Types and principle of operation
The most common and effective method of controlling mosquitoes in an apartment is fumigators, which poison insects with toxic fumes. These are general-purpose protective equipment that can protect everyone present in the room at once, in contrast to creams, which are considered individual protection.
They are divided into pyrotechnic and electrical:
Pyrotechnic
These include spirals.
By their operating principle they resemble incense sticks. They also need to be set on fire. When smoldering, unpleasant smoke spreads, which has a negative effect on mosquitoes, which, when released into the air, kills insects. It is necessary to ignite the spiral only from one end in order to obtain the effect of smoldering and not combustion. They can be used in an apartment, but it is better to use them outdoors.
Electric fumigators
Designed for home use . They operate on mains power, in which case they have a built-in plug for the socket, or on batteries. But the device itself simply does not protect against unwanted insects. This is just a device, in the form of a plastic container, for heating a composition of dangerous substances that kill insects - fumigants.
As the temperature rises, the poison begins to disintegrate and evaporate, spreading in the air throughout the room in which the fumigator is turned on, and negatively affects unwanted bloodsuckers.
Such toxic compounds are usually presented in the form of plates or a special liquid in a bottle. In most cases, the substance contained in the perennial chamomile flower – pyrethroid – is used as a poison. Under the influence of such synthesized poison, the nervous system of mosquitoes is blocked and they are paralyzed; if the concentration of this substance is high, then they die.
At the same time, pyrethroid is absolutely harmless for people and pets.
Compound
The electric fumigator against mosquitoes works due to the presence of the insecticide DEET in the composition of the plates and liquid. The substance is used to produce mosquito repellents around the world. Causes insect paralysis and immediate death.
The composition of the liquid for children's products is slightly different. A natural insecticide obtained from special varieties of hormonal chamomile or citronella essential oil is used. The only drawback is the presence of a slight smell, which not everyone likes. But citronella has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system, breathing, mental activity. You can also make your own fumigator liquid.
In addition to the electric fumigator, there is a battery-powered device or a lamp that heats the plates using a candle. Such devices can be carried with you, put on a belt, bag, backpack, placed on a table, in any convenient place in nature.
DEET is considered an invariable component of mosquito fumigators with liquid or plates. Many European, American and domestic companies use this component in the preparation of insecticidal preparations. DEET causes paralysis and death of blood-sucking insects.
A special liquid is prepared for mosquito fumigators for children. The composition contains insecticides, for the production of which hormonal chamomile or essential oil is used. But such a liquid emits an aroma that is not pleasant to everyone. The components of citronella essential oil have a positive effect on mental activity and are also calming.
Among the models that are supplied today, devices equipped with batteries, lamps and other components also stand out. Some devices can be taken with you into nature and placed on your belt. For tourists, autonomous models are an ideal option.
The most effective mosquito fumigators
Below is a list of the most effective and popular insect repellents for the home, ranked by price:
- Combat for plates . Average cost 61 rub. (without plates). Cost with plates for 30 nights 122 rubles. Compact, convenient and easy to use. The plates begin to act within 5 minutes after switching on, and within an hour the insects are completely destroyed.
- Fumitox for plates . Average cost 149 rubles. The set includes 10 plates. One plate is enough for 8 hours of reliable protection against mosquitoes. Within 10 minutes after turning on the device, the number of insects noticeably decreases.
- Anti-mosquito diffuser Raid, with replaceable unit. The average cost is 170 rubles. This is an improved design for distributing active substances in the air to kill flying blood-sucking insects. The built-in indicator will tell you when to change the fluid block. Copes with its task perfectly in rooms up to 20 square meters. m. The removable unit is enough for 30 nights.
- Argus with mosquito repellent liquid . The average cost is 178 rubles. The device has a rotating plug, which allows you to plug the fumigator into even the most inconveniently located outlet. It is used in rooms of at least 16 square meters. m. Even with open windows, mosquitoes are destroyed in less than an hour. The liquid is odorless and lasts for 45 nights.
- Mosquital . Professional protection for home and garden. The average cost is 572 rubles. Liquid fumigator with a built-in electric fan, thanks to which almost instantaneous protection is achieved, and a timer that programs the start time and duration of operation.
Ultrasound based device
Ultrasonic fumigators, which are a device with a unique structure, are also popular. Such a device emits ultrasound, which is not perceived by humans, but cannot be tolerated by blood-sucking insects. Various models produce ultrasound at a specific frequency, which is similar to the squeaking of male mosquitoes or the flight of dragonflies. Females try to avoid contact with such insects. Therefore, they do not approach a person (or place).
A new development is ultrasonic fumigators that attract rather than repel blood-sucking pests. Upon contact with the grid through which current flows, mosquitoes die. Terminator devices are especially popular.
To choose a decent model, you need to study the assortment. The selection takes into account ease of use, level of safety and effectiveness. When deciding where to buy mosquito protection, you need to focus on specialized departments.
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Raptor
This company was the first to develop and produce a fumigator that is equipped with plates. The device is easy to distinguish because there is a dinosaur logo on the packaging. The operating principle and features of the devices were taken into account and used by other manufacturing companies. To start, the Raptor is connected to the electrical network.
The working capacity is indicated by the indicator that the model is equipped with. You can buy devices with plates or containers with insecticidal liquid. Manufacturers produce devices designed for children. They are equipped with containers with chamomile extract. Estimated cost – from 150 to 200 rubles.
Off clip it
Among the mobile models, the Off Clip device is distinguished, which is equipped with a fan and a hole for containers with insecticidal preparations. The period of action is 11–12 hours. Rechargeable batteries or batteries are used as a power source. For ease of use, this device, like fumitox against mosquitoes, is equipped with a latch.
Chicco
This brand produces devices for children. They produce ultrasonic waves with a certain frequency. Using the regulators, the frequency is adjusted. This is necessary because blood-sucking insects gradually become accustomed to sound waves. The device is equipped with two batteries. Its body is painted white.
Mosquitall
These products are popular not only in our country. They are produced in two variations: for adults and children. The devices are equipped with containers with various insecticides and active substances. The effectiveness of the device is not reduced indoors or outdoors. Some models are suitable for use in the forest. The cost of the kit is 500-550 rubles. The fluid container is replaced every 28–30 days.
Ultrasonic fumigators
In a separate group of repellent agents is an ultrasonic fumigator. A small device with a simple internal structure emits sound of a certain frequency. The human ear cannot sense it. The effect of the ultrasonic mosquito repeller does not affect the well-being of household members.
- An ultrasound-based mosquito repellent produces vibrations similar to the flight of a dragonfly, the squeak of a mosquito, or a bat. After fertilization, females avoid meeting males and try in every possible way to hide from them. For humans, it is the females who are dangerous because they drink blood to be able to give birth to new offspring.
- Another version of the effective operation of the device is that ultrasound prevents mosquitoes from “communicating” with each other, unbalances them, and makes it impossible to find the victim. The insect cannot stay in such conditions for long and flies away.
Effective immediately after connecting to the electricity network. Walls and carpets reduce the effectiveness. In a large room, it is recommended to use 2 devices at once.
There are also devices that do not repel insects with ultrasound, but attract them. An example of such fumigators is the Terminator lamp. Mosquitoes fly towards sound or bright light, get caught on the electric grids, and die instantly.
The best mosquito fumigators are easy to use, effective, and safe.
Raptor
A pioneer in this field. Everyone is familiar with the Raptor plates with the image of a cartoon dinosaur. Thanks to the effectiveness of this product, other fumigators have the opportunity to “be”. The simple device starts working immediately after connecting to the network. A light comes on to indicate readiness. Plates are inserted into the device or a container with liquid is screwed in.
There is a separate line of products for children called Nekusayka. Liquid with chamomile extract provides protection for the little ones for up to 30 nights. The cost of the set is about 200 rubles. Liquid device for adults - about 150 rubles.
Popular mosquito repellent devices
Off Clip it
New version of a mobile fumigator with a fan inside. A liquid cartridge is used. Enough for 12 hours of continuous operation. The Of Clip device operates on batteries or a rechargeable battery. On the reverse side there is a clip for convenient placement on a belt, bag strap, backpack, or in a tent
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The mobile device provides protection against mosquitoes in the open air within a radius of 1 m. The cost of a set with a replaceable cartridge is about 500 rubles. There is also a fumigator for children under one year old with the active ingredient – pyrethrum. The price of the device with liquid is about 300 rubles.
Chicco
A fumigator for children from one year old is produced by the brand Kiko or Chiko based on ultrasound. The small white device runs on 2 batteries. You can put it in any convenient place and take it with you outside. The cost of Italian products is about 650 rubles.
Mosquitall
The products are known all over the world. The product is available in several varieties - for children and adults. It differs in design and active components in the composition of the liquid. Moskitol works equally effectively in a residential apartment, house, country house, veranda with open windows, or on the terrace. The cost of the fumigator is about 500 rubles. The bottle lasts for 30 nights with daily use.
Reviews of the action of fumigators are in most cases positive. The exception is ultrasound-based devices. Despite this, the products continue to be in demand. Even well-known companies produce trinkets and charge a lot of money for it.
Rules of application
Before you start using the fumigator, carefully read the instructions for use and precautions.
Pay special attention to the following tips:
- Plug the fumigator only into a working outlet.
- Do not leave the device turned on unattended for a long time.
- the fumigator, plates and liquids for them out of the reach of children, away from food, personal hygiene products and medicines.
- When the device is plugged into an outlet, do not handle it with wet hands or come into contact with metal objects.
- In rooms where there are pregnant women, nursing mothers and people prone to allergies, it is better not to use fumigants.
- In children's rooms, use mosquito repellents specially designed for children, with a low content of insecticide (toxic substances), and the switched on fumigator should be no closer than 1 m from the sleeping place.
- for pets (cats, dogs), just as it is not dangerous for people, but fish and birds cannot tolerate the toxic fumes of pyrethroids.
- before and after using the device to avoid headaches. Doctors say that when using fumigators for more than 3 hours in an unventilated area, a small part of the chemicals enters our body through the respiratory system.
- If the area of the room where such a device is used is larger than indicated in the instructions for it, use several devices for effective operation.
Insecticides for electrofumigators, which is better
Insecticides are liquid chemicals that are used to disinfect premises to kill insects such as mosquitoes and flies.
Those insecticides that enter the insect's body in a gaseous state are fumigants.
Among them are:
- Natural insecticides – peritrins. They are obtained from certain plants by extraction.
- Synthetic insecticides – pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are isolated from esters of various acids.
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Natural fumigants are considered the safest for the human body. The use of artificial insecticides is widespread in industrial production.
Fumigator liquid
Among the components of liquids for fumigators, there are various combinations.
The main elements are considered to be:
- prallethrin;
- transfluthrin;
- citronella extract.
Plates
Other substances are used to make plates:
- natural pyrethrum;
- Thiamethoxam.
Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages of fumigators:
- According to statistics, with prolonged use of such chemicals , 12% of people experience an allergic reaction (in adults - headache, sore throat, runny nose, and in children even cough, diarrhea and fever).
- Do not use indoors where there are pregnant and nursing mothers.
- After turning off the device , toxic chemicals remain in the room for some time.
But, despite these disadvantages, fumigators also have undoubted advantages.:
- The main advantage of this method of protection against mosquitoes is, of course, their rapid destruction.
- Evaporating substances do not have a pungent odor , and the human sense of smell practically does not perceive it.
- These are general purpose protection products against unwanted insects. They protect all people in the room at once.
How to choose a fumigator?
- Pay attention to the concentration of the chemical. This information must be indicated on the packaging. If the content of hazardous substances does not exceed 10-15%, then such a fumigator is suitable for children and allergy sufferers.
- It is better to choose coils for outdoor recreation , and not for getting rid of mosquitoes in the apartment, as they spread smoke with a pungent odor.
- If you choose plates as a fumigant , they will need to be changed each time before use. 1 plate is enough for 8 hours of use, but this is only one night.
- Liquid cartridges do not need to be changed every time. You insert them into the device once, and the filler consumption is calculated automatically. Typically, liquid fumigants are designed for 30-45 days of eight-hour operation per day, which does not cause any hassle in replacing the cartridge. All you have to do is remember to plug it in.
- For alternate use, it is better to take 2 in 1 devices , with the ability to use both plates and liquid in one device.
- And if you are forgetful , choose a fumigator with an on/off timer, then you won’t even need to unplug it from the socket, just change the cartridge once every month and a half and sleep peacefully.