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Total-Release Foggers:
What is it?
Total release foggers are commonly used to get rid of fleas, ticks, and roaches. Foggers may be used if your home becomes infested (full of), fleas, ticks, and roaches. How can your home get infested? Maybe you moved into an apartment and didn't know it already had lots of roaches. Or maybe some fleas jumped off your dog or cat while they were in the house. If you went away on vacation, or hadn't vacuumed for a long while, their eggs hatched producing more fleas! If you haven't heard the name "total release fogger," you have probably heard of this type of product being called "bombs" or "bug bombs." They got their name because once the product is started, it will keep spraying until the container is empty. There is no way to turn it off. They work releasing a gas spray that "fills the air" with pesticides. Because of the way foggers and "bombs" work, only an adult should use them. Remind your parents to always "Read the Label First" to know how to properly use these products and for safety information.
What's in it?
The pesticide chemicals in foggers are pyrethrins, permethrin, and methoprene. These chemicals are known as insecticides.
What health and safety things do you need to think about with foggers or "bombs?"
For these products to do their job they need to be used in an enclosed area. That means all windows and doors for the room or house must be closed. Foggers or "bug bombs" send their spray gas everywhere, so it's not safe to stay in your house even when the doors are closed in the room where the fogger is being used. Gases are hard to contain and will seep under doors and into air vents. So for everyone's safety all people and animals must be out of the house when a fogger or "bug bomb" is being used.
Also, toys should be taken out of the room or put away. No food, plates, cups, silverware or things you cook with should be left out anywhere. The tops of tables and counters should be cleaned before you use them. After the fogger has finished doing it's job the house has to be aired out before people can spend time inside again. Turn on your air conditioner, or open the windows. Using fans will help air out the house faster too.
If one of these products is being used in your home, be sure to ask your parents how long you have to stay out of the house or when it will be safe to go back inside. Another important thing to know is that the contents of foggers can be flammable. A fire or explosion can happen if they are not used according to the directions. Some common symptoms you might get if you come in contact with foggers or "bug bombs" are burning in your eyes and on your skin or trouble breathing. How you are affected and how sick you might get depends on your exposure to the pesticide. This is very important to know.
What do you do if you or someone you're with has an accident with household products?
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