Are Bug Bombs Effective?
You may have seen them in the aisle near the laundry soap, by pest traps—or on TV. And you’ve probably started thinking about how many roaches you’ve seen around your house lately. So it seems like a great idea to buy some bug bombs and get rid of those pests once and for all! But, how effective are they?
How do you use a bug bomb? The first thing you need to do is find the right product. While some are designed for indoor use only, others can be used both indoors and outdoors.
What do Bug Bombs Do?
Bug bombs, pest foggers, automatic saturators… whatever you want to call them (we prefer the term “fogger”), they all work on the same principle: a pressurized canister releases an insecticide when opened. The idea is that a person who wants to rid his home of bugs destroys the creatures by creating an environment in which they cannot survive.
The product is typically marketed as a way to kill cockroaches, ants and other household pests. It can also be used to control fleas on pets, but there are several downsides that make it an inferior choice when compared to other methods of insect control.
Are They Safe?
Because this product releases poisonous gas when used, it is important not to inhale the fumes. If misused, the chemicals can damage furniture and fabrics. It is also important to not use a product that has been subjected to heat, as this can cause it to release more fumes than usual. If you do not have a ventilator in place, it is best to wait until the room has aired out before moving furniture back into position.
Bug bombs are flammable, especially when used in large concentrations or small spaces—such as the average apartment. Pets may be particularly vulnerable to damage by bug bombs.
Do They Actually Work?
The bug bomb is a fantastic idea, but unfortunately the truth about its effectiveness may be disappointing. Most pests are intelligent creatures as well as small—which means they’ll probably survive to annoy us another day! While bug bombs are effective against some pests, they don’t work for everything. The only way to be sure that your home is truly free of pests is to call in an exterminator.
The poison doesn’t travel under furniture, so you don’t have to worry about getting it into cracks. If you use a bug bomb, make sure your house is properly sealed. Pests can get in through tiny cracks and crevices, so make sure you seal them up before using the bug bomb.
Alternatives to the Bug Bomb
Bug bombs are designed to work in small, enclosed spaces like storage units. But they won’t do the trick at home; you have to target the pests’ environment instead—remove clutter and reduce moisture levels (clean up spills right away), as well as keeping food sealed so it doesn’t attract ants or other critters. Otherwise, finding a credible exterminator is probably your best bet for pest removal.
If you’ve got a pest issue that won’t go away, skip the bug bomb. Call Consolidated Pest Control instead!
