Do bug foggers work on mice?

Bug foggers, also known as total release foggers or bug bombs, are pesticide products designed to fill an area with insecticide and kill cockroaches, fleas, and other household pests. However, foggers are not labeled for use against mice and rats. So do bug foggers work on mice? The short answer is no, bug foggers are not effective against mice.

How do bug foggers work?

Bug foggers or total release foggers work by dispersing a fine mist of pesticides into the air of a contained space. They are designed to reach cracks, crevices, and hard-to-reach places where bugs may be hiding. The foggers release pesticides as a gas that spreads throughout the room, killing exposed insects through contact.

Foggers contain pesticides like pyrethrins, pyrethroids, and methoprene that are toxic to common household insects and arachnids. When activated, the foggers vaporize these chemicals into a fine mist that blankets the room at floor level and permeates nooks and crannies. Bugs that come into contact with the pesticide fog will absorb it through their outer shell or exoskeleton and die. The fog can linger for hours, continuing to kill bugs as they come into contact with the toxic mist.

Why bug foggers do not work on mice

While bug foggers are effective against insects, they do not work against mice and rats. There are a few reasons why:

• Foggers do not produce a high enough concentration of pesticide to be lethal to mice and rats. The fine mist is diluted as it spreads through the air.
• Mice and rats have fur and skin that protect them from dermal absorption of the pesticide fog. Insects have porous, permeable exoskeletons.
• Rodents can detect the fine mist and avoid it by hiding in enclosed nesting areas. Insects are more exposed.
• Foggers are designed to kill small insects and arachnids. The pesticides are formulated specifically for bugs, not mammals.
• Mice and rats have larger bodies and faster metabolisms that make it more difficult for pesticides to have an effect.

For these reasons, the application method and pesticide ingredients in total release foggers are not optimized to effectively control rodent populations. The fog may kill some mice or rats that are directly exposed, but it will not eliminate an infestation. Alternate rodent control methods are required.

Using Foggers Safely and Effectively

While foggers won’t get rid of mice, they can still eliminate insect pests when used properly. Here are some tips for safe and effective use of total release bug foggers:

• Always read and follow label directions carefully.
• Remove pets and people before activating foggers – evacuate the area for 2-4 hours.
• Remove or cover exposed food, dishes, utensils.
• Remove foggers that haven’t discharged completely – don’t reuse.
• Ventilate treated areas when re-entering – open doors and windows.
• Use when and where recommended – enclosed spaces, attics, basements, etc.
• Wear protective equipment when handling and cleaning up afterwards.
• Dispose of spent foggers properly according to label instructions.
• Use the appropriate number of foggers for the space size.
• Repeat application if needed after label specified time.

Following instructions carefully is crucial for safe pesticide use and to avoid issues like pesticide exposure, fire hazards, or ineffective treatment.

Alternatives to Bug Foggers for Mice

Instead of foggers, use these proven methods to get rid of mice:

Mouse Traps

Trapping is the most common and effective way to eliminate a mouse infestation. Mouse traps can be simple wooden snap traps, live traps, or electronic traps. Bait traps with peanut butter, cheese, or dried fruit. Set traps along baseboards, in dark corners, and anywhere mouse droppings or activity are seen. Check and empty traps daily.

Rodenticide Baits

Rodenticide baits contain poisons like bromethalin, warfarin, and cholecalciferol that mice ingest while gnawing. They are formulated to be appealing to rodents. Place bait stations along walls or in confined spaces mice travel. Use bait stations to prevent access to children and pets. It may take 5-7 days of feeding for baits to accumulate in the body and be lethal.

Natural Predators

Cats, dogs, owls, and snakes hunt mice for prey. Having natural predators around can help limit mouse populations. Make sure pet food isn’t left out to attract mice. Install owl boxes or snake boxes to provide habitat for natural mousers to live and hunt.

Seal Entry Points

Mice use small holes and gaps to gain entry into buildings. Seal cracks wider than 1/4-inch with caulk, foam sealant, hardware cloth, or metal kick plates. Use weatherstripping under doors and seal utility openings. Help prevent access and infestation.

Sanitation and Storage

Eliminate clutter and food sources to help repel mice. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Store food like pet food or bird seed in sealed metal or glass containers to deny access. Remove potential nesting sites like debris piles, mulch, and vegetation.

Using Rodenticides Safely

If using rodenticide baits, follow these precautions and directions:

• Purchase bait products intended and labeled for mice control.
• Review and understand the product label thoroughly before use.
• Follow all label instructions regarding application sites, bait stations, gloves, warnings.
• Keep baits in tamper-resistant bait stations inaccessible to children and pets.
• Wear waterproof gloves when handling baits.
• Dispose of bait stations and unused bait properly after treatment is complete.
• Use baits for limited time period according to label.
• Look for signs of poisoning and call poison control if they occur.

Rodent baits are an effective treatment but require cautious use and strict adherence to the label. Improper use can pose risks of unintended poisoning, so follow all directions. If unsure, consult a professional pest control service.

Conclusion

Bug foggers or total release foggers are not effective against mice and rats. The pesticide mist they dispense is not formulated or concentrated enough to control rodents. Foggers are specifically designed to kill insects like roaches, fleas, and ticks through contact with the fog. Mice can detect and avoid the mist, plus they have natural protections and tolerances that prevent the pesticides from working. Don’t rely on foggers to solve a mouse problem. Instead use traps, rodenticide baits, natural predators, sealing, and sanitation to get rid of mice safely and successfully. When used properly according to label directions, foggers can kill insect pests, but alternative methods are required for mice control and elimination.