Skip to Content

5 Of The Best Mosquito Fogger To Protect Your Garden, Home, and Family

Tiny Serial Killers

What comes to your mind when you think about the most dangerous animal in the world? Do you think of disease-carrying rats? Maybe, Man-eating lions or deadly sharks?

Surprisingly, none of these animals, no matter how dangerous, can compare to the top killer weighing only a mere two and a half milligrams: mosquitoes.

According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes kill around 725,000 people a year (sharks kill 10 annually) from the diseases they bring – no other animal bite kills more people. It’s no wonder then that we spend millions per year to protect ourselves from these harbingers of death.

One of these tools is the best mosquito fogger. Choose from among the best and start protecting your family, home, and garden from these deadly pests! Additionally, the best propane mosquito foggers will be perfect for camping too.

Best Mosquito Fogger

At A Glance

Here is a quick look at the products we’ll be looking at in this article and their respective features.

The Guide to Mosquito Foggers

It’s time we take back our yards and enjoy those picnics, camp sites, and other outdoor events without the nuisance of mosquitoes. However, mosquito foggers won’t just free you from these unwanted and annoying guests, but you, your family, and your friends will also avoid the diseases they carry!

You might ask then: what kind of fogger will be best for me? We’ll answer that in this section and see the features you’ll not to look for in your next mosquito fogger.

What are Mosquito Foggers?

A mosquito fogger is a form of insect-control device that sprays an insecticide solution into a fine mist or fog. You can then direct this fog at areas where mosquitoes frequent where they will promptly die.

Typically, mosquito foggers feature a spray element or barrel, a reservoir to hold the insecticide solution, and a power source for the spray motor. It’s the spray element that creates the fine mist which it pulls from the reservoir. Foggers may use either a propane tank or electricity to drive the spray barrel.

To be sure, these foggers work best with mosquitoes so if you have another pest problem, such as fleas, then you might need to look at the best flea foggers instead.

Types of Foggers

There are two main types of foggers: thermal foggers and cold foggers.

  • Thermal Foggers

The more popular kind are thermal foggers which use propane tanks. These tanks light up a heating coil in the spray barrel which then creates the fog via vaporization. Some foggers may need you to light up the coil manually with a lighter or a match while others feature an auto-ignite switch.

Propane-powered foggers are obviously the more portable option since an electrical cord won’t limit you.

Due to the heating factor, thermal foggers are generally not for indoor use, and some caution is necessary when handling a live fogger as there is arisk of a burning yourself or clothing.

  • Cold Foggers

Cold foggers, on the other hand, require no heat to vaporize the solution. Instead, cold or ultra low volume foggers generate mist via air pressure. This air pressure mainly sprays the fogging liquid into tiny particles, creating a much finer mist than thermal foggers.

These type of foggers are then viable for use indoors or in enclosed spaces due to its fogging techniques as well as the absence of high temperatures.

The majority of cold foggers are electric.

Safety Reminders

With any insecticide, you must take extra caution when using your fogger and handling solutions.

A good practice that you should always keep in mind is the use of protective equipment. Hence, ensure you have these three safety gear on hand before you start fogging:

1. Safety Glasses (here’s one I use)

Safety Glasses - Best Mosquito Fogger

2. Respirator (get a reliable one here)

Respirator - Best Mosquito Fogger

3. Chemical-resistant gloves.

You might already have one of these in your shed but here’s a good one I’d recommend.

Chemical-resistant gloves - Best Mosquito Fogger

After putting on your safety equipment, remember to practice these important factors:

  • Timing

Ideally, fog on calm non-windy days. Then, the best time to start fogging would be in the early evening or at dusk, just before mosquitoes start becoming active.

  • Location

Direct your fogger at mosquito-friendly areas such as bushes, brush, foliage, as well as wet and humid areas. Consequently, targeting the places where mosquitoes might hatch their eggs will keep their population to a minimum.

Also, remember to keep a distance of about 5 feet from where you are fogging.

  • Direction

If you plan to fog on a breezy day, thenmake sure that you keep the wind at your back. You wouldn’t want a thick cloud of insecticide on your face no matter how good your respirator.

Improving Efficiency

You’ll also want to make sure that your fogger is working in tip-top shape! Follow the steps below, so your mosquito fogger is always at its best.

1. Always preheat the fogger for at least two minutes

2. If the fog is too thin, try to increase your pump rate. On the other hand, you might need to decrease your pump rate if thesolution is dripping from the nozzle.

3. Get the right insecticide. The best mosquito fogger will only be as efficient as the solution you use. Here’s one a recommend: Black Flag Insecticide.

4. Don’t forget to get a good propane tank for propane-powered foggers.


Reviews of the Best Mosquito Fogger

1. Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger

Details:

First on our list and also the best in the propane category is the Burgess 1442 Insect Fogger. The Burgess 1442 weighs in at around three pounds and is equipped with a 40 oz.detachable reservoir.

With the right insecticide (Repel, Black Flag or Cutter brand), you’ll be able to keep your yard or outdoor space mosquito free for up to 6 hours! Also, this fogger can treat around 5000 sq. ft. in just 10 minutes as it produces a stream of fog reaching 10 feet.

Undoubtedly, medium to large properties will benefit greatly with the Burgess 1443, especially with its lightweight yet sturdy plastic frame.

You’ll need to buy propane-tank, though, to power this fogger and either a 14.1 oz or 16.4 oz propane canister will do. Additionally, lighting the heating coil will need a spark from a match or a lighter.

Here’s a helpful video on using the Burgess 1443:

Pros
  • Remarkably lightweight
  • ​Utra-portable
  • ​Minimal irritation from fog as well as quick dispersal
  • ​Easy to maintain
  • ​High quality build
Cons
  • Manual ignition

2. Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger

Details:

Next on our list of portable propane foggers is the Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger Insect fogger at a slightly heavier 4 pounds and a smaller 32 oz. reservoir capacity.

Despite these seeming drawbacks, the Black Flag 190095 will still sufficiently service medium to vast areas as it also features similar qualities to the Burgess 1443.

Like the previous fogger, the Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger also kills and repels mosquitoes for up to six hours and can treat around 5000 sq. ft. in ten minutes time. Moreover, you’ll be able to return to your lawn, garden, or camp site in just five minutes post-fogging!

Conversely, the Black Flag fogger features an auto ignite buttonwhich means you won’t need a lighter or match to light up the heating coil. A full tank can treat areas up to half an acre.

Apparently, one of the main differences this fogger has with the Burgess 1443 is its build design. The Black Flag fogger is a decidedly more contemporary design with an integrated reservoir as opposed to the detachable tank of the Burgess.

Pros
  • Auto ignite button
  • ​Integrated insecticide reservoir
  • Modern design
Cons
  • Relatively heavier
  • Average plastic build
  • Low capacity

3. Bonide 420 Fog-Rx

Details:

Featuring a more compact and portable design is the 3-pound Bonide 420 Fog-Rx fogger with a 40-oz reservoir. This compact size makes the Bonide 420 perfect for outdoor events away from homes such as camping, or family picnics!

The Bonide 420 Fog-Rx series shares a very similar visual profile to the Burgess 1443 although you’ll find some notable differences. One difference is the durable nylon translucent tank which lets you easily see how much insecticide is left.

Another great feature is the safety button which prevents you from accidentally fogging yourself and also functions as a child-protective switch.

You can take a look at this video on using the Bonide 420: 

Pros
  • Auto ignite button
  • ​Safety switch
  • ​Portable
  • ​Easy-viewing translucent reservoir
  • ​Good build quality
  • ​Great value
  • Easy to use​
  • Lightweight​
Cons
  • Not recommended for indoor use

4. Burgess 982 Electric Professional Thermal Fogger

Details:

If you’re running an anti-pest or insect control business and you’re looking for a fogger that can handle heavy-duty work, then the 6-pound Burgess 982 Electric Thermal Fogger may be just the tool. It’ll also be perfect for vast swathes of land that require mosquito control.

This fogger moves into the stronger plastic and metal-build territory, giving it a commercial-grade status. The Burgess 982 Electric Fogger plugs into 110V, weighs around six pounds, and sports a large 96-oz reservoir in a sturdy spun aluminum reservoir.

With this high-quality build, the Burgess 982 will withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Adding to its large reservoir is the Burgess’ remarkable efficiency. This fogger turns 1 oz of oil-based insecticide into 2,000 cu. ft. of fog in just two minutes!

Another great feature of the Burgess 982 is its deodorizing capabilities! Simply detach the heating barrel, and you’ll have a mist sprayer that is ideal for indoor use! Hence, you’ll be able to utilize this tool for sanitizing and eliminating unwanted odors!

One downside to the Burgess 982 is its relatively short power cable, which is under two feet in length. However, this issue is nothing a long extension lead can fix.

Pros
  • Heavy-duty build
  • ​Sturdy as well as large aluminum reservoir
  • ​Also, deodorizes and controls odors
  • ​Variable flow rate
  • ​Automatic ignition
  • Viable for indoor use sans heat barrel
Cons
  • Power cable limits portability
  • Heavier than propane models

5. Longray Carryall ULV Fogger

Details:

Finally, we come to the Longray Carryall ULV fogger, the heaviest fogger on our list at 12 pounds and yet, it may just be the best at heavy-duty jobs! This cold fogger is another commercial-grade machine with a huge reservoir that holds up to 1.6 gallons (205 oz) of solution and a spray distance of 15 feet!

Just plug this electric ULV fogger into a 220v power source, and you’re ready to go! Afterward, you’ll quickly notice how silently the Longray Carryall operates.

Also, you’ll experience how easy it is to fog hard to reach areas with its 18-inch flex hose. This hose allows you to direct the spray around corners, in tight spaces, above ceilings and so on.

Don’t let the Longray Carryall’s weight discourage you. This fogger also comes with an adjustable fabric strap to improve user comfort, especially when treating large or multiple areas.

Like the Burgess 982, the Longray is also viable for indoor use as a deodorizer. Additionally, its ULV properties and variable flow ratemake this fogger perfect for treating greenhouses.

Pros
  • ​A flexible nozzle/hose improves precision and maneuverability
  • Commercial-grade​
  • Largest reservoir tank on this list​
  • ​Quiet operation
  • ​Viable for indoor use
  • ​The fabric strapenhances comfort
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Heavy