If you have a cockroach problem in your home, you might be tempted to use a fogger, also known as a bug bomb, to get rid of them. However, before you buy and use one of these products, you should know that they are largely ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Foggers Don't Reach Where Cockroaches Hide

Cockroaches are notorious for hiding in hard-to-reach places, such as behind walls, under appliances, cabinets, and electronics. These places are often inaccessible to the aerosol propellants of foggers, which means that only a tiny percentage of the cockroaches in your home will be exposed to the pesticide. 

Foggers Leave Harmful Residues

Foggers coat your home with pesticides, posing health risks to you, your family, and your pets. These residues can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Some pesticide exposure symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Foggers are Flammable

Most foggers contain highly flammable ingredients in addition to the pesticide. This means that they can cause fires. You should turn off all ignition sources in the home before using foggers — and don’t use more foggers than necessary for the space. 

Why You Should Hire Pest Control Services Instead

Because foggers are ineffective and unsafe, hire a professional pest control service to inspect your home, identify the source and extent of the infestation, and apply appropriate targeted and safe treatments. Pest control professionals have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to deal with cockroaches effectively and efficiently. 

The Treatments Used by Pest Control Companies

Pest control services typically use a variety of treatments to eliminate cockroaches. These may include bait stations, insecticides, and sprays. Bait stations are commonly used because cockroaches will share bait they consume with other cockroaches. However, pest control services can also eliminate cockroaches by spraying insecticides in key areas in your home as well. However, the specific treatments used may vary. 

Preventative Measures

In addition to treatment, taking preventative measures to make your home less hospitable to cockroaches, such as keeping food sealed and disposing of trash promptly, is important. Pest control services advise you on preventing future infestations by removing food sources, sealing cracks and gaps, and using traps and baits.

Cockroaches are a health hazard. They can carry and spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause various other problems. Therefore, it's important to make sure that you have the problem taken care of as soon as possible.

To learn more, contact a pest control service in your area.