Roach foggers are one option that people consider when desperate to rid themselves of creepy, crawly, pesky bugs.
But not all foggers are created equal, so a bit of research is needed to be sure you get the best results from your purchase.
What is the best roach fogger? The best roach fogger is the Hot Shot Indoor Fogger. This fogger penetrates carpets, cracks, and crevices where pests hide, contains an odor neutralizer, and eliminates eggs, larvae, and adults. The killing power of its ingredients lasts up to two months.
Many, many different pesticides and insecticides exist to deal with unwanted four-legged housemates, but some are weak at best and ineffective at worst when it comes to dealing with roaches.
In the following, we will consider which one is best and why.
Foggers are just one option when battling roaches. Click here to see our full lineup of roach articles to find additional options and effective products.
What Is the Best Roach Fogger?
The Hot Shot Indoor Fogger has the greatest proven effectiveness against roach infestations. The Hot Shot comes in a four-pack set with an odor neutralizer because this stuff is strong!
Each can in the pack is configured to treat up to 2,000 cubic feet. The pesticides in this fogger penetrate carpets and crevices where roaches hide.
Hot Shot will successfully destroy infestations.
It doesn’t kill only the hatched pests, but it also eliminates the larvae and eggs so that you don’t have a brand new generation of roaches in a few weeks.
(Did you know that if you spot a baby roach, you are likely dealing with a large infestation? Click here to learn more.)
It is also effective against other types of pests, such as:
The active ingredients of the Hotshot Fogger remain effective up to two months, controlling the roach population until you have a long-term plan in place to prevent reinfestation.
Note: Foggers are not meant to be long-term pest control solutions. They are meant to help you gain control while you formulate a solution to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
Read our prevention and elimination guide for long-term control solutions.
How to Use Roach Foggers
Before setting off a roach fogger in your home, be sure you understand the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions.
Use only the recommended number of foggers for your surface area.
Overloading your home with foggers won’t make the extermination more effective; it will only increase the chances of something going wrong.
- Remove all pets from the area along with their food, water bowls, and bedding.
- Remove all plants if possible.
- Cover any furniture that cannot be wiped down.
- Cover all food and appliances.
- Remove dishes from cabinets and open cabinet doors.
- Turn off all pilots and anything else that could ignite.
- Unplug electric devices.
- Make sure all household members have left the area.
- Put on a mask and goggles at the very least.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the detonation of the fogger.
- Immediately leave the premises and do not return for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer.
The aftermath of the fogger may be almost as destructive as the pests themselves. Everything that is not covered will need to be washed down to remove the residual pesticide.
The pesticides are just as poisonous to humans and pets as they are to the insects you’re trying to kill.
Do not allow pets or small children to enter the area until every exposed surface has been cleaned.
- Open all windows to let in fresh air.
- Wash all dishes and wipe out the inside of all cabinets.
- Wipe down all furniture.
- Clean carpets and all flooring.
- Wash children’s and pets’ toys.
While you are busy cleaning, look closely for roach droppings (learn what roach poop looks like here) and clean them up thoroughly as they are full of bacteria and can transmit diseases in some instances.
If the odor is still strong, it may be wise to stay away for a few more hours to air out the area.
Especially do not sleep in an area where the odor is still noticeable. This can cause permanent lung damage.
Are Roach Foggers Different Than Bombs?
Roach foggers and bombs are the same thing. They are pesticides sealed in a can and released by either pulling a tab or depressing a button.
The chemicals are expelled from the can by aerosol propellants. The chemicals settle on every surface within the fogger’s range and kill any insect or pest that contacts it.
Not all foggers or bombs are effective against roaches because roaches develop resistance to many types of chemicals. Some foggers and bombs work best to kill flying insects, while others are more effective against crawling pests. Since roaches both crawl and fly, it can be tricky to find a fogger that is truly lethal against them.
When choosing your fogger, you’ll want to look for one that does not list pyrethrin as its main ingredient since this chemical is ineffective against roaches.
Are Foggers Safe to Use?
As long as all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions are followed to the letter, there shouldn’t be any long-term problems from using a fogger.
However, injury can occur if you do not follow the instructions. The chemicals in foggers are poisonous, so inhaling them can cause lung damage or even death.
The aerosol propellants used to release these chemicals are flammable, so an explosion or fire is possible if you are not cautious.
Reentering a fogged area too soon can cause serious breathing problems.
Using more foggers than recommended will result in a much too heavy concentration of chemicals in the area, which can lead to disaster.
Most of the time, using foggers is completely safe if you follow directions meticulously.
Ignore manufacturer’s warnings, and catastrophe may well be the result.
Some people are hesitant to use strong pesticides and instead choose to go a more natural route.
Essential oils can be used to repel roaches, as we explain here, and other natural options, such as boric acid and all-natural sprays, can be used to kill them.
Do Foggers Work in Cars?
Some indoor foggers, such as the Hot Shot Indoor Fogger, are effective for use in cars.
Of course, the smaller the space the stronger and more concentrated the fumes will be, so it’ll take longer to clear out.
You’ll want to use the smallest fogger you can find so an excess of chemical concentration does not cause irreversible damage to your car’s interior.
- Roll up the windows.
- Cover and seal the air vents.
- Disconnect the battery to avoid any chances of a spark.
- Remove anything you don’t want contaminated.
- Detonate the fogger according to instructions and wait the specified number of hours before opening the car.
When sufficient time has passed:
- Roll down windows to let car air out.
- Wipe down all surfaces. If upholstery cannot be wiped down, you may need to take it to a professional.
- You will likely need to leave windows open longer than you would for a residence because of the increased concentration of chemicals in a small area.
- Reconnect battery.
Do not attempt to start the motor until fumes have resolved; this could cause an explosion.
Most of the time, fogging a car will not be necessary. A good spray with an insecticide such as Raid will usually do the trick with much less trouble and mess.
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Foggers leave an oily residue that can be difficult to clean off windows and upholstery. Additionally, certain chemicals can harm some upholstery materials.
So, a fogger should be used in your car only as a last resort.
When Should A Fogger Be Used?
Because of the mess foggers make, they are not a practical solution for routine pest control. Fogging your house is a big deal that takes a lot of time.
You certainly don’t want to go through that once every few months.
A fogger should be used only when the infestation is so bad that all the usual roach hiding places are full and you start to see multiple pests in your home.
If roaches start to come out when the lights are on, it’s probably time to fog the house.
Otherwise, it is in your best interest to find an easier, less messy way to rid your home of creepy crawlies.
You’ll find the best solution for you in our article “Best Roach Killer.”
If you do decide to fog, depending on how bad the infestation is, you may need to fog twice or more before you see the results you want.
And remember, you still need to implement a plan to avoid reinfestation since foggers only work for a limited time.
Wondering why you’re still dealing with roaches even though you keep your house clean and tidy? Find the answer here.
