When it comes to killing and repelling mosquitoes, there is no better arsenal at your fingertips than the tried and trusted purchase of a quality mosquito fogger. There are many different models and types on the market, so this guide will serve you in highlighting the best choices of each brand and how the specifics of each model can suit your own particular needs.
In these mosquito fogger reviews, you will learn:
- The best selections in the industry for both thermal and electric insect foggers
- About the alternative types of foggers such as engine based and ULV foggers
- A comprehensive buyer's guide for 7 of the best selections based on research and mosquito fogger review comparisons
- Individual product reviews breaking down all of the components for each fogger
Types of fogger machines available
Mosquito fogger machines are generally divided into two main types of operating systems – thermal (propane, engine-based) and electric (sometimes referred to as cold or ULV foggers).Â
Mosquitoes are probably the most annoying and potentially dangerous outdoor pest in the world. Apart from the incessant itch caused by their bites, mosquitoes can also transmit a host of diseases to human beings, with West Nile Virus and Zika being the most common two types of potentially life-threatening diseases.
The efforts available to keep mosquitoes away are limited due to their ability to rapidly reproduce in virtually any environment that retains moisture, as well as their ability to fly away from chemical solutions at will. The traditional methods available to us to kill mosquitoes are limited to small-reaching aerosols and repellents – which let's face it – isn't anything near enough to combat an epidemic as widespread as mosquitoes.Â
Foggers are great tools to have because they allow a potent chemical to be dispersed into a manageable fog that can cover wide areas of your yard and stick to surrounding structures and the atmosphere for hours at a time.
For the benefits of trying to decide where to look in such a wide field, we here at City Pests have assembled seven of the best mosquito foggers with reviews of each for your consideration:
4 Best Thermal/Propane Mosquito Foggers
| Image | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger |
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Bonide 420 Fog-RX Propane Insect Fogger | |
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Tomahawk 3 HP-TMD14 Turbo Boosted Backpack Fogger Duster Blower |
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| Thermacell MR-BPR Backpacker Mosquito Repeller |
3 Best Electric Mosquito Foggers
| Image | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
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Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger |
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Sylvan Silver Bullet Pro ULV Fogger |
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OdoBan Fogmaster Jr. Electric Handheld Fogger |
How Do I Use a Mosquito Fogger?
Before we delve into the specifics of the above products, it may be important to establish some background information on how foggers work to ensure you know what to expect when preparing to use your fogger.
You can buy foggers as either propane or electric and both types have positive and negative attributes when using. Both types will certainly work to kill and repel mosquitoes from your chosen outside area, but there are limitations to both types to be aware of when trying to decide on the best foggers, and if you are ever in doubt always consult our insect fogger reviews.
As a general rule of thumb, if you would like to utilize your mosquito fogger for both your yard and during camping or fishing trips, then propane foggers are your best bet – likewise, if you wish to use your fogger continuously without the need of replacing propane tanks, then electric foggers, are a good option.Â
Here is an overview of both types of fogger and how to use them:
For propane foggers, assembly and use is easy, simply attach a propane tank, light the tank, and be sure to preheat the unit before use.
For electric foggers, you do not have to worry about buying propane tanks or igniting the tanks with electric mosquito foggers. Simply plug the unit into an extension cord (the longer, the better) and fill the reservoir with a mosquito insecticide of your choice. Just like a propane fogger, it is important to preheat the fogger for at least two minutes and then begin fogging your desired area.
Are ULV and Engine-Based Foggers Thermal Foggers?
Essentially, yes, ULV foggers and foggers that operate via an engine can be categorized as thermal foggers due to the fact that these types of foggers use heat as their source of operation.Â
ULV stands for ‘ultra-low volume' meaning that these types of thermal foggers allow you to generate a low and dense fog that produces much more microns of chemical as opposed to a thin layer, which makes these types of bug foggers the closest available alternative to a professional insect fogger.Â
Engine-based foggers operate on an engine system and require fuel much in the same way as a propane tank.
What Do Mosquito Foggers Do?
Foggers for mosquitoes work by coating the atmosphere and the surrounding foliage and structures of the area in tiny particles of a mosquito insecticide.Â
By heating up the chemical in a fogger, the chemical becomes atomized and broken into thousands of particles that are then able to cling to structures where they are administered due to the heating process – which also can keep the chemical particles floating in the air for hours at a time.Â
This makes the area where the fog was administered a mosquito death zone as well as a strong repellent against mosquitoes who venture into your yard in search of human blood.
Top 4 Thermal Mosquito Fogger Reviews:
Burgess 1443 Propane Mosquito Fogger
- Product Type: Propane Insect Fogger
- Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 15.5 x 11.2 inches
- Weight: 2.86 pounds
- Manufacturer: Burgess – The Fountainhead Group
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Review
The Burgess 1443 is one of the most popular models in thermal mosquito fogging and one of the most trusted dispensers of mosquito fog. In terms of simplicity and maximum effectiveness, the Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger represents the best attributes of propane insect fogging.Â
It is reasonably priced, features a safety switch to limit overuse of the fogger – if you do not want a large amount released at once—and with one application, treats up to half an acre of land area.
After one application and a five- minute wait, your surrounding area will be insect-free for up to six hours as the chemical particles linger in the atmosphere and create a residual on the surrounding surfaces.Â
The Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger requires regular purchases of tanks, but with these propane tanks, you can take them virtually anywhere in an outdoor setting as there is no need for electricity to keep the fogger plugged into. There's no need to worry about extension cords reaching where you need to go; you can take a propane fogger camping, boating, to an outside picnic or anywhere that will see flying insect activity.
Depending on your circumstances, propane may be much more convenient for you, but if you choose propane, you'll need to stock up on propane tanks to power your fogger, which may be a slight inconvenience for some. But, the reasonable price of the Burgess 1443 more than makes up for the cost of additional tanks.
Pros
- You can take the Burgess 1443 virtually anywhere due to its portability and lack of cords needed to run on electricity
- Lightweight and easy to use performance capabilities make the Burgess 1443 one of the most accessible and effective of insect foggers
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Requires ignition such as a lighter
- Inconsistency in the amount of insecticide needed for large or small areas
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Bonide 420 Fog-RX Propane Insect Fogger
- Product Type: Thermal (Propane)
- Product Dimensions: 15 x 20 x 11 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Manufacturer: Bonide
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Review
The Bonide 420 stands out amongst the thermal crowd due to its versatility in targeting a wide range of insects in addition to mosquitoes. In addition to this attribute, the Bonide 420 is also easily tolerated by foliage, meaning this product can be used with ease as a garden fogger machine of various sorts and will kill and repel additional problem insects in those areas.Â
Much like other propane models, those attributed are also apparent in the Bonide 420, including the benefits of portability and hours of insect-free outdoor areas.
The Bonide 420 shines in its versatility to be used in virtually any area of your yard, with no need to worry about the chemicals in the insecticide aggravating flowers, or fruits or vegetables in your garden. The mosquito-killing action is also strongly represented in the specially formulated chemicals that Bonide produces specifically for this fogger.Â
Like other propane models, assembly and usage is the same, purchase an appropriate amount of propane tanks and be sure to have a lighter or match on hand to light the tank.
Pros
- Kills a large variety of insects apart from mosquitoes
- Easily tolerated in flower and vegetable gardens
- Clear, translucent chemical reservoir allows you to easily see how much chemical is being used
- 90-day warranty
Cons
- The Bonide 420 is only compatible with the company's specific chemical
- Inconsistencies in pumping action resulting in ineffective fogging
Tomahawk 3 HP-TMD14 Turbo Boosted Backpack Fogger Duster Blower
- Product Type: Thermal (engine-based)
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 26 x 17 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Manufacturer: Tomahawk Power
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Review
What if there was a company that decided to combine a thermal pesticide fogger with the added benefits of operating as a blower and high-powered duster as well? That is exactly what Tomahawk has done with their 3 HP Turbo model. Tomahawk Backpack Foggers are your best solution for fighting annoying mosquitoes with the added benefits of blowing leaves and debris from your yard and eliminating pollen and dust in the mosquito-off seasons.
The Tomahawk Power TMD14 is a 3-In-One Backpack Fogger, Duster, and Leaf Blower perfect for applying pesticides for pest and parasite control around residential and commercial areas.Â
The TMD14 improves plant protection and chemical efficiency by creating a mist that coats plants top and bottom, while using only a tenth of the amount of fluid used by other sprayers.Â
Although a bit expensive, this model is a valuable and multi-efficient fogger that can also provide other uses in the months when mosquitoes and flying pests are not as prevalent in your yard.
Pros
- The Tomahawk 3HP-TMD14 is a powerful engine-based fogger that can also be used for blowing and dusting
- Effective for killing fleas and as an outdoor tick fogger
- Uses up to a tenth of an amount less solution than traditional foggers
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires fuel
Thermacell MR-BPR Backpacker Mosquito Repeller
- Product Type: Thermal (Propane)
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.2 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
- Manufacturer: Thermacell
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Review
Often times, you find yourself in a situation where you are camping or exploring the wilderness in a backpacking tour, where the need to carry a bulgy and cumbersome propane fogger may seem like a hassle.
The Thermacell MR-BPR seeks to remedy that situation with their small, incredibly portable, and highly effective backpacker fogger.
This is a fogger that can fit directly into your backpack and can cover an area of around ninety feet—which is perfect for when you are settling in for the evening under the stars.
The Thermacell MR-BPR operates much in the same way as a larger, more traditional propane fogger, although it will not set you back quite as much when buying the required ‘mats' that are special made just for this product.
To operate this fogger, simply connect the gas canister to a mat and turn the fogger on for up to ninety (yes, ninety) hours of residual and continuous protection. After 90 hours of use, a new gas canister will need to be purchased as well as a new package of mats which come in packages of six.
Pros
- Incredibly portable and fits easily into a backpack
- 90 continuous hours of fogging available
- Two or Three-year warranties available
Cons
- Requires frequent purchases of both gas canisters and mat cartridges
- Small radius of coverage
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Top 3 Electric Mosquito Fogger Reviews:
Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger
- Product Type: Electric Insect Fogger
- Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 11.1 x 6.9 inches
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Manufacturer: Black Flag – Spectrum Brands, The Fountainhead Group
- Additional Accessories Needed: You will need a durable extension cord with a substantial reach, such as the Amazon Basics brand, which reaches 100 ft.
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Review
The Black Flag brand is one of the most trusted brands on the market in mosquito fogging and the 190107 model is their latest model to keep their brand trusted and efficient.
It is reasonably priced, features a safety switch to limit overuse of the fogger–if you do not want a large amount released at once—and with one application, treats up to half an acre of land area.
The Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger requires no purchases of propane tanks, but with the absence of propane tanks comes the limitation of the usage of the fogger.
You can only use this fogger if you are near an electrical outlet, which will also require a somewhat lengthy extension cord to be used. But there are great benefits to be had with electric foggers and that mostly comes down to the savings you will get when not having to replace a propane tank after each use
In addition, the Black Flag 190107 is of superior quality in comparison to other electric models and you can continuously use the fogger until you need to refill the chemical reservoir.
Pros
- You can save money with the Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger due to not having to continuously purchase propane tanks
- Lightweight and easy to use performance capabilities make the Black Flag 190107 one of the most accessible and effective of insect foggers
- One-year warranty
Cons
- The Black Flag 190107 will require the purchase of an extension cord
- This unit can take up to ten minutes to adequately preheat
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Read full detailed review
Sylvan Silver Bullet Pro ULV Fogger
- Product Type: Electric
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 13.1 x 16.8 inches
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Manufacturer: Sylvan USA
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Review
Mosquito yard foggers do not have to be handheld units that only work towards destroying pests, there are models available that function as humidifiers, air purifiers, and pesticide dispensers all-in-one and the Sylvan Silver Bullet has one of the longest shelf lives' of any fogger on the market.Â
This model features an incredible handle grip and nozzles capabilities that allow you to dispense ultra-low volume fog, which is actually much more potent than regular fogging, meaning that the potency of the chemical will be much more toxic to mosquitoes than basic atomizer capabilities.
In addition to these capabilities, the Silver Bullet Pro makes yard fogging a breeze due to an incredible forty-foot fogging reach and a rotating axle that allows you to walk away from the fogging and let the fogger do all the work.Â
If you really want to crank up the fogging action, the Silver Bullet Pro comes with a high-volume control that will dispense a massive amount of chemical to problem areas in your yard and increase the residual of the chemical for possibly up to forty-eight hours.Â
The Silver Bullet Pro is a bit steep in price, but the benefits of ultra-low volume fogging take the traditional benefits of fogging to new and increased heights of potency and effectiveness.
Pros
- Ultra-low volume fogging increases the potency rate of mosquito chemicals
- Possesses an incredible forty-foot fogging reach
- Residual effects of ULV fogging with the Silver Bullet Pro can last at least two days
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Although advertised for possible indoor use, this product is very corrosive to insulation and paint and is best suited as a backyard mosquito fogger
- Expensive
- ULV foggers can produce a higher toxicity than normal in pesticides
OdoBan Fogmaster Jr. Electric Handheld Fogger
- Product Type: Electric
- Product Dimensions: : 11 x 4.5 x 10 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Manufacturer: OdoBan
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Review
In terms of sheer efficiency and ease of use, no fogger review is complete without a mention of the lightweight and effective OdoBan Fogmaster Jr. This model is incredibly simple in design with an affordable price that cannot be beaten in terms of easiness of use. Although this unit is indeed simple and without much fuss, it more than makes up for these ordinary features in its durability, longevity, and potency.
The OdoBan Fogmaster Jr comes with an adjustable knob that allows you to control the amount of fog you wish to dispense, which is perfect if you only wish to spot treat certain areas in your yard or do not wish to use a large amount of chemicals in rapid succession. In addition to working well against mosquitoes, this unit is also great at eliminating mold and mildew inside of the home, which will give it an extra use in the mosquito off season.Â
The product is very lightweight in comparison to larger units and is really the best choice you can make for mosquito fogging if you are not looking to break the bank.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Great for mold and mildew control in addition to mosquito fogging
- Adjustable fogging controls
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Very short cord will require a sizable extension cord for outdoor use
- Takes a long time to preheat
- Not as powerful in comparison to more ULV-centric brands
In summary
There are many different types of foggers on the market to choose from and this guide was written to help ease the burden of finding the right fogger based on your specifications. These seven models are all worth the investment and as you can see, some foggers are more well-equipped to cover larger areas of land whereas others are more compatible for smaller areas or even camping trips.Â
Propane foggers are perfect if you want to take your fogger on the go, whereas electric foggers can save you a bit of money since they require no tank purchases; the choices are plentiful and any of these seven choices should address all of your fogging needs.
A gas-powered mosquito fogger can also be just as effective as a more traditional propane fogger and the meanings between thermal and electrical mosquito foggers can be varied in some models. Finding the right model for your home may depend on the severity of mosquitoes in your area, so it is also helpful to ensure that you are eliminating mosquito breeding grounds. Take advantage of the incredible benefits of any of these seven insect foggers and provide yourself one of the best tools in the fight against mosquitoes.
