What type of formulation do thermal foggers use for insecticides?

Thermal foggers utilize an oil-based formulation for insecticides primarily due to their ability to vaporize oils effectively, creating a fine mist or fog. This oil-based solution allows the insecticide to disperse evenly over a wide area, enabling better penetration into cracks, crevices, and foliage where pests may be hiding. The thermal fogging process involves heating the oil-based insecticide mixture, which transforms it into small particles that can easily float in the air and reach difficult-to-access pest populations.

In contrast, water-based formulations do not vaporize in the same manner and would not create the desirable fog effect that thermal foggers are known for. Solid-based formulations would not work effectively in foggers due to their physical properties—they cannot be vaporized or aerosolized in the same manner that liquids can. Gas-based options are also not suitable for this application, as they would not deliver the insecticide in a way that can effectively target pests within the environment. Thus, the use of oil-based formulations in thermal foggers is crucial for achieving optimal results in pest control.