Disinfection against bedbugs in an apartment with fog

Cold fog is one of the most common methods of professional extermination of bedbugs, cockroaches and other insects in homes. This method is implemented using special devices known as generators. There is also a hot fog treatment procedure. In this article we will look at the main features of both methods, their similarities and differences, and why they should only be used by experienced professionals.

Cold fog. Operating principle

Cold fog treatment is an extremely effective method of killing bedbugs and cockroaches indoors. This disinfestation method ensures complete removal of pests in one procedure. A cloud of cold fog easily penetrates even the most inaccessible areas of the room, where it destroys insects. This effect is achieved thanks to the unique composition of the sprayed substance.

The substance used is microscopic droplets of an insecticidal agent measuring 40-75 microns, which is several times smaller than conventional sprays. This is what ensures the high efficiency of cold fog treatment.

The smallest particles of cold mist penetrate into the smallest crevices and cracks in furniture, ensuring uniform distribution of the drug throughout the room. Thus, the entire area of ​​the apartment is covered, and harmful insects are destroyed in any corner of the space.

This method is called “cold fog” due to the fact that the temperature of the droplet of the product used matches the environment. Unlike another method - hot fog, the drug is not heated.

Preparing the room for cold fog treatment

Treatment against bedbugs and cockroaches using the “cold fog” method should only be carried out by professionals. However, your cooperation also plays an important role in successful pest control. Preparing the room before the procedure significantly increases its effectiveness and safety.

Here are some key steps to take:

1. Move furniture: Make sure to move all furniture away from the walls to ensure even mist coverage of the space.
2. Hide personal items: Collect and put away personal items to prevent them from coming into contact with the pest control agent.
3. Storage of dishes and food: Hide dishes and food in the refrigerator to avoid contact with the disinfectant.
4. Wet cleaning: Carry out wet cleaning of the room to remove dust and dirt, which also contributes to more effective processing.
5. Turning off electrical appliances: Turn off all electrical appliances, unplug them and cover them with plastic to prevent damage.
6. Evacuation of people and pets: Send all family members and pets to relatives for the duration of treatment.

These precautions not only ensure that the procedure is as effective as possible, but also minimize the risks to you and your loved ones.

How is cold fog treatment for bedbugs carried out?

Before starting to disinfest a room from insects using the “cold fog” method, specialists carry out preliminary preparatory measures. They put on special protective clothing and accessories, then fill the generator tank with insecticide and start it up.

A cool mist generator functions similarly to aerosol sprayers. There is a variety of this device - from large industrial gasoline units to compact electric devices. Regardless of size, the operating principle remains the same.

For the procedure, an insecticidal agent is poured into the generator, the concentration of which depends on the size of the room and the degree of infestation by insects. A running compressor creates a flow of air by sucking it from the environment, which leads to the formation of an air stream. The drug is sprayed into this stream and turns into a fine suspension.

Under pressure, the insecticide is ejected from the nozzle in the form of a mist. The fog is at room temperature, which explains its name "cold fog". A cloud of insecticidal fog fills the entire space of the room, lingering in the air for about three hours. After the procedure is completed, drops of the solution settle on the surfaces of the furniture, penetrating into hard-to-reach corners and crevices, including bedbug habitats.

Upon contact with insecticide particles deposited on surfaces, bedbugs are poisoned, transmitting the poison to other individuals, including larvae. One treatment of bedbugs with cold fog is sufficient to completely destroy them. Most insects die immediately, and the remaining ones do not live long.

Cold fog generators vary in output, which indicates how much insecticide is converted into a fine mist in one hour of operation. Productivity varies from 10 to 15 liters per hour. The drugs are instantly distributed throughout the apartment, and devices of different powers can cover an area from 3 to 10 meters with fog. The treatment process usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on several factors such as the power of the device, the size of the room and the number of insects.

3-4 hours after treatment, the room should be ventilated. No cleaning is required, and there is no need to wash floors or wipe down furniture after the procedure.

The main advantages of treating bedbugs with cold fog:

1. Safety: Cold fog does not pose a danger to people or pets as long as safety precautions are followed.
2. Efficiency: Acts quickly and effectively, ensuring complete destruction of bedbugs.
3. Savings: The insecticide is used sparingly, reducing the overall cost of treatment.
4. Versatility: Effective against various parasitic insects, such as cockroaches, ticks, fleas, moths, etc.
5. Penetration into hard-to-reach places: Provides thorough coverage of all corners of the room, including small crevices.
6. New method: The bugs did not have time to adapt to this method, which uses effective insecticides.
7. Mortality for larvae: It destroys not only adults, but also larvae, preventing possible relapses.
8. No traces or odor: Does not leave stains, streaks or chemical smells on furniture and walls.

Cold fog is considered one of the most effective methods of controlling bedbugs, although its cost is higher compared to other methods. However, the efficiency and long-term effect justify this cost in most cases.

Can I use cold mist myself?

In modern conditions, the cold fog method is becoming increasingly popular, and along with this, generator models designed for home use are appearing on the market. At first glance, this may seem like a convenient solution available to everyone. Manufacturers claim that these devices are absolutely safe. However, we strongly recommend that you refrain from purchasing them and, even more so, from carrying out pest control using such generators.

It is important to understand that the generator is only a tool for spraying an insecticidal preparation. The main point is to choose the right drugs to combat bedbugs. They must comply with all safety standards, have guaranteed quality, be suitable for a specific premises, and also correspond to the type and number of parasites.

The use of too strong drugs, especially if used unprofessionally, can lead to serious intoxication, allergic reactions and even death. Therefore, independent use of professional insecticides is highly undesirable.

If you need urgent disinfection against bedbugs or other pests, we recommend that you contact a professional. Not only do they have high-quality tools, but they also have years of experience in safely and effectively exterminating a variety of pests. Only specialists can carry out disinsection, minimizing the risks to your health, the health of your family members and pets. Therefore, always have a health contact on hand if necessary.

Hot and cold fog. What is the difference?

The main difference between these two pest control methods is clear from their names. Cold mist, as already mentioned, is sprayed at room temperature. The fast air flow breaks down the drug into small particles. On the other hand, hot mist is created by applying heat to an insecticide and turning it into steam.

Devices that generate hot fog are equipped with gasoline engines, so the treatment is accompanied by exhaust gases with a characteristic odor.

Hot fog particles are much lighter and smaller in size than cold fog - only 5 to 10 microns. This circumstance slows down the sedimentation of drugs.

Which treatment is better to choose?

First of all, it is worth noting that treating apartments against bedbugs with hot fog is not recommended. The same applies to a variety of insecticidal bombs, which emit steam or smoke when ignited. Some suggest using hot fog pest control in apartments, claiming its high efficiency compared to cold fog. However, it should be noted that these bedbug treatment methods pose serious dangers to you and your neighbors.

Let us repeat once again: the use of hot fog and insecticidal bombs in residential premises is strictly prohibited!

Due to their lightness and fineness, droplets of hot fog linger in the air for a long time and can penetrate into neighboring apartments through cracks and ventilation, creating potential threats to their residents. As mentioned earlier, hot fog should only be used in large non-residential areas such as warehouses or manufacturing facilities. It is important to realize that hot fog is not safer or preferable to cold fog - it should only be used in areas where it is safe to do so and nothing more.

Other methods of controlling bedbugs

There are situations where getting rid of bedbugs using cold fog or regular aerosol is not the best option. In such cases, alternative methods must be used. However, the problem is that there are very few effective ways to kill bedbugs.

Fighting bedbugs is much more difficult than, for example, cockroaches. There are special gels for cockroaches, but they are useless against bedbugs. Bedbugs are blood-sucking insects, and nothing attracts them except blood. Possessing a unique sense of smell, they determine the location of people. If there are no people nearby, the bug will not leave its shelter. While it is there, it is almost impossible to destroy it by conventional means - even drops of an aerosol may be ineffective.

Besides fog or spray treatment, there are three main methods:

1. Powder insecticide. This method is slightly more effective than aerosols, but the powder can easily wash off surfaces like dust.
2. Diatomite powder. This product also does not stay on surfaces very long and may be unsafe in contact with mucous membranes or lungs, despite its natural origin.
3. Sticky sheets placed under the legs of the bed. Despite their use, this practice appears to be useless against bedbugs in mattresses or pillows.

Nevertheless, treating an apartment with cold fog remains a more effective solution compared to the above methods. None of them guarantee complete disappearance of parasites, unlike cold fog. However, it is important to note that such work should be entrusted to professionals with appropriate experience and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks to humans when using cold fog?
As long as all precautions are taken, the cold fog method of killing bed bugs does not pose a threat to you, your children, or your pets. However, if this method is used independently by a non-professional, disinfestation can become dangerous. Therefore, it is better to entrust this process to a specialist.

Is it possible to fall asleep indoors after treatment for bedbugs?
After a few hours of waiting and good ventilation of the room, you can sleep in it as usual and carry out your daily activities. The room is also safe for children and pets.

How long does the cold mist effect last?
After disinfestation with cold fog, bedbugs and other pests are destroyed in 2-3 days. With the right choice of drugs, not only adult insects will be destroyed, but also their larvae, as well as eggs.