Do Flea Bombs Work? Everything You Need to Know

When fleas take over our home, pester our pets, and leave endless itchy bites in their wake, it can feel overwhelming, to say the least. So, do flea bombs work, and how effective are they? Fleas bombs are a potent tool against those tiny itch-inducing invaders, but they aren’t a perfect solution. Here’s what you need to know about using them in your home.

What Are Flea Bombs?

Getting rid of fleas isn’t easy—the bugs are tiny and often numerous, making it difficult to eradicate all of them simultaneously. Flea bombs, sometimes referred to as flea foggers, are not a reliable solution against a flea infestation because they can’t penetrate every nook and cranny of your home that fleas hide in. They may not kill every flea larva and egg because they can’t reach them effectively.

These compact canisters contain insecticides and, once activated, use an aerosol spray to gradually release them into the air to target fleas, typically killing them on contact.

Are Flea Bombs 100% Effective?

So, do flea bombs work? Yes, but unfortunately, they’re usually not 100% effective. That’s because the chemicals often fail to reach concealed or protected areas where fleas can hide, such as underneath furniture or inside closets and cabinets. On top of that, certain stages of the flea’s life cycle, particularly pupae and cocoons, are less susceptible to the effects of flea bombs, so using a flea bomb alone is unlikely to be an effective, long-term solution for a flea infestation. 

Pros of Using Flea Bombs

If you have a flea problem that you want a quick solution for, flea bombs are an immediate way to rid your residence of fleas. After release, they kill adult fleas in unconcealed and unprotected areas and can prevent the growth of larvae and eggs in those locations.

Flea bombs kill fleas via the use of aerosol spray. Once a flea bomb is set off, it slowly releases insecticides into the air, targeting the pests. As it sprays, it kills them on contact. A quick result is the main advantage of using flea bombs.

Risks of Using Flea Bombs

There are several risks to consider before setting off a flea bomb in your home, including the following:

• Flammability: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that total-release foggers, like flea bombs, can be extremely flammable, especially when using more than is needed for the space. 

• Toxic residue: After the aerosol pesticides in a flea bomb have dispersed into the air, they can also settle onto surfaces and leave a lingering toxic residue. 

• Dangerous to ingest or inhale: It’s extremely important to clear all people and pets from the area before activating a flea bomb. Be sure to cover or remove any food or food prep surfaces. Along with that, it’s recommended to remove or cover items such as pet toys and children’s toys to minimize their contact with the pesticide.

Be sure to select the appropriate size of fogger to avoid an excessive buildup of flammable vapors, and never use a fogger in a closet, cupboard, or similar small enclosed space. Additionally, per EPA, you should place flea bombs at least six feet away from ignition sources, such as a pilot light, flame, or spark from a cycling appliance such as a refrigerator or air conditioner.

How To Prepare for Flea Bombing

Dealing with fleas isn’t fun, but a flea bomb can help you nip the problem in the bud, especially if you prepare correctly. These prep steps will make the flea bomb more effective and safe.

Vacuum Thoroughly 

Vacuum all carpets, rugs, furniture, and pet bedding to stir up fleas and eggs so they can be exposed and killed by the flea bombs. Once you’re done vacuuming, empty the vacuum in an outdoor bin or immediately take your trash outside. 

Wash Linens 

Wash all of your bedding and pet linens in hot water. This step helps eliminate fleas and their larvae, as well as any food sources, such as skin cells or dander that could attract future pests. 

Protect the Plants 

Either remove indoor plants to a protected area or cover them so that they won’t be impacted by the chemicals in the flea bomb. Chemical residue from the pesticides can settle on leaves or soil which can interfere with plant respiration. 

Open Doors, Windows, and Drawers

If you want the flea bomb to be as effective as possible, open cabinet doors and drawers as well as the windows to properly ventilate your space. Opening cabinet doors and drawers can help ensure the flea bomb permeates every nook and cranny inside your home so no flea or larvae goes untouched. 

Know Emergency Numbers 

Keep in mind that a flea bomb is releasing potentially harmful chemicals into your home. Research and prepare the numbers for poison control, your pediatrician, as well as your vet so you can act quickly if a child or pet is exposed.

How Long After a Flea Bomb Can I Go in the House?

In most cases, it’s advisable to evacuate all humans and pets for at least several hours—usually between two to four hours, or up to eight hours. Once the recommended waiting period has passed, it’s also a good idea to open doors and windows to ventilate the area and allow fresh air to circulate.

If you use a flea bomb, the safety and duration of re-entering the home can vary by the product. Be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically include recommendations for how long you should wait before re-entering the treated area. The fumes are extremely potent and can cause illness in humans and pets, so it’s important to allow sufficient time.

Other Methods of Eradicating a Flea Infestation

While flea bombs can be a potent tool, they should be a last resort executed by a professional pest control specialist. There are plenty of other flea removal methods besides flea bombs. Before using a flea bomb, consider the following alternative options:

• Vacuum and steam: Tackling the problem in your home should start with killing the fleas in your carpet, as this is one of their favorite places to hide. Vacuuming and steam cleaning are highly effective at getting rid of the eggs, larvae, and adult fleas hidden within the carpet fibers. 

• Diatomaceous earth: You can also try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your carpets, floors, and other surfaces where the fleas frequent. 

• Clean all linens: You should launder all linens and clothing in the hottest cycle possible, since heat is a powerful method for killing the insects.

• Commercial baits and traps: Try using other DIY flea-trapping products, such as commercial baits, traps, and powders. 

• Pet treatment: If the fleas are bothering your pets, speak with your veterinarian to find the best ways to treat the animal directly, including shampoos, flea collars, and topical treatments. Never apply pesticides to your pets, as these can be extremely poisonous. 

When to Hire a Pest Control Pro

Despite the best of efforts, a serious flea infestation can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Professional treatments are the safest and most effective option for getting rid of the pesky insects for good. The cost of professional flea extermination typically ranges from $75 to $400, depending on the size, severity, and number of treatments. Get in touch with a local bug and insect exterminator to get an estimate for eradicating your home’s flea infestation, and get peace of mind knowing that the pros have the right tools, skills, and knowledge to tackle the task.