Many consumers elect to go with the “do-it-yourself” approach when it comes to home pest complications. In the case of minor infestations, this approach may be somewhat effective; however, more often than not, it is considered ineffective and it may prove to be dangerous to the lives of those that reside in the home where the products are used, as well as any pets that are part of the home. This is especially true when it comes to home foggers/bombers pesticide products.
What are Bug Foggers or Bug Bombers?
Bug foggers or bug bombs or bombers are an airborne-based insecticide products that are designed in such a way that they are supposed to eliminate pests as designated on the labeling in a certain area. While it may be possible to kill off a small portion of pests with these products, there are known flaws associated with the products that result in their being – overall – inefficient.
How Do Bug Foggers/Bombers Work?
The bug fogger or bomber is compressed within a can. In most instances, multiple cans are placed within a structure. Once activated, they start spraying insecticide up in the air. The products are able to kill insects within the given reach, but any location beyond this reach may still contain insects.
It does not extend into cracks, crevices, holes, or any other space.
Once the insecticide completely dissipates, it is no longer effective. Once the sprays go off, most insects will run and hide in locations that are not reachable by the insecticide.
These products are general use products that have been proven ineffective over and over again. In numerous studies, it has been established that the products are ineffective against a wide assortment of insects.
Bug Bombs are NOT Safe
The bug bombs that may be purchased over-the-counter by consumers utilize aerosols. These substances are capable of causing small explosions. Naturally, this could result in the development of a fire in the home that could spread quickly. If too many foggers are used at once in the home, the vapors could accumulate fast. If these vapors come into contact with a source of ignition – such as a pilot light, a furnace, a water heater, or a thermostat – an explosion and/or fire will occur.
In addition to this, appliances that cycle on and cycle off on a periodic basis – such as an air conditioner, a freezer, and a refrigerator – could result in the development of a spark when the substances from within the fogger comes into contact with them. Utilizing a bug bomb in a space that is too small could also result in the development of an explosion. If you do elect to have bug bombs used in the home, it is best to hire a professional pest control company that has safe fogger systems that may be used.
In addition to being dangerous to your home, bug bombs pose an immediate health risk. If you are near the product when it is emitting the insecticide within, you will be exposed to those dangerous chemicals. If you are prone to allergies or you have been diagnosed with asthma, the chemicals that are contained within the bug bomb will exacerbate symptoms of these conditions.
The insecticide may find its way on to surfaces in and around the home that may be touched by your pets and/or children. If the dangerous chemicals from these substances are ingested, they could result in serious illness. In some cases – depending on the amount ingested and the weight of the child or pet that ingested the substances – it could result in death. If you elect to use bug bombs, you must clean thoroughly once it is safe to do so.
The most common issues that arise from the use of bug foggers are those that relate to the respiratory system. If you breath in the chemicals, it is likely that you will start coughing, experience shortness of breath, find that it is hard to breath normally, and may even experience pain in the area of the upper respiratory tract and in the throat. In the year of 2010, it was estimated that 50 million people in the bug foggers. In the past couple of decades, there have been nearly 4,000 cases of consumers who became sick through exposure of the chemical content of the bug bombs. In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, the following symptoms were also experienced:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Balance Issues
In severe exposure cases, many have had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance and have been hospitalized for treatment after being detrimentally exposed to the chemical content contained within the bug foggers that are sold over-the-counter.
What are the Ingredients Contained in Home Foggers Sold in Stores?
There are many ingredients contained in home fogger systems that are currently sold in stores. In most instances, these include a combination and mixture of chemicals referred to as “pyrethroids”. These include tetramethrin and/or permethrin. There are also substances such as piperonyl butoxide, which are known for having properties that are considered to be neurotoxic. According to statistics, about 93% of all cases involved the exposure of humans to these active ingredients. A total of 78% stemmed from pyrethroid exposure and a total of 24% stemmed from pyrethrin exposure. In addition to immediate health complications, the active ingredients in bug foggers may result in the following:
- Cough in Children
- Behavioral Disorder Development
- Premature Puberty
- ADHD
- Delays in Cognitive Development
- Delays in Motor Development
In short, the ingredients contained in home fogger systems that are sold in stores do have the ability to cause both short-term and long-term problems in those that are exposed to them. In addition to this, the person exposed may pass along genes in their children that could result in the development of issues both before and after birth. Examples of an issue that may happen prior to birth includes the development of a cleft lip. An issue that may occur after birth includes the development of a behavior disorder.
What are the Environmental Impacts of Bug Bombs?
There are many environmental impacts that may occur as a result of utilizing bug bombs that are sold in stores. The chemical compounds contained within the unit/can are released into the air. When this happens, the environment is then contaminated. These may detrimentally impact people, pets, beneficial insects, local wildlife, and could have a negative impact on the ecosystem – as a whole.
Do Bug Foggers Pose a Risk to Belongings?
Yes, bug foggers do pose a risk to belongings. These products are known for leaving behind a residue on surfaces and on belongings. Once the product is activated, the chemicals contained in the can will land on items that are not covered. It is very difficult to properly clean off the substances. If you elect to use these foggers, it must be understood that everything should be covered. If something is left uncovered, it is not safe.
Was There a New Labeling System Put into Place?
Yes, a new and improved labeling occurred with home fogger units that may be purchased over-the-counter in the year of 2012. It impacted all units sold after September of 2012. This was done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It included revised-based directions on the utilization of the products, improvements in the pictograms, management practices, and an updated version of the environmental hazards. Unfortunately, there was no decrease in the associated injuries and illnesses that occurred once the new labeling system was in place.
Professional Pest Control Bug Bombs
If bug bombs are a necessity for your home, it is best to opt for those that are used by professional exterminators. These are the safest and most effective. To have these used in your home, you will need to hire a pest control company. They do not sell the fogger system by itself. They are the only ones that may administer this type of pest control. Professional exterminators will educate you on the product that is being used in your home and will provide guidelines on preparing for the pest control product to be administered in your home. If you want a safe, effective product, you should opt for the products and services that your local pest control company offers.
Contact Us Today
In order to receive the pest control treatment for your home, contact us here at All Pest Exterminating today. We offer the safest and most comprehensive of all services in and around the area. In addition to pest control services, we also offer pre-inspection services and home inspection services. We have been in business and serving our community since the year of 1995. Our specialty is our dedication and personal attention to each of the customers that we offer our services. We are locally owned and operated. We are licensed and insured. We are standing by today to assist you with your needs. If you would like to learn more or you would like to make an appointment, contact us now by calling: 765-259-0043
