How to Bomb Fleas

Fleas can reproduce quickly and for some pet owners this means a sudden infestation. Bombing fleas is certainly not the safest flea control measure, but sometimes it is the most efficient way to deal with a flea infestation. Fleas are not just a nuisance for you and your pet, they can also spread disease. When bombing fleas, you absolutely must follow the directions on the flea bomb canisters. Chemicals used in flea bombs are very toxic, especially to children and pets. To bomb fleas most safely means to limit your exposure and the exposure of your pets and children to the chemicals as much as possible. You should always leave the house for a while after setting off fleas bombs.

Things You'll Need

• Flea bombs (available from pet supply stores and some hardware stores)
• Paper towels or clean, disposable cloths

Instructions

1. Arrange a place for you and your pets (and children) to stay for at least a few hours. An overnight stay at a hotel is preferable, though not necessary. You will need to be out of the home for at least a few hours, though.

2. Turn off all pilot lights in the house, including those in rooms other than the rooms you are bombing. The chemicals in flea bombs disperse widely and are highly flammable.

3. Remove all pet dishes and pet food and pack in airtight containers. Dishes and food should not come in contact with the flea killing chemicals. Any dishes in the dish drainer should be put away in cupboards.

4. Place the flea bomb canisters on a stable table or other sturdy piece of furniture. A cloth or paper towels should be spread over wood furnishings to prevent stains. Alternately, you can place the bombs on a thick layer of newspapers on a hard floor surface (do not do this on carpeted areas).

5. Put the pets out of the room and, pointing the canister away from your face, press the trigger on the flea bomb, as designated on the canister. Move out of the room as quickly as possible and leave the house, bringing your pets with you.

6. Return at the time designated on the flea bomb label. Open windows to thoroughly air out the house and then leave again for a couple of hours (or overnight if you have chosen to stay at a hotel).

Tips & Warnings

• Wear household latex gloves when setting the flea bombs up and setting them off.

• If you choose to stay overnight at a hotel but are uncomfortable leaving the windows open at home all night, let the house air out a few hours and then return to shut the windows.

• If you have carpeting, you should vacuum the carpet the next day. This may help eliminate some residual chemical.

• Read and follow the instructions on the flea bomb label.

• Flea bombs are highly flammable. There have been cases of houses exploding when users forgot to turn off pilot lights.

• Never let children handle flea bombs.

• You should dispose of used flea bombs properly. The labels should indicate how you should do this.