Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger Misconceptions Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger is a product that should be used in conjunction with Hot Shot Bed Bug & Flea Spray. This product has some pretty mixed reviews around the web. Even I was reluctant to try this product at first because of all of the negative reviews I had read. I decided to try it anyway, because of the convenience factor. I learned why Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger had negative reviews, but I also learned how to kill bed bugs effectively with this fogger (barring resistance). The negative reviews that investigated were written by people who did not understand the directions. If you would like a full guide on how to get rid of bed bugs, then check out The Bed Bug Book. The biggest problem with this product is how it is marketed; there is a disconnect from the fogger and their brand of bed bug spray. While some infestations may be treated with the fogger, many infestations should also be treated with the spray. Plus bed bug mattress covers should be invested in for after treatment.
There are two main types of bed bug extermination products, both from Hot Shot. One is Hot Shot Bed Bug Flea & Bed Bug Spray, and the other is Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger. Each product, utilizing slightly different chemicals, to help get the job done. Misconceptions about this fogger arise when people use it alone, without using the spray or sealing their homes. Reviewing Effectiveness On Bed BugsThis review is for Hot Shot bed bug fogger, but I am only reviewing it in regards to bed bugs. I have used it for fleas once, and it worked great (stinkin indoor cat snuck out and brought back fleas). For the scope of this article, were just talking about bed bugs. If you are researching to discover if this works on fleas, this review will not be helpful. However, if you are searching with regard to bed bugs, keep reading. You will be surprised about what you learn. If you have read my Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray review, you already know two things: Some bed bugs might be immune (rare)(more likely in southern areas).
The instructions do not fully explain how to use this product in combination with their bed bug spray. I think it is a shame that they do not have better instructions, or a plan that comes with this product, and the spray. * I have been in contact with customer service over issue two. They are unable to include the type of comprehensive instructions with each packet at this time. I believe that they are working on it with their product redisign. For now, They have created a video instead. Hot Shot Bed Bug Extermination Video The Trouble With Some Hot Shot ReviewsThe problem with some reviews for this product is that the people who killed bed bugs with it are less likely to go post that all over the net. Where, a person who had a poor experience will complain to everyone. Before I used these products, I noticed a few things about these complaints. First, zoning in on the people who used it and claimed it did not work. A large portion of them ONLY used Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger or ONLY used the spray.
Some may have used the spray, but a few days AFTER the fogger. Others, tried using this as their only method of bed bug removal and did not seal their homes, or protect their mattress. It does not matter what spray you use; it won’t work if you do not have a full bed bug plan. It seems like a lot of people who complained about Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger were they type who had immune bugs, or the type who were looking for an easy answer. There is no easy answer for bed bugs. Grabbing the first product you see and using it, without thoroughly researching how to get rid of bed bugs, is going to fail almost every time. It is important to understand that eradicating bed bugs is not like eradicating other kinds of pests. Bed bugs are evil, well maybe not evil, but they are hardy and unpleasant. They are more enduring than roaches, and that is saying a lot. Roaches outlived the dinosaurs after all! If you are truly ready to kill bed bugs yourself, and forgo the exterminator, then check out this Free bed bug to do list.
How to Use Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger in Combination With Spraying and SealingFrom my experience using Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger, and calling Hot Shot’s toll free number, I discovered that the spray and fogger need to be used together, and in a certain order. The company itself gave me clues; it was my experience that helped me really understand how to use Hot Shot Bed Bug Products effectively. When I researched reviews about Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger, the main complaint with the fogger (and the problem with the complaint) helped me figure out how to use the product. 1) Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger can cause bed bugs to run deeper into cracks and crevices. Yes, it does, but there is a solution! ! I have seen bed bugs intentionally avoid areas sprayed with pesticide. I cannot hammer this in to people’s heads enough. You must seal your home against bed bugs! You should seal after you use Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger and Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray. If you want to steam, do it before you use the fogger or the spay.
Steaming after you use Hot Shot Bed Bug Fogger or spray could cause the chemicals to vaporize in to the air. This can cause serious injury and health problems. The fogger is made with Pyrethrins. This is derived from chrysanthemums. It is less stable to light, and not as toxic as Permethrin, which is the active ingredient in the spray. Therefore, the fogger is not as toxic as the spray, but be warned it can still cause breathing issues. For this reason the first thing you need to do when eradicating bed bugs, outside of inspecting bedding and furniture, is spray ALL cracks and crevices with Hot Shot Bed bug spray. Then use the fogger, and then seal. This works because you are getting Permethrin, deep into cracks and crevices. Setting off the fogger, which will either stun the bed bug OR drive it in to the cracks where you sprayed the toxic poison. Then, you seal up every baseboard, every piece of rubber molding and any cracks in the floor. They are trapped, with the poison, and not likely to get back in the house OR escape someplace else.
2) You will find reviews where someone has captured a bed bug, sprayed it with the spray, and it did not die. That is a good sign that your strain of bed bugs is resistant. At this point, you can try another product, call a professional or try another bed bug relief method. Because this sometimes happens, people make claims that this product is a scam, but it isn’t. It really does work if you follow the correct procedure, AND your bugs are not resistant. There is no way to know until you try it. Again, my suggestion for using Hot Shot fogger is as follows: 1. Spray the cracks and cervices with Hot Shot Bed Bug Spray 2. Use Hot Shot Fogger 3. Seal all cracks and cervices 4. Repeat fogger as instructed 2 weeks later for any newly hatched eggs 5. Use spray as needed. Are Bed Bugs Resistant to Hot Shot?It is important to talk about bed bug immunities. There are very few research studies to draw factual evidence on immunities. However, there are some studies that are explaining a few things to us.
The most noteworthy study was done by the Department of Entomology, Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center at Ohio State University in Wooster, Ohio with the Department of Entomology at Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. This study directly relates to Permethrin and its cousin deltamethrin. I am going to get technical; you can read about it here if you would like. The gist of it is this: through gene expression research there are bed bugs who are resistant to permethrin, and its cousin deltamethrin. However, this represents certain strains. Other research has determined the same thing BUT disagrees on the abundance and locations of immune bugs. It could be that southern areas could have a higher number of immune bugs due to of the higher rate of permethrin and deltamethrin pesticides due to warmer weather. The relevancy of this is that some bugs MIGHT have a resistance to permethrin and not deltamethrin. Some might be resistant to them both.