While bed bug foggers are technically considered the cheaper solution to infestation, they may cost you more in the long run if you buy the wrong product and don’t end up solving your problem.
This is something we saw first-hand while reviewing multiple fogger options. Consequently, the only options we included in the list below are effective at killing bed bugs and other pests, have significant shelf lives so they can remain effective for longer, and can cover large spaces. Also, if used well, they seem adept at eliminating a bed bug infestation, including unhatched eggs.
Other features: the effect lasts for two weeks, reduces bed bug egg hatch, water-based, for use in non-food areas
The first fogger option is the Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol. Given the can’s design, it’s meant for use in corners and the general hard-to-reach areas where bed bug infestations hide. It has a three-year shelf-life, so you can keep it on hand just in case you have a recurring bed bug problem. That said since its effects last for two weeks, it allows for significant reduction of the problem and even reduces the number of bed bug eggs that hatch. Furthermore, it’s capable of targeting even pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs.
The Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol is for users with water-safe surfaces and furniture. Since it’s water-based, there should be no stains left behind after use.
Other features: kills fleas for up to 30 days and hatching eggs for up to 7 months
Next is the PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide. This bed bug bomb comes in a 20 oz container that can cover 2,625 sq. ft. Consequently, depending on the size of your house, you may need a couple more to cover the space. Furthermore, it consists of ingredients like Prallethrin and IGR pyriproxyfen which are effective against bed bugs and their eggs. As implied by the name, this fogger is also ideal for killing fleas for up to 30 days after use.
If you have a combined bed-bug flea infestation, the PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide is the right bed bug fogger for you. It’s also ideal for keeping bed bug eggs from ever hatching.
Other features: contains Nylar, effect lasts for up to 7 months
The Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger is another top-tier alternative. With the capacity to cover 2000 cubic ft, the purchase should work for most standard-sized bedrooms. However, if your infestation has spread to the rest of the house, you may need an extra pack. Speaking of the pack, it consists of three 2 oz containers that you can set in the middle of the room to help eliminate bed bugs, ticks, fleas, lice, and more.
If your rooms are 2,000 cubic ft or smaller, the Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger is ideal. A unique feature of this fogger is its effectiveness against a wide range of pests and insects.
Other features: accepted for direct application on mattresses, multimode action, and control, non-staining
You can also get the non-staining MGK 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol; a 17 oz can with a shelf-life of 5 years. As such, if you previously had a bed bug infestation, you can keep it around just in case the bugs come back. It allows for direct mattress application, although it might be a good idea to avoid the bed for some time after you do that. Lastly, it seems pretty effective at killing pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs and their eggs.
The MGK 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol is one of the foggers you turn to if your bed bugs don’t seem responsive to other chemical pesticides.
Other features: leaves a clean, fresh scent
As for the Bond Manufacturing Bed Bug Fogger, it shares some similarities with the Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger. This is evident in the three 2 oz cans of aerosol included in the pack and the 2,000 cubic ft coverage area for each. In addition to bed bugs, this option is effective against a whole host of insects and pests, including boxelder bugs, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, carpenter ants, and more. What’s more, after it’s done its job, it leaves behind a clean, fresh scent.
The Bond Manufacturing Bed Bug Fogger is for users who want a single solution to multiple pests and bugs.
If you don’t want to lose money buying a bed bug fogger that doesn’t work, you’re going to need this buying guide on how to select the most effective options.
Bed bug bombs and foggers are aerosol canisters filled with chemical insecticides for killing bed bugs. You can release them in the middle of a bedbug-infested room, or you can spray the insecticide directly onto the pest’s hiding spots. Typically, they are used as a cheaper alternative to a professional extermination service.
Ultimately most people want to know the fogger for bed bugs they pick will be effective and worth their money. As such, we’ve included below a list of variables to consider when choosing the best fogger for bed bugs.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Trusted Source Bed Bugs Appearance and Life Cycle | US EPA Identify these bugs accurately, from egg to nymph to adult. Adults are about the size of an apple seed, brown and oval-shaped, and either flat or balloon-like depending on how recently fed. Nymphs are a bit smaller and translucent or whitish yellow. www.epa.gov there are three primary stages for the bed bug life cycle. They include the egg, nymph, and adult stages. Furthermore, the nymph stage can be divided into several stages. Consequently, one of the things to check for in a fogger is its effectiveness in all phases of a bed bug’s life.
If you look for a fogger for bed bugs that only works for adults, you’ll have a re-infestation every few weeks, thanks to the hatching eggs and nymphs left behind. The same applies to other insect infestations such as fleas and their larvae.
On the other hand, foggers like the MGK 1977 Crossfire Insecticide Aerosol are designed to kill even the eggs, which means they’ll be more effective at eliminating the infestation.
You also have to account for your space as you plan to purchase the fogger. If the problem is isolated to your bedroom, you only have to consider that space. However, if the infestation has spread to other rooms in the house, you may have to buy a fogger that will cover the whole house.
Ultimately, you shouldn’t expect a fogger like the PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide designed for a 2625 square feet space to kill all the bed bugs in a 3000 square feet space.
Another checkmark to look into is whether the fogger leaves a chemical residue. If it does, it could be problematic in a household with kids and pets. According to Medline Plus Trusted Source Insecticide poisoning: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Insecticide is a chemical that kills bugs. Insecticide poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in this substance or it is absorbed through the skin. medlineplus.gov , insecticide poisoning happens when users inhale or ingest the fogger.
Of course, if it leaves behind residue, your kids and pets are likely to ingest it as they go about their day. As such, the best foggers for bed bugs should leave minimal to zero chemical residue.
The safety of use is another factor to consider. As mentioned above, there are a couple of risks to using foggers. One example is insecticide poisoning. As such, you may have to wear personal protective equipment as well as leave the house for a few days after you use the insecticide.
Additionally, the effectiveness varies from fogger to fogger. Some are more adept at killing bed bugs, fleas, and boxelder bugs than others. Also, let’s not forget that some bed bugs have developed resistance to pyrethroid-based insecticides. Consequently, buying something like the Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol, which kills even pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs, is a good idea.
Also, it’s prudent to check how long the effect lasts. If it lasts longer, you’re sure that even if eggs hatch or other bed bugs move into your home, they will be killed instantly.
Bed bug bombs also come at various prices, and you don’t need to go out of your budget to get something effective. If you think the price for a particular can is too high or too low, you can shop around for alternatives until you find something that’s appropriately priced.
If you’re going to use a fogger, you need to close all windows and doors to the room, turn off air conditioning, and remove pets and children. Food or surfaces that handle food should be covered or removed from the vicinity, so you don’t ingest the insecticide at a later date.
You also need to remove your clothes from the room, wash them in hot water, and put them in a dryer for more than 20 minutes. This kills the bed bugs, so you don’t reintroduce them into the room after you’re done. Finally, put the clothes in sealable bags.
Follow up by opening cabinet doors and drawers so the smoke can access them as well. Turn off ignition sources as well, such as candles. You may need to cover some surfaces with newspapers to prevent marring. Finally, you can leave the fogger spraying in the middle of the room.
Remember to wear PPEs such as a mask and glove when handling the insecticide. Furthermore, you need to avoid the room for an extended period after using the fogger. Also, when you’re done, it’s a good idea to do a deep clean of the room as well.
Our team’s favorite foggers include the Bedlam Plus Bed Bug Aerosol, which is water-based and thus won’t damage most furniture. Additionally, its effect lasts about two weeks and prevents bed bug eggs from hatching. The PT Alpine Flea & Bed Bug Pressurized Insecticide features an impressive coverage area. As such, it’s great for users with large houses and rooms. Furthermore, the fact that it can kill hatching eggs almost seven months later is bound to go a long way in eliminating the infestation.
The Hot Shot 95911 AC1688 Bedbug & Flea Fogger is also among the best bed bug foggers in our books. The 3 canisters allow users to cater to the size of the room. Additionally, the small canisters all have an impressive 2000 square foot range. Lastly, the long-lasting effect is also an asset when you’re trying to get rid of a stubborn bed bug infestation.
