Types of aerosol insecticides

Space Aerosols
Space aerosols are specifically designed for use in space. Examples include: space mosquito and fly repellent aerosols, space disinfectant aerosols, air deodorizers, air fresheners, and space drug/immune inhalation aerosols. They require very fine particles that can remain suspended in the air for a longer period. To achieve this, space aerosols contain more propellant than other aerosols.

Surface Aerosols
These aerosols are specifically designed for spraying onto object surfaces. Examples include: insecticidal aerosols for killing ground insects, such as bee and insect repellents, ant repellents, moth repellents, and mildew repellents; hairspray, aerosol hair oil, aerosol perfumes; medical aerosols for dermatology and trauma; and surgical and burn aerosols. These aerosols project coarser aerosol particles than space aerosols. After spraying, it can directly contact the sprayed surface (not in space) because the propellant vaporizes immediately before or during contact with the surface, leaving only a very thin film of the original liquid. Because the original liquid is relatively viscous and the propellant consists of a mixture of volatile gases with different boiling points, surface aerosols do not require very fine particles, so the amount of propellant used can be less.

Foam-type aerosols

Foam-type aerosols spray foam, not liquid particles. Examples include dry shampoo aerosols, hair mousse, skin mousse, sunscreen mousse, toothpaste aerosols, hand sanitizer aerosols, and some dermatological foam-type medical aerosols. The difference between foam-type and other aerosols is that the propellant is emulsified by the original liquid (formulation) to form an emulsion. When the emulsion is sprayed through the valve, the surrounding propellant immediately expands and vaporizes, turning the emulsion into a foamy state. The consistency of foam can be controlled according to the requirements of the formulation; it can also be controlled by the amount of propellant. Too much propellant results in a thin foam, while too little results in a poor foam. A certain amount of propellant produces a good foaming effect.

Powdered Aerosols

These aerosols contain fine solid powder dispersed in the propellant, forming a relatively stable suspension. When used, opening the aerosol valve causes turbulence within the can, causing the fine powder to be sprayed out by the propellant. After the propellant vaporizes, the fine powder remains in the air or on a surface. Commonly used powdered aerosols include: inhaled medical powder aerosols, hemostatic powder aerosols, topical medication aerosols, and aerosols containing talcum powder, prickly heat powder, athlete's foot powder, and underarm deodorant powder.