature.
- Post‑treatment monitoring – Sticky traps, visual checks, and, if necessary, a second fog application are employed to verify elimination and detect any surviving individuals.
The efficacy of the method derives from three mechanisms: (1) physical desiccation caused by the absorbent particles, (2) thermal shock that disrupts metabolic processes, and (3) comprehensive coverage that reaches hidden refuges where conventional sprays cannot penetrate. Because the approach avoids chemical insecticides, it eliminates concerns about residue, resistance, and toxicity to occupants. Re‑treatment intervals are typically scheduled after 2–4 weeks to address any newly hatched nymphs that may have escaped initial exposure.