Whether you’re gearing up for a backyard barbecue or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful evening on the porch, nothing disrupts the ambiance quicker than the annoying buzz of mosquitoes. But there’s a solution to regain control of your outdoor spaces, and it comes in the form of the best mosquito foggers.
Mosquito foggers have emerged as a popular tool in managing mosquito infestations. The ones we are about to explore don’t just repel — they annihilate these pests. Crafted using advanced technology, these tools will help you reclaim your outdoor space, making it a mosquito-free zone. So let’s get started!
Top 6 Mosquito Foggers
- Best Gas-Powered Cold Mosquito Fogger – Invatech Italia New Mister Duster Mosquito Sprayer
- Best Electric Cold Fogger – SuperHandy PRO ULV Fogger
- Most Versatile Cold Fogger – Tomahawk Turbo Boosted Backpack Fogger
- Best Battery-Powered Cold Fogger – SuperHandy ULV Fogger Cordless Backpack
Best Thermal Mosquito Foggers:
- Best Gas-Powered Thermal Fogger – Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger
- Best Electric Thermal Fogger – Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger
Best Cold Mosquito Foggers – Our Top Picks
1. Best Gas-Powered Cold Fogger – Invatech Italia New Mister Duster Mosquito Sprayer
Taking the top spot on our list as the best overall and best gas-powered fogger is the Invatech Italia New Mister Duster Mosquito Sprayer. This big and powerful machine is a game-changer when dealing with mosquitoes and other insects like fleas, ticks, and gnats, ensuring they don’t stand a chance in your home or yard.
This heavy-duty fogger is powered by a whopping 4.3-horsepower motor, outclassing its competitors with its sheer strength. The large 3.7-gallon tank capacity allows for extended usage, so you can cover larger areas without needing to refill constantly.
But it’s not just about raw power; the spray reach is equally impressive. Delivering a mist that stretches to 39 feet horizontally and ascends 32 feet high, this fogger covers a wide range, ensuring no bug is safe.
Specifications:
- Type: Cold fogger, gas-powered
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Tank size: 3.7 gallons
- Reach: 32 feet vertical, 39 feet horizontal
Pros:
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- One of the biggest reservoir tanks in the market
Cons:
- It is a high-end option, so it has a higher price point.
- Not as lightweight as other options
Where to buy
2. Best Electric Cold Fogger – SuperHandy PRO ULV Fogger
Taking the lead in the electric category on our list is the SuperHandy PRO ULV Fogger. This device may not boast the brute strength of our top gas-powered option, but don’t underestimate it; it still offers a commendable performance that, coupled with its affordability, makes it a great choice for many homeowners.
Powered by a 1200W electric motor, this fogger provides ample coverage for most residential needs. It can deliver a mist over a horizontal distance of 20 feet and a vertical distance of 4.9 to 6.5 feet. While this reach might not be as extensive as the previous model, it is more than sufficient for most home yards and gardens.
In addition, the SuperHandy Fogger is equipped with a 2.6-gallon reservoir, which ensures you have enough capacity to handle sizable areas before needing a refill. It can also be used for sanitation purposes and for misting/humidifying plants.
Specifications:
- Type: Cold ULV fogger, electric
- Weight: 10.69 pounds
- Tank size: 2.6 gallons
- Reach: 4.9-6.5 feet vertical, 20 feet horizontal
Pros:
- The tank is easy to fill up and contains a screen filter to keep debris out.
- Lightweight and portable
- Most affordable cold fogger on the list
Cons:
- Limited mist reach
- The cord can be inconvenient or limiting
Where to buy
3. Most Versatile Cold Fogger – Tomahawk Turbo Boosted Backpack Fogger
The third-place spot on our list is proudly held by the Tomahawk Turbo Boosted Backpack Fogger, an incredibly versatile and efficient tool. Its applications go beyond simply combating the summer mosquito invasion — it shines year-round as a leaf blower or for the application of herbicides.
The Tomahawk fogger closely matches the performance of the Invatech Italia model, albeit with a slightly less powerful 3-horsepower motor. However, don’t let that slightly lower horsepower fool you — this machine is still a powerhouse in its own right, perfectly capable of holding its own against any pesky insects.
What sets this fogger apart is its uniform coating ability. It quickly covers plants and surfaces in a protective mist. The droplet size can be fine-tuned from 50-100 microns for Ultra Low Volume (ULV) treatments, and the mist can cover a 40-foot horizontal distance and rise to 25 feet vertically.
Specifications:
- Type: Cold fogger, gas-powered
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Tank size: 3.7 gallon
- Reach: 25 feet vertical, 40 feet horizontal
Pros:
- Adjustable droplet size
- The extensive reach of the mist ensures thorough coverage.
- Can also be used as a leaf-blower
Cons:
- One of the heaviest products in the market, especially when full
- More expensive than our top pick, with a less powerful motor
Where to buy
4. Best Battery-Powered Cold Fogger – SuperHandy ULV Fogger Cordless Backpack
If you’re looking for liberation from cord limitations, the SuperHandy ULV Fogger Cordless Backpack might just be your ticket to more freedom and flexibility in managing pests. It’s our top pick for the best battery-powered fogger, and it brings a unique set of advantages to the table.
Powered by a 48V DC 50W electric motor, this fogger offers a great balance of power and portability, ideal for those who need to navigate larger areas or tricky landscapes. Also, it does not compromise on capacity, with a tank holding 2.6 gallons.
The real beauty of this fogger, though, is its adjustable output and droplet size. You can modify the output from 1 to 10 GPH and adjust the particle size from 0-50 microns. This means you can customize the fogging to your specific needs, ensuring you use just the right amount of product.
Specifications:
- Type: Cold fogger, battery-powered
- Weight: 16.37 pounds
- Tank size: 2.6 gallon
- Reach: 4.9-6.5 feet vertical, 20 feet horizontal
Pros:
- Adjustable droplet size and output
- Added padding in the backpack for extra comfort
- No cords
Cons:
- Might have a short battery life
- Limited vertical mist reach of 4.9 to 6.5 feet
Where to buy
Best Thermal Mosquito Foggers – Our Top Picks
1. Best Gas-Powered Thermal Fogger – Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger
Stealing the spotlight for the best gas-powered and overall thermal fogger, we have the Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger. It’s not just about the thermal prowess that makes it shine; it also stands out as the best budget option on our list, offering excellent value for the money.
Propane mosquito foggers like this Burgess model work a little differently from their ULV counterparts. Instead of dispersing droplets, they vaporize the pesticide, creating a dense fog composed of minute particles. This fine mist hangs suspended in the air much longer, typically around six hours, ensuring prolonged protection against those pesky mosquitoes.
Despite its powerful performance, the Burgess 1443 is surprisingly lightweight. This makes it easy to carry around, even when covering larger areas. And speaking of coverage, this fogger does its job with efficiency and speed. It can treat an impressive 5,000-square-foot area in less than 10 minutes. For those seeking quick results, this is a significant advantage.
Specifications:
- Type: Thermal fogger, gas-powered
- Weight: 2.86 pounds
- Tank size: 44 ounces
Pros:
- The treated area can be used after 5 minutes of using the fogger
- Treats 5,000 square feet in 10 minutes
- Long-lasting effect of up to 6 hours
Cons:
- Can only be used with fogging insecticides from specific brands
- Propane cylinders must be bought separately
- Dangerous to use indoors
Check out this video by Product Peeks on how to use the Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger:
Where to buy
2. Best Electric Thermal Fogger – Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger
Shifting gears to another fantastic thermal fogger, let’s spotlight the Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger. This powerful tool gives you all the benefits of thermal fogging while eliminating the need for propane, offering a more user-friendly approach to pest control.
Just like the Burgess 1443, the Black Flag 190107 is an absolute champion when it comes to treating large areas. You can effectively fog an area of 5,000 square feet in just 10 minutes. Its potent action kills and repels flying insects, ensuring a bug-free zone for up to six hours.
One standout feature of this fogger is its plug-and-play operation. It’s as straightforward as it sounds — plug it in, and you’re ready to start fogging. This simplifies the fogging process and makes it even more accessible to users who prefer less fuss.
Specifications:
- Type: Thermal fogger, electric
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
- Tank size: 44 ounces
Pros:
- Does not need propane cylinders
- Treats 5,000 square feet in 10 minutes
Cons:
- Just like every thermal fogger, it needs to be preheated.
- Can only be used with insecticides from specific brands
- The cord can be inconvenient or limiting.
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide
As we dive into the world of mosquito fogging machines, it’s clear there’s a plethora of options to choose from. These devices, while undeniably effective, come with a relatively hefty price tag. That’s why making an informed decision is crucial. This guide will lay out some of the key factors to consider when buying a fogger machine:
Type of Fogger
There are two types of mosquito foggers you’ll likely encounter in your search — cold foggers, also known as ULV foggers, and thermal foggers. The type of fogger you choose will largely depend on your specific needs, the area you need to cover, and whether you need to use the fogger indoors or outdoors.
Cold/ULV Foggers
Cold foggers, also known as Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) foggers, are versatile machines used for a variety of purposes, such as applying pesticides and for mold control. These devices work by utilizing air pressure to create a fog or mist from the fogging solution. The resulting fog is composed of larger particles compared to those produced by thermal foggers.
One of the significant advantages of cold foggers is their safety indoors. Thanks to the absence of heat in their operation, they are generally safe to use inside your home without creating a fire hazard.
Thermal Foggers
Thermal foggers employ heat to vaporize the fogging solution. This process creates incredibly small particles that linger in the air for extended periods. These foggers produce a dense, visible fog that efficiently penetrates hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough application.
However, the use of heat makes thermal foggers unsuitable for indoor use, as the high temperatures can pose a risk to furniture and other household items, as well as a fire risk.
| Cold Foggers | Thermal Foggers |
| Particle size is between 5-20 microns | Particle size is between 0-10 microns |
| Near invisible fog | Visible fog |
| Uses air pressure | Uses heat |
| Safe to use indoors | Designed for outdoor use |
Power Source
The power source of an insect fogger plays a significant role in determining its performance and convenience. The three main power sources used in these machines are gas, electricity, and batteries, each with its distinct advantages and drawbacks:
- Gas-powered foggers are often touted as the powerhouses of the fogging world. These machines are typically more robust, able to produce a higher volume of fog, and cover larger areas more efficiently. The drawback? They are noisier and may require more maintenance than their electric or battery-powered counterparts.
- Electric foggers are popular for those seeking an easy-to-use, plug-in solution. You won’t have to worry about refilling gas or recharging batteries. However, the presence of a cord may limit your movement and reach, particularly if you’re treating a large outdoor area or one without nearby power outlets.
- Battery-powered foggers offer the benefit of portability. These machines are ideal if you want the freedom to move around without being tethered by a power cord or constrained by a gas supply. On the downside, a battery-powered fogger’s performance depends on battery life, which may require frequent recharging.
Tank Capacity
The tank or reservoir capacity is a crucial feature to consider when choosing the best mosquito fogger machine. The size of the tank will determine how much fogging solution you can load at a time and, consequently, how long you can operate the fogger before needing a refill.
Thermal foggers typically have smaller tank capacities, ranging from 20 to 44 ounces. This may seem modest, but given that thermal foggers produce ultra-fine particles, a small amount of solution goes a long way.
On the other hand, cold foggers tend to have larger tank capacities, typically between 1 and 4 gallons. This larger size allows for extended operation times, which can be particularly handy when treating large areas. However, keep in mind that a larger tank also means a heavier machine once it’s filled.
Product Weight
The weight of your chosen mosquito fogger will substantially impact its ease of use, and it’s a factor that should not be overlooked. Foggers come in a variety of weights, and it’s essential to select a model that you’ll be comfortable handling, particularly if you’ll be using it for extended periods.
- Lighter foggers bring the advantage of portability and are generally easier to handle, causing less fatigue during operation. These models can be particularly suitable if you need to move around a lot, as they are more comfortable to carry and maneuver.
- Heavier foggers, however, often come with more power and an extended reach. If you’re dealing with a larger infestation or a sizable outdoor area, a heavier, more powerful fogger might be just what you need. But remember, lugging around a heavy machine for a long time can be physically demanding, so make sure the backpack straps are padded.
Mist Reach
The mist reach, or range, of your fogger is another crucial factor to consider when making your decision:
If your task involves treating a large outdoor area, such as an expansive yard or garden, you’ll benefit from a fogger designed to cover a wide radius. A machine with a robust motor and a nozzle designed for extended reach can make your job quicker and more efficient.
On the other hand, if you’re primarily planning to use your fogger indoors, a vast reach may not be as beneficial. In fact, a fogger that sprays too far might cause the solution to end up where you don’t want it, such as on furniture or other household items.
FAQ About Mosquito Foggers
Both fogging and spraying are effective mosquito control methods, but the choice depends on the size of the infestation and the area to be treated.
Mosquito sprays for yards, which are typically attached to a water hose and mixed with water, are best for smaller infestations in confined areas like a small backyard. In contrast, foggers, which use air pressure or heat to disperse the pesticide, provide broader coverage and are ideal for larger areas or more severe infestations.
The most effective way to control mosquito populations begins with prevention, primarily by eliminating standing water from your property, where mosquito larvae grow. Apart from this, fogging your yard is a highly effective method, as well as employing mosquito traps, which attract and capture mosquitoes, and mosquito repellent devices, which emit substances that repel mosquitoes.
The time you need to wait after mosquito fogging can vary based on the type of fogger used. For non-thermal foggers, it is generally recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after application to allow the product to dry fully. In contrast, with thermal foggers, you can usually reenter the area much sooner, typically after about 5 minutes.
Bring in the Pros
Selecting the best mosquito fogger involves considering various factors, including your specific needs, the severity of the mosquito problem, and the size of the area to be treated.
However, it’s crucial to remember that fogging involves applying pesticides, which must be handled with care. If you’re not comfortable with DIY or if the infestation is severe, don’t hesitate to call a professional exterminator. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you with top pest control experts in your area.
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Main Image Credit: AMZ Product Images with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
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