Fogging and fumigation are two forms of pest control that are similar in nature. Both of them involve the use of an insecticide or chemical solution that is aerosolized and applied to a given area using a smoke or fog machine.
It is very important to understand how fumigation is different from fogging to help you to identify which solution you require for your pest problem.
| Fumigation | Fogging | |
| Environment | Impossible to do fumigation in open air | Can be done in an open environment |
| Effectiveness | Better at combating stored product insects | Better for getting rid of flying insects |
| Chemicals used | Uses toxic chemicals that have an adverse effect on humans, if not the environment. | Chemicals used poses little-to-no adverse effects on people’s health. |
On environment
Fogging can be done in an open environment since it does not involve harmful chemicals.
Fumigation is done in areas being treated enclosed and sealed air-tight. Aside from that, post fumigation entails thorough cleaning to be done to the surfaces of the treated area to remove the residue left behind by the chemicals.
Efficacy on insects
As hot vapor can be used to keep the chemical solution airborne for a longer period of time, fogging is better for getting rid of flying insects like adult mosquitoes and flies. This ensures a thorough bout of pest control in an infested area.
Since fumigant gas penetrates deep into structures, going through cracks and crevices, fumigation is much better at combating stored product insects and other hard-to-reach pests such as termites. Given that an area being treated will be enclosed, fumigation can be considered a more concentrated and thorough pest control method.
Toxicity of chemicals used
One of the biggest differences between fogging and fumigation is the chemicals that they use. Fumigation always involves the use of toxic chemicals that have an adverse effect on humans, if not the environment. For example, formaldehyde solutions of varying compositions (e.g. formaldehyde + potassium permanganate) are commonly used.
Formaldehyde is known to be a carcinogenic substance. Aside from that, exposure to the fumes produced by this chemical can irritate the eyes, nose, and cause nausea and headaches. Methyl bromide is another chemical solution that was widely used for fumigation. However, it was eventually banned by the ‘Montreal Protocol’ due to the chemical’s role in ozone depletion.
Meanwhile, fogging uses a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and silver ion solution to control pests and contaminations. In contrast with fumigation, fogging poses little-to-no adverse effects on people’s health. This makes it safe for the pest-control personnel who are going to be exposed to the fog.
Best bet between fogging vs fumigation
Nowadays, fogging is used more than fumigation as formaldehyde used in fumigation process are carcinogenic. From the above, personnel handling fogging equipment pose little risk in comparison to fumigation.
By now I believe you are enlightened on what differentiates fumigation from fogging. Consider preferring the later in case you need the service in Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega Kenya. You can contact us for professional pest control related queries on 0721867339 or email sales@firstclasscleaning.co.ke
