Can I use fogging, fumigation, or electrostatic spraying, or drones to help control COVID-19?
Unless the pesticide product label specifically includes disinfection directions for fogging, fumigation, wide-area or electrostatic spraying, or application via drones (i.e., unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)), EPA does not recommend using these methods to apply disinfectants. EPA has not evaluated the product’s safety and efficacy for methods not addressed on the label.
Read and follow CDC's recommendations for disinfection. For now, the CDC recommends cleaning contaminated surfaces with liquid disinfectant products to prevent the spread of disease. See EPA's guidance on adding directions for indoor use with electrostatic sprayers to products intended to kill SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Return to Frequent Questions about Disinfectants and Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Related Questions
- Can I use common household substances to kill the novel coronavirus?
- How can members of my household use disinfectants properly to control COVID-19 if a family member is asthmatic or has other chronic respiratory disease?
- Can disinfectant products be used on people?
- Is there anything I can do to make surfaces resistant to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?
- I need to disinfect a public space like a store or school. What do I need to know?
- Why aren’t ozone generators, UV lights, or air purifiers on List N? Can I use these or other pesticidal devices to kill the virus that causes COVID-19?
- Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?
- Why are disinfectants marketed and sold under different brand and product names?
- Are disinfectants harmful to children? Can children apply disinfectants?
- Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?