Fog with an Insecticide
Using a fogging machine or "fogger" to disperse insecticides should only be performed while practicing specific safety precautions. Wet fogging is meant to take a liquid insecticide and disperse it into the air in the form of fine microparticles. There is still another form of fogging called dry fogging where a liquid insecticide is heated within the machine and dispersed in the form of a dry smoke. This article will focus on wet fogging. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Preparation within the structure to be fogged is critical. Windows should be closed, all fans off, food stuffs properly covered or removed, pets removed, including fish unless the tank is covered tightly with plastic and any incoming fresh air tubes to the tank are shut off. Cloth furniture should be covered and bed linens stripped if these rooms are to be fogged. Warning notices should be posted on outside doors explaining that no one should enter the structure until a specific time, which should be at least 3 to 4 hours after the operation and include a phone number and contact person. Once entered, the structure should be aired out immediately to be certain that any remaining insecticide in the air is dispersed. You may even choose to call your local police or fire department just to inform them that you will be performing a fogging in case a concerned neighbor sees the mist in the air and calls them thinking there is a fire.
2. With safety glasses, rubber gloves, hooded painters suit and respirator on, pour your insecticides into the fogging machine following all instructions set forth by the chemical manfacturer, and familiarize yourself with the settings of the machine before ever turning it on. Also, make sure you have plenty of extension cord ready if you are using an electric fogger.
3. Plan your movements before actually fogging and do a "dry run" from start to finish being sure to end where you are able to just walk right out of the door to the outside. If you are using an electric fogger, consider the electrical outlet(s) you will be using. You really don't want to have to walk to the other end of the structure through the airborne insecticide to unplug the fogger upon completion. Also have additional insecticide ready in case you need to refill at any time. Best to refill outdoors so you can take your time and be out of the fogged environment.
4. With all your safety gear on including rubber sole shoes do a final check that all is well and everyone is out, fans are off, windows are closed and pets have been removed. Once you start fogging, you will not have time to do this since you will be working quickly and it is never wise to remain in the fogged environment any longer than necessary.
5. Turn the fogger on and start out with a setting at the lowest level turning it up higher as needed. The object is for the mist to travel straight ahead in a volume and speed that will hit your your target area with good penetration but not so great a of volume and speed that it bounces right back at you. Aim the fogger in front of you from around waist level rather than aiming it up high towards the ceiling. The mist will automatically rise up, hit the ceiling and then bounce back down again. A light fog works just as well as a heavy soaking and you should "always" be able to see around you. If you cannot, the mist is way too heavy.
6. Don't let the nose of the fogger, where the chemicals are being dispersed from, be closer than three feet from any object such as a wall, door, piece of furniture or anything else. The chemical is dispersed wet and when too close to an object you will certainly give it an oily wetdown. The goal is to move quickly, obtain proper penetration while keeping the fogger nose at a safe distance from anything, always maintaining a fine mist treatment rather than a soaking.
7. Work your way out of the structure and close the door behind you. Make sure that the proper warning notices are posted on the outer doors so no one will enter. Store the fogger and insecticides properly and safely. Remove your painter's suit and store away, maybe in a plastic bag. You don't want to mix it in with the everyday wash.
8. Enter the structure after the specified time has expired and you may air out by opening windows, using fans and also perform a general cleaning of the floors or where needed. By this time, people and pets can safely re-enter the structure.
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