How to Bomb Your House for Bugs

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Cover kitchen countertops and unplug appliances before you bomb your house.

If you have noticed insects in your home, you might want to bomb your house. An insect fogger distributes pest-killing poisons throughout a room, covering a specific square footage. It is most effective if you are dealing with an infestation of flying insects, such as mosquitoes, though it can also cut down populations of other pests, such as cockroaches. Just make sure you are using an appropriate pesticide before you bomb your house.

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Step 1

Purchase sufficient insect fogger to cover all areas in the home. It may take several canisters to bomb your house, so read the label on the product you choose to determine how much square footage each unit covers.

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Step 2

Distribute bug bomb throughout the dwelling. Most brands suggest placing the total-release fogger on flat surfaces, such as the floor.

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Step 3

Cover surfaces you don't want coated with bug bomb. The University of Kentucky recommends using sheets or towels to protect children's toys, kitchen countertops, upholstered furniture, and pet beds, so they will not be saturated with chemicals.

Step 4

Unplug appliances and electronic devices. Because chemical pesticides are highly flammable, according to the EPA, it is important to eliminate the possibility of a spark or flame. Disconnect gas lines and remove items that might promote ignition, such as lighters.

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Step 5

Plan the sequence of engagement. Determine the order in which you will release the bug bombs and the way in which you will exit the dwelling. In a two-story home, for example, you might want to start on the second floor and work your way to the first floor so you can exit quickly.

Step 6

Evacuate the dwelling. Injuries and illnesses can occur if you do not exit immediately when you bomb your house, so leave using the closest exterior door.

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Step 7

Wait until the total-release foggers have run their course. Follow the directions on the product so you know when it is safe to return after you bomb your house.

Step 8

Remove the bug bombs from the home and dispose of them as indicated on the packaging. Wipe down any surface not covered before you bombed the house, and launder sheets and towels immediately.

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