Apartment-ready bug products typically come as aerosol sprays, foggers (total-release), and pump/trigger sprays for surface or perimeter application.
Active ingredients include conventional insecticides such as cypermethrin, phenothrin, bifenthrin, and deltamethrin, as well as plant-based actives like geraniol, lemongrass oil, and peppermint oil.
Scent varies by formula: some aerosols advertise little or no lingering chemical odor or a lemon/fresh scent, while plant-based options often have minty or natural fragrances. Reviewers note scent strength can vary between products.
Labelled residual protection varies widely by product. Reported label durations in these listings range from about 2 weeks up to 18 months (examples include 2 weeks, ~2 months, 13 weeks, 12 months, and 18 months), so check each product label for its specific claim.
Coverage varies by product and format. Label figures in these listings range from the low hundreds of square feet up to several thousand—examples include 875 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft for sprays, and up to 7,000 cu ft listed for a single fogger can. Check the product label for the exact coverage and whether it uses square feet (area) or cubic feet (volume).
Label guidance varies: foggers commonly instruct not to re-enter for about four hours, then to open doors/windows and air the area for around 30 minutes. Many aerosol sprays advise waiting about two hours and ventilating, or waiting until sprayed surfaces have dried before re-entering.
Common label precautions include keeping people and pets out during application; covering or removing food, utensils, and open dishes; removing or covering pets and fish and turning off aquarium systems; and ventilating treated areas by opening doors and windows and waiting until sprays have dried or the area has been aired before re-entry.
Plant-based formulas commonly emphasize minty or natural scents. Product details and reviews also advise testing on an inconspicuous area first, since some formulations may damage or stain painted surfaces, floors, furniture, or plastics.