Flea foggers are packed with insecticides that kill adult fleas and discourage the growth of eggs and larvae. Most flea foggers have ingredients like Permethrin, (S)-Methoprene, Nylan, and plant-based pyrethrum.
Permethrin is not safe for cats, while other chemicals may trigger a reaction from other pets as well. Flea foggers should be sprayed with caution, but they have the advantage of treating upholstery, carpets, and additional areas at once.
They are not safe for pets or people, and most pet owners use it before going on holiday to avoid exposure. Some of the best flea foggers in the market include:
1. Raid Concentrated Deep Reach Fogger
This product is designed for severe insect problems, and in addition to fleas, will kill roaches, ants, and spiders. It is formulated as a deep-reach fogger to penetrate carpet fibers, crevices, and cracks easily.
No matter where the insects hide and breed, this liquid formulation will kill them. It has a residual action of up two months, and you can rest easy as the fogger continues to work its magic.
The product is non-staining, so don’t expect any wet or messy residue. A single fogger can is enough for 625 square feet, and you should ensure it is well applied in even the tiniest of cracks.
2. Precor Plus Fogger (aka Flea Bomb)
A potent blend of (S)-Methoprene (0.09%) and Permethrin (0.58%) make this fogger one of the best in the market. The Precor IGR molecules will penetrate hard-to-reach spots to incapacitate pre-adult fleas by inhibiting breeding while the adult fleas will be killed by Permethrin.
Apply the solution in places where fleas are known to hide like floor cracks, carpet fibers, upholstery, rugs, drapes, and pet bedding.
After application, close the windows and leave the house for some hours. You will detect a strong smell when you come back, but it will mean that the fogger is doing its job.
3. Hot Shot Bedbug & Flea Fogger
You can use the Hot Shot fogger for fleas, bedbugs, ticks, and lice. It is safe to use in enclosed spaces like basements, attics, kitchens, pet sleeping areas, condos, and cabins. One can is rated for 2,000 cubic ft of unobstructed space.
The fogger has Nylar insect growth regulatory ingredient to discourage fleas from developing into biting adults. Its effectiveness is enhanced by its residual action of up to seven months, which will prevent re-infestation.
4. HARRIS Indoor Insect Fogger
This fogger will kill not only fleas but also ticks, mosquitos, roaches, spiders, and many more home pests. It is safe for indoor use and will reach into the crevices and cracks that fleas love to hide.
Using the product is easy, but you will need to remove or cover food and food processing equipment before application. Insects have been known to hide in trunks, cupboards, and cabinets so leave these open.
Close windows and doors and shut off air conditioners and fans. Once you apply in the desired area, leave it for two hours. Open windows and doors for two hours when you return.
5. Spectracide Bug Stop Indoor Fogger
The Spectracide indoor fogger is designed to address heavy infestations of pests like fleas, roaches, ticks, ants, spiders, houseflies and mosquitoes. It is formulated as a fine mist that will penetrate deep into crevices and cracks to kill hidden insects upon contact.
You can expect the fogger to reach every corner of the house and leave no residue that can damage upholstery, carpeting, clothing, floor tiles, drapes, and shades. Each can will cover 2,000 cubic feet, and every package contains 6-2-ounce canisters to help you spray the whole house if need be.
6. Vet Kem Siphotrol Plus Fogger
The Vet Kem Siphotrol Plus Fogger will not only kill fleas but also break their lifecycle. It prevents re-infestation as well as flea buildup. The flogger contains Precor IGR to stop flea larvae and eggs from growing into adult fleas.
One 3-ounce can treat 3,000 cubic feet, and you can use it to treat your entire house at once. It is safe to use indoors because it is odorless and leaves no sticky mess.
7. Zodiac Room Fogger
The Zodiac Fogger offers a simple method of dealing with infestations by fleas, mosquitoes, spiders, cockroaches, and other insects.
Each can cover 375 square feet and can be used in areas like kennels, garages, and family rooms.
You get three cans in the package to treat up to 1,125 square feet of space. The fogger will reach floor cracks to kill adult fleas, eggs, and larvae, and prevent re-infestation for seven months.
How to Use a Flea Fogger?
Flea bombs function by releasing insecticides into a specific area, but you will need to use them with caution by following these steps:
– Preparation for Use
The first step will be to buy a flea bomb from several brands in the market. Most of them are priced at around $20 or below and are also called flea foggers. Large areas and multiple rooms will typically need several cans. One can is enough for a standard room, and using an overdose will only leave a lot of residue behind.
Do quality research before buying one, and seek advice from a vet, family, or sales associates. Get a high-quality fogger that can kill adult fleas, eggs, and larvae to minimize the chances of a re-infestation.
Most brands sell foggers that can not only kill fleas, but other common pests like roaches, ants, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes, and moths. You should also judge selections on residual action. The best ones can continue to kill fleas and their eggs for seven months, and they should prevent the insects from growing into biting adults.
You will also need to prepare your house before applying the solution by thoroughly cleaning various rooms. Vacuum fabrics like carpeting and upholstery and throw clothing and beddings in the washing machine. Dump the contents of the vacuum in an outside dumper in case there are fleas present.
It is best to prepare the house when everyone in the household, including your pets, will be gone for a couple of hours. The bomb’s label will typically advise on the number of hours that you should stay away from the house.
Open all drawers and cabinets since fleas take refuge in them. Store away food and food equipment like cooking dishes to spare them from the chemicals. You should also cover countertops, tables, and electronic equipment with plastic tarps or sheets to prevent soiling. Ensure the fish aquarium is covered if you have one because the foggers are harmful to fish.
You also want to turn off all the lights and devices like the air conditioner and heater because the chemicals in the foggers are flammable. All windows should be closed to allow for maximum effectiveness of the product. Get a mask to reduce the exposure to the insecticides.
– Using the Flea Bomb
The flea bomb should be positioned in the middle of the room you want to treat. It should sit on protective covering like a newspaper to protect the area under it from staining.
The can will have a release valve to be pulled in order to release the insecticides. Leave the area quickly after opening the canister.
A mask will enable you to treat multiple rooms without inhaling the chemicals. You can enlist the help of your family members and use the bombs simultaneously.
Once the canisters are deployed in different rooms at the same time, run for the door and close it behind you. Do not enter any space with an activated fogger to avoid inhaling the mist.
Winding Up
You should stay away from the house for three to five hours, depending on the brand of flea bomb you use. Your pet should also be thoroughly cleaned to ensure they do not bring any fleas back with them.
You will come back to chemical residues and dead fleas after the recommended time. Clean floors and any other place that was exposed to the chemical. Wash surfaces like tabletops and countertops and clothes and sheets. Use disposable gloves to avoid coming into contact with the chemicals.
Open windows to release the bomb odors and activate ventilating devices. Daily vacuuming for 10 to 14 days will remove dead fleas and any newly-hatched ones. You may have to do several treatments and check your pet regularly for new infestations.
Are Flea Bombs Effective?
The effectiveness of flea foggers depends on the size of the room they are used in. They are more effective in smaller spaces since they can penetrate hidden areas like cracks.
You also need to prepare your house well by preventing the mist from leaking outside. You should, for example, cover the gap under the door when closing all windows and doors.
The usefulness of flea bombs is challenged by the fact that they often do not get to hidden places like the interiors of cabinets. Fleas will also seek shelter in areas like under furniture and escape treatment. These fleas will begin another infestation cycle that will require you to start treatment all over again.
Flea foggers do not deal with an animal infestation, which means that you will continue to look for solutions if your pet is responsible for bringing the fleas in your home. Since the products do not also deal with an outdoor infestation, you will have to implement another treatment for outdoor spaces that your pet frequents.
Flea bombs will not provide a 100% removal rate, but they will substantially reduce flea populations. There are most effective in empty houses and can be used by landlords preparing a home for new tenants.
The formulations work best when there are zero obstacles and where they are left undisturbed on the carpet floor to kill any survivors. Flea foggers are mostly recommended for severe flea infestations.
Flea bombs will also work if you address the source of the problem and incorporate it as part of a more comprehensive control plan.
Do Foggers Kill Fleas Instantly?
Yes, flea bombs have ingredients that kill adult fleas instantly. While the foggers will kill all the fleas it comes into contact within seconds, they will continue to kill the pests for up to 7 months.
Vacuum your carpet regularly to get rid of the dead fleas and flea buildup. Other ingredients will kill the larvae and eggs, while others will inhibit the growth of the larvae.
How Long Should You Stay Away from the House After Using a Flea Bomb?
You should stay out of the house for three to five hours after using a flea bomb. The time will vary between brands, and you should read the label on the flea bomb.
Do You Have to Wash Everything After Using a Flea Bomb?
Yes, it is advisable to wash everything in the house in case it came into contact with the gas from the fogger. Wash beddings, clothes, shoes, and other exposed items around your home.
You should also wipe all surfaces and clean uncarpeted floors.
How Many Times Do You need to Use a Flea Bomb to Completely Get Rid of Fleas?
To ensure you are using a flea bomb correctly, only use it for the room size it is rated for. This way, you will only need one treatment process. You may, however, need to use flea bombs again if there is a re-infestation.
Pet owners commonly report that flea bombs kill around 80% of the fleas in their homes in the first treatment. The remaining populations can be removed with two or three follow up treatments.
Conclusion
Flea foggers can be an effective way of dealing with fleas in your home. Due to the chemical residue left by flea bombs, however, they are recommended for severe flea infestations.
The foggers are toxic to people and pets, which is why you should vacate your house after deploying the canisters.
Foggers should be part of an overall flea treatment plan since they fail to reach the tiniest cracks where flea eggs are.