A bug bomb, also sometimes called an insect fogger, is a product used to deal with insect infestations, usually in residential spaces. Most bug bombs use an aerosol spray to diffuse insecticide into the air. All residents and pets should be outside of the home when the bug bomb is being set off. Before using a bug bomb, it is important to review all of the instructions on the package and to follow them to the letter. This is because the product that is being sprayed into the air is essentially a poison and can pose serious health risks if it is not used under the right conditions.
There are a number of reports that indicate that bug bombs are an ineffective and dangerous way to deal with pests. These reports usually recommend against using bug bombs or using them only as a last resort. In addition to filling the air with poison, the bug bomb poses a fire hazard because it is an aerosol. In most cases, aerosols can be used safely, but in this case the aerosol is active without being under supervision. Another reason that bug bombs are considered to be dangerous is that they coat all of the surfaces of the house in insecticide, which is unhealthy for pets and humans.
Reports also indicate that bug bombs may actually make infestations worse. If a bug bomb is set off in a residence, it may cause the pests to retreat deeper into the house. Not only does this cause them to find new, more difficult-to-access areas to live, but may also cause them to find new breeding grounds. These reports often indicate that the best way to deal with an infestation is to work with a professional exterminator and to maintain household practices that reduce the risk of pests.
While a bug bomb may sound like an effective way to deal with pests, it is probably the least targeted approach. While the insecticide in a bug bomb fills the air and rains down on all of the surfaces in a house, it does not always reach the places where bugs actually reside, such as deep in carpets, behind drawers, and even in the walls. For those who decide to use a bug bomb, be sure to ventilate the space very well after the bomb has been set off. Also, clean all surfaces in the house to remove residue from the insecticide spray.
