We’ve dug into this to determine whether flea bombs can work as effective flea pest control and what to do if you use them. We’ll cover:
- What are flea bombs made of?
- Why are there fleas in my home?
- When do you use flea bombs?
- Ten tips for using flea bombs
- How to prevent fleas in your house
Use this information to understand better how flea bombs work so you can get rid of the fleas in your home safely and cost-effectively.
What are Flea Bombs Made of?
Flea bombs are often called flea foggers, small canisters containing insecticides or other chemicals. They are designed as indoor flea treatments by slowly releasing pesticides into the air.
Due to their size, strength, and chemical composition, flea bombs are not considered long-term pest control and may not be able to combat true flea infestations, but they can have moderate short-term efficacy.
Why Are There Fleas in My Home?
Fleas can invade your home for several reasons, but they are typically looking for food. They often come in on suitable hosts such as pets, kids, or yourself, but fleas instinctively look for visual and thermal stimuli. This means fleas are looking for light and heat – things that animals (including humans) will provide in a dark setting.
Ultimately, once fleas get into your home, they will look to nest in your furniture, pets, clothing, or any other warm place to lay flea eggs and seek shelter.
When Do You Use Flea Bombs?
If you believe that you or your pets are being attacked by fleas that have infested your home, it is acceptable to try flea bombs. We still will always recommend regular conventional pest control services vs. flea bombs. Still, if you are in an extreme situation and looking for a quick solution, flea bombs can help remedy your flea problem.
Flea bombs are designed to be active for four to eight hours with no one present near them. Flea bombs can be toxic to humans and pets, so ensure everyone is out of the house before deploying them.
10 Tips for Using Flea Bombs
We asked our flea control experts for tips on using flea bombs at home. Here’s what they said:
1. Flea bombs are not a substitute for proper pest control, as they might not reach inside sheltered areas where flea larvae live.
2. Use high-quality, brand-recognized flea bombs and sprays.
3. Always read the instructions and ingredients of a flea bomb before using it.
4. Vacuum before and after using flea sprays and bombs to increase efficacy.
5. Do not expose yourself and your family or pets to flea-bombed areas for 8 hours after use.
6. Consult your veterinarian for advice about how to deal with different types of pet reactions to flea bombs.
7. Calculate the square footage of affected areas you spray, and figure out how many flea bombs you will need to treat these rooms.
8. Open all doors, drawers, and cabinets to expose fleas to the chemical sprays.
9. Remove all food, utensils, small appliances, and portable eating surfaces.
10. Cover your surfaces, electronics, and specialty equipment.
Ultimately, while there are right and wrong ways to use flea bombs, they may not provide the long-term solution you want. Regularly scheduled professional pest control will save you time, money, and stress while providing a unique plan for your property’s pest problems.
How to Prevent Fleas in Your House
In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to resort to flea bombs to stop fleas from getting inside the house. Here are some preventative measures you can take to try and prevent fleas from infesting your home:
1. Clean bedding and linens often – especially pet beds and rugs.
2. Sweep and vacuum your house well, especially in sunlit rooms.
3. Wash your pets often, and pay attention to excessive itching.
4. Regularly trim your grass and shrubs near your property.
5. Hire pest control services annually or bi-annually
The reality is that regularly scheduled pest control services for fleas will be far more effective than a reactionary flea bomb. Similarly, when you get an expert pest control technician to assess your property regularly, they can create a unique plan to deal with all pests, including fleas.
