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Bed bug foggers are popular among homeowners who want an instant solution to their bed bug problems. While foggers don’t guarantee a 100% kill, it still makes a dent on the bed bug population. The best part is it also works for other insect pests. However, finding the foggers that kill bed bugs in the market can be challenging, with dozens of brands promising the best effects.
For this post, I reviewed three of the best foggers that you can use together with added info for your safety.
| FOGGER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Hot Shot No-Mess Fogger w/ Odor Neutralizer |  | Check Price |
 | Repel Outdoor Camp Fogger |  | Check Price |
 | Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger |  | Check Price |
Do bed bug foggers work?
Bed bug foggers are known as a common DIY option for homes mired with bed bugs. While there are no magic sprays to get rid of bed bugs, foggers can work to some extent. Of course, foggers can’t kill 100% of the bed bug population your home, it works for bed bugs located on the surface. Also, foggers should only be used on small bed bug infestations, and not as a sole solution for a widespread bug problem.
Usually, bed bug foggers are used as a part of a bigger bed bug treatment process. According to the EPA, foggers should be labeled for use on bed bugs for it to work. Also, it has to penetrate crevices in order to eliminate the pest. The chemicals on bed bug foggers only work on a direct contact basis.
For major bed bug infestations, you must enlist the help of a professional exterminator. Although you can kill some bugs with a fogger, a bigger population will migrate to other spots.
Aside from releasing a fogger, you can also perform manual treatments on crevices and hidden spaces using a foaming spray. Above all, make sure that the pesticides you’re going to use has proper registrations and has complete instructions to ensure your safety.
How to use a bed bug fogger
Remember that proper use of pesticide is critical not just for its efficacy, but more so for your safety. One thing you have to prevent is exposure and contamination of objects around your home.
The following are the steps you must follow:
Step 1. Shut off all electrical systems
Make sure that you have turned your gas, pilot lights, and all appliances. If you’re treating a large portion of your home, I suggest pulling the main power lever down. Don’t forget to shut your HVAC system as well. Take note that it can be disastrous when the pesticide gets into your air systems.
Step 2. Vacate all living things
Aside from keeping your family out of the area being treated, you should also do the same for your pets. Take all potted plants outdoors to prevent chemical exposure.
Step 3. Time to cover!
Before you release the fogger, cover your floor with newspaper or disposable tarp. This will save you from cleaning residues later on. You should also seal food items, eating utensils, and food equipment.
Step 4. Release the fogger
To activate the fogger, hold it at arm’s length, press the top until it clicks, and place the can upright on a covered surface. Leave the area right away and close the door.
Safety tips when using bed bug foggers
Aside from releasing the fogger, you must also observe these safety tips:
✔️Ventilate the area. Once the fogger has been fully released, enter the room, and open all windows and doors. You should also turn fans on for at least half an hour. Make sure that you wear a face mask when entering the room.
✔️Wait for at least four hours. Most bed bug foggers will need a release time of about 2 to 4 hours. You should check the label of the fogger to know the amount of time it takes to release.
✔️Always read the label. You should always know what you’re releasing in your home. By reading the label, you can prevent common mistakes of homeowners which exposes them to pesticides.
✔️Don’t overuse foggers. You should always check how many cubic feet each can of the fogger is made for. To get the cubic feet size of your room/home, simply multiple the width, length, and height. Using too many foggers than what your room size needs will expose you to harmful chemicals.
✔️Inform people around. If you’re leaving your home for a few hours, make sure that you notify family, friends, or neighbors that to enter or go near the treated area.
✔️Never place foggers inside cramped areas. Never use foggers inside cabinets or drawers. The can may explode if you do this.
Considerations for foggers that kill bed bugs
When purchasing foggers that kill bed bugs, you must check the following aspects:
Ingredients
Most foggers nowadays are pyrethroid-based. Pyrethroids are a class of active chemical ingredients that works by disrupting the nervous system of an insect. By weakening its nervous system, the insect will succumb to death.
However, here’s the catch: pyrethroids only work upon contact. This is the same reason why foggers can only kill bed bugs that are on the surface. Unless you can find a deep-penetrating formula that can enter crevices, foggers only produce minor results.
No-mess fogging
I always recommend a no-mess fogging formula so you wouldn’t have to clean residues that may expose you to risk. Nowadays, brands like Hot Shot sells this formula that’s easier to use (full review below!).
Angled spray
An angled spray isn’t really a necessity if you plan to treat an entire room. Nevertheless, it comes handy if you want to concentrate the pesticide on one spot. It also prevents the fog from getting into your face when releasing it.
Size
Next, you should check the size of the fogger as compared to the size of the area you want to treat. Always read the label so you wouldn’t overuse the pesticide.
Instructions/label
A bed bug fogger should be complete with instructions, ingredient list, and other pertinent information you should know before the application. If the bed bug fogger doesn’t have this important info, look for another option. The manufacturer may be trying to hide a harmful ingredient by not giving enough info on the label.
Top 3 Foggers That Kill Bed Bugs
OUR #1 PICK
OUR TOP PICK: Hot Shot No-Mess Fogger w/ Odor Neutralizer
Product Name: Hot Shot No-Mess Fogger w/ Odor Neutralizer
Product Description: One of the most popular foggers that kill bed bugs is the Hot Shot No-Mess Formula. It’s been trusted by many households due to its odor neutralizer feature. This specific bundle is composed of six packs, perfect if you’re planning to treat a large portion of your house. The Hot Shot bed bug fogger uses tetramethrin and cypermethrin as active ingredients. It also contains piperonyl butoxide that kills bugs upon contact. Take note that this has a residual effect that continues to kill bugs for the next six weeks upon initial application. Moreover, this fogger has a dry fog technology that reaches deeper into crevices. It can be used on homes, cabins, crawl spaces, garages, boat cabins, and apartments. It has a non-staining formula, too, which is a big plus if you don’t want to deal with a lot of cleaning.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Formula
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Efficacy
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
Aside from that, this bed bug fogger has a non-oily consistency, and it will not leave any strong chemical odor.
Aside from killing hidden bed bugs, Hot Shot also works against a slew of other insect pests. It can eliminate the mosquitoes, pillbugs, gnats, fleas, earwigs, moths, carpet beetles, roaches, spiders, houseflies, and a lot more.
Remember that each can of the Hot Shot No Mess Fogger goes a long way. Each can treat up to 2,000 cubic feet of unobstructed space.
Pros
Deep-penetrating
Non-staining, no smell
Works on other insect pests too
Cons
Just like any bug fogger, it can’t kill all bugs 100%
RUNNERS-UP
Repel Outdoor CampFogger
If you’re going for a camping, make sure that you have the Repel Outdoor Camp Fogger in your backpack. This 16-ounce aerosol fogger kills outdoor insects upon contact. It works well on mosquitoes, wasps, bugs, moths, ticks, ants (except some species), and gnats. Aside from campsites, you can also use this in your yard, picnic areas, and patios.
Take note that this Repel Fogger is solely for outdoor use only. It contains 0.20% tetramethrin and 0.20% of phenothrin as active ingredients.
The good thing about this Repel fogger is it has a long-lasting effect. If you’re using it to kill and drive away flying insects outdoors, you will enjoy up to 48 hours of protection.
Make sure that you spray this when the air is still. Avoid application on windy areas as the fog may wash into people’s faces, clothes, and food. Also, you should only apply this once a day. You should also avoid spraying this on plants as it can burn leaves, flowers, and fruits.
The bonus part here is the pleasant scent of the spray. Anyway, you shouldn’t inhale it deliberately since it still contains harsh chemicals.
Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger
Last but not the least, I recommend the Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger. It’s made to penetrate deep into cracks and crevices to kill bugs, ants, spiders, roaches, and more. It also has one of the longest residual effects, since it keeps on killing pests for up to two months.
Moreover, it contains 1.72% of cypermethrin as the active ingredient. It doesn’t stain or produce any mess, which is ideal if you’re treating your bedroom. After releasing the fogger, you simply wipe the surfaces, and you’re good to go.
For the application of this fogger, avoid releasing it on 5 x 5 feet rooms or smaller. Also, you should only use one can of fogger per room. One can of this fogger can be used on up to 5,000 cubic feet of space. Upon activating the fogger, you must vacate your home for at least four hours to let the chemicals spread and settle.
Each box of the Raid fogger contains three cans that you can use to treat multiple rooms in your house. It’s cost-effective too, and useful for small infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a bed bug fogger last?
A: Most bed bug foggers will linger in your home for up to four hours after the initial application. Its actual effect is dependent on the formula used a well as the method of application.
Q: Can I stay in my house if I’m fogging one room?
A: It’s usually safe to stay in your home when fogging a single room. However, there’s still a possibility that the chemicals will leak from that room and spread in your home. As long as you sniff a chemical smell, get out of your house to prevent exposure to the harmful chemicals that a fogger contains.
Q: Do I need to wash everything in my room after using a bed bug fogger?
A: The rule of thumb is to wash all pieces of clothing, bedding, and drapes that got in contact with the fogging chemicals. You should also wipe surfaces to remove residues that may get in contact with clothes or food.
Q: What should I cover before using a bed bug fogger?
A: First, remove all living things in the room you’re going to fog. This includes plants and pets. Next, cover the floors with disposable tarp or layers of old newspaper. Covering the floor is very critical, especially if you have waxed wood floors where the chemicals may stick.
Q: Do I need to clean my house after using a bed bug fogger?
A: If you’re using a fogger with no residual effect, you must clean your home using a mop and warm and soapy water. This will remove the residues that don’t have any lingering effect. You will save a lot of time if you’re going to cover surfaces.
Q: How often can I use foggers at my house?
A: As much as possible, you should use foggers sparingly. You should only use a fogger once every quarter. If the bed bugs didn’t go away after several applications, it’s best to hire the help of a professional exterminator near you.
Final words
Foggers that kill bed bugs are helpful only to some extent. It’s useful for small infestations and controlling the population of the insect pest. However, if you want guaranteed extermination, you should seek the help of a professional pest expert instead.
