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Bug BombsHealth effects | Explosions | Problems to avoid | Alternatives Total release foggers, also known as bug bombs, are cans of pesticide that spray out all at once. They are used to control insect pests. Most bug bombs contain pyrethrin or pyrethroid-type insecticides, plus chemical propellents that make the fine mist that fills the room. Bug bombs can be a serious health and safety hazard, especially if you use too many or don’t follow directions. Health EffectsBreathing the fog from bug bombs can cause nose and throat irritation, difficulty breathing, cough, dizziness, and vomiting. Exposure can also cause eye and skin irritation. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and reactive airways disease may develop serious breathing difficulty and require emergency services after breathing the fog. Case Example
Fires and ExplosionsThe labels of most foggers require that you turn off pilot lights, gas fireplaces, and unplug any source of sparks while fogging an area. Flammable gases from bug bombs can ignite and damage your home or cause injury. Case Example
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View and print the Bug Bomb brochure. It's available in English and Spanish and contains a safety checklist when using an insect fogger. |
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Problems to AvoidOveruse is a common problem with bug bombs. You need to understand how much fogger you need. Once you know the size of the area you going to treat, buy only what you need. There are many types of foggers and they treat different sized areas. Many popular foggers are sold in 3-packs with each can treating 5,000 or 7,000 cubic feet. Most bedrooms are less than 1,000 cubic feet. Read the front label to see how much area one can treats (Example: One 2.1 oz. can treats up to 7,000 cubic feet). Early re-entry or lack of ventilation can lead to pesticide exposure. Once the fogger is activated, you must close all doors and windows and completely leave the treated area. Most labels require you to be out for four hours. After that time period, open doors and windows and air out the treated area before returning. If there is a strong smell when you re-enter, allow the space to air out longer before returning. If you have asthma or a breathing condition, consider alternatives to foggers or let someone else activate the fogger and air out the rooms before you return. Leave a note on the door that the home is being fogged to alert roommates and others not to enter. It will also alert the fire department in case the fog triggers the fire alarm. Unsafe storage can allow children to find the bug bombs. There are no child proof features on fogger cans. Once a fogger is activated, the canister fogs until it is empty. Store foggers in high or locked locations to keep them out of reach of children. Case Examples
Alternatives to Bug BombsEven though a bug bomb product says it controls certain insect pests - it may not be the best option. Bug bombs essentially throw the insecticide into the air, treating the exposed surface where it lands. If the insect pest is hiding under furniture or in cracks and crevices, it can avoid contact with the pesticide fog. Bug bombs don't control bed bugs and can be avoided for fleas, cockroaches, and other insect pests when effective control alternatives are chosen. The best way to control insect pests is to use multiple control strategies. Sometimes pests can be difficult to control on your own - considering hiring a professional pest control company if you need help.
For more on pest control, see UPEST's Household Integrated Pest Management.
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