Foggers are pest control products that spread insecticide by creating a type of mist. They are one of the industry’s top tools in fighting large roach infestations in a short period of time.

There are a number of product types available in the market to control cockroaches: sprays, roach powders, baits and baits stations, and gel baits.

However, foggers are an effective choice for large scale results. If you are moving to a new place with a severe roach infestation, it’d be better to simply “fog” the house before using other more nuanced control methods.

Selecting the best roach fogger can be very time consuming process. You’ve saved yourself some time though as we have already done the research for you. Check out our reviews of our 8 favorite selections.

Top Pick
Hot Shot Indoor Fogger With Odor Neutralizer, 4/2-Ounce
Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger, 1.5 OZ, 3 CT (Pack - 1)
Spectracide 6/2-oz Bug Stop Indoor Fogger, 4-Pack
Product
Hot Shot Indoor Fogger
Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger
Spectracide Indoor Fogger
Cracks & Crevices Treatment ?
Manufacturer
Hot Shot
Raid
Spectracide
Top Pick
Hot Shot Indoor Fogger With Odor Neutralizer, 4/2-Ounce
Product
Hot Shot Indoor Fogger
Cracks & Crevices Treatment ?
Manufacturer
Hot Shot
Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger, 1.5 OZ, 3 CT (Pack - 1)
Product
Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger
Cracks & Crevices Treatment ?
Manufacturer
Raid
Spectracide 6/2-oz Bug Stop Indoor Fogger, 4-Pack
Product
Spectracide Indoor Fogger
Cracks & Crevices Treatment ?
Manufacturer
Spectracide

Some people don’t like using foggers due to the precautionary measures that need to be followed, as well as the inconvenience of having to evacuate the treated area for several hours.

Foggers are designed with insecticide ingredients that kill insects on contact.

However, extensive use of foggers can create health risks to people, pets and the environment.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that because of the some of the chemicals used in foggers, there exists a potential fire and explosion hazard.

Since foggers can kill a large number of roaches at once, they are a frequently used tool in the pest control arsenal.

Here Are Our 8 Best Roach Foggers:

1. Raid Concentrated Deep Fogger

Kills For Up To 2 Months

Pros

  • Effective for killing roaches, ants and spiders.
  • Penetrates into cracks and crevices.
  • Kill insects where they live and breed.
  • Keeps killing for up 2 months.

Cons

  • As with all chemical foggers, instructions should be closely followed as directed; otherwise, its use can be harmful to humans and pets.

Raid fogger is manufactured by the well-known American company, S. C. JOHNSON & SON. They specialize in producing a wide range of house cleaning products and insecticides, and are a name that can be trusted in the industry.

The Raid Concentrated deep reach fogger pack comes with 3 foggers. One fogger of 1.5 oz can help treat an area up to 625 sq. feet.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient present in these foggers is Cypermethrin (1.716%). Along with other ingredients Cypermethrin is a potent insect killer and damages the nervous system of insects including roaches, killing them as a result.

This product not only kills roaches but a number of other house insects such as ants, black carpet beetles, crickets, earwigs, fleas, houseflies, mosquitoes, spiders, rick, water bugs and more.

Foggers in general should never be used around humans or pets. This particular fogger contains active ingredients that can cause tingling, burning, dizziness and itching.

You can find more safety instructions through the National Pesticide Information Center.

Raid’s effectiveness and price point makes it our Top Pick of Best Roach Foggers.

Instruction To Use

  1. Turn off all flames and pilot lights.
  2. Do not use in small areas like a closet, cabinet, or under a counter or table.
  3. Do not use in a room smaller than 5’ x 5’. Instead, allow the fog from another room to enter the smaller room.
  4. Do not use more than one fogger per room.
  5. Using the product without taking these precautions may cause the product to explode, possibly resulting in injury to you and your home.

Fogging

  • Break off the tab on the cap, aim away from face, press button and place on the stand.
  • Leave your home for 4 hours.

Returning

Open doors and windows and allow to air for 30 minutes. If you still smell an odor, continue to air the rooms before returning to the space.

2. Hot Shot Indoor Fogger With Odor Neutralizer

Good for Heavy Infestations

Pros

  • Kills on contact and controls heavy infestations
  • Keeps insects away for up to 2 months
  • Penetrates into cracks, crevices & carpet fibers to kill hidden roaches
  • Also effective on fleas and ants

Cons

  • Like any other fogger based product, it can be hazardous for humans and animals if not use according to the directions

Hot Shot Indoor Fogger is a unique product designed with a odor neutralizing formula. The fogger creates a penetrating and fine insecticide mist that helps in killing roaches by getting deep into their favorite hiding spots, including cracks and crevices, under appliances and furniture.

This product is created by United Industries Corporation–an American company providing a wide range of insecticides and pesticides.

They make a wide variety of lawn and garden care products under their brand name such as Hot Shot, Spectracide, Black Flag, Repel, Cutter, Liquid Fence, and Garden Safe etc.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredients present in Hot Shot Roach fogger include 0.05 % Tetramethrin and 0.75 % Cypermethrin both of which are effective insecticides that interfere with the nervous system of insects when they eat or touch it.

Other than roaches, this product kills both flying and crawling insects on contact; including Ants (except Fire Ants), Black Carpet Beetles, Brown Dog Ticks, Crickets, Earwigs, Firebrats, Fleas, Flies, Gnats, Houseflies, Mosquitoes, Palmetto Bugs, Pillbugs, Rice Weevils, Saw Toothed Grain Beetles, Silverfish, Small Flying Moths, Spiders and Waterbugs.

The manufacturers of this product also advise to follow the instructions while using this product, as unlike other roach killing products, foggers need special care in order to minimize the chance of danger. However, when used as directed, its clear, non-staining formula does not harm drapes, fabrics, carpeting, bedspreads, floor tiles, wood floors, linens, furniture, walls, clothing, ceilings, shades or blinds.

Since this product is designed for indoor use, it can be used in enclosed spaces such as Apartments, Attics, Barns, Basements, Boat Cabins, Cabins, Campers, Crawl Spaces, Garages, Homes, Households, Sheds, Storage Areas and Trailers. This product is not intended to be used for the eradication of bed bugs.

Instruction To Use

Hot Shot Indoor Fogger should be stored in a cool, dry area away from heat or open flames. Never puncture or incinerate the product.

The disposal of the product in a correct manner is also very important. It is advised to trash the empty can. In case of a partially filled product, a local solid waste agency should be contacted for proper disposal.

This product is hazardous and every effort possible should be made to avoid contact with you or your pets’ eyes, skin, or clothing. Also, before and after handling the product it is advised to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated clothing should also be washed before reuse to avoid any contact with the product.

If the product comes in contact with your skin, rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes. Call a Poison Control Center or doctor for treatment advice. Also it can be helpful if you have the product container or label with you when calling a Poison Control Center or doctor, or going for treatment.

3. PCO Pyrethrin Fogger

Works Great for German Roaches

Pros

  • Effective for treating heavy to moderate infestations
  • Works for German roaches
  • Provides efficient insect control by targeting hidden spots
  • Covers large surface area
  • Does not leave lingering odors
  • Can be used in residential and commercial areas

Cons

  • Pricier than other roach foggers

PCO Pyrethrin Foggers are generally ranked among some of the best insect killers. These are produced by FMC Corporation—an American company which deals with the manufacturing of a variety of products including pest control products, lawn and tree care products, nursery care products, and products for golf courses.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredients present in this product are Pyrethrins, 0.50%, PBO technical, 1.00% and Dicarboximide 1.00%—the killer combo of all these chemicals affect the nervous system of insects leading to their death.

Instruction To Use

These foggers can be used in homes, food handling areas, food processing plants, restaurants, industrial buildings, schools, warehouses, offices, theatres, garages, hotels, motels, hospitals, and kennels etc.

The PCO Pyrethrin Fogger Bomb is known for its wide coverage – one fogger can cover 5,000 cubic feet of area – a 25′ x 25′ room with an 8 foot ceiling. Each pack contains 12 foggers.

These foggers are also preferred by consumers due to the fact that they can reach deep into hard to reach areas, effectively eradicating the entire colony of roaches and other insects.

Like other foggers it is advised to leave the area before using it and ensure proper ventilation by opening the windows after use.

Anyone planning on using this fogger in an enclosed area should follow basic safety precautions as detailed on the label. They must wear a half-face or full-face mask to avoid contact of the product with eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.

This product should be stored and disposed off with care as it can contaminate water and food. Also, it should not be stored near heat or open flames. It is advised to store in a cool dry area away from children or pets.

4. Spectracide Indoor Fogger

No Odor

Pros

  • Kills roaches and other flying crawling and biting insects on contact
  • Fog and return in 2 hours
  • Water based formula
  • Leaves no odor unlike most fogger products

Cons

  • Contains petroleum distillate
  • Can cause eye irritation

Spectracide foggers are ranked among the top roach foggers according to consumer studies. These foggers are manufactured by United Industries Corporation–an American company providing wide range of insecticides and pesticides.

Spectracide foggers create a fine mist that penetrates deep into cracks and crevices where most of the insects like to hide and kills on contact.

Mechanism of Action

Active Ingredients present in these foggers are Tetramethrin (0.10%), Cypermethrin (0.60%) and other Ingredients (99.30%). Cypermethrin and Tetramethrin are potent insect killers which can be harmful upon exposure to humans and pets.

Inhaling Tetramethrin can cause irritation to nose, throat and lungs and prolonged exposure can lead to dizziness, increased salivation, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

Instruction To Use

These can be used in enclosed spaces such as apartments, attics, basements, barns, boat cabins, cabins, campers, garages, home, sheds, storage areas and trailers etc.

Each fogger can cover 2000 cubic ft. It shouldn’t be used in rooms smaller than 5′ x 5′ or smaller. The instructions say to allow fog to enter from other rooms if you need to get rid of roaches in a room smaller than the minimum size.

This multi-purpose fogger leaves no lingering odor or wet residue.

Spectracide foggers should not be used or stored near heat or open flame and should not be exposed to temperatures above 130°F (54°F) as it might cause bursting.

Follow the label instruction properly for effective and satisfying results.

5. Black Flag Concentrated Fogger

Up to 12 Weeks of Protection

Pros

  • Actively kill roaches, including German roaches
  • Kills insects on contact and keeps them away for up to 12 weeks
  • Also kills other commonly found insects such as ants and spiders
  • Decent floral odor and does not leave residue

Cons

  • Difficult to setup
  • Inhalation can be harmful to humans and pets

If you have not only roaches but German cockroaches, Black Flag Concentrated Indoor Fogger can be extremely helpful.

This product is manufactured in the United States by a company called United Industries Corporation— it specializes in providing a wide range of insecticides and pesticides including a variety of lawn and garden care products.

This fogger are one of the most widely used products for treating heavy roach infestation due to its dual action i.e. killing insects and leaving a fresh scent. It also has a lasting effect of up to 12 weeks, giving you time to setup additional preventive measures.

Black Flag Concentrated Indoor Fogger is highly effective for killing roaches and most common household pests, including ants (except fire, carpenter, harvester and pharaoh ants), fleas, spiders (except brown recluse), mosquitoes, silverfish, brown dog ticks, houseflies and many more.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient present in the Black Flag Foggers is Cypermethrin (0.824%), which kills roaches and other insects effectively by damaging their nervous systems.

This product comes in a pack of 6 foggers and each 1.25 oz can treats up to 2,000 cubic feet and works extremely well for treating a room approximately 15.5 ft. by 16 ft. with an 8-foot ceiling. It does not control bed bugs.

Instruction To Use

It should be used indoors in apartments, homes, attics, basements, garages, and household storage areas.

Open cabinets, cupboards, drawers, closets and doors in areas to be treated. Remove or cover exposed foods, dishes, utensils, food-processing equipment and surfaces. Cover waxed wood floors, waxed furniture and other plastic surfaces near the fogger (newspaper may be used). Close outside doors and windows. Shut off fans and air conditioners.

Do not place on water stainable surface. Place a chair or table in the center of area to be fogged, approximately 2 ft above the floor. Cover with several layers of newspaper or paper towels. Tilt can opening AWAY from face and depress tab firmly with thumb until it clicks in locked position. Set fogger on newspaper. Immediately leave the area.

Vacate the treated house, individual apartment unit, or other structure immediately. Do not remain in the area during treatment. Keep treated area closed for two hours. Do not re-enter for two hours. Before reoccupying the area, open all doors and windows, and allow to air for two hours.

6. TAT Concentrated Fogger

Penetrates Into Cracks

Pros

  • Low priced, powerful and efficient
  • Kills insects in hidden spaces
  • Kills cockroaches, ants, fleas, houseflies, mosquitoes and other insects
  • Penetrates into cracks, crevices & carpet fibers to kill hidden bugs
  • Leaves no lingering odor

Cons

  • After using the product, room should be kept vacant for 4 to 5 hours

TAT Concentrated Fogger is a great option residential infestations. It is manufactured by United Industries.

TAT is concentrated and requires only a small amount of product to kill roaches and other insects effectively. Its total release formula provides a concentrated mist that keeps insects away for up to 7 months.

It is also appreciated by customers due to the lemony scent which keeps the room fresh. Once triggered, its insecticide fine mist helps in killing both visible roaches and those hidden under furniture, appliances and burrowed deep into crevices and cracks.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient present in TAT fogger is 0.5% Cypermethrin which makes it a chemically sound product to deal with a standard residential bug infestation problem; however, stronger products are available to kill heavy roach infestation.

Instruction To Use

It can be effectively used in homes, apartments, attics, basements, boats, cabins, campers, garages and other areas. It has found be effective for killing insects, especially roaches. One can of the product has the ability to treat up to an area of 2,000 cu. ft.

7. Durvet No-Bite Indoors Fogger

Treats Up To 6,000 Cubic Feet

Products currently unavailable on Amazon (B0057H43R2)

Pros

  • Kills not only roaches but a number of other insects, including, ticks, wasps, mosquitoes, silverfish, earwigs, moths, ants, and fruit flies
  • Kills insects upon contact
  • One can treats up to 6,000 cubic feet
  • Non-greasy, water-based formula
  • No strong odor
  • Designed to be used for large spaces e.g., kennels, stables large sheds or garages

Cons

  • Large size makes it less practical to be used in smaller spaces

The Durvet No-Bite Indoors Fogger is a roach killing product that has garnered plenty of positive reviews. This product provides good control for roaches and a wide range of other insects such as ants, booklice, carpet beetles, centipede, flour beetles, crickets, earwigs, firebrats, fleas, flies, gnats, grasshoppers, hornets, millipedes, mosquitoes, moths, bugs and many more.

It comes in a 3 of pack with each individual 6-ounce fogger being enough to treat a 6,000 cubic feet area which makes roughly a 30′ x 35′ foot room with 8-foot ceiling. The treated area should be left for few hours after using this product.

Mechanism of Action

Durvet uses a unique formula and contains 3 active ingredients which allow this product to effectively fight off roaches.

The active ingredients are Tetramethrin, Permethrin, and Piperonyl Butoxide — all three of which make it a potent insecticide.

This product provides good value for the money as this fogger comes with double the product compared to some competitors. The Durvet No-Bite Indoors Fogger also provides an excellent flea-killing option for large homes, bigger rooms, or places such as basements or kennels.

8. Bengal Roach and Flea Fogger

Dry Lightweight Fogger

Pros

  • Dry, lightweight fogger
  • Quick acting formula
  • It can work to kill a wide range of insects
  • Safe to indoor use

Cons

  • Hazardous to aquatic life
  • Not effective during rainy season

Bengal roach and flea fogger is another product designed to kill roaches and other insects.

The active ingredient present in this product is Permethrin which kills roaches by attacking their nervous system.

It is easy to use and penetrates deep into different roach hiding areas like drapes, cracks, crevices, and carpets.

This product is also a buyer favorite as it does not leave behind an unpleasant odor. It also doesn’t leave behind any residue or mess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do foggers or bug bombs work on roaches?

It is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive and the simple answer is this: Yes, foggers or bug bombs do work provided you use the right product according to your situation. For instance, you should know the type of infestation you are dealing with and the surface area you want to cover as some foggers cannot a large room, and as a result, their performance will decrease. Similarly, most insecticides work when they come in direct contact with the insect. Therefore, it should be made sure that you choose the right fogger which goes deep down into hidden areas of roach infestation. Otherwise, you may not get satisfactory results.

Are roach foggers completely safe for humans and pets?

The answer to this question without a doubt is: NO! Foggers or roach bombs are not safe for humans and other mammals—they contain chemical substances which upon entering our system via inhalation or contact by skin, can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, necessary precautions should be taken to safely use such products; this is also one of the main reasons that homeowners prefer other roach killing methods such as sprays, baits, and bait stations.

Why do house needs to be cleaned after using a fogger?

A very important yet crucial thing to keep in mind after using a fogger of any kind is to clean the surroundings thoroughly; which means that every hard or soft surface should be properly cleaned after the fogging, even if the fogger had a dry formula, unlike those which leave residue behind after using. This is advised on the label of the product as well. Foggers contain certain active ingredients which might be harmful for humans or pets and can cause irritation or allergic reaction upon coming in contact with the skin.

Can foggers be detected by smoke alarms in home?

Yes. It is best to turn off smoke detectors before using the roach bomb or fogger as you do not want to have to go back into the room to shut off a beeping smoke detector once the product has been deployed.

How can a roach infestation be avoided in homes?

A roach or any insect infestation can become unbearable to live with. By making small alterations in household habits, those problematic infestation problems can be avoided. Such as:

  • Remove food spills and exposed foods.
  • Always try to store food in sealed containers.
  • Try to avoid leaving dirty dishes in sinks.
  • Do not keep food in bedrooms or living rooms.
  • Seal any voids, spaces, cracks and crevices, including entry points from outside or neighboring units from where insects can come into a room.

The Environmental Protection Agency lays out the following guidelines for safely using foggers:

  • Do not use more foggers than necessary
  • Keep foggers away from ignition sources
  • Notify family members, neighbors, and anyone else that may enter the premises
  • Vacate the treated house, individual apartment unit, or other structure immediately
  • Air out after returning to the treated area

Our Final Thoughts On Roach Foggers

Generally, roach foggers are used when there is a need for combating a large roach infestation problem in less time. They do provide efficient results with a single use only.

However, unlike other roach killing products, foggers only kill insects where the product is used. These are not meant for treating the entire colony of roaches somewhere else in the house.

In addition, it should be kept in mind that foggers are a bit harder to use and come with a set of instructions, which if not followed can be harmful for humans or pets. Injuries can be avoided though by reading the instructions provided on the label of your chosen product.