Cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid commonly used in insecticidal sprays, it is a powerful broad-spectrum insecticide, meaning it kills any crawling or flying insect. In the pest control sector Cypermethrin is usually found in a water-based solution, once this is applied to a surface and the water evaporates a clear film is left behind. This film will consist of a constantly acting insecticide which will carry on killing insects for a number of weeks, for these reasons it has become one of the most widely used chemicals in the pest control sector.
Cypermethrin is a fantastic residual spray, however, when treating cluster flies other products such as fumigators are of equal importance as they will treat the volume of the airspace where the flies fly. There are two types of fumigators; an aerosol (ULV) Fogger and the other a smoke bomb. The fogger is modern take on the traditional smoke bomb, it works by the user pressing down the total release valve and locking it in place. This allows the canister to disperse its entire contents, releasing aerosol droplets into the airspace where they will remain for a period of time, killing any flies at surface level. Foggers remain in a fixed position when discharging, so for a large room or loft space multiple foggers may be needed in different locations to fumigate the entire space. Prior to application, wardrobes, drawers, cabinets and other furnishings should be opened to enhance coverage in areas where flies and other insect pests are likely to be harbouring. Our pest expert formula P fogger contains an active derived from natural ingredients (African Chrysanthemum) called pyrethrum, a broad spectrum insecticide which not only targets and kills flies but also any crawling or flying insects. As the concentration of Pyrethrum is set at the legal limit it’s the strongest available on the amateur market, it targets the central nervous system of insects providing a quick kill. Once the fogger has been discharged, it needs to be left in room for a period of three hours, this will allow the aerosol to fill the room and penetrate any cracks and crevices where flies and other insects may be harbouring. After three hours the room should be sufficiently aired out by opening any windows to get fresh air circulating and flush out the insecticide. As there is no need for a naked flame, foggers present no fire hazard making them a safe alternative to a traditional smoke bomb. The second type of fumigator commonly used in the pest control sector is the Pest Expert Formula ‘P’ smoke bomb (fumer). This works by igniting the touch paper so it burns down and starts to smoulder, the bomb will then emit a light smoke holding the insecticide. The active ingredient is the man-made pyrethroid Permethrin, it begins to work immediately upon contact. Like Pyrethrum, Permethrin is a broad-spectrum insecticide which will kill any crawling or flying insect. As the concentration of Permethrin within the Pest Expert Formula ‘P’ Smoke Bombs is set at the legal limit (13.25% w/w) only a light smoke is needed to knock-down even an established infestation. Permethrin works by attacking the central nervous system, causing paralysis and preventing normal behaviour such as feeding or grooming. Absence of these vital activities lead to the death of the insect. The windows and doors of the room being treated must be closed before igniting the smoke bomb, once it has been ignited it should be left for three hours to fumigate and permeate through the room. This will lead to the death of any insects that come into contact with the insecticidal smoke. After the three hours has expired, the room needs to be aired out for an hour. This will remove any potentially harmful chemicals. For larger space the Pest Expert Formula ‘P’ Super Fumer may need to be used, this will treat an area of 400 meters cubed for flies as opposed to 150 meters cubed with the 3.5g fumer.
Both of these fumigators provide fantastic results, offering rapid knock down of large numbers of flies in an enclosed space, however, as with all fumigators they do not leave any residual protection behind. Due to the size of cluster flies, they can make their way into the property through virtually any crack, hole or crevice. This means using products that hold residual protection absolutely vital, if fumigators are employed as the sole strategy then fumigating will need to be carried out as when the population builds. Products like the Pest Expert Formula ‘C’ spray and Pest Expert Formula ‘P’ powder can be applied to any alighting surfaces, windows frames and sills, exposed beams and anywhere a fly could be harbouring. These products carry on working for a much longer period of time than fumigators, adding a preventative element to your eradication strategy. If a new batch of flies entered the property following a fumigation and residual treatment then it’s likely they would come in contact with the residual insecticides and die without the need for repeat fumigation. Fumigators hold an important position in the process of cluster fly eradication but combining them with a residual spray creates a more comprehensive strategy the best of residual measures and the best of pre-emptive measures.