How does cold fog for fleas work? - briefly
Cold‑fog devices atomize an insecticide into a fine, low‑temperature mist that infiltrates carpet fibers, upholstery, and crevices, killing adult fleas and disrupting eggs and larvae on contact. The chilled aerosol remains suspended longer, ensuring comprehensive coverage before droplets settle.
How does cold fog for fleas work? - in detail
Cold‑fog devices release a fine aerosol that remains suspended in the air for several minutes, allowing the droplets to contact fleas wherever they hide. The system consists of a pump, a heating element that vaporizes a liquid concentrate, and a nozzle that atomizes the vapor into droplets typically 5–30 µm in diameter. Because the droplets are small, they do not settle quickly; instead, they fill the room volume and penetrate cracks, upholstery, carpet fibers, and bedding.
The active chemicals in the formulation are usually a rapid‑acting adulticide (e.g., pyrethrins, permethrin, or a synthetic pyrethroid) combined with an insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen. The adulticide interferes with the flea’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death within minutes of contact. The IGR prevents immature stages from developing into reproductive adults, breaking the life cycle.
When the fogger is activated, the liquid is heated to create a vapor that expands through the nozzle. The rapid expansion forces the vapor to break into micron‑sized droplets. These droplets disperse uniformly due to Brownian motion and air currents. As the aerosol cools, droplets remain airborne long enough to encounter mobile adult fleas and to settle on surfaces where eggs, larvae, and pupae reside. Contact with the insecticide kills adults, while the IGR is absorbed by eggs and larvae that later emerge.
Key operational parameters:
- Droplet size: 5–30 µm ensures deep penetration and prolonged suspension.
- Concentration: Manufacturer‑specified ratio of active ingredient to carrier; typically 0.1–0.5 % for adulticide, 0.02–0.05 % for IGR.
- Application time: Fogger runs for 30–60 seconds per room, delivering 2–4 L of aerosol.
- Ventilation: After treatment, rooms are ventilated for 15–30 minutes to reduce residual vapors while allowing sufficient exposure time (usually 30 minutes) for fleas.
Safety measures include evacuating occupants and pets, sealing food and water, and wearing protective gloves and eyewear during preparation. Residual toxicity diminishes rapidly as droplets settle and degrade; most products are labeled safe for humans and animals after the recommended re‑entry interval.
Effectiveness relies on comprehensive coverage, proper dosage, and the inclusion of both adulticide and growth regulator. Repeated applications at 2‑week intervals are recommended to address emerging fleas from surviving pupae, ensuring complete eradication of the infestation.