DIY
What to know about mosquito foggers
Content Updated: February 27th, 2025
Mosquitoes pose a significant threat to homeowners due to their ability to transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. Beyond the health risks, their persistent bites can disrupt outdoor activities and diminish the enjoyment of your yard. Controlling mosquitoes is essential for protecting your family's health and ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor environment.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to try DIY methods to control pest problems, and mosquitoes are no different. Mosquito foggers can cover a large area briefly to offer protection from mosquitoes. While this treatment method can work well, it may not provide the long‐term results you'd like.
Read on to learn if mosquito foggers work and why they may not be the best solution for mosquito control.
What is a mosquito fogger?
A mosquito fogger, commonly available at stores, releases an aerosol fog of insecticide into the air to kill mosquitoes. This fine spray targets mosquitoes and other flying insects. The insecticide in the fog kills mosquitoes on contact and may provide short‐term repellency, creating a more comfortable outdoor environment. However, not all foggers are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the common types and when to use them:
Aerosol can foggers: These are most commonly used by homeowners. They are easy to use and usually last 4-6 hours. However, they are often not used according to the label, which decreases their effectiveness and may possibly lead to chemical trespass into neighbor’s yards and non-target areas.
Hand-held electric foggers: These foggers use electricity to power a pump that creates the fog. They are suitable for smaller yards and may be more convenient for homeowners due to their ease of use and reduced risk compared to thermal foggers. These should only be used by a professional.
Thermal foggers: These foggers use heat to vaporize the insecticide, which creates a dense, smoky fog. They can be effective for large areas and are typically used by professionals. However, they require more care and can be a fire hazard if improperly used.
Cold foggers (Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) foggers): Cold foggers use high pressure to create a fine mist instead of heat. They are typically used by government or private professionals for large-scale treatments such as subdivisions and municipalities. They release a non-residual aerosol into the air designed for immediate knockdown of many adult mosquitoes when their population reaches high levels or disease transmission has been noted.
When addressing a mosquito problem, it's essential to always consult with a mosquito control professional before attempting treatment on your own. It's also important to remember that all mosquito foggers should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and that safety precautions should always be followed.
How do mosquito foggers work?
Mosquito foggers typically work by releasing a fine mist or aerosol spray containing insecticide. These foggers are often designed for homeowners to use quickly and may come in handheld devices, cans, or automatic dispensers. Here's a general overview of how they work:
Aerosol release: When activated, the mosquito fogger releases an aerosol spray into the surrounding area.
Insecticide content: The aerosol contains insecticide, the active ingredient responsible for killing or repelling mosquitoes upon contact.
Dispersion: The fine mist disperses into the air, contacting the adult mosquito while it is airborne or, in some cases, resting on a surface.
Contact killing: The insecticide directly affects mosquitoes' nervous systems, leading to their incapacitation or death upon contact.
Area coverage: The fogger is designed to cover a specific area, and the effectiveness depends on factors such as the insecticide concentration, the size of the space, the time of application, wind speed, and the fogging duration.
While mosquito foggers can effectively target mosquito populations, they also pose risks to non-target pests and beneficial insects. If not used correctly, fogger chemicals can be highly harmful to humans and pets and potentially cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, especially for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Follow the instructions provided with the specific mosquito fogger product to help ensure proper and safe use. Consider hiring professional mosquito control services for safer, more sustainable, and comprehensive mosquito control.
Will a mosquito fogger provide continuous protection?
At‐home mosquito foggers can provide temporary relief by reducing mosquito populations in the treated area, but they do not offer continuous or long‐term protection. Their effectiveness is typically limited to the immediate application, and their impact diminishes within hours as the insecticide dissipates. Weather conditions, such as rain or high humidity, can quickly decrease the effectiveness by washing away or diluting the insecticide. Continuous protection against mosquitoes often requires seeking professional mosquito control services for a more comprehensive and sustained approach.
Mosquito foggers vs. topical sprays
While at‐home foggers can provide short‐term relief by temporarily reducing mosquito populations in the treated area, they are generally not a long‐term solution for mosquito control. The effectiveness of these foggers may be limited to the immediate application and might not address the root causes of mosquito infestation, such as breeding sites.
Additionally, the means by which the fogger disperses allows for unwanted chemical drift which may harm beneficial insects and float into bodies of water and neighboring properties. For safer, more sustainable, and comprehensive mosquito control, it's advisable to consider professional services that assess and address the specific factors contributing to mosquito presence in and around your property.
Will a mosquito fogger provide continuous protection?
At‐home mosquito foggers can provide temporary relief by reducing mosquito populations in the treated area, but they do not offer continuous or long‐term protection. The effectiveness of these foggers is typically limited to the immediate application, and their impact diminishes within hours as the insecticide dissipates.
Continuous protection against mosquitoes often requires addressing breeding sites, implementing preventative measures, and, in some cases, seeking professional mosquito control services for a more comprehensive and sustained approach.
Mosquito foggers vs. topical sprays
Mosquito foggers and topical sprays are two standard at‐home mosquito control solutions. Mosquito foggers unleash a fine mist of insecticide to create a temporary shield against mosquitoes in larger outdoor areas. These foggers are designed for occasional use, which is ideal for mitigating mosquito presence during gatherings or outdoor events.
On the other hand, topical sprays and repellents offer more personalized protection as they are applied directly to the skin or clothing. They're tailored for individual protection and are perfect companions for outdoor activities, creating a temporary shield against mosquito bites.
Both of these at‐home solutions serve a distinct purpose. A mosquito fogger is best for temporarily treating expansive outdoor spaces, while topical sprays are designed for individual protection during outdoor activities. It is also essential to remember that sprays available to the public only repel mosquitoes and will not kill them.
The Terminix® mosquito solution
The choice between mosquito foggers and topical sprays depends on your specific needs, the size of the area needing treatment, and the level of control required. Regardless of which method you try to use, your mosquito control attempts will only be effective if the application is thorough and as instructed by the label. In addition to using mosquito foggers, you can take several preventative steps, like eliminating standing water around your property and using screens on windows and doors to help reduce mosquitoes from your property.
Do you need more than a few hours of protection? Terminix can help. Our mosquito solution begins working immediately to reduce the mosquito population in your yard and can last for weeks. Even better, our treatment features a special polymer layer that helps protect the active ingredient against weather and lawn watering, so you get long‐lasting protection. For complete yard protection, try our mosquito and tick control services.
