Cockroaches are some of the more common pests in homes and businesses. The mere thought of cockroaches sets off feelings of uncleanliness and disgust for many of us. So it's not surprising that many homeowners buy and store total release foggers, aka "bug bombs", just for the opportunity to annihilate any potential cockroach infestation at the first sight of a cockroach! But these products are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes. What's worse is that they deposit insecticides exactly where you don't want them - in direct contact with you, your family, and your pets!
German Cockroach. Image Source: University of Florida
Are "bug bombs" really effective at managing cockroaches? And what are some implications of using these products in your home? After all, they're called "bug bombs" for a reason, right? Using them should result in the complete eradication of all bugs from your home - at least that's what you are led to believe...
Example of a Total Release Fogger ("Bug Bomb"). Credit: University of Kentucky
The truth is that, despite their claims, "bug bombs" are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes. Sure, if the insecticide happens to directly settle on a few cockroaches, they may indeed die. But the vast majority of cockroaches will not come in contact with the product.
"Bug Bombs" are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes.
Cockroaches that infest residential and commercial spaces generally hide in dark spaces - inside drawers and cabinets, behind (and inside) picture frames, inside wall voids, inside and under appliances, underneath horizontal surfaces, etc. Unless physically (or in some cases chemically) disturbed, most cockroaches avoid light. That's the reason that people typically see cockroaches running around at night, when it's dark! And even then, sightings are usually limited to a few cockroaches.
German Cockroach Infestation in a refrigerator motor. Credit: Eco-Smart Pest Control
A "Bug bombs" releases contact insecticide fog from a pressurized canister into the air. The material drops on all horizontal surfaces within the treated area. It does not penetrate into hidden areas where cockroaches reside.
What's worse is where the insecticide from total release foggers ends up - exactly where you don't want it for cockroach management - all over floors, counter tops, tables, food (if you have it out), couches, beds, etc. This puts people in direct and often unavoidable contact with the insecticide.
Effective cockroach management involves careful application of products that target cockroaches where they hide and frequent most. More importantly, such treatments are carefully applied out of reach of people and pets.
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