The 8 Best Mosquito Fogger for 2023

When it comes to keeping those backyard bloodsuckers at bay, most homeowners will try anything. They’ll douse themselves in spray, hang bug zappers around the property, and light more candles than a seance. But there’s actually a simpler solution to consider: using the best mosquito fogger to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.

But what is a mosquito fogger? And are they safe? And which are the best mosquito foggers on the market for a homeowner to purchase? This guide will explain all that and more.

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The Best Mosquito Fogger for 2023

1. BEST OVERALL: Vectorfog C100+ ULV Fogger
2. BEST BUDGET: OFF! Outdoor Insect & Mosquito Repellent Fogger
3. BEST UPGRADE: CARDINAL 3.5 Gallon Backpack Mosquito Fogger
4. BEST THERMAL FOGGER: Black Flag 190095 Propane Insect Fogger
5. BEST ELECTRIC FOGGER: Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger
6. BEST COLD FOGGER: Createch Commander Tri Jet ULV Fogger
7. BEST SPRAY: EcoSmart Mosquito Fogger
8. BEST MISTER: PetraTools 3-Gallon Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer

Best Mosquito Foggers for 2023

The following are some of the best products for mosquito fogging. Be sure to compare each model before deciding which is the best for your mosquito control plan. There are options for everyone, from thermal foggers and cold foggers, as well as gas, electric, and propane-powered foggers to choose from. This list of the best mosquito foggers is sure to contain the best outdoor mosquito fogger for your issue.

1. BEST OVERALL: Vectorfog C100+ ULV Fogger

Type: Cold, ULV
Power Source: Corded
Compatible Solutions: Oil and water-based chemicals

Folks looking for the best the insect fogging world has to offer should check out the Vectorfog C100+. This ULV non-thermal fogger features a premium electric Samsung motor that uses standard 110-volt power to create a fog for killing and repelling mosquitoes. It’s also been tested in the harshest environments (according to Vectorfog), ensuring that this model is durable.

The Vectorfog C100+ features a 4-liter tank to allow this fogger to run for a while without requiring a refill. It uses oil- and water-based solutions and features an adjustable nozzle and can spray up to 26 feet. Our only complaint is that it isn’t cordless, which would really seal the deal.

Pros:

• Premium Samsung motor ensures this model will last for a long time
• Tested in the harshest environments to ensure that this model is durable
• Features a 4-liter tank to prevent the user from having to stop and refill frequently.

Cons:

• It isn’t cordless, unfortunately

2. BEST BUDGET: OFF! Outdoor Insect & Mosquito Repellent Fogger

Type: Spray can
Power Source: None
Compatible Solutions: N/A

Homeowners who’d like to handle their backyard bug issue without spending a ton on a fogger should check out the Off! Outdoor Insect and Mosquito Repellent. Each can in this two-pack can cover a 30-foot by 30-foot area, or 900 square feet, for up to 6 hours.

This formula uses prallethrin and cyfluthrin, repelling insects and killing mosquitoes. It’s effective against mosquitoes, flies, biting flies, moths, wasps, and Asian lady beetles. It’s also extremely easy to use, requiring the user to simply shake the can, press the nozzle, and sweep the spray back and forth to treat the space.

Do keep in mind that once these cans run out, users will have to purchase more, and this could eventually add up to more than a fogging machine.

Pros:

• Very affordable, especially when compared to other foggers
• Effective against mosquitoes and a wide range of insects including biting flies, moths, wasps, and Asian lady beetles
• Treats up to 900 square feet for up to 6 hours

Cons:

• Purchasing more cans could eventually add up to more than a fogging machine

3. BEST UPGRADE: CARDINAL 3.5 Gallon Backpack Mosquito Fogger

Type: Cold, ULV
Power Source: Gasoline
Compatible Solutions: Water-based

Folks who don’t mind spending a little bit more on a high-quality pest control tool should consider the Cardinal 3.5-gallon Backpack Mosquito Fogger. This backpack model features a gas-powered engine that helps propel cold fogging solution over a one-acre yard in less than 30 minutes.

This fogger comes with a 3.5-gallon reservoir to allow users to fog their entire property without stopping. It’s compatible with water-based solutions only, however, but Cardinal states that this unit is 10 times faster than a pump sprayer, helping get the job done quicker. The backpack straps and the unit itself are designed to reduce vibration, and it can double as a high-powered leaf blower in the fall.

Pros:

• Gasoline-powered engine allows the user to fog one acre in less than one hour
• Features a large 3.5-gallon tank to allow the user to spray their entire yard without refilling
• The unit can double as a leaf blower in the fall
• Fogs up to 10 times faster than a standard pump sprayer

Cons:

• It’s only compatible with water-based solutions

4. BEST THERMAL FOGGER: Black Flag 190095 Propane Insect Fogger

Type: Thermal
Power Source: Propane
Compatible Solutions: Oil

Black Flag’s Propane Insect Fogger is a great idea for folks who’d prefer a portable fogging machine without a huge investment. This model uses a screw-on propane bottle to heat the thermal coil on the machine, ensuring that it’s always ready to go regardless of whether electricity is available. It’s also very easy to use and adjust for producing the ideal amount of fog and can cover 5,000 square feet of yard space in less than 10 minutes.

This model from Black Flag is compatible with oil-based solutions from Black Flag branded fogging insecticides or Cutter Backyard Bug fogging solution. This solution kills and repels mosquitoes, biting flies, and flying insects for up to 6 hours. It does have a relatively small reservoir, requiring users to refill more often than they would with a bigger fogger.

Pros:

• Uses propane as a fuel source for improved portability
• Easy to use and adjust for an optimal amount of fog
• Kill and repels multiple annoying insects for up to 6 hours

Cons:

• Features a small reservoir so users will have to stop and refill more often.

5. BEST ELECTRIC FOGGER: Black Flag 190107 Electric Insect Fogger

Type: Thermal
Power Source: Electric
Compatible Solutions: Oil base

Black Flag’s Electric Insect Fogger is a solid choice for folks with smaller yards, where portability isn’t an issue. This thermal fogger plugs into an outlet, using electricity to heat the coil and turn oil-based solutions into a fog. It can treat up to 5,000 square feet of yard space in less than 10 minutes, and one application lasts for up to 6 hours.

This fogger is easy to use (there aren’t any propane bottles to fool with), but the area the user can cover is dictated by the length of the extension cord. It has a 1-quart jar, which might be slightly small but considering the limited range, it should provide plenty of working time.

Pros:

• Electric thermal fogger doesn’t require any propane bottles
• This small model treats up to 5,000 square feet of yard in less than 10 minutes

Cons:

• The range is limited to the length of the extension cord

6. BEST COLD FOGGER: Createch Commander Tri Jet ULV Fogger

Type: Cold, ULV
Power Source: Electric
Compatible Solutions: Oil and Water base

Folks looking for the best cold fogger on the market should consider the Createch Commander Tri Jet Fogger. The Tri Jet ULV fogger uses electricity to power its two-stage motor, producing microscopic particles for an ideal wet fog. This also allows it to apply fog up to 30 feet away, allowing users to apply pest control foggers over an entire yard quickly and easily.

The Tri Jet ULV fogger features heavy-duty stainless steel construction, making it durable and rust-proof. The Tri Jet fogger also features adjustable nozzles to adjust the size of the particles, whether they be from oil or water-based solutions, of which the tank can hold one gallon. It’s also worth noting that this model is available in both 110V and 220V, which could be appealing to folks running it off of a generator.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty motor and construction ensure that it will last for a long time
• Applies fog up to 30 feet away, allowing users to cover an entire yard quickly
• Adjustable nozzles allow the user to dial in the perfect spray with oil and water-based solutions

Cons:

• Does require an extension cord so the range is limited

7. BEST SPRAY: EcoSmart Mosquito Fogger

Type: Spray can
Power Source: Electric
Compatible Solutions: N/A

EcoSmart Mosquito Fogger might be a great choice to eliminate mosquitoes with an organic product (and much less of an investment despite including two cans in the pack). This spray can uses natural pesticide products to reduce a mosquito population for up to 8 hours. It contains geraniol, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil, all of which are proven ingredients. It’s non-toxic to children and pets, though the fog should dry before entering the treated area.

This product is extremely easy to use. Simply shake the can, depress the button, and spray in long, sweeping motions 4 to 6 feet from the surface. While it is organic, EcoSmart suggests using this mosquito fogger in a backward path to prevent walking through the mosquito fog. It kills mosquitoes, biting insects like gnats and flies, as well as moths and other flying insects.

Just keep in mind that when these cans run out, users will have to buy more and this could eventually add up to more than simply purchasing other fogging devices.

Pros:

• Contains organic pest control ingredients geraniol, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil
• Safe for children and pets
• Extremely easy to use and comes with a much lower initial investment

Cons:

• Could eventually add up to more than simply purchasing a thermal fogger or a ULV non-thermal fogger

8. BEST MISTER: PetraTools 3-Gallon Battery Powered Backpack Sprayer

Type: Mister
Power Source: Cordless
Compatible Solutions: Mosquito yard sprays

Homeowners that would rather spray their yards than fog them, but would like something a bit easier to use, should check out Petra’s Backpack Sprayer. This model features a built-in battery that provides between 2 and 2.5 hours of run time. This long run time coupled with the 3-gallon tank ensures that users can treat their yard, plants, gardens, and other areas in one shot. It has swappable nozzles that can create a fine mist to spray tiny particles for plenty of coverage.

While this is certainly not a mosquito fogger, it can help reduce the mosquito population and mosquito bites users experience in their backyards. With the right solution, this mister can tackle these biting insects without the use of a propane-powered fogger or an expensive ultra-low-volume fogger.

What is a Mosquito Fogger?

A mosquito fogger is a piece of pest control equipment that disperses a fine mist of mosquito repellent solution into the air. These tools are extremely effective mosquito control options, as they can kill mosquitoes and other flying insects quickly (though their results are often temporary).

How They Work

A mosquito fogger works by turning a liquid mosquito-repellent solution into a fine mist. The user can then distribute the fog around the property. Since the fog is heavier than air but still very fine, it hovers in the air for several minutes, exposing and killing most of the mosquitoes in the area.

Regardless of the type (which we’ll go over in a bit), mosquito foggers look very similar to leaf blowers. They generally have long, tapered nozzles and a handle, but they also have some form of tank that holds all of the fogging solution. As the user squeezes the handle or trigger, the fogging mist exits the nozzle and treats the yard. This works for not only mosquito fogging but also bed bug sprays or spider sprays designed for use in fogging machines.

Capacities

It’s a good idea to become familiar with a fogger’s capacity before purchasing it. Buying a fogger with a small tank may mean homeowners with large properties will have to stop frequently to fill it up. However, those who’d prefer to keep their load light might consider purchasing a smaller model with a smaller reservoir.

In general, 2 liters and under would be a smaller capacity, while 2, 3, or 4 liters should provide plenty of run time for smaller yards. However, for bigger yards, 1, 2, or 3-gallon capacities are better when searching for the best mosquito fogger.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Mosquito Fogger

There are upsides and downsides to using the best mosquito fogger. This section will cover most of both.

Pros: Why You Should Use a Mosquito Fogger

Fogging is an effective and affordable way to kill lots of mosquitoes quickly. These are the same bugs that transmit the Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, and other bloodborne diseases and bacteria. A fogger can prevent these pests and other biting insects from transmitting these diseases to folks in your yard.

Purchasing the best mosquito fogger might come with an initial investment, but it could potentially save you money. Hiring a professional fogger to treat a yard can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the size of the yard. While a fogger might be $300 to $400, fogging your own backyard twice could potentially allow the fogger to pay for itself.

Mosquito foggers are excellent short-term solutions, meaning they might be the perfect choice for a backyard party. The effects of pesticide mist can last up to 72 hours, meaning users can fog their yard on a Friday and have a mosquito-free backyard barbecue party for the whole weekend.

Cons: Why You Shouldn’t Use a Mosquito Fogger

Mosquito foggers don’t target mosquitoes only. As the fog lands, it will kill other insects as well. Beneficial species like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs may all pay a price as the user tries to handle their mosquito problem.

Mosquito fogging is considerably less effective on windy days. Since the fog is suspended above the ground after a treatment, winds can blow the pesticide mist away,

Foggers aren’t typically effective against mosquito larvae. The eggs will typically survive, hatch, and start a new influx of mosquitoes.

Types of Mosquito Foggers

There are four (really three) types of mosquito foggers on the markets: thermal fogg, cold or ULV foggers, yard sprays, and misters.

Thermal Foggers

Thermal foggers turn fog solutions into mist by using an internal heating assembly. Some use electric assemblies, but many use propane insect fogger designs. Users have to let the thermal fogger warm up for a bit before use, but then the press of the trigger pumps the solution down onto the heating element to create fog.

Cold Foggers and ULV Foggers

ULV foggers and cold foggers don’t require heat as a thermal fogger does. These types of mosquito foggers use pressure to vaporize the solution and then push it out into the yard. A ULV fogger is essentially the same thing, but ULV stands for “ultra-low volume.”

Mosquito Yard Sprays

Mosquito yard sprays come in spray cans that make applying them to a yard very easy. Simply read the instructions and then use the fogger can to spray around the yard, focusing on any damp spots.

Misters

Misters aren’t exactly foggers. They spray a liquid rather than emitting a fog. However, they can be helpful when dispersing pesticide liquid over large areas. The user simply fills the tank, pumps the handle to build pressure, and releases the liquid with the wand. These do not work with fogging solutions, however.

Fogger Power Sources

There are a few different ways that foggers are able to heat up or pump fogging solutions: propane, electric, and cordless. There are pros and cons to each, so it’s worth becoming familiar with the different options.

Propane Insect Fogger

A propane insect fogger uses gas from a bottle of propane to heat up the coil inside, once the solution hits the hot coil, it turns to a fog. These foggers (also called thermal mosquito foggers) are economical and portable, and users can quickly swap out the propane bottle any time it runs empty. However, these devices get very hot and they aren’t suitable for fogging indoors if that’s what the plan calls for. They should only see outdoor use.

Propane insect foggers do not provide a residual effect. They simply kill on contact and then disperse.

Electric Fogger

Electric foggers plug into a power source with an extension cord. These devices are also called cold foggers because they don’t use heat to turn the pest control solution into a fog, but rather they use pressure. These machines have pumps that build pressure and disperse the solution without heating it, making these foggers useful for indoor and outdoor spraying.

Cordless Fogger

There are cordless foggers on the market, as well. These devices use either swappable batteries or built-in rechargeable batteries and work similarly to a cold fogger. Rather than relying on heat to turn the solution into a fog, they simply disperse the solution at high pressure.

Gas-powered Foggers

Some models are actually powered by gasoline. These models are essentially leaf blowers with built-in pumps that help vaporize the solution, spraying plenty of microscopic particles around the property. These models come as backpack units with large reservoirs, allowing users to fog an entire yard without having to stop and refill.

Water-Based vs Oil-Based Fogging Solutions

You can’t just use any old pesticide spray in a fogger. These machines require a specific type of pesticide fogger solution, of which there are two main types: water-based and oil-based insecticides.

Water-based solutions are lighter than oil-based ones, allowing them to stay suspended in the air longer. They’re odorless and won’t stain surfaces. Water-based solutions will also dissipate quickly, but they’re not flammable.

Oil-based insecticides are heavier than water, causing them to fall to the ground faster. They can kill on contact but they don’t do as great of a job killing airborne mosquitoes. They do provide a residual effect if they’re applied with cold foggers, however, they can stain surfaces they land on.

Ultimately, the fogger you choose will determine the type of fogging solution you need to use. Some foggers are flexible and can use both kinds, while others are specific to either water-based or oil-based insecticides.

How To Use a Thermal Fogger

In almost all cases, folks using a mosquito fogger to kill mosquitoes should wear safety gear. This includes gloves, a mask, and eye protection. These chemicals are designed to kill insects and should not be taken lightly. Once you’re protected, follow these steps for thermal fogging with propane-powered foggers.

Note: The process is the same for electric thermal foggers but instead of installing a propane bottle, the user plugs the fogger into an extension cord.

1. Wait Until Dusk

The best time to fog is at dusk, when mosquitoes are active and easy to find. Plan to target shady areas, areas of dense foliage, bushes, shrubs, and damp areas.

2. Turn Off the Propane Valve

Before inserting the propane tank, be sure to shut the propane valve completely. Generally speaking, this means turning the valve toward the “-” sign.

3. Attach the Propane Bottle to the Fogger

Screw the bottle of propane into the back of the fogger. It only needs to be hand-tight, so don’t overtighten.

4. Fill the Reservoir

Remove the tank’s plastic cap to expose the reservoir. Following both the manufacturer’s instructions and the fogging solution’s instructions, fill the reservoir appropriately.

5. Open the Propane Valve and Light the Fogger

Open the propane valve slightly until it sounds like propane is flowing. Keeping the nozzle pointed in a safe direction, press the ignitor button until the fogger lights.

6. Let the Fogger Pre Heat

Give the fogger a few minutes for the coil to heat completely. This is usually about 2 to 3 minutes for most thermal foggers.

7. Apply the Fog

Apply the fog to the areas discussed in Step 1. To apply, squeeze the fogging trigger every three to four seconds to produce a white fogging mist. If mosquito fogging liquid is dripping from the nozzle, wait slightly longer between pumps.

Note: Thermal foggers get very hot. It’s important to keep the nozzle and its mesh screen away from hands, arms, legs, feet, and surfaces that will burn.

How To Use a Cold Fogger (ULV Fogger)

Cold foggers are generally a bit easier to use than thermal mosquito foggers. However, users should still wear protective equipment like gloves, a mask, and eye protection.

1. Charge the Fogger

Start by charging the fogger (if it’s cordless). Many models have battery indicators that can tip the user off as to when the fogger is ready. If the fogger isn’t cordless, run an extension cord from an outlet.

2. Set Flow Control to Lowest Setting

Before filling the tank, be sure to set the flow control to the lowest setting. This will help the machine prime faster and waste less solution.

3 Fill the Reservoir

Remove the tank’s plastic cap to expose the reservoir. Following both the manufacturer’s instructions and the fogging solution’s instructions, fill the reservoir appropriately.

4 Turn On and Prime the Fogger

Turn the fogger on and allow it to sit for a few seconds until the mist Keep the flow nozzle shut for a bit until the fog begins to emit from the nozzle.

5 Apply the Fog

Adjust flow control to produce more fog and apply it as necessary to areas like bushes, shrubs, anywhere there is dense foliage, high grasses, or lots of plants, and other areas where mosquitoes are likely to hang out.

Mosquito Fogger Safety Tips

While it’s helpful to know how a mosquito fogger works, the following safety tips will help ensure a user stays safe when killing mosquitoes with their mosquito fogger.

• Be sure to read the instructions very carefully. Each fogger is different and may only be able to use certain solutions.
• Be sure to wear safety gear when fogging. A fogging solution is a pesticide, so it’s not a good idea to get any on your skin or breathe it in.
• Thermal foggers get extremely hot. They should be used carefully but NOT used indoors.
• Avoid contact with water when using an electric fogger.
• Avoid open flames or intense heat when using a propane insect fogger.

Other Uses for the Best Mosquito Fogger

Mosquito foggers can be handy for other uses as well (specifically ULV foggers). These devices can spray other solutions designed to disinfect surfaces in the home or office. They can even spray odor control and mold control solutions, making them extremely handy for renovations or even after a pipe burst or flood occurs.

It’s important to note that thermal foggers (whether propane or electric foggers) aren’t ideal for these purposes and should see outdoor use. While they can sometimes disperse odor control or mold control solutions, thermal foggers get far too hot to use safely inside. Users should choose a ULV fogger from our list of the best mosquito foggers if they plan to use their fogging machine inside.

Mosquito Fogger FAQs

Even with all that background on the best mosquito fogger, there might be some annoying questions still buzzing around. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions about mosquito foggers.

Is an outdoor mosquito fogger dangerous?

A mosquito fogger is a tool used to kill mosquitoes, midges, and other flying insects with a fog made from pesticides. They are not safe to use around children or pets, and they’re not safe to use without the proper safety gear (masks, gloves, and eye protection).

However, it’s important to note that not using a fogger can be dangerous as well. West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, and diseases transmitted by biting insects can have a devastating effect on a person. For folks totally adverse to foggers, check out a mosquito trap.

How fast do mosquito foggers work?

Mosquito foggers work immediately. They’ll begin killing mosquitoes as soon as the fog enters the area. For those with residual effects, they’ll continue repelling mosquitoes for up to 72 hours.

What other pests will a mosquito fogger kill?

A mosquito fogger solution kills mosquito larvae, midges, flies, ants (including harvester ants but potentially not fire ants), fleas, beetles, roaches, ticks, termites, and many other insects.

How do aerosol can mosquito foggers work?

Aerosol can foggers work similarly to the cold foggers in that they use pressure to create a mist. However, these sprays are not suspended in the air at all—they settle quickly and create a mosquito barrier rather than killing all of the mosquitoes in the area.

Can I use a mosquito fogger around my kids and pets?

Mosquito fogging around children and pets is a bad idea. These pesticides are designed for killing and controlling mosquitoes. They contain poisons that could cause allergic reactions or other serious conditions if children or pets are exposed to the fog right away. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how long to wait before the children can re-enter the area.