How does cold fog for bedbugs work? - briefly
Cold‑fog generators vaporize a concentrated insecticide into a fine, low‑temperature mist that infiltrates cracks, seams, and fabric pores, contacting bedbugs directly and depositing a residual coating that continues to act after the fog settles. The chill reduces evaporation, prolonging droplet suspension and enhancing distribution throughout the infested area.
How does cold fog for bedbugs work? - in detail
Cold‑fog devices generate a fine aerosol by mixing an insecticidal solution with compressed air or nitrogen that has been chilled to near‑freezing temperatures. The cooling step condenses the liquid into droplets typically ranging from 5 µm to 30 µm in diameter. Droplets of this size remain suspended in air for several minutes, allowing them to penetrate cracks, seams, and upholstery where bedbugs hide.
The insecticide, often a pyrethroid, desiccant, or a combination of active ingredients, is dissolved or emulsified in the carrier fluid. When the chilled aerosol contacts the insect’s cuticle, the chemical penetrates the exoskeleton and disrupts neural transmission or dehydrates the organism, leading to rapid mortality. The low temperature reduces evaporation, prolonging droplet life and improving surface coverage.
Application proceeds in three phases:
- Preparation – seal windows and doors, remove or cover food, and protect non‑target surfaces with plastic sheeting. Verify that the fogger is calibrated for the intended room volume.
- Dispersion – activate the unit, directing the nozzle to the center of the space while moving slowly to ensure even distribution. Overlap passes to avoid untreated zones.
- Ventilation – after the prescribed dwell time (usually 30–45 minutes), exhaust the treated area by opening windows or using fans to clear residual aerosol.
Effectiveness depends on droplet uniformity, adequate coverage of harborage sites, and the susceptibility of the target population to the chosen active ingredient. Cold‑fog technology offers advantages over hot‑fog or dry‑spray methods: reduced risk of fire, lower odor, and minimal damage to heat‑sensitive fabrics. Limitations include the need for precise dosage calculations, potential resistance in bedbug strains, and the requirement for professional execution to achieve complete penetration.