Space Spraying With Aqua K-Othrine
Unlike hand spraying, space spraying is often avoided because it requires specialised equipment capable of treating large areas in a short time. However, space spraying relies on proven, well-established principles that are entirely within the expertise of pest control professionals.
Space spraying is often viewed as one of the more complex application pest control technologies among professional pest managers, though it shouldn’t be the case.
Unlike hand spraying, space spraying is often avoided because it requires specialised equipment capable of treating large areas in a short time. However, space spraying relies on proven, well-established principles that are entirely within the expertise of pest control professionals.
Space spraying involves dispersing a high volume of tiny droplets containing a very small amount of insecticide into the air to eliminate flying insects or those resting on surfaces. The combination of correct droplet size and choice of product formulation determines how long they remain effective and airborne.
Space spraying is considered a knockdown application and as such provides little to no residual control once the droplets disappear.
The two main techniques employed are thermal (hot) fogging and ultra-low volume (ULV) misting (cold fogging). Thermal fogging produces a dense cloud of droplets by vaporizing insecticide with high heat, which condenses when it meets cooler air. The nozzle is aimed downward, allowing rising hot air to carry the droplets upward. In contrast, ULV misting uses mechanical shearing to create droplets, which are directed upward and distributed back downward via gravity.
Space spraying with a product like Aqua K-Othrine® can be an extremely effective means of controlling large numbers of flying insects such as mosquitoes, midges, sandflies and flies, and also valuable for controlling stored-product pests, spiders and cockroaches in enclosed areas such as commercial and industrial buildings and warehouses. The rapid-action, non-residual nature of this technology delivers impressive results within a short time frame, although repeated treatments every five to seven days are necessary for sustained control. Suitable and appropriately calibrated equipment can deliver incredibly small amounts of active ingredient over a large area with excellent results. This technique has proven indispensable in rapidly reducing adult mosquito populations during outbreaks of arboviruses as one of the control types adopted by Public Health authorities.
Timing is critical to the success of space spraying. As space-sprays are designed to knock down target insects when they are flying, or resting on open exposed surfaces, and with little to no residual control, it is critical that applications are timed to coincide with peak insect activity.
Environmental conditions also play a crucial role. Applications during the heat of the day, particularly when outdoors, shorten droplet life and exposes droplets to a higher likelihood of air currents pushing droplets away from their intended targets.
Selecting the right product is crucial for optimal results. The ideal formulation should deliver rapid knockdown at low doses, pose minimal risk to humans, animals, and the environment, and be compatible with a variety of equipment. While many traditional formulations rely on hydrocarbon solvents and mineral oils as diluents, newer water-based technologies with built-in anti-evaporant properties are emerging. These advanced formulations maintain droplet viability for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of effective contact with the target.
Products such as Aqua K-Othrine represent a significant advancement in water-based space sprays. Highly effective against mosquitoes, midges, flies, and stored-product pests, this non-flammable, low-odour water-based formulation preserves optimal droplet sizes across various climates, offering the same efficacy as traditional oil-based concentrates, while being more environmentally friendly.
Thermal Fogging – Hot Fogging
Producing a reliable droplet cloud requires proper equipment and formulation selection. In thermal fogging, petroleum solvents are often added to traditional technologies to protect active ingredients from heat degradation. Without these additives, insecticides may break down or evaporate prematurely before reaching their targets.
True water-based formulations such as Aqua K-Othrine are diluted with water so there is no need to add such solvents to protect the droplets. This offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, compatible with both cold and hot fogging systems.
A common concern of water-based formulations in thermal fogging is their reduced visibility compared to solvent-based technology. While the droplet clouds from water-based formulations may appear less dense, they remain highly effective. If visibility is a priority, the addition of a carrier product based on ethylene glycol can enhance the cloud’s appearance, without compromising performance.
Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Misting – Cold Fogging
ULV misting, on the other hand, aligns seamlessly with water-based technologies. Advanced formulations such as Aqua K-Othrine resist evaporation, maintaining efficacy until droplets contact the target.
It is important to note that there are some water-based formulations available that then are diluted with petroleum solvents for use which are not true water-based technology. A true water-based formulation like Aqua K-Othrine does not require petroleum solvents to be added when cold or importantly, hot fogging.
Equipment
Understanding proper equipment selection and calibration is crucial for optimal performance. Thermal foggers may require modifications, such as replacing the standard fog tube with one specifically designed for water-based fogging. These tubes inject the solution further down the fog tube, where temperatures are lower, reducing the risk of droplet degradation. Additionally, these modifications are frequently paired with dedicated nozzles that minimise time on site by maximising the efficiency during application.
If purchasing a new hot fogger, look for brands that have specific water based fogging kits and the data to back them up. Whilst some upgrade kits allow operators to retain the standard fog tube by adding an injection point further along the tube, simply injecting the solution further down the fog tube does not guarantee complete protection of water-based formulations. To ensure compatibility and performance, it is strongly recommended to consult with equipment suppliers and thermal fogging equipment manufacturers for technical data that verifies their design's effectiveness in safeguarding water-based formulations.
Understand the type of work you intend to be doing when space spraying. Are you predominantly going to be doing indoor or outdoor work and how big and complex are the areas you intend to be treating? By taking such considerations into account, you’ll be purchasing equipment fit for purpose.
Space spraying offers pest managers a powerful tool for controlling flying insect pests and addressing infestations in challenging environments. By leveraging modern water-based products such as Aqua K-Othrine, making informed equipment choices and set up, and applying treatments at the right time, pest control professionals can deliver efficient and effective results with minimal environmental impact.
To better understand how to make the switch, modify or purchase the right equipment and to get the most out of water-based space spraying, contact the Envu Pest Management Team or your preferred pest control distributor.
To find out more information, reach out to our team.
Always read the label before use.