Operating principle and effectiveness of insect fumigators

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.

Recommendations for selection

If you want to purchase a high-quality and effective fumigator, consider several important criteria.

• Processing area. First of all, pay attention to this aspect, because the efficiency of the device depends on it. The packaging indicates the approximate range of the device. Knowing the area of ​​the room, it will not be difficult to choose a suitable device.
• View. For indoor use, it is better to take electric fumigators, and pyrotechnic ones are suitable for outdoor use.
• Type of fumigant. The plate is a simpler method, but it only lasts for 8 hours. The liquid has a faster and longer-lasting effect, and one bottle will last for 30-35 days when used 8 hours a day. For ease of use, buy a 2 in 1 device in which you can use liquid and plates.
• Concentration of toxic substances. The safe dosage for children is 10–12%. For use in rooms where there are no children, the concentration may be slightly higher.

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.

How to make a fumigator and liquids with your own hands

It is not necessary to buy a factory-made device to repel annoying bloodsuckers. If you have the minimum technical skills and necessary elements, an electric fumigator can be easily assembled at home.

For this you will need:

• plastic case;
• an iron tip that acts as a heating element;
• container with a neck for pouring liquid;
• wick with a porous structure;
• plug for connection to the electrical network.

A fumigator is assembled from these elements according to a pre-designed scheme. However, the main disadvantage of this economical method is the high risk of fire for a home-made device.

Homemade liquids for the device are prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Mix 5 drops of eucalyptus and clove essential oils.
2. Prepare a mixture in equal proportions of clove and anise oil.
3. To 2 ml of lavender oil add 1.5 ml of citronella oil and 1 ml of tea tree oil.

The aromatic mixture is prepared from natural essential oils as desired, observing the main condition - the substances must have a strong, persistent odor. Alcohol or strong alcohol is used as the basis for the oil composition.

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.

What types of raptor fumigators are there?

If you divide a substance according to the power source used, it is divided into two types:

1. Devices that are suitable for an ordinary room. They plug into a regular outlet where there is a standard power supply.
2. A mobile device that runs on batteries. It is suitable equally well for both open and closed spaces.

As previously written, the product exists in 3 forms. Now let's look at each form in more detail.

You can take the battery-powered Raptor with you outdoors

Liquid. It is bottled in special bottles. These bottles are placed in a working device, and an electrode is lowered into the substance. Then the plug is inserted into the socket. The electrode is heated, during which the product begins to release vapors into the air. When the device is connected, under no circumstances should its vertical position be changed, otherwise it will leak.

After 30-60 minutes from the moment the drug is turned on, all mosquitoes will die, and the product can be safely removed from the outlet. The product is used sparingly throughout further use; it lasts for about 2 months if turned on every day for 8 hours.

This product also has a long shelf life, so you can safely use it until it completely evaporates. It is highly undesirable for there to be living creatures (people or pets) in the room where the fumigator is working.

Instructions for use

It is necessary to close the aquariums well so that the fish do not die. The product should be kept away from children. The fumigator can be easily installed with your own hands.

Mosquito plates. The plates run on batteries, just like the liquid. The main advantage of the plates is that they can be attached to clothing or bags using clips. They are perfect for open and closed spaces. With one plate, the product can repel annoying pests for about 8 hours (one package contains 10 plates). This device is perfect for outdoor recreation, be it fishing, hiking in the forest or relaxing in the country.

Spiral. Its peculiarity is that it does not require batteries or other power sources. The instructions for using the spiral are simple: the spiral must be set on fire and placed on a non-flammable surface. The spiral begins to slowly smolder and emit smoke containing a substance that kills mosquitoes. One such spiral can smolder for about 7 hours (there are 10 of them in one package). This fumigator will be the best option for outdoor recreation.

The spiral can smolder for up to 7 hours, it is better to use it outdoors

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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fumigators have a number of advantages. They are safe for people and most pets, easy to use, and effective at killing mosquitoes. Toxic substances, as a rule, do not cause discomfort or other unpleasant sensations; they are inaccessible to the human sense of smell.

The devices also have their drawbacks. Thus, during prolonged use (more than 3 hours), flying vapors can cause coughing attacks or a sore throat. Adults may sometimes experience headaches or develop diarrhea.

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

Types of liquids

Toxic substances in mosquito repellents are of the following types:

1. Universal products with standard concentrations of insecticides.
2. Products to protect children with natural composition or reduced amounts of chemicals.
3. Bio liquids, which consist entirely of organic components.
4. Exclusively chemical compounds that are odorless.

The composition of liquids most often includes insecticides with a toxic substance concentration of up to 15%:

• pyrethrin (natural substance);
• pyrethroids (synthetic poisons);
• prallethrin or d-allethrin (has a nerve agent effect on mosquitoes);
• esbiotrin (paralyzes nerve impulses in the body of insects, which leads to their death).

In addition to insecticides, natural repellents, which most often are oils, are used as an action enhancer in liquids:

• citronella;
• eucalyptus;
• tansy;
• peppermint;
• Dolmatian chamomile;
• carnations;
• tea tree.

Device design

A container with the product itself is placed in the middle of the fumigator body. After the device is plugged into the outlet, the active substance begins to heat up and release poison that kills insects. The mosquito repellent is battery operated.

The strength of the effect on insects depends on the duration of exposure to the switched on fumigator.

At a low concentration of the substance, mosquitoes simply fly past the protected premises, but at a higher concentration, the mosquitoes die. The mosquito repellent Raptor contains pyrethroid, which until recently was obtained from chamomile, but has now been synthesized artificially.

This pyrethroid in small doses can repel insects, discouraging them from looking for food. But if a large amount of the drug comes into contact with a mosquito, the mosquito first becomes paralyzed and dies soon after. Mosquito repellent liquid is virtually harmless to humans, but an allergic reaction to the active substance distributed in the air is possible.

In high concentrations, the substance can cause moderate headaches. For this reason, it is highly undesirable to leave the drug on all night. You can turn it on before bed for a couple of hours: this will be enough to provide good protection against insects.

Instructions for use (for liquid)

1. You need to carefully remove the cap from the ampoule, then insert the rod inside and close it tightly.
2. Next, you need to plug the device into the outlet (necessarily in a vertical position).
3. It is advisable to install the liquid in hard-to-reach places where it will be covered by furniture.
4. The insect repellent begins to work 10-15 minutes after being plugged into the outlet.
5. Do not forget to turn off the drug before going to bed to avoid possible side effects.

Thus, this product can be used in any room and even outdoors. In this case, be sure to follow the instructions for using the device.

Popular brands, their characteristics

The market offers domestic and imported products.
When choosing the best fumigator, you should pay attention to the following brands: Raid. They produce plates based on cardboard or aluminum

Used to combat flying, blood-sucking insects. The main substance is pyrethrum, which is extracted from Dalmatian chamomile. Effective against flies in the house, in open areas. Maximum application time is 8 hours. Insert the device from flies and mosquitoes into an outlet away from the sleeping place. Clean house. Plates for killing flies and mosquitoes. The composition includes pyrethrum, which is safe for human health. It is universal in use, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. The visible effect begins after 10 minutes of use, complete destruction occurs after 60 minutes. One plate is designed for 12 hours of continuous operation. Moskitol. Plates based on cardboard against mosquitoes and flies. Ingredient: Pyrethrum. Suitable for protection against insects indoors and outdoors. The death of parasites occurs half an hour after using the device. Virtually non-toxic due to its composition. Fumigator fly repellent tablets can be used in homes with small children

Plates are produced based on cardboard or aluminum. Used to combat flying, blood-sucking insects. The main substance is pyrethrum, which is extracted from Dalmatian chamomile. Effective against flies in the house, in open areas. Maximum application time is 8 hours. Insert the device from flies and mosquitoes into an outlet away from the sleeping place. Clean house. Plates for killing flies and mosquitoes. The composition includes pyrethrum, which is safe for human health. It is universal in use, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. The visible effect begins after 10 minutes of use, complete destruction occurs after 60 minutes. One plate is designed for 12 hours of continuous operation. Moskitol. Plates based on cardboard against mosquitoes and flies. Ingredient: Pyrethrum. Suitable for protection against insects indoors and outdoors. The death of parasites occurs half an hour after using the device. Virtually non-toxic due to its composition. Fumigator fly repellent tablets can be used in homes with small children.

Raptor. The most effective liquid against winged insects. The composition includes a toxin - ethok. Raptor plates and spirals are also available for sale. Fumigators operate in two modes: turbo, standard. It takes less than an hour to destroy all the insects in the house. The vial of liquid is designed to last 60 nights. Fumitox against flies. They produce a liquid based on the substance prallethrin. There is no smell. Highly effective, safe to use for rooms with children and animals. The bottle is designed for about a month of use. The plug can change position and adapt to any socket. One fumigator for protection against flies is enough for 1 room.

• Raid. Plates are produced based on cardboard or aluminum. Used to combat flying, blood-sucking insects. The main substance is pyrethrum, which is extracted from Dalmatian chamomile. Effective against flies in the house, in open areas. Maximum application time is 8 hours. Insert the device from flies and mosquitoes into an outlet away from the sleeping area.
• Clean house. Plates for killing flies and mosquitoes. The composition includes pyrethrum, which is safe for human health. It is universal in use, so it can be used indoors or outdoors. The visible effect begins after 10 minutes of use, complete destruction occurs after 60 minutes. One plate is designed for 12 hours of continuous operation.
• Moskitol. Plates based on cardboard against mosquitoes and flies. Ingredient: Pyrethrum. Suitable for protection against insects indoors and outdoors. The death of parasites occurs half an hour after using the device. Virtually non-toxic due to its composition. Fumigator fly repellent tablets can be used in homes with small children.
• Raptor. The most effective liquid against winged insects. The composition includes a toxin - ethok. Raptor plates and spirals are also available for sale. Fumigators operate in two modes: turbo, standard. It takes less than an hour to destroy all the insects in the house. The vial of liquid is designed to last 60 nights.
• Fumitox against flies. They produce a liquid based on the substance prallethrin. There is no smell. Highly effective, safe to use for rooms with children and animals. The bottle is designed for about a month of use. The plug can change position and adapt to any socket. One fumigator for protection against flies is enough for 1 room.

Fumigators against flies

How to use liquid insecticides without a fumigator

Another option is if you have industrial liquid, but there is no fumigator or it is broken. Knowing how to use mosquito repellent without a fumigator, you can fight insects in any situation.

The principle of operation of a fumigator is to heat a liquid to evaporate it. Any hot surface will do this. Therefore, you can drop a few drops of liquid onto the soleplate of a hot iron or onto a burning incandescent lamp.

Before you find out which fumigator is the most effective and allows you to effectively protect yourself from mosquitoes, it is worth understanding the principle of operation of such devices. In general, fumigation is the process of poisoning insects with volatile substances and fumes. And such substances themselves are called fumigants. Consequently, the devices used for these purposes are fumigators. And they work precisely thanks to the components included in the composition, which begin to evaporate and enter the air when heated.