Aquafumigator for cockroaches and insects

The principle of operation of fumigators

Fumigators are a popular means of repelling insects. Depending on the type, they can not only repel, but also destroy mosquitoes, midges and flies. The general principle of operation of such devices is based on the distribution of chemicals in the air that are harmful to insects, but at the same time safe for humans and pets. Toxic fumes usually affect the nervous system of harmful fauna, but depending on the composition and types of active substances, a different principle of action can be used.

Fumigators of different types use the same effect that repels or destroys insects

Table: Toxins used in insecticide formulations

The author of the article noted that the lion's share of fumigators use the pyrethroid group of insecticides, apparently due to the greater effectiveness of the latter. Manufacturers, however, are trying to reduce the percentage of dangerous toxins in pyrethroids to such an extent as to achieve, on the one hand, maximum effectiveness in the fight against mosquitoes, flies and midges, and on the other hand, safety for people and pets. True, the harmful effects of chemicals are still present to one degree or another even in the most “advanced” formulations.

Advantages

Among the main advantages of fumigators, the following can be noted:

• exclude contact with the body of harmful substances (unlike ointments, creams and sprays);
• have the possibility of collective defense;
• high-quality devices do not cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, and do not have obvious negative consequences for health;
• mobile devices can be used anywhere, including in the field;
• high efficiency achieved by active evaporation of substances toxic to insects;
• low cost (but very budget models may have certain disadvantages);
• availability of a wide range of consumables, i.e. liquids and plates;
• absence of odors and other unpleasant sensations, with the exception of flavored cartridges and smoldering coils, which are not recommended for use indoors.

Some models do not emit odor or cause other unpleasant sensations

Flaws

Among the disadvantages of fumigators are:

• low service life, especially for products of dubious origin;
• strong heating of the plastic case and even its melting, which can lead to a fire;
• for autonomous models - the need to constantly recharge (change) batteries;
• plastic smell from low-quality devices;
• strong odor and irritating effect of flavored cartridges;
• the need for periodic ventilation of the room with a working fumigator;
• inadmissibility of use indoors with pregnant and lactating women and small children (except for special models and consumables);
• possible health problems, including allergic reactions, irritation of the throat and mucous membranes, headache, fever.

According to the author, in order to avoid the above or any other problems in the future, when choosing a fumigator, you should pay attention to the quality of the device body, look at the quality certificate, pay attention to the concentration of toxins in the plate or liquid (this parameter should not exceed fifteen percent), if necessary, you can purchase a universal device or, for example, a device with a timer.

Efficiency, types and design of insect fumigators

The principle of operation of insect fumigators is to heat the active substance and its subsequent evaporation into the surrounding space. The devices can be used both indoors and outdoors. A high-quality fumigator is a fairly effective means of combating mosquitoes, flies and midges.

An electric fumigator is a device with a heating element mounted in a plastic casing. Depending on the type and shape of the device, it can use liquid and plate cartridges. Pyrotechnic fumigators are a smoldering spiral impregnated with special compounds. As a rule, such devices are used outdoors.

Video: simultaneous use of fumigators of different models can be harmful to health

One plate impregnated with insecticide is enough for about ten hours of continuous operation. When the plate becomes pale, it must be replaced with a fresh one. One bottle of liquid can be enough for a month of work. Pyrotechnic devices are more fire hazardous than liquid or plate devices; they have a higher concentration of insecticide and require outdoor use.

Most mosquito and midge repellent devices are plugged into the network, but there are also portable models powered by batteries, gas cylinders or batteries. Pyrotechnic fumigators are installed on a safe surface and set on fire, after which the fire must be blown out until smoke appears. You should not inhale toxic fumes; in addition, smoldering coils require compliance with fire safety precautions.

Review of the most effective brands

Among the variety of fumigators, the most popular are several manufacturers that have proven themselves to be safe and effective.

Fumigator “Raptor”

These are fumigators that use an active substance called Etok - a neuroparalytic substance that is harmless to humans, but lethal to mosquitoes. The line includes effective liquids, unscented or with green tea aroma, as well as products labeled “bio” for people with hypersensitivity to chemicals. In these liquids and plates, the concentration of toxic fumigants is reduced, but enhanced by natural extracts. The line also includes “Nekusayka,” a children’s mosquito fumigator with liquid. The instructions, by the way, say that it is effective against flies, mosquitoes and other flying insects.

“I have always used fumigators from Raptor at home - simple, reliable, sold everywhere. And for the occasion, I bought a special children’s fumigator from the same company for the child’s nursery. But if the regular one is very effective, then this one does not kill all mosquitoes, probably because the poison content is minimal. When there are few mosquitoes, he copes, but when there are a lot of them, he has to open the windows wider and turn on a regular adult raptor.”

Nikolai

Fumigator “Raid”

Offers two fumigator options. One is simple, but budget-friendly. One night without mosquitoes will cost only 4 rubles, since the liquid from a bottle for 120 rubles will last for about a month. A more expensive version of the device is equipped with a timer that will turn off the heating after 8 or 10 hours, as well as an evaporation intensity regulator. “Raid” works on prallethrin - a modern, harmless fumigant that protects not only from mosquitoes, but also from midges.

“Before, I didn’t pay attention to the brands of fumigators, I took the first ones I came across. And now only Raid, the one with the intellectual mode. It’s very convenient that you don’t have to think about whether I turned it on or not before leaving for work; it turns itself off after 8 hours. That is, I don’t notice him at all. It works without noise or smell, mosquitoes are not visible or heard. Just remember to turn it on before bed and change the liquid once a month. Very convenient thing.”

Oksana

Fumigator “Moskitol”

The products of this brand use prallethrin and transfluthrin. They effectively destroy insects without harm to humans. The Moskitol line includes fumigators with a fan and a timer for better distribution of volatile substances, as well as options with a reduced content of transfluthrin, these are children's fumigators.

Reviews:

“It’s a good fumigator; I can’t imagine life at the dacha without it. I turn it on in my grandchildren’s room before bed for a couple of hours, and then bring it to my room. In my bedroom I run the device all night, but with the window open. Enough for about a month, mosquitoes don’t bother me, don’t squeak over my ear.”

Svetlana Petrovna

Rules for indoor use

The safety certificate for using the fumigator is guaranteed by the fire certificate supplied with the device. Before use, it is important to study the instructions and then follow all the rules specified in it.

Typically, the manufacturer recommends turning on the device for several hours followed by a break. Failure to do so could potentially cause harm to the chemicals to people and pets, or the appliance could simply burn out. Before and after turning on the fumigator, it is necessary to ventilate the room. It is permissible to turn on the device at night only if there are a large number of insects in the room.

An anti-mosquito net can be installed on the window as additional protection

Some people may have an individual intolerance to the active ingredients used in the fumigator plates or liquids. Common symptoms of hypersensitivity include:

• dizziness,
• skin irritation,
• itching,
• headache.

If any of the inhabitants of the house have at least one of the listed symptoms after turning on the fumigator, you should turn off the device and use other methods of insect control.

Potentially effective, but actually of little use insect repellent

To avoid any problems in the future when using fumigators against mosquitoes and midges, adhere to the following rules:

• Before connecting the device, carefully read the instructions supplied with it;
• make sure that the power outlet is in good working order;
• Do not use the device in an unventilated room; leave the window slightly open at night;
• do not touch the body of the connected device with wet hands;
• use the fumigator one to two hours before bedtime; it is not advisable to leave the device working overnight;
• do not place the fumigator closer than one and a half meters from the sleeping place;
• in a large room, use several devices;
• use pyrotechnic fumigators only outdoors;
• if discomfort or health problems occur after turning on the fumigator, stop using the device and ventilate the room well; in case of severe symptoms, consult a doctor;
• store fumigators and consumables for it in a place inaccessible to children and pets;
• Avoid contact of plates and liquids with food and utensils.

Product details

A fumigator is a device that is excellent for protecting against mosquitoes, since it does not produce a masking effect, but kills insects without harming human health. Fumigators provide effective results thanks to the components included in such devices, which evaporate when heated and, when released into the air, kill insects.

In general, there are two types of fumigators: electric and pyrotechnic. Some craftsmen even manage to make the device with their own hands, but now let’s talk more about factory ones. When purchasing an electric fumigator or one that runs on batteries, the instructions will help you familiarize yourself with the rules of its operation. You must ask the seller for it in order to make the right choice.

Pyrotechnic and electrofumigators

The electric fumigator begins to heat up due to electric current after it is plugged into the electrical network. Pyrotechnic fumigators have the form of spirals that kill mosquitoes after setting them on fire due to the release of steam that is dangerous for insects. It mixes with air. However, such devices cannot be used indoors; they can be harmful to health, so they are used outdoors or in gazebos in the country.

An insecticide-impregnated plate can be built into the electric fumigator. This is an active substance that evaporates when heated and gets rid of annoying insects. After plugging in the device, the result can be obtained within half an hour. If the fumigator operates continuously, the plate will be suitable for use for 8-12 hours in a room whose area is about 20 square meters. Then you can easily change the plate, and the device will continue to function.

The service life of one mosquito repellent plate is about 10 hours of continuous operation.

They also produce electric fumigators, which have a built-in bottle filled with liquid. They have a certain advantage over the devices described above, since the liquid evaporates faster. It is completely safe for the human body and has an effect for a longer time. A bottle of liquid, which is usually built into an electric fumigator, can be used for 45 nights with continuous operation for 8-10 hours.

Safety of children, pregnant and lactating women, and pets

In a house with children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pets, where the fumigator is turned on, increased safety measures must be observed. In this case, it is recommended to use the device for several hours and only in the absence of children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as pets, after which the room must be ventilated. To prevent mosquitoes from flying into the room again, mosquito nets are installed on the windows. You can only leave the device overnight using special (for children) plates or liquids and with the windows open.

To protect your child from mosquitoes, it is not necessary to dress him in a mosquito suit.

The safety of children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as pets in a room with a working fumigator is achieved by following a few simple rules:

• turn on the device at a distance of no closer than two meters from the sleeping place;
• if there are signs such as sneezing, tearing, increased anxiety, turn off the device and ventilate the room well;
• close aquariums with fish, snails and other living creatures while the fumigator is operating;
• put cages with birds and decorative rodents in another room;
• dogs and cats should also not be located near a working device;
• observe the necessary electrical and fire safety measures;
• use devices only from proven and well-known brands;
• Do not use pyrotechnic anti-mosquito devices to protect children; consider alternative measures.

Precautionary measures

Despite the simplicity of mosquito fumigators, you must read the instructions before using them. The same applies to replacement insecticides. The basic safety rules will be as follows:

1. The fumigator and replacement insecticide must be stored in the original packaging and separately from food, dishes, personal care products, pet food and medications.
2. Do not allow children to handle the device or its replacement parts.
3. Do not disassemble the fumigator and use it only for its intended purpose.
4. Do not cover the device with metal objects or handle it with wet hands when it is plugged into a power outlet.
5. Before turning on the fumigator, it is advisable to remove or cover aquariums, terrariums, cages with birds and animals from the room.
6. If a feeling of discomfort occurs, use of the product should be stopped immediately.
7. Almost all fumigators should only work in well-ventilated areas.
8. To connect, it is advisable to use an outlet that will be located in a place with good air circulation so that the vapors can be evenly distributed throughout the room.
9. In children's rooms you can only use products specifically designed for this purpose.
10. During pregnancy, breastfeeding, and also if you have allergies, it is better to avoid using fumigators.

Popular fumigator models

As already noted by the author, a huge percentage of modern fumigators use so-called pyrethroid insecticides. Responsible manufacturers, in turn, minimize the content of dangerous ingredients in the composition of pyrethroids, without reducing the effective effect.

Popular fumigator models are most often counterfeited

Table: the most popular devices today