Pest Strategies

Useful for quickly applying various insecticides to large areas, a fogger machine will save you valuable time and effort. To help you find the best fogger machine for business or personal use, Pest Strategies researched several products on Amazon. Keep reading below to discover our top picks.

 

Buying Guide

Fogger machines are different from sprayer machines, which spray a high-pressure liquid stream rather than an even, fog-like mist. Here’s some useful information to help guide your purchase. 

• Insecticide capacity: So long as you have power, you can operate your fogger machine and fog the area nonstop until you’re out of fogging solution (insecticide). The liquid capacity for foggers is measured in liters or gallons, and typically ranges from one gallon to four gallons. The more fogging solution in the reservoir, the heavier the fogger unit. 

• Warm (thermal) foggers vs cold foggers: 

• Thermal foggers are more suitable for outdoor use because high temperatures used to heat the fogging solution can be a fire hazard indoors. Some thermal foggers are designed for indoor use depending on the model you choose, but a good rule of thumb is to use thermal foggers outdoors only. Thermal foggers are either powered by gas or electricity. 

• Cold foggers do not require a heating assembly to operate, so the heat generated from the equipment isn’t as much of an issue. Instead, they utilize air pressure to atomize fogging solutions that can get up and running in just a few minutes.

• Wearable: Some fogger machines include a backpack, and others are compatible with backpack straps that are sold separately. Handheld foggers are designed to be held with both hands, which may feel heavier than carrying the weight on your back. Depending on the application scenario, backpack-style foggers also tend to be more accurate.

• Spraying radius: Fogger machines with a powerful motor will produce a fog or gas radius up to 30 or 40 feet, while weaker models will only create a gas stream up to 10 or 20 feet. A higher spraying radius will cover a greater area in a shorter amount of time. 

 

 

FAQs

• What’s the difference between a fogger machine and a fog machine?

“Fog” machines are typically used for recreational or entertainment purposes — concerts, parties, corporate events, and more. “Fogger” machines, conversely, are primarily used for commercial purposes such as fumigation, applying insecticides on crops, eliminating mold during a home renovation, and applying disinfectant on a mass scale. 

• How can I be safe while using my fogger machine? 

Always wear a respiratory mask when operating a fogger machine. Make sure to follow user instructions contained in the owner’s or instruction manual, and only use approved fogging solutions that the fogger machine is intended for. 

• How do I clean my fogger machine? 

For specific instructions, consult your product manual. For general instructions: after fogging, remove the insecticide or fogging solution reservoir. Keep the valve fully open and allow the fogger to work for another one-to-two minutes. Then, flush any residual liquids from the machine, and fill the container with soapy water and spray it several times. Finally, flush it with water and remove the air filter. 

 

 

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.