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

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. You can also try sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your carpets, floors, and other surfaces where the fleas frequent. Additionally, you should launder all linens and clothing in the hottest cycle possible, since heat is a powerful method for killing the insects.

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.

Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.