DIY ULV Fogging/Misting Information

Short answer: As long as you use our ULV foggers/misters, use our organic insecticides and carry out basic protection measures, you do not need a vector control license.

Long Answer:

Depends. Currently there are two main methods of spraying that are effective for mosquito control, ultra-low-volume fogging (also known as ULV fogging or misting) and thermal fogging.

Thermal fogging is easily identified by the thick white smoke that comes out of a fogger, whereas misting is identified by the mist that comes out of a fogger. Thermal foggers use petrol to power up heaters that heat up a mixture of insecticide and diesel before blowing the mixture out. This makes thermal foggers a fire hazard due to the components being heated and flammable/combustible liquids (diesel and petrol) being used. That, along with the loud noises created by the motor and the potential traffic hazard from the view-obstructing fog means that a vector control license is required for thermal fogging.

ULV foggers/misters, uses a special nozzle that compresses an insecticide solution into a mist while spraying. Electric motors are typically used to power these nozzles. This means that ULV foggers/misters are much quieter and do not pose a fire hazard. Mists dispersed are too small to be visible making it much safer to be used near traffic. The safeness in usage means that a vector control license is not required and can even be used indoors.

For insecticides, NEA regulations require all insecticides that target any of the five vectors (mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, flies, and rodents) to be registered and given a registration label that will allow it for use by either the general public or by licensed vector control operators only. The insecticide that we are selling, EcoLogix IC (formerly known as EcoExempt IC3), do not contain any chemical pesticide active ingredients and do not require any registration from NEA. Hence, the EcoLogix IC may be used without a vector control license.

Most foggers should have two knobs/dials. One controls blower speed, the other controls the valve to the insecticide. Generally, you will want to set your blower speed to the maximum to increase the reach of your mists. As for the insecticide valve, unless you have the more powerful Pioneer Electrical Fogger, you will want to completely open the valve to allow more insecticide to be misted out. The Pioneer will require you to slightly close the valve so that you do not over mist your insecticide. We will provide a quick course on misting upon delivery of the fogger and its accessories.

Remember to always wear your personal protective equipment (PPE) for your own safety.

We will provide a quick course on misting upon delivery of the fogger and its accessories.

As a refresher:

Always remember to wear your PPE for your own safety.

Never spray upwind/against the wind.

Never spray directly at people or animals.

For outdoors - Mist upwards so that the mist can slowly float and settle on the landscaping. Aim at plants and dark areas such as cracks, holes, underneath the furniture where mosquitoes will most likely rest from the sun. Mist at least 2-3 times a week.

For indoors - Ensure that no one except you is in the house and close all windows. Start with a room and mist upwards so that the mist can slowly float. Aim at the darker areas such as under furniture as well as the curtains. Close the door and continue with each room until all rooms are done. Mist the rest of the house (hallways, living room, etc.). Once done, exit the house for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you may open all windows and doors to ventilate the house. Indoor misting is not as necessary as outdoor misting and can be done less frequently at once a month. Generally, if you can solve your outdoor problem, you will have no problems with indoors.

Most organic insecticides are oil-based which has a tendency to clog up the nozzles when dried. To prevent this from happening, always make sure that you empty the insecticide from the fogger into the provided container after misting. Fill the fogger with plain water and turn it on for about a minute to flush the nozzle. Empty out the water after flushing.

Misting (and thermal fogging) only kills adult mosquitoes and have a weakened effect against larva stages of mosquitoes.

An Integrated Pest Control (IPC) approach is recommended.  This means that proper housekeeping must be done additionally to ensure that no breeding takes place at your premises.  This means making sure that you remove anything that has a tendency to collect water. For those that are unavoidable (ie. drains), larvicide can be used. These can be found in nurseries and are generally safe to use.  Mosquito traps can also be added as part of the IPC approach.

Click here to find out more about what you can do to prevent breeding.