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The Best Insecticides for Mosquito Foggers (That Are Surprisingly Effective)

To avoid being eaten alive by mosquitoes during the summer and being exposed to the dangerous diseases they potentially carry you could, like most people, simply apply a mosquito repellent to your skin and clothes. However, one far more effective method of solving your mosquito problem is to use a mosquito fogger and stop the bugs from coming into your outdoor area in the first place. But to use a fogger you will also need a good and efficient insecticide to pour into your mosquito fogger. Which is why in this article we take a look at all the different mosquito fogging insecticides that are available and can be used in foggers, how to use them and which of these mosquito fogger liquids is the best!

To avoid being eaten alive by mosquitoes during the summer and being exposed to the dangerous diseases they potentially carry you could, like most people, simply apply a mosquito repellent to your skin and clothes. However, one far more effective method of solving your mosquito problem is to use a mosquito fogger and stop the bugs from coming into your outdoor area in the first place. But to use a fogger you will also need a good and efficient insecticide to pour into your mosquito fogger. Which is why in this article we take a look at all the different mosquito fogging insecticides that are available and can be used in foggers, how to use them and which of these mosquito fogger liquids is the best!

BEST SHORT-TERM SOLUTION

Black Flag Fogging Insecticide

A highly effective solution made specifically for foggers, it will get rid of mosquitoes, flies, and other common flying insects.

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BEST ALL-PURPOSE PRODUCT
fogger insecticide

ExciteR Concentrate

A very powerful solution that targets a wide range of insects and pests, for use in thermal and ULV foggers, both indoors and outdoors.

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GREAT FOR THERMAL FOGGERS
fogger insecticide

Bonide Flying Insect Fog

This ready-to-use solution was specifically designed for thermal foggers. It is effective against mosquitoes and other flying insects.

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The Best Mosquito Fogger Insecticides and Liquids Currently Available

1

Black Flag Fogging Insecticide

BEST SHORT-TERM SOLUTION
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The insecticide is effective for only six hours after application, which may be too short for some.
  • Only for use in outdoor spaces, so it is not applicable for those who need an insecticide for indoors use.

Review

This Black Flag Fogging Insecticide is one of the most widely used insecticides for mosquito foggers. The manufacturer created it for just this purpose: to get rid of mosquitoes, biting flies, and other annoying insects.

The manufacturer of this fogging insecticide is Spectrum Brands, Inc. They specialize in different products for both indoor and outdoor use, making them more than qualified to produce this mosquito fogger liquid, too. This particular fogger insecticide contains two main active ingredients – d-phenothrin and piperonyl butoxide – both of which offer different benefits. d-Phenothrin can control a wide variety of insects by disrupting their nervous system function. Piperonyl butoxide, on the other hand, is a synergist. This means that it enhances the insecticide’s properties to let it work more efficiently.

The fog this insecticide creates will be able to penetrate even the thickest of foliage and get into even the smallest of cracks. There it will kill the mosquitoes on contact to leave the whole fogged area mosquito-free. After the fogged area has dried, which usually takes only about five minutes, the insecticide will keep working for about six hours. This will let you enjoy your outdoor areas without any annoying interruptions from mosquitoes. On top of that, you will only need about 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of the product and about two minutes to treat every 1000 square feet (93 sq. meters). This means that the fogging will be quick and even works in a time crunch! The fog will not leave behind any odor or residue, so no one will know that you fogged the area, unless you tell them. They will just see a beautiful, mosquito-free space.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: Yes
  • Active Ingredients: d-phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide
  • Lasts: Up to 6 hours
  • Wait Time After Fogging: About 5 minutes
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes and biting flies
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors
2

ExciteR Insecticide Concentrate

BEST ALL-PURPOSE PRODUCT
fogger insecticide
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • This is an insecticide for outdoor use only, so it cannot be used to control insects in indoor spaces.
  • This insecticide comes as a concentrate, so you will have to dilute it with water before use.

Review

This ExciteR Insecticide Concentrate is a fogging insecticide that you will have to dilute with water. But, it will last for several weeks, fending off insects like mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and so on. A company called Envincio, LLC makes this product. It also manufactures many different forms of pest control products, ranging from granules to liquids.

The two active ingredients that make this fogger insecticide special are pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. These together make a combination that is deadly to mosquitoes. The pyrethrins make up 6% of this ExciteR insecticide are six chemicals that are especially toxic to insects. These affect the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. Piperonyl butoxide is a chemical that is often put into insecticides and pesticides to help them work better and more quickly. Since 60% of this fogging insecticide is piperonyl butoxide, it is not only able to kill mosquitoes and other insects upon contact, but also remains in the fogged area with an efficiency of at least a month.

Use this insecticide correctly – with the proper amount of concentrate diluted with the proper amount of water – and it will not leave any distinct residues or smells. You will need just a small amount of the insecticide to cover a fairly large area and to kill all unwanted pests. You can use either a pump sprayer or a fogger with this insecticide. Both will give you great results in terms of coverage and how efficient the spray or fog will be at killing insects.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: No, the concentrate needs to be diluted with water.
  • Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide
  • Lasts: Up to 4 weeks
  • Wait Time After Fogging: About 30 minutes
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, etc.
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors
3

Bonide Flying Insect Fog

GREAT FOR THERMAL FOGGERS
fogger insecticide
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It is meant for outdoor use only, meaning that it will not work indoors.
  • The effects of this insecticide last up to six hours, so if you need your area 100% mosquito-free for longer, this will not work for you.

Review

To combat mosquitoes and free your area from them, try Bonide Flying Insect Fog. This is another ready-to-use fogger insecticide option that will be really efficient. Bonide Products, Inc. manufacturer this fine insecticide. This company has more than 90 years of experience in crafting different fogging insecticides and sprays.

This Mosquito Beater fogging insecticide is a superb product to use outdoors. It is a lawn insecticide and fogger liquid for trees, bushes, and even your garden. It contains two common active ingredients: d-phenothrin and piperonyl butoxide. These are an insecticide and a synergist, respectively. The first substance will kill mosquitoes by interrupting the function of their nervous system. At the same time, the second substance works as an enhancer for the first, making it an even better insect killer.

Additionally, the fog that will come out when using this mosquito fogger liquid will be thick and powerful. It will kill all mosquitoes, gnats, and flies upon contact. It will also dissipate quickly, which allows you to fog the area you need to have free of mosquitoes just minutes before you want to use it. Once the area is dry, feel free to use it for picnics, barbecues, parties, or any other outdoor gathering. This fogging insecticide does not require mixing or measuring, as it comes in a ready-made formula. You can simply pour it in your fogger, turn it on, fog your desired area, and breathe a sigh of relief.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: Yes
  • Active Ingredients: d-Phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide
  • Lasts: Up to 6 hours
  • Wait Time After Fogging: About 5 minutes
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, flies, blackflies, and gnats
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors

Other Products to Consider

4

Riptide Water-Based ULV

A POWERFUL SOLUTION FOR ULV FOGGERS
fogging insecticide
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • Because it comes as a concentrate, you will need to dilute this insecticide with water before use.
  • It is not organic, so it might cause an allergic reaction in those who are extra sensitive to chemicals.

Review

This Riptide Water-Based ULV serves as great mosquito poison. It is a thermal fogging insecticide that can be used with a ULV mosquito fogger or mosquito misting system. The McLaughlin Gormley King Company produces this specific insecticide. This company is one of the main chemical distributors in the United States. It makes many different chemical-related products, including fogger insecticides.

What makes this particular insecticide so great are the two active ingredients. Permethrins are chemicals that are commonly used in insecticides. Their neurotoxin-like properties give them the ability to disturb the insect’s nervous system. This results in paralyzation and then death. Piperonyl butoxide is an organic compound that enhances the effects of permethrins by making them more potent. Because this insecticide consists of 5% permethrins and 25% piperonyl butoxide, it will be very efficient. It can kill all kinds of insects, ranging from mosquitoes to gnats to flies as soon as they come in contact with the chemical.

Because this liquid is a concentrate, you must dilute it with water before using it in any ULV fogger. Otherwise, it will be too potent. But that also means that you will get more out of the 64-fluid-ounce (1.9-liter) jug. This mosquito fogger liquid is not corrosive. So, it will not damage cars, trucks, or any other structures that it might come in contact with. It leaves no residue or odor, meaning that you will be able to re-enter the treated area after it dries. This also means that it will be safe to use in areas that children and pets us, after drying, of course.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: No, the concentrate needs to be diluted with water.
  • Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide
  • Wait Time After Fogging: Until dried
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and other flying and crawling insects
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Indoors and outdoors
5

Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Yard Garden Spray

THE BEST NATURAL SOLUTION
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • The solution comes as a concentrate, so it will have to be diluted with water before use.
  • It is for outdoor use only.

Review

Here is another organic product that will be completely safe for you and everyone around you (except for pests, of course). This Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Yard Garden Spray will work on mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, and more. Wondercide Natural Products manufactures completely natural pest control products. They created this spray that will not cause any damage to you or your pets. It is just as efficient as its chemical competitors at combating different pests. First, it kills them upon contact while repelling any future prospective invaders.

This fogging insecticide works so well thanks to its natural active ingredient of cedarwood oil. Its efficiency is thanks to it affecting octopamine in the so-called “bad bugs”. This chemical regulates the heart rate, movements, and behavior of pests. Cedarwood oil blocks their neurotransmitter receptors, causing the pests that come in contact with the cedar oil to suffocate and die. Others pests will not want to come close to the treated area, thus efficiently repelling them.

The two main pests that this insecticide targets are ticks and fleas. It is, however, more than capable of also killing and repelling mosquitoes, ants, roaches, and even venomous snakes and scorpions. It will prove to be a big help in your yard, garden, lawn, and other outdoor areas. Because this solution is a concentrate, you will be able to treat twice as much area as non-concentrates can. The one-gallon jug (3.8 L) can treat an area of approximately 84,000 square feet (7803 sq. meters). The effects will last 7-10 days after the first few foggings. It will then last about 30-45 days after you have already established control and disrupted the insect breeding cycles. So, deal with insects in your outdoor areas the natural way by using the best, all-natural insecticide from Wondercide Natural Products.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: No, the concentrate needs to be diluted with water.
  • Active Ingredients: Cedarwood oil
  • Lasts: 30-45 days
  • Wait Time After Fogging: Immediately after fogging
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, ants, fleas, ticks, etc.
  • Organic: Yes
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, even when wet
  • Use: Outdoors
6

ULD BP-100 Fogging Concentrate

A STRONG OIL-BASED INSECTICIDE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It comes as a concentrate, so it will need to be diluted with white mineral oil before use. It can also be used undiluted, if wanted.
  • You cannot enter the fogged area for 2-3 hours after application, while you wait for the product to dry.

Review

This ULD BP-100 Fogging Concentrate is one of those rare fogger insecticides made for use indoors and outdoors. BASF Pest Control Solutions, a company that creates different pest management solutions for both professional and amateur users, makes this product. They want everyone to be able to enjoy a pest-free home and yard.

The active ingredients that make this particular insecticide so efficient are pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. The first is a pesticide that is extremely toxic to insects like mosquitoes, moths, ants, etc. The second is an organic compound that boosts the efficiency of pyrethrins. This makes them act quicker and be even be more deadly to insects. Because the whole solution consists of 1% pyrethrins and 5% piperonyl butoxide, it is potent enough to continue working 2-3 weeks after application. It will not be toxic to humans or pets once it has dried, making it safe to use in your home or any other common use areas.

This solution is safe to use in your backyard, garden, and other outdoor areas. You can also use it indoors, around your house and even in food handling areas like the kitchen. These areas often are full of pests and this insecticide will help you get rid of them! The one-gallon (3.8-liter) jug will last you a long time. This means that you will not have to go to the store to buy a new bottle of this insecticide every three weeks or so.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: No, the concentrate needs to be diluted with white mineral oil.
  • Active Ingredients: Pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide
  • Lasts: 2-3 weeks
  • Wait Time After Fogging: At least 2 hours
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, flies, bedbugs, fleas, etc.
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Indoors and outdoors
7

Vet-Kem Siphotrol Yard Spray

A SPRAY-TYPE SOLUTION FOR MOSQUITOES
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • It is only for outdoors use, so it will not be useful if you need a product for indoor use.
  • If you need to treat an area that is larger than 5,000 sq. feet (464 sq. meters) then you will need more than one bottle of this solution.

Review

This Vet-Kem Siphotrol Yard Spray is a veterinarian-approved insecticide. Not only great at repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects, it also works on pests like ticks and fleas to help your pets can get rid of them easier. The manufacturer for this insecticide, as you may have guessed, is a company called Vet-Kem. This company has been producing different insect control products for more than 25 years. They want to protect both you and your pets from insects and pests.

Permethrin which is the active ingredient in this insecticide. This pyrethroid-family insecticide works by affecting the nervous system of the insects, causing paralysis and death. That is why it is most often used in most mosquito control programs because it kills the mosquitoes on the spot. Because this insecticide contains 2.5% permethrin, the fogging insecticide is capable of killing everything from mosquitoes to crickets and beetles. It will continue doing so for four weeks after application. But, it will not be harmful to humans or pets after it is dry, ensuring that your area is pest-free but not pet-free.

On top of that, because the solution comes ready-to-use, you will be able to treat an area of up to 5,000 sq. feet (464 sq. meters) with one 32-oz. (946-ml) bottle. You can use this product with the applicator that comes with the bottle. Or you can pour it into a ULV fogger and apply this best-insecticide-worthy solution that way. Either way, it will get the job done and your outdoor spaces will finally be mosquito-free!

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: Yes
  • Active Ingredients: Permethrin
  • Lasts: Up to 4 weeks
  • Wait Time After Fogging: Until dry
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, ants, spider mites, worms, etc.
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors
8

Monterey Garden Insect Spray

GREAT FOR USE ON GARDEN INSECTS
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • This spinosad insecticide is for outdoor use only, so do not use it to treat your house, garage, etc.
  • You must dilute this product with water before use, which can be inconvenient for some.

Review

From Monterey Lawn & Garden Products, this Monterey Garden Insect Spray is a very interesting product. Not only is it an efficient mosquito poison but it also will fight different garden pests that can harm your garden and limit your yield.

Since this is a spinosad-based insecticide, we can call it an organic fogging insecticide. Spinosad is a natural substance made by a bacterium found in soil. While it is organic, it is also extremely toxic to most insects, including mosquitoes, ants, spider mites, and so on. It does not stop there, though, because spinosad can also kill pests like leaf miners, caterpillars, and other common garden bugs. It even works on broadleaf weeds! This product will be perfect to use not only in your backyard but also in your garden and on your fruit trees. Then, once autumn comes round, you will be able to enjoy your fruit and vegetable harvest to the fullest.

This particular product is organic and still so efficient. Another great aspect is that it does not leave any odor or residue behind in the fogged area. This means that you will not notice the spinosad insecticide working. But it will still act fast and continue doing so for several days. It can even work for a couple of weeks, depending on how often you treat the area with this insecticide. This insecticide could be the best insecticide for people with gardens. That is because it will not be toxic to you, your pets, or most beneficial insects like bees. It will simply let you get rid of only the pests that bother you.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: No, the concentrate needs to be diluted with water.
  • Active Ingredients: Spinosad
  • Lasts: Up to 7 days
  • Wait Time After Fogging: Until dry
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, fire ants, beetles, leaf miners, Colorado potato beetles, etc.
  • Organic: Yes
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors
9

Mediclean X-590 Insecticide

ALL-IN-ONE INSECTICIDE AND FUNGICIDE
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • If you only need an insecticide, with no need for the other things that this solution fights, then you should probably opt for a regular insecticide.
  • All the active ingredients are chemicals, so this is not an organic product.

Review

We are nearing the end of this list of the best fogger insecticides. But do not fear! There are still some great products to tell you about. This ProRestore Mediclean X-590 insecticide is a systemic insecticide. It aims not only to kill insects but has many other uses, making it both unique and versatile.

This insecticide not only kills pests but also is able to kill fungi and bacteria as well as different odors. So, you could call it an all-in-one insecticide, fungicide, bactericide, and deodorant! This one mosquito fogger liquid can do all this thanks to the active ingredients that the manufacturer, ProRestore, has included. There are five active ingredients. O-phenylphenol is an efficient agricultural fungicide. Diisobutylphenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate is an antiseptic that fights not only fungi but also bacteria and mold. N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide and piperonyl butoxide are boosters that make pyrethroid family ingredients more efficient. Pyrethrins are a pyrethroid compound commonly used in insecticides. They are often used in ULV foggers because they efficiently kill pests by paralyzing them, afterward causing death.

So, you can use this liquid to kill unwanted insects and pests. But it will also attack fungi, mold, and those other unpleasant things that are common in outdoor and indoor areas. After you have treated the designated area, you should wait 20-30 minutes for the solution to dry and start working. Then you can reenter the area and use it as before. The effects last up to six months, meaning that you will only have to apply this insecticide twice a year to live an insect-, fungi-, mold- and odor-free life.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: Yes
  • Active Ingredients: O-phenylphenol, diisobutylphenoxyethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, n-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide, piperonyl butoxide, and pyrethrins
  • Lasts: Up to 6 months
  • Wait Time After Fogging: 10-20 minutes
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, flies, bedbugs, fleas, roaches, etc.
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Indoors and outdoors
10

Repel Fogging Insecticide

GOOD FOR SMALLER AREAS
fogger insecticide
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What we like:

What we don't like:

  • This product is meant for outdoor use only, so it not recommended for indoor use.
  • The effects last only about six hours, so it will not be as good for longer parties or events.

Review

If you need a mosquito fogger liquid that is ready-to-use and that will deliver great results for several hours, you might want to check out this Repel Fogging Insecticide. The Minneapolis-based McLaughlin Gormley King Company (MGK, for short) manufactures this product, but the Fountainhead Group, Inc. is in charge of distribution.

With a formula that is similar to the previously mentioned Black Flag Fogging Insecticide, this best insecticide also has two main active ingredients: d-phenothrin and piperonyl butoxide. The first acts as a neurotoxin affecting the insects’ nervous systems to kill them while the second act as an enhancer. It helps the insecticide be more potent and, therefore, more efficient. Since both of these substances make up only 0.15% of the whole solution each, they are strong enough to kill most insects without harming humans or pets.

The insecticide will continue working for about six hours after application. This may seem a short time for some, but if you reapply the fogging solution multiple times, it will remain effective for longer. Since this solution is not as potent as some in this list, you will be able to re-enter the treated area less than five minutes after fogging. And you will be completely fine! Moreover, you will not need to mix this product with water, making it easier to use. It leaves no residue or smell in the treated area. So, you will get to enjoy your mosquito-free outdoor area right after you have finished treating it with this Repel Fogging Insecticide.

Specifications:

  • Ready to Use: Yes
  • Active Ingredients: d-Phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide
  • Lasts: Up to 6 hours
  • Wait Time After Fogging: Just 5 minutes
  • Target Pests: Mosquitoes, biting flies, etc.
  • Organic: No
  • Scent: No
  • Pet-Safe: Yes, after drying
  • Use: Outdoors

About Mosquitoes

Unfortunately, many of us know mosquitoes all too well. These blood-sucking pests can completely ruin a backyard barbecue, hike, or camping trip. They can even find their way into your house and interfere with your ability to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Their constant hovering, buzzing, and irritating, itchy bites are enough to drive even the most patient individuals to the brink of insanity. And that’s not all! Mosquitoes carry some of the world’s most dangerous infectious diseases. These include malaria, the Ross River virus, the West Nile virus, dengue fever, and the Zika virus. They can transmit all of these to us humans as they feed on our blood.

Mosquitoes seem to have an almost freakish ability to find us and the human blood that they crave. We attract them with the warmth of our bodies and the smell of carbon dioxide and other natural secretions emitted by our skin, among other things. Even though they have a short lifespan of only 2-3 weeks, mosquitoes breed very quickly. Most females will lay many hundreds of eggs and spawn large numbers of offspring in a very short of time.

They need water to reproduce, so some potential nesting areas for mosquitoes include streams, ponds, creeks, swimming pools, buckets of water, planters, birdbaths, fish ponds, shrubs, and trees.

Using Mosquito Foggers for Mosquito Control

When it comes to protecting ourselves from mosquitoes during the warmer months, most of us think no further than applying some mosquito repellent to our skin. While effective enough as a short-term solution, there is a far more effective way to control mosquitoes. This is to cut them off at the source.

Mosquito fogger spraying insecticide

FOTOAMP/Shutterstock.com

Mosquito foggers do just that. These devices disperse insecticide in the areas that mosquitoes congregate and breed. The insecticide appears in the form of a mist or fog of small droplets with the chemical inside it. The mosquitoes that come in contact with the poisonous insecticide are killed, often instantly. Foggers can discharge their contents directly onto foliage and lawns. If sprayed in the air, they allow the product to land on those surfaces indirectly.

Mosquitoes are most active during in the early morning and late afternoon, so fogging is most effective when done at those times.

Foggers are the devices of choice for pest control professionals when regulating mosquito populations.

Types of Foggers

There are two main types of mosquito fogger: thermal and electric. Thermal foggers use heating coils to convert an insecticide from a liquid into a mist or fog. They are ideal for use in outdoor areas like large yards, patios, and so on. These devices are capable of operating using only a small butane gas cylinder, which makes them very portable and versatile. But, be sure not to use them in enclosed spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation! Electrical foggers, on the other hand, run on electricity. They use this to transform the fogging liquid into a fine mist that they then disperse into the surrounding air.

The Insecticides Used in Mosquito Foggers

Whether thermal or electrical, mosquito foggers use mosquito control insecticides to work. There are many different types of insecticide on the market and quality foggers tend to be compatible with most of them. You can purchase most of these products at home and garden stores. Even though prices vary considerably, most should be pretty affordable.

Generally speaking, these chemicals are divided into two types: residual and non-residual.

Residual Chemicals

Due to the chemical residue they leave, it is not a good idea to use residual chemicals outdoors because of the effect they have on other wildlife. They are more suited to indoor applications.

Non-Residual Chemicals

For outdoor applications, you should look for non-residual pesticides. Fogging with these chemicals is similar to going over your garden with a large can of mosquito spray. With a mosquito fogger, you can apply this type of insecticide to large stretches of land. These mosquito-infested areas can include foliage, lawns, and gardens. Or you can simply spray it directly into the air.

Unlike their residual counterparts, non-residual insecticides have a much shorter half-life. This means that their potency rapidly decreases after application, resulting in much less impact on other wildlife. When applied directly to your foliage or lawn, the insecticide will continue to work for several days before being broken down, by rain in particular. When released into the air, it is usually only effective for a few hours before becoming too diffuse to be effective.

Mosquito Foggers Insecticides: Common Active Ingredients

Below, you will find two of the most popular insecticide ingredients used in fogging applications. (These are also available in handheld mosquito sprays.)

  • Malathion: This is an organophosphate that is often used to spray crops as well as in mosquito fogging devices. You can spray it directly on vegetation where you know the mosquitoes dwell. You can also use it in a 5% solution to fog your yard.
  • Permethrin: This is one among many chemicals known as pyrethroids. These chemicals are synthetic replicas of a naturally occurring insecticide found in certain species of the chrysanthemum flower. Generally, you mix these chemicals with oil or water and apply them as a mist.

Both of these ingredients work by interfering with the central nervous system of their target insects. Because they are powerful insecticides, they can also be toxic to fish and small birds. This is something you should bear in mind if you care about the other fauna in your yard. But they are generally safe for humans when applied in the quantities recommended to control mosquitoes. Permethrin is probably a more eco-friendly ingredient than malathion.

Summary

If you need an insecticide for your mosquito fogger – whether thermal, electric, or ULV – that will efficiently kill mosquitoes, ants, flies, fleas, and other insects, then this list of the greatest insecticides is just for you. Each and every one of these solutions is worthy of the title best insecticide, so if you need a fogger insecticide that is efficient, safe, and reliable then all of the ones listed in this article will fit your needs.

24 Comments

Jon

Reply

What are things you should not run through a ULV fogger. I know a lot of people with broad mites, and like to use organic products like Nuke Em, Azamax, Neem, and various essential oils, with a wetting agent.

Thank You!!

    Karen

    Hi Jon,

    To know what type of solutions you can use with your ULV fogger, you should look at the label for your particular fogger and check if the fogger can be used with oil based solutions, water based solutions or both. And then you can find a suitable solution (oil or water based one), that will not only help you get rid of your pest problem, but that will also be organic.
    Best,
    Karen

Louise

Reply

Hi,

Which one would be safe to use around horses?

    Karen

    Hi Louise,
    Experts say, that insecticides in the pyrethrin family (allethrin, resmethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, bifenthrin, Cyfluthrin and such) are the safest for horses. Fallowed by Carbaryl based insecticides. And that you should make sure to avoid organophosphorus insecticide family (insecticides containing malathion, parathion, diazinon, fenthion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, ethion, trichlorfon).

    So from this list I would go with the Vet Kem Pest Control Spray. However, some of the others on the list also could work.
    The key is to check the label of the insecticide you want to use and make sure that it says that it is safe to use around animals and that you know how to use the insecticide.
    Best,
    Karen

Craig

Reply

Hi we have a large swamp/pond by us and cannot enjoy evenings without being attacked by Miskitos I have a large fogger .have you any spray or fluid that will not kill fish or wild fowl to help this situation
Regards

Craig

    Karen

    Hi Craig,
    You can use most of the products in this article, because they are great mosquito killers and won’t be harmful to fish. Although, in general, we usually tell people to avoid spraying the insecticide around water-bodies, and use products like mosquito dunks instead, because the dunks are specially designed to kill mosquito larvae in water but not to harm other wildlife.
    Best,
    Karen

Noah

Reply

I am sorry if this sounds redundant but i have a black flag thermal fogger and i know their solution is oil based. But i am looking for a solution i can use in a thermal fogger that will last longer than 6 hrs. I know you have stated some in your article but was unsure if when you used the term fogger that meant thermal fogger or all foggers?

    Karen

    Hi Noah,
    No worries. I know for a fact that you can use the Black Flag insecticide, the BONIDE Flying Insect Fog, the ExciteR 6% Pyrethrin Pest Control insecticide, the Kontrol 4-4 Mosquito Fogger Chemical, the Repel Fogging Insecticide, the Wondercide Natural yard spray, and the BP 100 Pyrethrin Fogging insecticide with a thermal fogger.
    Best,
    Karen

Stephanie bradley

Reply

Are there any of these that are best for biting midges but won’t harm bees?
Thanks

    Karen

    Hi Stephanie,
    I would suggest you to try the Monterey Garden Insect Spray Concentrate, because it is organic and therefore won’t harm beneficial insects like bees, but it will kill mosquitoes, midges and any other unwelcome pests.
    Best,
    Karen

Patricia

Reply

wondering if there is an actual store where these products are sold – in the Ottawa or Toronto area…..

    Karen

    Patricia,
    I am not sure, as I am not from this area. But I would suggest you to check out your local hardware stores, like Lowe’s and such.
    Best,
    Karen

Carlos

Reply

Hi Karen, I am debating between Kontrol 4-4 Mosquito fogger and the BP 100 Pyrethrin Fogging insecticide. Which one is more effective, aggressive and long lasting to treat mosquitoes, chiggers, and some ants?

    Karen

    The Kontrol 4-4 insecticide is a bit more potent and therefore will be more aggressive since it contains 4.6% Permethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide versus the 2.0% Piperonyl Butoxide, 1.0% Pyrethrins and 2.94% MGK 264 that the BP on contains.

Kenneth Dewayne Miller

Reply

I am ordering a propane fogger to fog the inside of my chicken coop. The mosquitoes seem to like to hang out in there. Is there a good organic solution that won’t harm my birds that can be applied with the fogged?

    Karen

    The most natural insecticide from all those listed in this article is the Wondercide Natural Flea and Tick Yard Spray Concentrate. The active ingredient for this one is Cedar oil, which is completely organic and natural.
    However, know that some say that cedar oil is bad for chickens since they have very sensitive respiratory systems and large concentrations of cedar oil can cause health problems. While others say it is totally okay to use cedar oil in chicken coops as long as you properly ventilate the coop before letting your birds back in it. So I’d recommend you do your own research on cedar oil before using it in your chicken coop.

TJ Ferguson

Reply

Hi we I own a hand held thermol fogger and also a ulv grey hand held fogger with the 18 inch hose. I was wondering if one would work better than the other for mosquito control around our home. We can’t walk outside without getting swarmed and bitten. Also need the best and most potent product to use in either one or for the fogger you recommend. We have woods on one side of our home and open grass field on the other. We also have window wells that I feel are harboring a lot of the mosquitoes. Thank you and we look forward for any help you can give us.

    Karen

    Both foggers will are perfect for home use. However, and ULV fogger can deliver slightly more consistent and thorough results, so I’d suggest you use that one. As for fogging solutions, ExciteR, Riptide and the Vet Kem Spray will be great for getting rid of mosquitoes for up to 4 weeks. While the Mediclean X-590 will let you enjoy a mosquito-free area for months to come. The rest of the solutions are a little less potent and therefore don’t last that long. However, the upside is that they are a bit more natural and not as harmful to the environment and the creatures living in it, especially fish and bees.

Sully

Reply

what would be good to use for a DIY fogger solution for a propane fogger, to kill termites?

    Karen

    In my opinion, foggers in general are not the best choice when dealing with termites. As for other methods, you should read the article we’ve written.

David

Reply

Hello,
Purchasing a Burgess fogger. Seems all the insecticides say “outdoor” use only. My detached garage appears to be the mosquito rendezvous, where they plan their assaults on our family. Nothing living in there except the mosquitos and some mice. Is there any unknown harm I would do by fogging inside the garage? Thanks.

    InsectCop

    Hi, most insecticides are toxic, which is why you shouldn’t use them indoors. I guess, if no one ever goes there and you protect yourself from inhaling the fumes during application, that risk might be eliminated at some extent. However, we still highly suggest you not to try this! Still, one that can be used indoors is LD BP-100 Fogging Concentrate, just make sure to follow the product label if you choose to use it. Lastly, you also need to remember that if you’re getting a propane fogger, it is considered to be a fire hazard when used indoors. Which is another reason not to do this!

Margaret Duckworth

Reply

Noticed on back yard sprays, you did not mention “Talstar”. Have been using this (and feeling bad about bees!) for three years; I have a true case of “tick-a-phobia” , since my daughter in law’s mother died of ehrliciosis (spelling?) Southern States recommended this product. Should I change to something else?
I live in Virginia and am an inveterate gardener.
Thank you for you researched advice.

    InsectCop

    We’re glad to hear you’re willing to protect the bees from harm! If you have bees visiting the treated area, Talstar would probably not be the best option since it truly is, as also stated on the label, highly toxic to them. If you’re willing to switch it up, we would highly suggest trying out Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray .

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