Shocker: Bug Bombs Dangerous, State Will Restrict Use

Bug bombs—or 'total release foggers,' as they say in the extermination biz—have caused at least eight serious explosions in New York City apartments in the past several years, including one last month in Manhattan that hospitalized six people. And besides the explosions, the bombs have also given people respiratory problems, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now the state Department of Environmental Conservation will classify foggers as a restricted-use product in New York State, meaning that only certified pesticide applicators can buy and use them. Better stock up! Oh, and here's a fun fact; the Times says that when the bug bombs first became popular after WWII, each bomb contained enough mist to “de-bug” about 10 to 15 average-size homes.

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By John Del Signore in News on October 21, 2008 1:30 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

See if you can score some old cans of Flit. There's still a few out there. Get some of that good DDT in there and magically, no mo' bugs.

EricRoberts

Not being a slob works well as long as you live near some slobs to attract the bugs away. Otherwise, good luck!

Spirit of 76

Something is amiss in the Times article. 150,000 square feet is 10-15 average homes? That means anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 sq ft per home. Did everybody after WW II live in McMansions?

Besides, didn't Mythbusters already debunk this? They had to use way more foggers than recommended before they actually got an explosion.

Duffy

Closing up the holes in an apartment isn't as daunting a task as it might seem.

When I first moved into the city, I lived in a former tenement that was a haven for roaches. I bought one of those foaming crack fillers and went to work. In about an hour, I had filled all the holes (small studio) and never saw another roach. Except for in the hallways.

moominpapa

10-15 homes?

This is why bedbugs are making a comeback. Nobody has the guts to declare total war anymore.

Really, the best way is to nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure.

Kojak

Its not so much that its dangerous, but its that people are too stupid to use the damn things correctly and end up gassing themselves.

Steven

So after all these years now they say it's dangerous?

hitlerbaby

uh, yeah irony bubble, another ridiculous homework assignment for life...why don't i just renovate my whole apartment while i'm at it...or just fucking move.

ironybubble

Closing the holes in your wall, re-grouting, and not being a slob tend to work much better.

Of course, you might have to remove all the cabinets in your kitchen to actually do it, but that's the price of a non-disgusting apartment.