How does treatment with cold fog for bedbugs work? - briefly
Cold‑fog treatment releases a fine aerosol of insecticide that infiltrates cracks, seams and upholstery, coating bed bugs and their eggs with a lethal dose. The low temperature slows evaporation, keeping the particles suspended longer for comprehensive coverage.
How does treatment with cold fog for bedbugs work? - in detail
Cold‑fog technology disperses a fine aerosol containing an insecticidal agent at temperatures near 0 °C. The system consists of a refrigerated compressor, a fog‑generating nozzle, and a reservoir for the active compound, typically a pyrethroid or a desiccant such as silica gel.
The fog is produced by forcing chilled liquid through the nozzle, which atomizes it into droplets ranging from 10 to 30 µm. The low temperature keeps the droplets vapor‑like, allowing them to remain suspended for several minutes and to travel through cracks, seams, and fabric layers that conceal bed‑bug harborage.
When the aerosol contacts the insects, two lethal mechanisms occur simultaneously:
- Desiccation: Small droplets absorb moisture from the cuticle, causing rapid dehydration.
- Neurotoxicity: The dissolved insecticide penetrates the exoskeleton, disrupting the nervous system and inducing paralysis.
Application guidelines ensure optimal performance:
- Equipment preparation: Verify refrigeration unit reaches ≤ 4 °C; calibrate nozzle flow to 0.5 L/min.
- Dosage calculation: Apply 0.2 mL of active ingredient per square meter of treated surface.
- Coverage strategy: Conduct a slow, overlapping pass to achieve uniform fog density; repeat in each room’s corners, under mattresses, and inside furniture voids.
- Safety measures: Evacuate occupants, wear protective gloves and respirators, and allow a 30‑minute settling period before re‑entry.
Field trials report mortality rates of 85–95 % within 24 hours for mixed‑stage populations when the protocol is followed precisely. Residual effects persist for up to two weeks, reducing reinfestation risk. Cold‑fog treatment is most effective when combined with thorough mechanical removal of clutter, vacuuming of visible insects, and regular monitoring of trap counts. Limitations include reduced efficacy in heavily insulated walls where aerosol penetration is hindered and the need for professional equipment to maintain the required temperature.