How do insecticide aerosols work?

Insecticide aerosols belong to the “space spray” category. The mechanism is as follows: the insecticide particles expelled from an aerosol are extremely fine and remain suspended in the air for extended periods (typically 40 to 60 minutes). These suspended particles contact flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches, killing or knocking them down through contact and stomach action.

The difference between a space spray and a surface spray lies in purpose: a space spray suspends the active ingredient in air for direct contact with flying pests, while a surface spray deposits a residual film on surfaces that poisons pests upon contact. Insecticide aerosols are typically space sprays, suitable for rapid knockdown of indoor flying insects; some products provide both space-spray and residual contact action.

For insecticide aerosols produced by Dongyang Medical & Hygienic Articles Co., Ltd., for example, the active ingredients are typically pyrethroids such as tetramethrin, permethrin, and beta-cypermethrin, with registered target pests including mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches.