10 Most Effective Bug Fogger for Backyard – Get Rid of Mosquitoes

I f you are fed up with having insects all over your yard and constantly getting bitten, you must be on the search for a product that can make these problems a thing of the past. An insect fogger works by spraying insecticides into the air in a fashion that creates a whole cloud of fog that can envelop any insect, ultimately killing them. Generally, these machines are built to create very tiny particles that make up the fog cloud so that it can penetrate through any type of vegetation. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about carrying a lot of weight around in your arms, as the heavier models are commonly designed with back or shoulder straps which make them easy to carry.

To see the recommended safety tips when using these devices and a comparison of the best-rated models of the moment, keep scrolling.

How to Use an Insect Fogger

During your first interaction with this type of product, you might think that all there is to it is filling it up with a solution and enveloping your whole backyard in a thick, bug-repelling fog. But there’s more to consider than that. Between 2007 and late 2015, a large number of illnesses or serious after-symptoms, like seizures, headaches, burning skin, and vomiting were reported after people used TRFs , symptoms which can appear with improper use of other types of fogging products as well. Those reports were gathered by the SENSOR-Pesticides surveillance program overseen by the NIOSH .

We’ve gathered a few safety tips into the following list that you should remember when you are using these bug-repelling tools:

• Respect the Distance Requirements

As most reactions happen as a result of direct contact, keeping a safe distance is a must with these machines. Usually, you’ll be able to find the minimum distance you are required to keep from the fog on the label of the solution you use, but as a rule of thumb, you should maintain about 5 to 6 feet between yourself and the cloud.

• Always wear Protective Gear

Going off on the same idea of direct contact, unless it is specifically stated that the product is safe to use on the skin, make sure you always use protective gear when handling and spraying insecticides. Keep your whole face protected to avoid irritation, wear thick gloves appropriate for insecticide use, and cover any exposed skin on your body. This way, you’ll make sure no rash or burning sensation can pay you a visit any time soon.

• Try using a Targeted Approach

If you go for a dry fog model, try going for a targeted approach instead of spraying the solution anywhere and everywhere. This technique does wonders, especially when it comes to backyard areas with vegetation that is on the thicker side. Simply press the trigger when the nozzle is directly against the bushes or trees where the mosquitoes (or any other insect) like to stick around to get the best result with eradicating an existing nest area. This way you can avoid bathing the whole yard, or you can tone down on solution usage. Another thing to remember is that you should only use it on fruits and vegetables if the solution specifically mentions that it is safe to do so.

• Only use it in Well-Ventilated Areas

Regardless of the type of machine, using it in a ventilated area could help prevent the aforementioned symptoms since from closed rooms, for example, it will take longer for the fog to dissipate, a time during which someone else might unknowingly enter and inhale the concentrated solution. When using a thermal model, avoid using it near flammable objects, as they might be a fire hazard, and avoid touching the nozzle because it is the part that heats up the most during use and it can cause serious burns.

Top Rated 10 Insect Foggers Comparison

Photo	Product	Dimensions	Product Weight	Coverage	Works For	Works With	Price
Best Overall	1. Cedarcide Fogger Kit Original	15″ × 12″ × 12″	9.5 lbs.	1,800 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Cedarcide Original / Oil / Water Based Solutions	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	2. Tri Jet ULV Fogger	13″ × 13.1″ × 16.8″	12 lbs.	2,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling / Sanitizing / Odor Control / Humidity Control / Water & Fire Restoration / Evaporative Cooling	Oil / Cedarwood Oil / Water-Based Solutions	Check Price
	3. Petra Electric Fogger	10″ × 16.5″ × 21″	14.5 lbs.	38,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling / Disinfecting / Surface Cleaning / Mold Control / Greenhouse Operations	Oil / Cedar Oil / Water-Based Solutions	Check Price
	4. Smith Performance Sprayers 190443	8″ × 12.5″ × 11″	5.69 lbs.	2,000 cu. ft.	Insect Repelling / Flood & Fire Restoration / Odor Control with Deodorizers	Oil / Water-Based Solutions containing Propylene Glycol Oils	Check Price
Best for the Money	5. Hudson 99598	16″ × 16″ × 16″	11 lbs.	>800 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Wide Variety of Foliar Feed Products / Pest & Disease Control Solutions	Check Price
	6. Hudson 62691	7.25″ × 11.25″ × 15.5″	3 lbs.	N/A	Insect Repelling / Apiary Operations	62692FG 1 Qt. Resmethrin Flying Insect Killer Solution / Mineral Oil	Check Price
Best for Spiders	7. Burgess 960	16″ × 12″ × 7″	4.27 lbs.	5,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Black Flag / Cutter / Repel Fogging Insecticide Solutions	Check Price
	8. Repel 190397 Propane Fogger	19.25″ × 10″ × 17.6″	3.6 lbs.	5,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Black Flag / Cutter / Repel Fogging Insecticide Solutions	Check Price
	9. Black Flag 190107	15.35″ × 11.18″ × 7.09″	4.1 lbs.	5,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Black Flag / Cutter / Repel Fogging Insecticide Solutions	Check Price
	10. Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger	6.9″ × 15.5″ × 11.2″	2.88 lbs.	5,000 sq. ft.	Insect Repelling	Black Flag / Cutter / Repel Insecticide Solutions	Check Price

1. Cedarcide Fogger Kit Original

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As the first product on our list, we have a kit from Cedarcide that comes with a 9.5-pound aluminum-made machine and two gallons of solution for you to use with it, which raises the convenience, as most other machines come without.

Functionality

The working mechanism is safer for anyone to handle since it is non-thermal, which means that it doesn’t use heat to create the fog, but instead, it uses air pressure which disperses the solution fast and in very small particles. Because of this, the fog it releases can be wet or dry, depending on the setting you choose with the triple action nozzle. If you set the droplets to be larger, the surface you spray on will be wet, whereas if you set them to be smaller, it will remain dry. With just one of the gallons included you’ll be able to cover an area of 1,800 square feet, so, with the two gallons, you’ll have enough to cover approximately 16 average-sized bedrooms. And with the guaranteed 5-year warranty, you’ll be able to reach that number without any issues.

Included Solution

The solution that comes in the two 1-gallon containers in the package is a pleasant addition due to its composition. The Cedarcide Original is plant-based, the main part used in its creation being Cedarwood oil which is a well-known natural insecticide that can kill a wide range of insects when applied properly, no matter the stage of life they’re in (e.g. larvae, eggs, adults). Given that it is natural, you are free to apply it on furniture, on your skin, and even on your pets without having to worry about it negatively affecting them. Speaking of application, the manufacturer recommends reapplying it to problem areas every 5 to 7 days to get optimal results.

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2. Tri Jet ULV Fogger

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Tri Jet comes with our favorite option of the lot. This aluminum and stainless steel-made model is a little heavier, namely 12 pounds, it can hold a full gallon in its tank, and it comes with a 9-foot 110V power cord. The manufacturer recommends it for insect repelling but also mentions that it works great for sanitization, humidity control to prevent or remedy mold, tackling unpleasant odors, cooling, and more. This versatility translates into long-term use of the machine and, with that in mind, you’re provided with a 5-year warranty to keep it running smoothly in time.

Performance

This model is non-thermal as well, and it can handle cedarwood oil and other water or oil-based solutions to perform its duties. This makes it an appropriate choice for big households, as you won’t have to worry about any toxic fume spreading. Its nozzle is designed with 2-stage action and combined with the adjustability of droplet sizes it will spray up to 30 feet ahead with either dry or wet fog. The particle size can go from 50 down to 10 microns, which means that the solution you use will be able to reach smaller crevices without a problem. In approximately 10 minutes you will have covered an area of up to 2,000 square feet, meaning that this product is also time efficient, making it ideal for combating insects, pathogens, and other problems that you might have.

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3. Petra Electric Fogger

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For those who are looking for a more heavy-duty tool that can be used either at home or in a commercial setting, look no further than the Petra model. This 14.5-pound, plastic and metal machine has a tank capacity of 4 gallons, and with a full tank, you will be sure to cover up to 38,000 square feet in any oil or water-based solution of your choice. That’s the equivalent of either 42 apartments, 38 classrooms, or 292 hospital rooms.

Performance & Features

The uses you can get out of this versatile sprayer are insect repelling, sanitization, humidity control, and even greenhouse-related operations. It’s a non-thermal type, which by know you know means that it has adjustable droplet sizes, and with this one, they go from 50 down to 20 microns. Thanks to the extended hose and the powerful 1200W motor, the spraying range goes up to 15 feet ahead, so that you can work fast and cover more ground. When it comes to the construction, the tank is fitted with a wide mouth to prevent spilling and a resistant pair of backpack straps that come with padding to keep you comfortable throughout. For convenience, the adjustment knob, the on/off button, and a wide handle are integrated onto the hose nozzle. With this product, the manufacturer offers a 6-month warranty that can be extended with an extra 90 days once you register the purchase.

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4. Smith Performance Sprayers 190443

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Smith Performance Sprayers comes with our next model on the list. The material used when constructing it is aluminum; therefore it has a 5.69-pound weight that poses no hard feat to carry around when you’re on spraying duty. One thing to note is that the power supply has to be 110V. This model is a thermal type, meaning it has a heating element that warms up the solution you use and sprays it out, creating an insect-repelling or a deodorizing fog. Speaking of the solution, the only types you should use are oil or water-based ones that also have propylene glycol oil in their composition. Only one ounce from its 1-gallon capacity tank can cover up to 2,000 cubic feet, meaning that any oil-based solution you choose will last you a long time. It also comes with a flow rate that can be adjusted to provide a wetter or drier fog. Remember that thermal types need to be allowed a couple of minutes to heat up before you can start spraying.

Electric Application

An interesting feature of the 190443 is the fact that you can choose to remove the heating element, thus converting your machine into an all-purpose electric-type applicator that can dispense 2 ounces per minute.

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5. Hudson 99598

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Moving along, we have a Hudson model that will serve you well, both in terms of performance and in terms of being easier to fit into a tighter budget. It leans towards the heavier weights of the lot, but it does come with a shoulder strap to help you carry it around when you’re treating the surroundings. The polyethylene plastic used for the 2-gallon tank is translucent enough to allow you to see how much solution you have left to work with. The 99598 requires a 110V AC power supply in order to work properly.

This non-thermal model has a large coiled hose with the help of which it can spray up to 13.5 feet ahead as you’re handling it, and as per a customer’s review, you’ll be able to cover over 800 square feet with a full tank. It has an adjustable output (can allow you to spray from 1.5 up to 14 gallons per hour) and a ULV spraying of particles between 22 and 46 microns, making it the perfect size for a medium-effort job. When it comes to the type of solutions you can use with it, the 99598 can disperse foliar feed from a wide range of brands, as well as various pest and disease control products, so there’s hardly any restriction. Do check if the products are made for cold machines and remember to shake any solution every so often in order to keep powders in suspension.

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6. Hudson 62691

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We continue with another Hudson model, but this time it is a thermal type that works with propane. The 3-pound build is made from polyethylene plastic, including the ½ gallon tank. The heating element with its enclosure and the pieces of hardware are made from metal, therefore you must be careful to not touch that part during use as you might get a few burns. The 62691 can work with various types of solutions, but the manufacturer does mention one that works best (we’ve listed it in the specifications). Being a thermal type, it needs to ignite first and, thankfully, this one comes with a piezo switch that will cut the need for matches and lower the risk of accidental fires.

The main use of this machine is insect repelling, although customers have mentioned using it with mineral oil for apiary operations. In case you intend to do the same, we must advise against using it with repelling solutions first, as those might linger and you can risk unintentionally harming your bees.

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7. Burgess 960

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Burgess is the next contender that fulfills the purpose of repelling any unwanted pests that feel the need to wander to and from your patio and yard, including spiders. The 960 is another easy carry, with only 4.27 pounds in weight and a 40-ounce tank capacity. Just like the previous one, the handle has an auto-ignite button integrated to make utilizing it easier and safer. However small it might seem, this thermal machine is capable of covering up to 5,000 square feet in about 10 minutes, and the fine fog it disperses beats the particle size of mist, thus able of slithering into the thickest shrubs and vegetation to eliminate any pesky mosquitoes.

Since the 960 only works with the solution brands the manufacturer mentions (Repel, Cutter, Black Flag), the handle comes with an integrated trigger lock button to keep you from accidentally dispersing insecticide in an area where it’s not needed. For optimal performance, the manufacturer recommends using only 3 wire 10/12/14 gauge outdoor power supply cords, preheating for at least 5 minutes, and pressing the trigger at a 3 to 4-second interval to produce a fog of the best consistency.

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8. Repel 190397 Propane Fogger

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Repel comes with a cartoon-like design for their thermal fogging machine, with a bright yellow plastic build and a metal nozzle in that’s shaped like a long cone. It’s notably lightweight, coming with a range of coverage that goes up to 5,000 square feet in approximately 10 minutes. These two features are what make this portable tool perfect for campsites, as you won’t have to haul a large container around. The tank capacity on the 190397 is 40 ounces and by using only 1 quart of the solution you can disperse fog onto half an acre. The aforementioned cone nozzle can produce a fog that can reach up to 10 feet ahead with one push of the trigger.

Given that only Cutter, Black Flag, or the manufacturer’s solutions can be used with it, the 190397 can only be used outdoors and you can only go into the treated area after at least 5 minutes of drying time. The output adjuster can help you breach even the densest foliage where mosquitoes like to lurk and the product will be effective at keeping them away for up to 6 hours.

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9. Black Flag 190107

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Our next contender comes from Black Flag and design-wise it is very similar to the Burgess option we reviewed previously, with a yellow, 40-ounce plastic tank and a black, metal nozzle. It is a thermal type with an auto-ignite switch and a heating wait time, during which you should have the trigger lock activated to avoid accidents.

Once heated, this machine will be capable of dispersing fog that is finer than mist, and in no more than 10 minutes, you’ll be able to fill up to 5,000 square feet. That will keep you free of bugs for quite a few hours, thanks to the solutions the 190107 uses. The manufacturer mentions that using any other type will not allow the tool to work at an optimal level and you might even find it less efficient. To operate it, you must press the trigger as you would a spray bottle, only at 3 to 4-second intervals, otherwise, you might get droplets that are too big and can stain. Some customers say that you can get the best performance out of it by only filling the tank halfway or up to 2/3.

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10. Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger

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The last entry on the list is a second Burgess model that resembles the Burgess 960 in terms of looks. The 1443 is a plastic and metal build, the metal’s purpose being to act as a heat conductor since this option is a thermal type. Unlike the other thermal picks, this one doesn’t have an auto-ignition button, but instead it requires matches to start working. The whole fogger is lightweight, at only 2.88 pounds, and the only weight that’s added during use is the recommended solution inside the 40-ounce tank and the 14.1-ounce propane unit that can keep it running for up to two and a half hours.

The coverage you can expect to get out of it is a cone of approximately 10 feet at once, which – in 10 minutes – can engulf up to 5,000 square feet. To provide a proper fog, you’ll have to time your trigger presses to be once every 3 to 4 seconds. Once you’re done, to be certain that the trigger doesn’t get pressed accidentally, you can engage the trigger lock.

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Buying Guide

While you could be tempted to go ahead and choose the first model you see, there’s more to buying a fogger than you might consider initially. There are certain aspects that can ease your work, and if you choose accordingly, you might even get a product that caters to your every need while also helping you save up on money. Without further ado, here are the key aspects you should look at:

Weight

The weight of the product might not seem all that important, but after you’ve spent one hour waving a heavy product around your yard, your hands could be saying the opposite. If you get fatigued easily, getting a lighter unit will be better for your arms, but if you don’t, a few of the heavier options could have the extra weight come from added features that could be useful.

Coverage

If you own a big yard (or a big house), obviously you’re inclined to go towards a unit that can cover more. However, if you have enough patience to walk around, even smaller foggers can be a good and reliable choice. The Repel 190397 Propane Fogger is a good example, as it can cover up to 5,000 square feet but it’s also a lightweight choice that won’t put too much pressure on your arms, thus allowing you to cover more ground just by walking around.

Tank Capacity

This aspect goes hand in hand with the coverage aspect. The bigger the capacity, the longer you’ll be able to use the machine before the insecticide solution runs out. The smallest capacity can be around 40 ounces, whereas the biggest can go up to 4 gallons – as is the case with the Petra Electric Fogger model.

Solution Compatibility

Regarding the solutions a fogger can use, there are many to pick from but not all units can run every type of insecticide. Some only work with oil or water-based solutions, others only with natural mixtures that are safe around children or pets, and others only with chemical insecticides that need to evaporate before it’s safe to enter the treated area. The product on this list that can handle the widest range of solutions is, again, the Hudson 99598. Ultimately, the choice of solutions is a rather personal one, so we can’t say that we strongly recommend that you use one or the other.

Extra Features

When it comes to the added features, there are several that could add to the number of uses that one unit can have. There isn’t an all-in-one model on this list, as there are some that have only one extra feature, or some that have up to four – like the Petra Electric Fogger.

The features that you can keep an eye out for are:

• Solution canisters included for a better deal per package
• An adjustable nozzle that can influence the droplet size
• Carrying straps that can ease the burden that otherwise sits on the arms
• Extended hose/nozzle that can provide a wider coverage (it can also be a wider opening of the nozzle)
• An auto-ignition button that speeds up the process of turning the unit on (only with thermal models)
• A trigger lock that can keep the trigger closed to avoid accidental pressing
• A removable heating element that can allow for the machine to be used for other purposes (the Smith Performance Sprayers 190443 has such an element)

Other Uses

Other than the classic purpose of keeping insects away, a fogger could also be used for:

1. Sanitizing
2. Odor Control
3. Mold/Humidity Control
4. Water & Fire Restoration
5. Evaporative Cooling
6. Surface Cleaning
7. Greenhouse Operations
8. Apiary Operations

From our list, the Tri Jet ULV Fogger has the biggest versatility in terms of multiple uses.

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What Attracts Mosquitoes

Having to constantly be on the lookout to kill mosquitoes can be a pain. Therefore, knowing what attracts them can be an advantage which you can benefit from, especially when you want to avoid them. There are certain things that attract all types of mosquitoes, regardless of their species, and those are:

• Carbon Dioxide – This is single handily the strongest insect attracter. In fact, they have a special organ designed to detect it. As you may know, it’s inevitable for humans and animals not to produce carbon dioxide because we release it when we breathe, so there’s not much that can be done when trying to avoid putting this attractant in the air.
• Moisture – In order for them to breed and survive, mosquitoes need moisture and water. Therefore, if you tend to keep buckets of water around the yard or any other containers, it would be better to empty them and only fill them up when you absolutely need to. Exercising outside might also be a problem because sweating and heavy breathing are ways of producing moisture (and other scents), and even though it’s at a smaller scale, these insects don’t care.
• Fragrances that have flowery or fruity aromas – If you are a perfume lover, you may have already noticed by now that mosquitoes tend to keep you company. This is because they prefer these types of smells over others. Shampoos, lotions, and room odorizers can have the same effect.
• Barbeques – Products commonly found at a BBQ, such as beers and burgers will be successful in attracting these annoying pests.
• Other reasons – Clothing that is dark or floral tends to attract mosquitoes more than neutral palettes. And, interestingly enough, pregnancy and blood type O also increase your chances of being bitten.

Since avoiding everything on this list can leave you with very few options when it comes to enjoying your free time in the backyard, treating the air and surrounding objects might be the only viable method.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Dealing with insects might become annoying, especially considering that some can even be extremely dangerous for people (West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes). This is why we came to your help with the best products on the market. Hoping that our evaluation was helpful, you can take your time and decide which one suits your needs the best. However, there are some of the options that are worth a second look:

Best Insect Fogger for Sale: Cedarcide Fogger Kit Original

The non-thermal Cedarcide Kit is the safest bet when it comes to, well, safety. It can rid your home of insects both indoor and outdoor and you won’t have to worry about any toxic fumes or wait times before you can enter the room. In fact, you can even spray it directly on yourself, your children, or your pets, and the Cedarwood oil will guarantee a bite-free afternoon. The coverage is good, the warranty is long, and it comes with two containers, each holding one gallon of solution.

Editor’s Choice: Tri Jet ULV Fogger

Our favorite pick is non-thermal as well. It can spray up to 30 feet ahead and it will deliver a fog cloud with particles so small that no bug will be safe, regardless of its hiding crevice. You can use Tri Jet with any type of solution that is water or oil-based and it will provide you with long-term protection and a hassle-free operation with no burn risk. The long-term use is also guaranteed by the 5-year warranty.

Best Insect Fogger for the Money: Hudson 99598

To protect both yourself from bites and your wallet from losses, go for a more affordable product, like the portable Hudson 99598. This non-thermal model can be used both inside and outside, it comes with a 2-gallon tank capacity, and it can also be used for moderate commercial purposes thanks to the high-grade materials. The only downside is the short warranty window.

Best Insect Fogger for Spiders: Burgess 960

If you’re an arachnophobe, there’s a sure chance that you would like to keep your patio and yard spider-free at all times. The good news is that you can do that with the Burgess 960. Once heated up, this machine can deliver a thick fog that will envelop every 8-legged pest and make sure you won’t have to deal with them again anytime soon. Keep in mind that this model is only suitable for outdoor use, so you might want to look at one of the non-thermal models if you need to treat the inside of your home, too.