What is cold fog for bed bugs? - briefly
Cold fog is a low‑temperature aerosol that disperses insecticide particles to penetrate cracks, upholstery, and mattress seams where bed bugs hide. The chilled mist reduces evaporation, allowing the pesticide to settle uniformly and remain effective without damaging fabrics.
What is cold fog for bed bugs? - in detail
Cold fog, also called chilled aerosol, is a pest‑control method that disperses a fine mist of insecticide droplets at temperatures near 0 °C. The low temperature prevents the droplets from settling quickly, allowing them to remain suspended for several minutes and to penetrate deep into cracks, voids, and fabric folds where bed‑bug harborage occurs.
The formulation typically contains a synthetic pyrethroid or a neonicotinoid mixed with a propellant and a cooling agent such as liquid nitrogen or compressed carbon dioxide. When the device is activated, the propellant expands, cooling the mixture and producing droplets 10–30 µm in diameter. These particles are small enough to drift through bedding seams, mattress edges, baseboard gaps, and wall voids without being blocked by surface tension.
Effectiveness relies on three mechanisms:
- Contact toxicity – droplets that settle on insects deliver a lethal dose within minutes.
- Residual activity – some formulations leave a thin film that continues to kill or repel for days to weeks.
- Physical disruption – the cold temperature can cause temporary immobilization, increasing exposure time to the active ingredient.
Application guidelines:
- Remove or seal loose items that could be blown into the treated area.
- Operate the fogger in a closed room; keep doors and windows shut for at least 30 minutes after discharge.
- Cover food, dishes, and utensils; ventilate the space before re‑entering.
- Follow manufacturer‑specified dosage, usually measured in milliliters per cubic meter of space.
Safety considerations:
- Wear protective gloves and eye protection during preparation and discharge.
- Verify that occupants, especially children and pets, are evacuated.
- Do not use in rooms with active combustion sources or excessive humidity, which can alter droplet size.
Limitations:
- Penetration depth may be insufficient in heavily insulated walls or dense furniture.
- Resistance to the active ingredient can reduce mortality rates; rotating chemistries is recommended.
- Fog does not eradicate eggs that are shielded by thick fabric layers; supplemental heat treatment or vacuuming may be required.
When integrated into an overall integrated pest management program—combining monitoring, mechanical removal, and follow‑up treatments—cold fog can significantly reduce bed‑bug populations and limit re‑infestation.