Why Professional Aerosols?
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Consumer-grade bug sprays are often mostly water and low-grade repellent. Professional aerosols are pressurized for deep penetration into cracks and crevices, using active ingredients that actually solve the problem rather than just scattering the pests.
Top Rated Field Aerosols
Primary Use: Flushing and Quick Knockdown.
This is one of my go-to "flushing" agents. If you aren't sure where the roaches or spiders are hiding, a quick spray of PT 565 Plux SLO into a crack or crevice will force them out immediately. It is an essential tool for identifying the source of an infestation. Kills pests on contact. The "XLO" means "Extra Low Odor". Some aerosols, particularly containing pyrethrins, can have a noticeable odor. This is the product you want if you're looking for immediate pest knockdown. This was the first aerosol I ever purchased when I started working in pest control.
Primary Use: Residual Control of Cockroaches.
Phantom II aerosol, featuring the active ingredient chlorfenapyr, is a powerhouse in the fight against German cockroaches because of its unique non-repellent chemistry and "stealth" mode of action. Roaches cannot detect chlorfenapyr, meaning they walk freely across treated surfaces and ingest the lethal dose without stress. It works as a metabolic inhibitor rather than a nerve poison; it essentially "unplugs" the mitochondria in the roach's cells, preventing them from generating energy. This results in a slower, more deliberate kill that is highly effective at overcoming resistance—a major issue with German cockroach populations. Because it doesn't cause immediate "knockdown" or irritation, the treated roaches often return to their harborages before dying, potentially exposing other members of the population to the chemical through their social interactions.
Primary Use: Flushing and Quick Knockdown.
This is the most budget-friendly flushing and contact insecticide I've been able to find. It's used to flush (and kill) pests out of their hiding spots. It has a unique spray cap which will spray sideways and upside down, and the straw is integrated into the cap. Store it upright or the spray cap will malfunction.
Primary Use: Residual Control & Insect Growth Regulation of Cockroaches.
This is an incredibly versatile and effective product. It contains two long-lasting insecticides, as well as two insect growth regulators to prevent pests from multiplying. If I could only have one aerosol product in my bag, this would be it. It has a unique spray cap which will spray sideways and upside down, and the straw is integrated into the cap. Store it upright or the spray cap will malfunction.
Application Tips from the Pros
- Crack and Crevice: Use the included "straw" to get the product inside the wall, not just on the baseboard.
- Don't Over-Spray: A 1-second burst is usually more than enough for a targeted area.
- Safety First: Always read the label. Never spray near open flames or pilot lights.