Bug Fogger Guide
Bug Fogger: Professional Invatech Backpack Foggers for Complete Pest Control
Table of Contents: Professional Bug Foggers
Key Takeaways: Professional Bug Foggers
Quick reference guide covering essential facts about bug foggers and pest control strategies.
Professional bug foggers eliminate mosquitoes, flies, wasps, spiders, gnats, moths, and other yard pests with a single application method.
Invatech foggers ($369-$399) pay for themselves in one season versus professional pest control ($500-$1000+ annually).
Peak season every 7 days; shoulder seasons every 10-14 days; winter every 21-30 days maintains continuous pest control.
868 for quarter-acres, 870 for typical yards, 915 for large properties. One-time purchase covers all seasonal needs.
Apply early morning (before 6 AM) or evening (after 6 PM). ULV technology uses minimal pesticide for safe family and pet use.
ULV droplets penetrate vegetation, killing insects on contact and providing extended protection through residual activity.
Fine 5-10 micron droplets reach dense vegetation, tree canopies, and ground-level resting sites where pests hide during day.
Common Yard Pests Controlled by Bug Foggers
Professional bug foggers eliminate diverse pest species that plague residential and commercial properties. Understanding target pests helps optimize fogging schedules.
Flying Insect Pests
Mosquitoes
Disease vectors including Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles species. Transmit West Nile Virus, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Peak season June-September requires weekly fogging.
- Most active at dawn and dusk
- Breed in standing water
- Aggressive biters seeking blood meals
- Spread serious diseases to humans and animals
Flies
House flies, fruit flies, and stable flies create sanitation problems, contaminate food, and cause property damage. ULV foggers provide quick knockdown and residual control.
- Attract to decomposing organic matter
- Spread bacteria and disease organisms
- Reproduce rapidly in warm weather
- Require frequent application in peak season
Wasps and Hornets
Aggressive stinging insects that threaten family safety and outdoor enjoyment. Professional fogging eliminates nests and flying adults.
- Build paper nests in eaves, trees, vegetation
- Defend nests aggressively with painful stings
- Peak activity July-September
- Eliminate with ULV applications targeting vegetation
Gnats and Midges
Tiny biting insects that swarm at dawn/dusk, creating discomfort and property nuisance. Difficult to control without professional equipment.
- Breed in moist soil and vegetation
- Swarm around outdoor seating areas
- Require regular fogging during warm months
- Respond well to ULV applications
Moths
Nocturnal insects attracted to lights, damage outdoor fabrics, and indicate pest pressure. Evening fogging controls adult populations.
- Attracted to outdoor lights
- Larvae damage plants and stored goods
- Most active spring through fall
- Evening fogging eliminates flying adults
Resting Insect Pests
Spiders
While spiders provide beneficial pest control, excessive populations indicate high pest pressure. Fogging controls spider populations indirectly through food source elimination.
- Prey on flying and crawling insects
- Build unsightly webs on structures
- High populations indicate pest problem
- Control through host insect reduction
Resting Flies and Mosquitoes
Daytime resting on vegetation and structures. Barrier applications targeting foliage provide extended protection.
- Rest on ornamental vegetation during day
- Hide in tree canopies and shrubs
- Require targeted foliage application
- Provide 7-14 day residual control
ULV Fogger Technology: How It Works
The ULV Process
Professional ULV backpack foggers use motorized fan systems creating high-velocity air streams. Pesticide concentrate is drawn into a venturi chamber and atomized into extremely fine droplets.
Droplet characteristics:
- Size: 5-10 microns (1/100th the size of barrier droplets)
- Float time: Remain airborne for several minutes
- Coverage: Penetrate dense vegetation and canopy
- Contact: Kill insects on direct impact
- Residual: Persist on foliage 7-14 days
- Quantity: Less than 3 ounces per acre
Why ULV Technology Outperforms Alternatives
Superior Coverage: ULV droplets penetrate vegetation depth where pests rest, unlike surface-level applications
Extended Protection: Residual activity continues killing newly emerged pests throughout protection period
Minimal Pesticide: Less than 3 ounces per acre—far lower concentration than barrier sprayers
Efficient Application: 1-2 acres per hour coverage without requiring multiple fills
Proven Effectiveness: EPA-approved technology used by professional pest control companies nationwide
Professional Bug Fogger Models: Invatech Equipment
Invatech backpack foggers represent the professional standard for residential and commercial pest control. Three models serve different property sizes and application needs.
Invatech 868: Compact Bug Fogger
Best for: Small properties (quarter-acre), condos, townhomes, first-time users
- 4L tank capacity
- Quarter-acre coverage per tank
- Lightweight portable design (under 10 lbs)
- Professional ULV output
- Price: $369
Perfect entry-level choice for small residential properties. Invatech 868 delivers professional-grade pest control without excessive capacity or weight for smaller yards.
Buy 868 FoggerInvatech 870: Standard Property Bug Fogger
Best for: Typical residential yards (half-acre), suburban properties, regular fogging schedules
- 4-5L tank capacity
- Half-acre coverage per tank
- Balanced weight and power for extended use
- Reliable performance in summer heat
- Price: $389
Most popular model for suburban homeowners. Invatech 870 balances tank capacity with weight for comfortable use during frequent pest control throughout warm seasons.
Buy 870 FoggerInvatech 915: Professional Heavy-Duty Bug Fogger
Best for: Large properties (1+ acres), multiple treatments without refilling, commercial use
- 16L tank capacity (largest available)
- 2 acres per hour coverage
- 63.3cc professional-grade engine
- 4,200+ CFM air output
- Price: $399
Professional-grade equipment for demanding applications. Invatech 915 is preferred by pest control operators and large residential properties where frequent refilling would be impractical.
Buy 915 FoggerProfessional Bug Fogger Application Methods
Pre-Fogging Preparation
- Inspect equipment for leaks and proper operation
- Pre-mix pesticide concentrate with water per label directions
- Wear protective equipment: gloves, safety glasses, respiratory mask
- Remove children and pets from treatment area
- Plan systematic coverage pattern for entire property
- Check weather: apply during calm conditions, early morning or evening
- Identify pest hotspots: vegetation where pests congregate
ULV Fogging Technique
Application steps:
- Start at property perimeter, work systematically toward center
- Apply fog to all vegetation: tree lines, shrubs, ornamental plants
- Direct nozzle upward into vegetation where pests rest
- Use slow, deliberate sweeping motions for even coverage
- Apply 1-3 seconds of fog per cubic yard of space
- Back away from treated area as fog settles
- Treat fence lines, corner vegetation, and perimeter plantings
- Don't rush—complete coverage is essential for maximum pest control
Barrier Application for Resting Insects
Target specific zones where pests rest during daytime. Apply spray directly to foliage, avoiding sensitive flowering plants and lawn areas.
Best practices:
- Apply to ornamental foliage and tree lines
- Target eaves, soffits, and vegetation where insects shelter
- Spray foundation walls and fence lines if permitted
- Avoid flowering plants, vegetables, and lawn grass
- Provides 7-14 day residual protection with proper coverage
Safety During Application
Critical safety protocols:
- Apply during early morning (before 6 AM) or evening (after 6 PM)
- Keep families and pets indoors during application and 15 minutes after
- Allow 30-60 minutes for product to settle before outdoor activities
- Wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and respiratory protection
- Follow all EPA label directions precisely
- Store pesticides safely away from children and pets
- Never apply during rain or high wind
Seasonal Bug Fogging Schedule
Professional pest control follows seasonal patterns matching insect population growth, breeding cycles, and environmental conditions.
Peak Pest Season: June-August
Peak season demands aggressive fogging schedules. Warm temperatures (80-95°F), high humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms create ideal breeding conditions. Multiple insect generations develop simultaneously.
Peak season schedule:
- Fog every 7 days throughout June-August
- After heavy rainfall (2+ inches), respray within 48 hours
- Apply during early morning (before 6 AM) for best results
- Combine fogging with source elimination (remove standing water, trim vegetation)
- Monitor for pest activity in your area
Shoulder Seasons: May, September-October
Spring and fall require every-10-14-day fogging as temperatures and rainfall patterns drive moderate pest activity. Transition periods between peak and dormant seasons.
Mild Winter: November-April
Winter activity varies by region. In mild climates (Florida, Texas, Southern California), fog every 21-30 days to maintain control. In colder regions, winter activity drops significantly with every-3-4 week fogging or seasonal suspension.
Safety and Health Protection
Safe Application for Families and Pets
EPA-Approved Methods: ULV applications are safe when applied following label directions. Minimal pesticide concentration ensures family and pet safety.
Application Timing: Early morning (before 6 AM) or evening (after 6 PM) when families are indoors and children are not in yard.
Settling Time: Allow 30-60 minutes for product to settle before outdoor activities resume.
Pet Safety: Keep pets indoors during application. No special precautions needed after settling period.
Protective Equipment Requirements
- Long sleeves and pants
- Closed-toe shoes and socks
- Gloves (nitrile or similar)
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved mask)
- Hat or head covering
Bug Fogger Equipment Comparison
| Fogger Type | Coverage | Residual | Tank Size | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invatech 868 | Quarter-acre | 7-14 days | 4L | $369 | Small properties |
| Invatech 870 | Half-acre | 7-14 days | 4-5L | $389 | Typical yards |
| Invatech 915 | 1-2 acres | 7-14 days | 16L | $399 | Large properties |
| Professional Services | Varies | 7-10 days | N/A | $60-100/app | No ownership |
| Handheld Aerosol | Small patio | None | 16 oz | $15-25 | Emergency only |
Cost savings: Professional pest control services charge $60-100 per application or $500-1000+ annually. Invatech foggers pay for themselves within first season while providing superior pest protection. Equipment lasts 5+ years with proper maintenance.
Compatible Pesticide Solutions for Bug Foggers
EPA-approved pesticide solutions for professional bug foggers provide reliable multi-pest control. Choose products proven effective against all common yard pests.
Recommended Broad-Spectrum Solutions
- Talstar P (Bifenthrin): 1-1.5oz/gallon for ULV. Industry standard. 14-21 day residual. Effective against mosquitoes, flies, wasps, gnats, and other pests.
- Permethrin: 1-2oz/gallon. Fast knockdown. 10-14 day residual. Excellent for summer peak season multi-pest control.
- Cypermethrin (Demon WP): Professional choice for broad pest spectrum. Good humidity tolerance. 10-14 day residual.
- Bifen IT (Bifenthrin): Alternative to Talstar P. Excellent heat stability. Good rotation option for resistance management.
- Natural Pyrethrins: Organic option for sensitive areas. 5-7 day residual. Broader pest spectrum than synthetic alternatives.
Application tips: Mix concentrate with water according to label directions. Start with recommended dilution rates. Plan reapplication every 7-14 days in peak season. After heavy rain, reapply within 48 hours to maintain continuous protection.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bug Foggers
What insects does a bug fogger kill?
Professional bug foggers eliminate mosquitoes, flies, wasps, spiders, gnats, moths, and other flying and resting insects. Broad-spectrum pesticides and ULV technology provide complete yard pest control with single applications.
How often should I fog for bugs?
Peak season (June-August) requires every 7 days; shoulder seasons (May, September-October) every 10-14 days; winter (November-April) every 21-30 days. After heavy rain (2+ inches), respray within 48 hours to maintain protection.
Is bug fogging safe for families and pets?
Yes. EPA-approved products are safe when applied following label directions. Apply early morning or evening when families are indoors. Allow 30-60 minutes for product to settle. No special precautions needed for pets after settling period.
How long does bug fogger treatment last?
Professional bug foggers provide 7-14 day residual control depending on weather, pest type, and pesticide used. High heat and humidity reduce residual period. Heavy rainfall requires reapplication. Peak season needs weekly applications.
Can I use bug fogger in rain?
No. Never apply bug foggers during rain or heavy wind. Rainfall washes off pesticide before reaching pests. Wind disperses fine droplets away from target area. Apply only during calm conditions, early morning or evening.
Complete Summary: Professional Bug Foggers
Your Professional Pest Control Guide
Professional bug foggers represent the most effective, cost-efficient method for residential pest control. This comprehensive guide covered every aspect from equipment selection through application safety.
Core Findings Summary
- ULV backpack foggers deliver 5-10 micron droplets providing 7-14 day residual control against all common yard pests
- Invatech 868 ($369), 870 ($389), and 915 ($399) provide professional-grade equipment for all property sizes and budgets
- Peak season (June-August) requires every 7-day fogging; shoulder seasons every 10-14 days; winter every 21-30 days
- Equipment pays for itself in one season versus professional pest control costs of $500-$1000+ annually
- Early morning (before 6 AM) or evening (after 6 PM) application ensures safety and maximum effectiveness
- Residual protection continues killing newly emerged pests throughout protection period
- Complete pest control requires year-round attention