How is an apartment treated for bed bugs with cold fog? - briefly
Technicians seal the apartment, disperse a low‑temperature insecticidal fog that penetrates cracks, seams and furnishings, then ventilate the space to eradicate all bed‑bug life stages.
How is an apartment treated for bed bugs with cold fog? - in detail
Treating a residence for Cimex lectularius with a chilled aerosol involves several precise phases. First, a thorough inspection identifies infestation hotspots such as mattress seams, box‑spring folds, headboards, baseboards, and cracks in furniture. Inspectors use a flashlight, magnifier, and sticky traps to confirm the presence of live insects, eggs, and exuviae.
Next, occupants remove or seal items that could be damaged by the fog. Clothing, linens, and personal belongings are laundered at 60 °C or placed in sealed bags. Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters clear loose debris from floors, upholstery, and crevices. All food, dishes, and pet supplies are stored in airtight containers.
The chilled fog device, typically a portable thermal fogger calibrated to produce droplets below 30 °C, is loaded with a registered pyrethroid‑based or desiccant formulation approved for indoor use. The fogger’s nozzle creates a fine mist with particle size around 10–30 µm, enabling deep penetration into voids while minimizing surface residue. Operators set the fogger to operate at a temperature of 10–15 °C to preserve the cold characteristics of the aerosol, which enhances insect immobilization.
During application, the fogger is positioned centrally in each room. The operator activates the machine, allowing the fog to fill the space for a prescribed duration—usually 10–15 minutes—until visible mist dissipates. Doors and windows remain closed to maintain concentration. The fog’s cold temperature slows the metabolism of the pests, increasing susceptibility to the active ingredient.
After fogging, the environment is ventilated for at least 30 minutes. Occupants may re‑enter once the fog has cleared and the temperature returns to normal. A secondary cleaning removes any residual particles from surfaces. Follow‑up inspections occur after 7 and 14 days, using the same detection tools to verify eradication. If live insects are still detected, a repeat fogging cycle may be scheduled.
Key procedural points:
- Conduct comprehensive visual and trap inspection.
- Secure or launder all vulnerable items.
- Use a calibrated cold‑aerosol fogger with appropriate insecticide.
- Maintain low fog temperature (10–15 °C) for optimal efficacy.
- Allow sufficient exposure time (10–15 minutes) before ventilation.
- Perform post‑treatment monitoring and repeat if necessary.
Adherence to these steps ensures maximal penetration of the fog into hidden refuges, leading to effective elimination of bed‑bug populations in a residential setting.