Do Bug Bombs Work? Why You’re Still Seeing Pests After Using a Fogger

Let’s face it: dealing with insects is a pain. Although there are many helpful tips we can follow for preventing pests from disrupting our household, sometimes those little creatures just won’t disappear. 

We understand the hesitation to contact a professional when less expensive solutions, such as store-bought bug bombs, claim to rapidly eliminate the pests that keep bugging you. But do bug bombs work? In this blog, we’ll explain how bug bombs work and weigh some pros and cons of using them.

What Are Bug Bombs? 

A bug bomb is an aerosolized “fogger” canister that’s pre-filled with insecticide (usually a type of pyrethroid) and is typically meant for killing cockroaches, fleas, and bed bugs. When released, the spray settles across uncovered surfaces in your house, such as floors, counters, and furniture. The idea behind this is that the fog will reach and kill any insects out in the open.

Do Bug Bombs Work?

In theory, bug bombs sound like an excellent solution to your pest problems: they’re cheap, easy to use, and seemingly fast-acting. But are they actually a good option? Let’s look at some of the reasons why bug bombs might not be the best idea: 

• Only exposed insects can be killed. Bug bombs can only kill insects that are out and about in the area you’ve released them. Whatever is hiding outside of the fog’s reach in the cracks of walls, under furniture, or elsewhere won’t be impacted. 
• Pests may scatter deeper into your home. The release of insecticides may drive pests to new areas in your house, making them harder to reach and increasing the effort required to get rid of them.
• Some pests are resistant to insecticides. Many of the pests that bug bombs are designed to target, including German cockroaches, are resistant to pyrethroids and similar insecticides. 
• They don’t address the source of the problem. Bug bombs don’t identify where pests are entering your home, why they were attracted there in the first place, or what steps are needed to stop the infestation.

Are Bug Bombs Safe? The Hidden Harms

Bug bombs may not be the most effective pest control solution, but are they at least safe to use? Unfortunately, the evidence says no. There are a couple of reasons why we wouldn’t consider bug bombs safe for you, your family, or your pets: 

Toxic Residues and Health Risks

The residual chemicals that bug bombs leave behind can stick around for up to a year after use, even when following proper procedures for ventilation, evacuation, and covering surfaces and items that come into contact with the skin. This residue is both messy and contains harmful chemicals. 

There are numerous health risks associated with bug bombs and exposure to the chemicals they contain. According to the CDC, 3,222 fogger-related illnesses or injuries took place between 2007 and 2015, with 4 of these cases being fatal. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to side effects, which commonly include symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal poisoning.

Fire Hazards

Although many bug bombs are regulated and approved by the EPA, they’re highly flammable. When stored and released properly, this shouldn’t be much of an issue; however, it’s worth noting that bug bombs released in the proximity of a pilot light cause hundreds of fires every year.

The Final Verdict

After taking many of the risks and drawbacks of using bug bombs into consideration, you can probably guess our final verdict: you should pass on the bug bombs. We’re not afraid to admit it: we’re obviously maybe a little biased, but we have done our best to minimize bias in this article by sharing data from reputable sources, and the numbers don’t lie.

Given the many downsides of DIY fogging, your best bet is to call a pest control professional who can thoroughly survey your home and help eliminate the pests bothering you. 

At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc., we’ve been providing residents of Birmingham, AL, with superior pest control since 1965. We’re committed to helping you rid your home of unwelcome pests so you and your family can feel at peace. If you’re looking for friendly, experienced pest control services to keep your house safe and comfortable, contact us today.