Summary: Flea bombs, sometimes called a flea fogger, have been used for years to effectively control fleas in homes throughout the world. However, using a flea bomb can put your family and pets at risk due to the chemical residue that remains after use and should only be used in extreme circumstances where there is a massive flea infestation (or a battle that you have just been unable to win for some time). Unfortunately, foggers don’t usually reach all the places where fleas could be hiding and while it may be part of a complete flea removal solution, please don’t forget that your pets still need to be treated separately and that the instructions need to be followed carefully to avoid complications.
Usually, if you have a bit of a flea problem, the best way to remedy the situation is to remove the fleas from your pets and treat your home with something like DE. However, sometimes this is often not enough! If you are finding these pests everywhere and keep getting bitten by fleas on a daily basis, should you consider using a flea fogger?
What Exactly Are They and How Do Flea Bombs Work?
A flea fogger is a small aerosol canister that contains insecticide. To use this flea product, simple release one of them in each regular sized room to kill the fleas. The five chemicals that are usually responsible for controlling the flea outbreak are Cypermethrin, Methroprene, Nylar, Permethrin and Tetramethrin. Depending on brand, your flea fogger could contain one or more of those active ingredients and since they can be potentially dangerous for pets and even yourself, please make sure you leave the house while bombing.
It’s important to note that foggers for fleas wont usually achieve a 100% removal rate for fleas in your home. However, I have found them very effective on empty houses that have carpeted floors (such as when a landlord is waiting for a home to be filled with new tenants). Since there is no furniture and other obstacles, the fogger mist usually reaches all areas in the house and the insecticide has some time to sit undisturbed on the floor, making sure that any survivors are eliminated. Since flea eggs are tiny and usually fall into the fibers in the carpet, this is actually an important step for these foggers to work properly.
So do flea bombs work? Yes, they are fairly effective for killing fleas but due to the toxins they release, I recommend only using them when the flea situation is very bad. There are also a few other problems like:
- They usually have difficulty reaching places under things like couches, which is often where the fleas are hiding.
- Based on my experience, they only get rid of about 80% of the fleas in your home. However, the survivors can usually be killed with 2-3 repeat treatments (1 per week is fine).
- Flea bombs will not kill the fleas on your pets! You also need to treat your dogs and get rid of the fleas on your cats as well otherwise you will be fighting a losing battle.
Please note that it’s also possible to purchase a “bug bomb”. This option promises to kill all sorts of insects in the home. However, if you are just having a flea problem, I recommend getting something that is only aimed that this task for maximum effect.
10 Flea Fogger Safety Warnings!
Since these devices essentially spray a flea poison all over your home, there are some health concerns that you need to know about to prevent any potential complications. I have put together a checklist for your easy reference:
- Importantly, flea bombs must not be used on your pets and can cause sickness or death if they are exposed to the fumes!
- Electrical appliances (and lights) need to be turned off and covered as foggers are usually highly flammable! All gas ignition systems should also be turned off as this can pose a potential fire hazard. While I understand that blowing up the house will definitely get rid of the fleas, I don’t recommend it as a viable solution. 😉
- Only use a single flea bomb per room! Using too many will leave a large amount of chemical residue that can put your family and animals at risk.
- Be careful of using flea foggers if someone in the family has an asthma problem as sometimes it can cause an attack, even a couple days after the treatment has been completed.
- Never inhale the gas from the bomb. Since it contains insecticides that kill fleas, I am sure the reasons are fairly obvious. If you have any negative symptoms, always consult a medical practitioner immediately.
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Make sure all foodstuffs and other consumables (like fruit, etc.) are placed in a cupboard or taken out the house.
- Please make sure that all pets and people are out the house for at least 8 hours while bombing the house to ensure that you don’t risk anyone’s health. Remember that the poison can easily kill fish so make sure you cover their tank properly before fogging!
- Make sure you keep your face away from the canister when deploying it. Flea bombs usually spray the gas upwards (vertically) and serious damage can be done if this hits you square in the face.
- Never use the bombs inside closed cupboards or place them in an enclosed space.
- Birds are extremely sensitive to the toxins in the foggers. Even if your bird cages are outside the home, move them as far away as possible from the windows and doors.
How to Flea Bomb a House
Provided you understand the risks and take necessary steps to either eliminate or reduce them, flea bombs are good for controlling a big flea problem. In this section, let’s look at a 7 steps that need to be done in preparation and investigate what needs to be done after application.
7 Important Steps for Preparing To Fog the House:
Importantly, vacuum the house. This ensures that the fleas are the most active before treatment and ensures a higher success rate for killing them. I also make a habit of hot washing my pet’s bedding (which is outside) to kill any fleas.- Turn the electricity off on your distribution board. Alternatively, unplug everything in your home and turn the plug and light switches off. Make sure that your heaters, underfloor thermostats and aircons are offline. It’s extremely important to make sure your TV’s are off. If you have a larger, CRT screen, I recommend turning it off a couple hours before bombing the house as these can potentially store charge and contain static for some time.
- All toiletries should be stored away safely, unless of course you would like to brush your teeth with poison 😉
- Shut all the windows to keep the fog inside for as long as possible. You can even use household tape to seal up the windows if they don’t close properly.
- Movable household plants should be taken outside as the poison can damage them.
- Since fleas could take shelter in your cupboards, its helpful to selectively open certain doors during the treatment. However, be aware that the exposure to the flea insecticide may require the washing of additional clothes and other items.
- Read the back label instructions carefully! While these are the steps I usually take for using flea bombs in homes, there may be important differences for your product. To work out if the flea bomb will cover an entire room, simply multiply the width, breadth and height to give you the cubic area needed. My room is 7 feet wide, 11 feet long and 9 feet high so I would need a fogger that covers 693 cubic feet for it to be effective.
4 Important Steps for Actually Deploying the Fogger:
Firstly, lay a sheet of newspaper on the floor (in the middle of the room) and place one of the canisters on it. Don’t deploy the fogger until all of them are in place in other areas of the house.- Ensure that you have completed all the steps in the preparation checklist above. It’s very important not to miss anything if you don’t want to have any complications.
- Shake the flea bomb well and starting from the furthest room the door, firmly push the top of each flea bomb to start the fogging process. I usually get each one of my family members to help me with this. Upon counting to three, we all deploy the canisters (in different rooms) and then run for the door, closing it behind us. If you have anyone that can help you with this process, this is definitely the recommended way to do it as it ensures you minimize the exposure to the fog before it wipes out the flea infestation in your home.
- Make sure you push the release valve properly (push it hard!) so that it clips, otherwise it will stop as soon as you release the pressure.
4 Things to Do After Bombing the House:
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After the 8 hours, I recommend opening all the windows and doors and letting the place air out for an hour or so before bringing pets, etc. back inside. Once you have turned the power back on, you can also use your aircon and fans to speed up the process.
- Remember, some products require the chemical residue to remain on the carpets, etc. for at least a couple days! This ensures that all fleas are killed and makes sure that fleas in their earlier stages (larvae, etc.) do not escape your wrath. This is actually why I personally bomb the house just before I go on holiday with the family, giving the product plenty of time to do its job.
- If you think your garden/yard might have fleas (especially worth checking if the fleas keep coming back, or your pet always seems to have fleas on him/her), I recommend that you get yourself some flea killing nematodes. They are non-toxic, easy to use and will get rid of them in outdoor areas.
- Since flea bombs essentially coat your home with a layer of insecticide, it’s very important to clean thoroughly after treatment. I recommend using gloves while performing this work. Mopping the floors, wiping down the counters and cleaning up will ensure that there are no toxic residue remaining in your home. You also may need to wash various items that could have been exposed to the poisonous fog.
- Vacuum all your carpets. This time however, it’s mainly to remove any dead fleas, eggs and other nasty remnants of the flea infestation. You can also check out a few more home remedies to get rid of fleas in this popular community guide.
- If you haven’t use any spot on treatment for your pets (yet), I highly recommend that you kill their fleas using dawn soap. It is safe, non-toxic and provides instant results. Don’t do it too often however, as it can dry out their skin.
What Are Some of the Best Flea Foggers?
Firstly, I always recommend purchasing flea bombs from a verified, trusted outlet that will stand behind its product instead of just trying to push a quick sale. I have found that there are a number of brands that are generally low quality.
While the choice is still yours, I recommend taking a quick look at some of the short flea fogger reviews below that I have personally put together for my readers. Provided its a legit website (such as Amazon), you can often get excellent discounts on bulk purchases but be careful of amazingly cheap prices for usually expensive products as they don’t contain the advertised ingredients which can cause all sorts of health risks and other problems. Please note that you may have slightly different experiences with these brands but here are a few that have really worked for me in the past.
Raid Flea Foggers – These are my preferred product due to the absence of CFCs (which damages the environment) and its quick killing power. Another upside is that it controls fleas for about 4 months (according to the label, a bit less in my experience) so it’s great for a long term solution, provided you are also keeping your animals free of fleas.
Zodiac Flea Bomb – While other products also contain IGR, this brand is extremely effective at preventing eggs/larvae, etc. from developing into adult fleas. I also like the fact that it doesn’t leave a horrible smell after treatment. This product also kills ticks which is great!
Hot Shot Flea Bombs – This product has been recommended by a number of readers as it kills a number of pests in addition to fleas. According to the label, it can eliminate lice, ticks and even bed bugs! The canisters also cover a larger area then others and while I haven’t personally used this one, feedback indicates that it works well!
Readers Ask: Are The Flea Bombs At Walmart Any Good?
It seems that I get this question on a weekly basis, and although I have answered this question in the comments (and via email) in the past, I thought it would be best to include this in the article itself. I know that I originally recommended Amazon, but I was simply mentioning that because I find using them very convenient. However, the bombs/foggers at Walmart are perfectly fine, or any local retail outlet for that matter.
The only issue you might find is that they won’t have stock of the options listed above, but that can be easily solved by simply phoning beforehand. I hope this helps. Lastly, those brands have worked for me, let me know if you have had any good experiences with others.
In conclusion, flea bombs can be used as part of an effective flea management program. However, I only recommend them if you have a serious flea invasion. Remember to examine the instructions closely! Also remember that even the best flea fogger won’t do much unless you take the time to proactively keep fleas off your pets and out your home. As per usual, prevention is much better than a cure and I recommend taking every effort to keep them away by using spot on treatments, fleas combs and occasional inspection. You can also use diatomaceous earth for flea problems as a great natural solution. Fleas are much easier to kill when their numbers are low so it’s best to catch them as early as possible before their reproduction gains momentum. Thanks for reading and I invite you to share your comments below! 🙂
Hello! My name is Natasha, and I have been helping people with their insect problems since 2012. I have published a book, worked with many pest control companies, and helped thousands with various infestations on a one-to-one basis. My goal for this blog is to create evidence-based guides that are easy to understand, provide sufficient depth and can be trusted to be very accurate. Please remember that my guides are for informational purposes only, and that you agree to the terms of use when reading content on this website. If you leave a comment, I typically respond within 48 hours.
we were planning to use a flea fogger in our bedroom, should we be concerned about the chemical getting on the bed linen and pillows. we do not have any pets
Hi Michael! I recommend that you cover your beds with plastic sheeting, or at least wash your linen afterwards. I don’t know what brand you are using, but that is my general recommendation for my readers. Hope that helps!
I treated my cat with frontline plus qhich didnt seem to help so i also put a seresto collar on her. She slept on my bad last night and when i got up i checked my bed and found 3 fleas that were still alive. How can they still be alive? Also i have DE all over my entire house
Hi Doreen, give it a few days, it is too early to expect no adult fleas to be alive. Let me know how it goes though, will help you.
Hi- SO I feel I might have to try bombing my house. I have 2 dogs and several cats. I have used Frontline on the dogs and am getting some for cats as well. I gave both dogs a shower with Dawn and vinegar and flea shampoo, bathed the oldest cat with dawn and have spread boax all over my carpets and mattress and couch excessively. I vacuum a lot. We live in country on 2 acres and all the animals all except oldest cat go in and outside. Used raid flea and tick carpet and room spray and martins flee carpet spray. Fleas died down but are still here or coming back in. 3 weeks ago, I also bought 4 pint jars of Coconut oil from Aldi’s amd slathered all the animals in it and combed out many many fleas. They looked so funny- all greased up. I read that coconut oil kills/deters fleas and eggs, and it’s safe for pets. That helped a lot except for my poor dogs. They are lab mixes and the poor things are chewing and scratching themselves raw. Got baths and combing last night- baths instead of shower- I plugged the tubs and forced them to lay down in the warm water tail and all. That seems to help but they are still scratching today. Not constantly and not barking and squealing like before but still……..I guess I need to get DE and do that in the house too. I just putout some pie tins with dawn soapy water. I dont have teas lights but saw you can also do this without lights on them. My son actually moved out of house for a while because his room was/is so bad. I went in his room today(no pets allowed anymore) and while I bagged up all his cloths and bedding, I got bit all over my body terribly. I now put in 2 pie tins of of the dawn water. I think I need to bomb. My question for you is this……..how badly do the bombs ruin things? I read about covering/removing electronics etc and food or dishes and all that but what does it do to books, papers, cds, movies, furniture and really everything else in your home? If I remove things, I’m afraid the fleas will go with and return on these items when I bring them back in, plus I need to know what is safe to leave and what all needs to be washed after. I did read your article but these questions still loom. This is not only making my dogs go crazy, but also me!Please help! BTW Your website and articles as well as the comments from people are a great help! Hope to hear from you soon! ALSO- In the spring, I plan on getting Guinea Hens for the yard to roam about. WHen I was a kid, we had them and few mosquitoes and dont remember any fleas. They gobble them all up.
Hi Susie! Thanks for your comment! Go ahead and try using a bomb in your specific case, it should be fine and might actually help you. Regarding the bomb ruining things, as long as you cover up your electronics, etc, nothing will be damaged (from my experience). Just make sure that you clean up properly afterwards and read all the instructions on your chosen flea bomb before using it (very very important). Good luck!
We adopted our new dog two weeks ago. We live in the country and we have 3 acres. Ive treated our yard ( sentry yard spray and seven dust) and our small dog several times ( two capstars, one k9 advantix II, several baths with dawn and flea shampoo he/we still have fleas. I am bombing the house this weekend. Any other suggestions? Where can I get DE? I’m willing to try anything at this point
Hi Christina! You can get DE from Amazon (probably easiest) or alternatively, most local hardware/gardening stores (even places like Walmart and Homedepot) should stock it. Just look for the “food grade” one 🙂 Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha,
Is advantage flea bomb safe for pets? Also, what precautions should I take to make sure our pets don’t get sick after I bring them back into the house after bombing. thanks you in advance.
Hi Mike, flea bombs contain poison that kills fleas, and while that doesn’t necessarily make them “unsafe”, I highly recommend that you spend a couple hours cleaning the floors, furniture and other surfaces (afterwards) to remove the residue. This should be done even if you don’t have pets 🙂 Hope that helps!
hey Natasha, I’ve been using DE, vacumn and washing the kitty regularly, poor thing was covered all in a matter of days, getting ready to try bombs and traps, homemade cloramine gas, got to know what your doing there!, and even thought about putting a hose from my tailpipe in the house till O2 is gone lol there horrible this year! Clear packing tape is a great way to get them off your ankles or… then pop them with a vengence!!!
Hi Gene! Goodness, sounds like you have a massive flea infestation hehe. Hope it comes right with all those things, let me know if you need help.
Just discovered I have a flea infestation under my trailer. Have bombed and am going to cover everything with DE. MY comment is that I have been feeding DE to my horses (only approx < 1oz a day) and this is the third year after a fecal exam by vet they are parasite free. We also have almost no flies to speak of. . Advise anyone feeding DE to wet the food as dry DE can scratch eyes as well as little critters.
Hi Liza! Awesome, thank for the tip, I am sure my readers will appreciate it. Also, good luck with that flea removal process, let me know if that doesn’t work and we will brainstorm something else. Have a good weekend!
Hi Natasha,
We’ve had a very low level flea infestation for six months now. It started when my parents visited in October, as their dog had fleas. In December we sprayed the whole house and washed all our clothes at 60. Within a week we were back to getting 1-2 bites a day. Since then we’ve been hoovering and steam cleaning, and using salt on the carpets. At first the salt seemed to work, and I wouldn’t get any bites when the salt was down. Now with the warm weather they seem to be increasing and I’m getting 2-4 bites every day, even with salt on all the floors. I don’t understand how as we don’t have a pet and everyone says they can’t breed without a pet. My fiance wants to use flea bombs as we are both losing our minds, but I am worried about the risks of the chemicals and it doesn’t feel worth it to me for a small infestation. We would be so grateful for any advice!
Emma
Hi Emma! You can deal with a small or even a medium infestation with Diatomaceous Earth and DIY flea traps. I would explain how to use them, but it would be easier for both of us to simply visit the “Fleas” category (top of the blog) and browse for the two articles that cover those subjects. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha,
I hope you don’t mind if i ask your opinion on a recent professional fog treatment i had done for bird mites. The exterminator told me to only remove our plants and food for the treatment. I also removed all of our tolietries as an additional safety precaution. I have read many different articles stating clothes and childrens furniture should have also been removed, as well as eating utensils. I also did not cover our hardwood floors. what is your take/ recommendation on this? Would wiping down and washing be enough to remove harmful chemicals? I have two young children and am extremely worried about not having removed their furniture. Any insight would be appreciated tremendously! Thank you for your time!!!
Hi Carmen, I usually recommend at least covering your furniture with plastic, but perhaps they were using a formula that wasn’t too toxic, not too sure to be honest. However, I do recommend that you wipe down all surfaces, your furniture and anywhere else it could have landed. Don’t worry, once you have done this you will be fine 🙂
If you have carpet get it steamed professionally. That was the key here. We have 6 cats that are indoors and out and have not bombed in 12 yrs. About 3 years ago an infestation happened. I could not figure out why. I vaccume, treat cats, wash bedding, etc…regularly nothing different. Except I had started using DE instead of chemicals and I had bought my own carpet cleaner due to aging cats and constant accidents. Immediately went back to having carpets steamed as I dreaded the thought of cleaning after the bombs. Steam cleaning worked here. No more fleas. No more DE either it didn’t hurt anybody but I don’t think it worked that well and the dust was horrible! I only use what vet says, too risky not to.
Hi Lisa! Thanks for replying to Carmen, steam cleaning will definitely help with flea problems (even helps with bed bugs lol). Glad that you have found relief, appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts.
Thanks so much Natasha!!!!
Hi Beau! It is a pleasure, thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
Oh my goodness!!! I didn’t realize how tough it was to get RID of fleas… Never in my life have I had to battle with these itty bitty, biting, pesky critters. I have a small dog who I often walked to a local park and during the summer somehow fleas found their way into my home, unbeknownst to me. By the time I realized they had set up camp it was too late. I’ve tried everything except hiring a professional (due to finances). I bombed the house more than twice, I used salt, essential oils, bug spray (recommended by the vet), carpet powder, I vacuum and mop with bleach on a regular basis. I’ve resorted to limiting the amount of time my poor doggy spends outside because I feel like he is being exposed to them from the elements. We have tons of squirrels, stray cats, skunks and groundhogs in my neighborhood. Most recently I tried the DE (after reading this article). Boy oh boy is this stuff messy, clean up has been rigorous; however I’m hopeful since the dust particles are everywhere.
I understand the sentiments of many of the commenters. I live in a cold climate and thought these pesky critters would calm down this winter. They have NOT!!!
My last resort is to give it to God, bless my house, and ask Jesus to reside with me and evict all of these critters from my home. I absolutely know this isn’t a popular sentiment but when I have other trials in my life that’s who I take them to. After reading post after post of others similar issues I was moved because I can empathize with those who feel like this infestation is out of control… Some may not want my prayers, but I extend my prayers to all of those are at their wits end and feel like these critters will never be removed from their house. I pray for positivity, for a life that is continued to be lived (as I understand this is an isolating issue), and for ultimate, complete and permanent extermination, eradication, remediation and annihilation.
Natasha, I know that you have several articles posted but can I ask you to post feedback from individuals who have successfully eradicated these pesky critters from their homes?
Hi Beau, thank for your comment. I have received hundreds of positive feedback messages/comments/emails over the past few years, so yes, the information on this blog can help you get rid of fleas. I will be sending you something, check your email inbox.
Hi,
Since I moved out a dorm, I have been getting bites on my arms and ankles. I don’t know what it is. According to my research, it might be fleas. Every day I got 1-2 bites. I use eucoclean but I need a fog treatment. The room has a small kitchen unit, a small bathroom and a closet. It’s maximum 50 square meters. I believe that fleas are in my closet and on my clothes and shoes. I washed again and again but couldn’t get rid of. I’m so tired because of cleaning everything again and again.
Do you think that only 1 flea fogger is enough to clean 50 square meters place?
How should I treat my clothes and shoes after I use the flea fogger?
Hi Su! It should be enough, but I suggest you check the flea bomb for instructions, as the coverage is usually written there. If your clothes have come into contact with the fogger, just chuck them into the wash and that should be sufficient. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I am planning on bombing my house but i got no where to take our cats. Would it be safe to keep them in the garage if we are planning to bomb the basement and 1st and 2nd floor? Thanks in advance!
Hi Jaime, I often get asked this and it is difficult because I cannot physically inspect your home hehe. Let me put it this way, if there is zero chance that the fogger will reach your cats in the garage, then that is fine 🙂
I’m a passionate volunteer with a greyhound rescue group. I’m meeting a hauler from Daytona, FL in early December to pick up a load of three greyhounds in Fredericksburg, VA, then drive back up to central NJ where our greyhound adoption group is based. Dogs from Daytona may be prone to fleas and ticks since they aren’t cared for too well at the track. Supposedly they’re treated topically before we get them, but I’m not sure how effective their pre-treatment will be. What precautions should I take to remove any pesky critters from my van after the dogs have left and gone to foster homes? I’m thinking to flea bomb the inside of the van like you would the inside of a house to rid of any residual fleas. Any suggestions?
Hi Gus! Good question, I think that putting some DE in the back of your van will work wonders. If the fleas jump off the dogs, they will land in it. While the fleas won’t die immediately, they will. Just make sure it’s food grade. Good luck!
Hello,
I have a cat that had fleas and ticks and now my house has fleas I have treated my cat and she is at the vet until I can rid my house of fleas. I have a question concerning pillows I have latex foam pillows and I am not able to wash or dry them how can I clean them do you know?
Hi Bethany! It is unlikely that you will find fleas in there, but just inspect them manually. If you don’t find anything, exclude them from your cleaning process. Good luck!
I have a bad flea problem and I mean BAD. Every time we bathe our dogs and cat, it’s like we never even did! We can’t bomb the house, seeing as we do not have a car right now. I have a plan that might(hopefully) work. Vacuum EVERYWHERE, wash every thing that my cat and dogs sleep on(clothes and my bed) and give them a bath with blue dawn dish liquid, letting them soak for a WHILE. I have had ENOUGH of these things, on my bed, jumping on me! If only the fleas would STAY AWAY for good!
Hi Melissa! Your plan is a good start, but when your pets are fully dried up, I recommend applying a spot on treatment (such as Frontline) as well. Let me know how it works out for you, and if you still have a problem, I will guide you further.
Where exactly should I keep (or take) my kittens while I bomb?
Should I put flea meds on them before taking them out of the house while I bomb?
I live in an apartment building, would that still be smart to bomb? Will my neighbors be affected?
My apartment is gas, should I have my maintenance man come and turn it off before I bomb?
Fleas are in cupboards? (Gross) So when I open the doors, will the canned goods be okay? (Any pkg or boxed food must come out, right?)
I think that’s all the questions I have…. Never did this before, my mom always did it.. So I’m a first timer lol
Hi Brianna! Yes, put your spot on before you take them out, and usually there are pet kennels that look after your animals for you (depends on where you live though). Since you live in an apartment, you will have to ask the landlord, as it could affect others. It is unlikely that there are fleas in your cupboards, but if there is, just wipe them down with a soapy mixture before bombing, that is all you need to do 🙂
Hi,
You have some Great information, Thank You.
In this Q/A you mention home made flea trap etc. and suggest looking it up …. PLEASE help me ….do you have a website /
Thank You
Hi Joe! It is on this blog. Just navigate to the top of the website, click on the “fleas” category, scroll down and you will find it in the list. Can’t link here, I have disabled urls in the comments section hehe.
Hi Natasha ! Thanks for this article, it is really helpful. I have fleas in my apartment. I did all the treatment in last 5 days. Used Flea Killer powder for carpet and vacuumed it. Twice. used various spray from ACE hardware and Home Depot. Using the Raid Spray as well. Fleas has reduced a lot.
But to remove them permanently, i want to use Foggers. My question here is, as i am staying in an apartment building, how safe to use the Fogger ? Does this impact others apartment in my building ? How can i avoid this and fog my apartment ? What steps to follow ? One more thing to mention, i don’t have any pets.
Thank you.
.
Hi Bijay! You will have to check with the landlord, as it is likely to be noticed hehe. Perhaps if you seal ALL areas of your apartment it could work. Just make sure you remove your TV, unplug electricals, etc. as per the instructions on the fogger.
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the quantity and quality of your article. It answered all my questions and addressed my concerns. Thank you for your work.
Margo Command-Heyman
Hi Margo, it is a pleasure! Thanks for your kind words, people like you keep me doing this 🙂
Hi Natasha,
My wife and I have recently moved into a house that was previously rented by some folks that have two cats and apparently they have left behind some unsavory critters that are having a field day gnawing on my lower legs with my wife only complaining of one bite. (They seem to like me for some reason). I went out as soon as possible and bought some “Hot Shot” foggers and decided to do some research before applying when I came across your site that I enjoyed reading. Your article is very informative, easy to read and to the point without being too stuffy on the morose subject matter. It has me wondering if I really need to fog? I’ve used them years ago when we had cats, with no problems, but now have concerns with the after effects, need and effectiveness of a two hour process of chemical activation and another two of an airing out process. I am not familiar with other products available that might so the job and was wondering what might be better to try first before initiating a “bombs away!” senerio.
EJ
I had planned on using the fog in the one room where they seem have accumulated and hopefully that will take care of the problem
Hi Ej, thanks for your kind words and for your detailed comment. I don’t think you need to fog, rather check out my DE and flea trap articles for your home, and use a spot on treatment on your pets and you should be fine. I also have a holistic flea removal guide (DIY) for $9 if you want a super step by step approach. Have a good one and sorry for the late response.
Hi Natasha,
Your article was great! Thank your for all the important infirmation. My husband and I are renting a place with about 4 rooms. We had two cars and now the house has a bit of a flea problem. could I set the rid a big fogger (one in every room) leave today and come open the house up on Thursday? Would it affect the house if it wasn’t ventilated until thursdat? Would the fleas die if I left the house bugging until Thursday?
Thanks
Courtney
Hi Courtney! Yes, that should work. Just make sure you unplug electronics, etc. as per the instructions.
Hello. We’re gonna use the flea bombs tomorrow. The cats are out side and will stay there. Can’t handle these fleas my daughter had the cats in her room and she can’t even go in there now with out being covered with fleas if the does work what should we do. Any help please.
Hi Lynn, sorry for the late response, did you manage to get rid of the fleas?
i found your site bu googleing this–“will foggers still be effective if you forget the shaking before setting them off?” couldn’t read everything, but what i did read, my question was not acknowledged. do you have any insight to answer my question?
Hi Joe! They should still be effective, but I still suggest shaking them as per instruction 🙂
Does temperature inside & out make a difference as to when i should flea bomb my two car garage (extreme infestation, also above ceiling – crawl space is exposed. Two steps into garage & my lower extremities has 100 plus fleas on them. Any way i can protect myself from the many bites while i place the foggers in place?
Hi Rhonda! Goodness, that is a serious infestation!!! Don’t worry about the temp difference, but I suggest that you bomb a few times in a single week, as that infestation is going to be a challenge. Let me know how it goes. RE protecting yourself, just use lavender oil. Cheers
Natasha,
What are your thoughts on using the fogger in a townhome? That may seem like a stupid question, but i don’t want to endanger my neighbors if I end up having to go the fogger route. I’m going to try DE and the flea spray and keep vacuuming but I have a bit of PTSD with flea infestations and CANNOT handle another one.
Thanks in advance
Hi Meghan! You could, but it is honestly not usually necessary. Do the DE and flea spray, but also put a few flea traps out at night (article on this blog). If that doesn’t help as much as you would like (should be more than enough), then we can discuss the flea bomb. 🙂
Hi Natasha. Yesterday I noticed fleas on my cat. I used a sergeant’s silver spot treatment on the cat and flea bombs in the house. Do you know how long it takes for the treatment on the cat to work? I can’t find any information online or on the package. He is outside until I’m sure he doesn’t have fleas anymore. I plan on getting DE and I already have some homemade flea traps set up around the house for stragglers. I already dealt with bed bugs when I lived in Detroit and I didn’t think I would have to deal with any biting little pests again. I’m kind of freaked out about them jumping on me and biting me. I’ve heard that fleas hate lemon and Eucalyptus smells. So I started using a natural deet free insect repellent with lemon eucalyptus all over my legs and feet to keep fleas from jumping on me. Do you think this will work while I’m trying to get rid of the fleas?
Hi Key! I havn’t used that product before but it usually takes a couple days. Based on your comment, I think that you have made an excellent start. I recommend that you wait a couple days and see how it goes, keep me updated!
Sounds crazy but works after spending hundreds on advantage heartz zodiak and others including foggers sprays ect no luck eating me alive lack of sleep was efficting work also tried lots diy traps to no avail i was about give up next go was a gallon of gas and a match lol with some thought i wanted something sticky where if they jumped it was there last jump if you deal with this problem long enough you will try anything in a short i moped my main level with a 2 litre a coke yes cola so damm sticky well it was a pain to walk on flip flops for few days day one first night of solid sleep ive had in 3 months the buggers stick well after being stuck for 2 days noticed there still alive but going no where after 4 days caught dozens many dozens followed up with borax powder covered entire area lightly left it in place for a day then moped room with boiled water hot hot day 5 almost gone completely wash curtains and all clothing towels chair couch cushions laundry lots work but relief is well worth it followed up with advantage on pet so far so good when i moped up the pop and borax the water had dozens and dozens of dead floaters took a pic if anybody is interested
Hi DD! Goodness, that is an interesting way to deal with fleas! Glad it worked, but would love to see the picture. Please respond to this email with it (if you don’t mind) ! Have a good one and thanks for sharing!
Hello, I set off 2 foggers in my apartment, one in the kitchen another in the living room. none in my bedroom but I left my bedroom door open. I covered the wood tables but I didn’t cover my bed. I took off the sheets and since I had a very long day I just pulled out two small blankets to settle into my bed for the night. Now, I did air out my place for 2 hours, I had the foggers on for about 5 hours. Should I be worried of any contamination. I have carpet throughout, how do I clean up?
Hi Heidy! It is going to take you a long time, as you will have to clean those carpets properly. If you don’t have any small pets or children, you could leave it, but I personally would get them cleaned. Hope that helps.
So I will be moving in a couple months and I was wondering if it would be safe for me to flea bomb my furniture while it is on the moving truck. We’ll have the truck for 2 days so I’ll be able to leave the stuff alone for 8+ hours.
Hi Robin, yeah that is fine, provided the trucking company knows about it lol. Also you will have to wipe down and clean all of it when you get your new place. Good luck!
Hi Natasha – you mention DE. I assume this is an American product or term. For non-Americans – what is DE please?
Hi Mark, it is short for “Diatomaceous Earth”. I just get super tired of typing those words out hehe. Check out my article on the subject, it will provide all the details (on this blog). Thanks for the comment.
i had the worst flea problem on my farm. i had 5 outside dogs and 1 inside. we sprayed the outside dog yard and property after mowing the grass. the next day we fogged the house, while waiting to go back in washed all 6 dogs with dawn dishwashing liquid at first ,second shampooing with oatmeal shampoo. gave them capstar. we rubbed diatomaceous earth all over dogs and put it in yard and fences and all around the house, back porch under steps. don’t forget the hidden areas like under steps, half way up the walls . we burned the blankets from the doghouses and also the grass clippings. we put all the
dogs on k9 advantix . we repeated this , except fogging the house, every 4 weeks, the dogs got 1 capstar daily and it took us 2 years to get rid of the fleas and cost us a lot of money. approx. $400 – $600. granted not everybody got a 2 acre dog yard, but you have to treat the outside at the same time you do the inside. they have outside pet safe sprays (permitcirin) you can put in a prayer. most imported to win this war – and it is a war – always use nylar, it is a grow regulater and the adult fleas die or if they can escape can not reproduce. we fogged the house every 8 weeks , cleaned up really good, talking about from floors to windows ,even at times used nylar and permicitrin lightly indoors. we also mixed dawn dishwashing liquid and sprayed the outside walkways ,walls and grass with it. don’t forget to spray inside your car (permicitrin and nylar -wont hurt anything) and everywhere you walk life and breathe. fleas are very hard to get rid of , but with every treatment they get less , if you make sure you get every nook and places you didn’t even think they exist, like under outdoor steps, the backside of outdoor steps, every single fence post a.s.o. like i said it took 2 years but now we flea free and only spray like 4 times a year.
Hi Tina! Thanks for sharing your story, I really appreciate it and I am sure that the community does as well. Yeah persistence is the key, plus making sure you cover all your bases at once. I have had so many people treat their home, while ignoring their garden, and wondering why their massive flea infestation comes back with a vengeance. Anyways, thanks for the lovely comment, have a good one!
Hi my husband. Brought a blanket in side our house last night that was covered in flea powder (no idea what kind) well when he did that he set it next to the vent and the heater i guess it has suucked up all that powder and when it did that powder came out of ever vent in the house !!!!!!!! I cant get it off its on everything our walls our clothes , furniture, i had to turn the heat off cause it keeps blowing it out. Ive washed the blankets and our clothes over and over i can still feel it on my skin . my husband doesnt seem to think its that bad but me and my do !!!!! Please help!!!!!!!
Hi Jessie! I suggest that you get the house cleaned by a service provider, they have the equipment to do it quickly and efficiently, let me know if you need a quote for it, it is something that was requested in the past.
Hi, I have a question about setting my fogger. Usually most of the time at least one person is always home in the house. I only need to use my fogger in my room. If I close my ventilation and use the fogger and cover everything in my room, will it be safe for people to still be inside the house? obviously they wont go in my room.
Hi Alina! Probably, but I don’t recommend it. Ask the person to leave for at least an hour, that is all you really need.
Hi, my daughters dog sleeps under her bed and so I set off a 125 ml can of flea fogger the day before we went on holidays active ingredients 10.g/kg Permethrin and 0.77g/kg Fenoxycarb, so its not very heavy duty stuff. I only had it going for 20 min before my wife came home and insisted, I open all the windows – seems she was spooked by internet stories of the guy who set off 8 bombs in the one room. Her concern is that I didn’t cover all my daughters make up brushes on a nearby cabinet. I vacuumed and wiped everything down, stripped the bed and washed the sheets and left the room to air. These are seriously expensive makeup brushes – Kylie Jenner for Christmas – now my wife wants me to throw them all out. Don’t think its a problem as only in room for a short time, wiped them all down, not that close however mist was in the air. Can you please advise, what would you do, is she overreacting – or am I just stupid?
Hi Russell! Goodness well um, I am not an expert on poisons to be honest but logically, if you wash the brushes (properly), they should be fine. Hope that helps!
Hi there, I really need help here, I’m not sure how I got my flea problem. One day there was nothing then all of a sudden my room is infested and my animals. I have DE on my carpets, bed, and furniture, and have vacuumed and replaced the earth every four days for three weeks. I also leave a bowl of hot sudsy water in my room which always yields around 5 or more dead fleas. I also treat my pets, bathe them, flea comb them religiously, and each also wears a flea collar. However, it’s been three weeks and still my room is infested and the fleas only seem angrier as walking into my room leads to them jumping at me. I am also still finding fleas on my animals, which just angers me knowing my pets are dealing with this and the products I bought seem useless. My legs were riddled with around 30+ bites after just four days in my room, so I can’t stay in my room and I’m now stuck sleeping in the garage and nothing seems to be working. The rest of the house seems relatively flea free and my parents have no problems and no bites. I will try bombing my room tonight and giving my animals another bath, if none of this works then I will try to get my family to hire an exterminator in hopes they can fix this mess. I’m reaching the edge of my patience however and just want them to go away. Any advice for me to try at this point?
Hi Tanner, both those ideas will definitely help. You can make a couple DIY flea traps and put them in your room, they are easy and work very well. Try that first before hiring anyone and let me know if it works.
Tanner I just went through this myself. I cured my issue with these steps. 1. Set a grooming appointment up for your pet as early as possible to avoid exposure to the chemicals you will be deploying. 2. Make sure there are given a Capstar for the active fleas currently on them while there at the groomer. 3. Flea Bomb your home I used the 3 can fogger system one from Walmart for $10.00 bucks and it’s suppose to last up to 4 months. (you’ll need to be away for a minimum of 2 hours I waited 4.) 4. Clean all surfaces (floors, countertops, door knobs because the poison will be everywhere and you don’t want to get sick. I did a Lysol mix) and wash cloths and all bedding 5. Bring your pets back home now. 6. Get a bottle of Vets + Best Home spray it’s completely safe for your home and pets smells Christmassy to me due to the peppermint oil and it’s natural. (Wait about 4 days before applying after home treatment.) I’m currently flea free and thanks to colder winter days ahead now you’ll already be in control of the fleas before there peak season returns.
Hi Michelle, thanks for helping Tanner 🙂
Sea salt sprinkled over your carpet should keep the fleas at bay.
Hi Deb, thanks for the suggestion, Tanner should receive a notification about your comment 🙂
Hi,
First off, this site is great, thank you so much for the detailed information. I am really nervous about flea bombing my small apartment. Do I need to open the kitchen cabinets? And then wash all dishes and kitchen items? Same with bedding and clothes? What about the couch and throw pillows? I have a small cat (8 pounds) and I”m worried about her coming back into the house after I bomb for fleas. She had a bad case of fleas despite being on Revolution. I took her to the vet and treated her with Capstar. She is now flea free and I’m house sitting, but my house is not. I’m sure I need to fog but am scared to do it! Thanks! Jaime
Hi Jaime! Honestly, maybe hold off on the flea bomb until you have tried using my DIY flea traps and a few other things. What have you used already?
Help! We have tried everything to get rid of fleas short of bombing and I an afraid that is not an option. We have all pets on flea medication, have used dm dust repeatedly, washed everything and still are infested! I mean to the point where I washed our bedding last night and now there are fleas everywhere. You can’t step on the carpet without being eaten I am literally in bed getting bit repeatedly as I type. As I have a snake and very expensive saltwater fish I rather not bomb. What can I do? It’s especially bad for the one pup who is under 8 weeks. We don’t have a lot of money so we can’t afford flea dips or exterminators to come out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-a very flea bitten teacher
Hi Kdc! I suggest you put 2-3 flea traps in each room. Leave them overnight and repeat. The guide on how to make them is on this blog, check it out and share if you like it.
Can anyone tell me if Bob martin clear home flea bombs work
Hi David. A lot of my visitors have said that it works but please understand that I cannot guarantee it will work for you. Let me know!
Other forgers like Raid Deep Reach bug Foggers seem similar. Someone who I thought knew how t safely use the product, used the Raid bug Fogger in my walkin clothing closet and another in my bathroom- bedroom. Will everything need washing??? My daughter thinks so. I need your advice. I don’t feel safe.
Hi Barb! Yes, you will need to wash everything. Sorry, but at least the fleas are dead now right? 🙂
I have been loyal to frontline plus for years because it has always worked. No luck this year! I have tried advantage and no luck with that. I tried vets best flea spray and wipes nothing worked! My last resort? I went to the vet and got comfortis, an oral medication for my dog, rented a hotel room, and used a advantage fogger ( 6 cans in fact for my 4 bedroom house). I was confident that this would work. I came home the next morning aired the house for 3 hours before returning home. When I came home I washed all the dishes pots pans utensils serving bowls everything! Wiped down all the furniture. Vacuumed the house, threw out the very expensive bag. And that night, I found another flea on my dog. The next day I bathed him in adams fleas shampoo, and found 3 dead one on him. I’m sure they were alive before I bathed him. Don’t know what to do next. Think I’ll pull my hair out and see the vet again. any suggestions?
Hi Angelina! Goodness, that’s horrible! You might find that the fogger didn’t reach a few places where the fleas were hiding, doesn’t mean that you have a major infestation again though. I suggest you read my article on making a DIY flea trap (on this blog), that should be enough to catch the last remaining survivors.
Hi Natasha,
I have 2 indoor cats and just took one to the vet yesterday because of scabs all over from scratching and biting. I was so dismayed to find out she has fleas. How can an indoor cat get fleas? My son has a dog who only comes over on Sunday’s for dinner. My vet said if the dog isn’t being treated then the fleas probably came from him. My son swears he doesn’t have fleas. :(.
The vet gave her the Advantage II treatment and suggested I get it for the other cat, as well. (You know I ran straight to the store for that on the way home & treated him). She also recommended I get the Soresto collar which treats for 8 months. I’ll probably get that for both in another couple months after I’ve finished with the Advantage II. I am so grossed out at the thought of fleas in my house that I had decided to get foggers….until I read your article. You gave such amazing information and made me afraid to use them. Plus what would I do with my cats? The vet told me to make sure that I use one that is safe for the cats. It doesn’t seem there is one.
The crazy think is that I’ve never seen a single flea, (until the vet found one on the cat yesterday), yet I feel itchy all the time. Maybe it’s the power of suggestion. What do you suggest in my case? Thank you so, so much, Natasha!
OH and P.S. My daughter has 4 indoor cats and they all have fleas. She lets her Bengal go out sometimes and she usually stays on the roof of her car or the front porch. I think she got the fleas and brought them into the house to the others. Whatever I use to treat, she will probably need to do the same!
Hi Libby! It is a pleasure, thanks for your kind words. In addition to the spot on treatment, use DE around the house and make yourself a couple DIY flea traps, both topics have articles written on this blog, check them out. These three things will sort out those fleas without the fogger and it is safe.
Years ago we had a bad flea infestation. We were able to get it under control & rid our home of fleas but not before we unfortunately lost one of our kitties to a flea parasite. (The whole process of trying to save her was “very” expensive). Once again we’ve come under attack of these horrible pests and this time we have been even less fortunate. None of the flea products we put on our pets seem to be working to keep the fleas off & I’ve tried just about everything. (I don’t recommend ANY Hartz products as I’ve had friends who’ve almost lost pets due to a serious reaction to the chemicals. My Vet has also advised against Sergeants as the chemicals used are about the same). ~ Capstar is extremely effective in killing adult fleas fast to give your pet almost immediate relief, however it only last 24 hrs and does not kill the larvae or eggs. ~ Diamatacous Earth is wonderful and very inexpensive (use ONLY Food Grade) but it’s not recommended alone for heavy infestations. Also I’d like to note that I’ve only had success with this on the carpet. It doesn’t seem to work well for tile or hard wood floors. (Don’t breathe in the dust though as it will cause breathing & throat problems). ~ I’ve been using the Hot Shot Flea Foggers over the past month & they haven’t done ANYTHING!!! Luckily we recently moved to a new home and unfortunately some fleas came with us but I’ve managed to contain the infestation to one of our large bathrooms, but now I can’t even go in that room. I have DE on all the carpets & mop the hardwood & kitchen floor daily. This has really helped as the fleas were very minimal in those rooms to begin with. We’re also bathing our pets every few days. My vet recommended the Raid Fogger, so I’m hoping to have more luck with that.
My big issue is I have an outdoor cattery and the fleas are horrible there and in my yard around the cattery. Any suggestions on dealing with them outside? This time around I’ve already lost one very elderly kitty and one who suffered from a heart mummer. I almost lost a 3rd (who was healthy) but I was able to get him a blood transfusion in time to save him (again, a very costly procedure, but happy to report he’s back to his obnoxious but lovable self). I 100% agree, the best approach is a very proactive one before the fleas begin to multiply. Once you start to notice them jumping on you it is already an infestation. It’s a sad feeling to watch your animals suffer at the mouths of these blood suckers and not know how to get rid of them once and for all.
Hi Alice, thanks for sharing your story with me 🙂 I suggest using beneficial nematodes in your yard, kills the fleas real quick. Keep using the DE and let me know how it goes, really want to help you!
Hi Natasha, I have a large f!Lea infestation that I can’t get on top of. I sprayed my house thoroughly 10 days ago and this has worked in the past. But this time the fleas seem to be more active than ever. A vet told me the spray stimulates them or agitates the m and they are actually dying. Have you heard this before? Should I spray again??
Hi Sal, yes that is possible. A second spray will probably do the trick, let me know how it goes!
My mum brought her cat round not realising it had flees but it’s been gone for 3 weeks now and I’ve just seen first flea 3 days ago I immediately used the flea spray and carpet powder everyday but I still find then in my room where cat spent most of its time. It’s only been one or two that have jumped on me each time. And only in my room have any jumped on me no where else in the house but I have still hovered and sprayed rest of the house everyday since but is it worth using a flea bomb in my room at this stage ? If so should I strip all my bed sheets just leave the mattress ? Thanks
Hi Lauren! I wouldn’t bomb with such a small flea problem, just use your spray, wash the sheets and use your powder, everything will be fine 🙂
Hi Natasha.
I’ve read this WHOLE article and EVERY comment trying to figure out what to do and have come up with a few questions that weren’t explicitly answered here yet…
I live in a very small (400sqft) studio apartment. I’m removing the cats and other pets from my home Sunday morning, and then bombing the house. I will be covering all electronics with blankets, removing all sheets and bedding, leaving the closet doors open, and opening all cupboards and drawers, etc.
After we get home we’ll vacuum, launder everything that can be laundered (clothes, towels, blankets, pillows, pillowcases), wash all of the dishes, wipe down all counters and mop all tile floors, vacuum the carpet… but what do we do about the couch/cat tree/mattress?
I live in Washington where it rains 9 times out of 10, so I can’t leave anything outside with DE on them for longer than a few hours. The mattress is impossible to move, and the couch is as well. I know you suggested covering these things with plastic, but won’t that protect the fleas that live there as well? Will it be safe for the cats to be on the cat tree, and for us to be on the couch and mattress after we air the apartment out for 4 hours after the treatment? Or will we need to do something else?
I haven’t found any more fleas on the cats, but I am being eaten alive. I wake up every morning with more and more bites and see them on the ground… It’s driving me mad. I’m hoping a raid flea bomb will work but I just don’t know what to do with all of our other stuff.
Hi Karly! First of all, thanks for reading everything before asking, really appreciate it. Secondly, yes, that will protect the fleas that might be on your couch. I suggest that you get yourself some DE (article on this blog) and use it on your mattress/couches, its completely safe and kills fleas quickly. Then cover them, bomb and that should sort everything out. Hope that helps, please share my blog on Facebook if you appreciated my help 🙂
I found two fleas on one of my dogs and one on the other. I immediately went to the vet and got them on Capstar and Frontline. However, I am FREAKING out that I may have an infestation. I have not seen any more adult fleas, since doing the treatment yesterday, THANK GOD, but I am still worried that they could have laid eggs and I may have a house infestation. My friend was watching the little dog last week and turns out that her boyfriend’s dog had fleas, so that has to be where she got them, so now a week later I saw the fleas on her. How can I tell if my house is infested? Should I do a flea bomb? Please email me with help!
Hi Jami! I recommend that you make yourself a few DIY flea traps, I have an article on this blog that will show you exactly how to do that. If that catches fleas, then you know they are in your house, easy as that. Please share my blog on Facebook if you appreciated my help.
I usually do it just as we go away on holiday ,the last thing, in it goes door shut in all the rooms, alarm on and end of it.arrive home 3 weeks later and ther is still a funny smell, windows open for a few hours and its gone.
Hi Hamish! That is a great idea, thanks for suggesting it to the community 🙂
Hi!
Ok so we are planning on using a flea fogged for all the rooms in our house.
What I’m concerned about is the beds, comforters and linens in the closets. What do I do about all of them? Also, what do I do about the beds and couches? I don’t believe they are in our beds, although I have found them on the sheets…
I guess I just need more info on how to prepare the house before the bomb so we can properly get rid of these fleas!
Ps. Our cat was an indoor cat at one point. He started getting fleas even without going outside. My guess is because he would sit in the open window sills….
Please help!!
Hi Laura! Wash them afterwards, it is very important! Cover them during the treatment, otherwise wipe them down properly afterwards. You can also use DE on your couches and beds, kills the fleas quickly. Yeah that is possible, hope this helps 🙂
Hi Natasha,
Is it safe to mix different brand foggers during the same time – for example to use brand X in one room and to use brand Y in another room?
Also, since I have a toddler and endless toys everywhere, I am not sure how feasible it is to remove all child-related things. Any tips/ideas/recommendations?
Should the bedding and all the clothes that is out be washed after the fogging?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Masha! Should be fine! You must, don’t want any poison going on those! Also please clean up 100% afterwards, including the bedding. Good luck, please share this article on Facebook if you appreciated my help 🙂
Hi there:
We are planning to apply a bug bomb in the apartment. The cats will stay at the cat hotel. I’m just really scared of my cats hanging out at their cat tower and the carpet after all those poisons will set. The cat tower for sure will get some of the fumes. I’m aware of the 8 hour waiting period and the cleaning but still just thinking of my kitties sleeping on the cat tower after that pollution of poisons…..it is impossible to clean the tower from the insecticide since its made of fabric and carpet. I’m scared for them. What do you think? Thanks. Diana from Houston.
Hi Diana! Take the cat tower out and cover it with DE for a couple days (brush it in). That will kill all the fleas and the cats can use it since DE is non-toxic. Check my article on the subject 🙂
Hi there and thank you for this WONDERFUL SITE!!!! I wanted to ask, would I want to leave my DE underneath my sofa while fogging? Then sweep it up upon return? Or… sweep it up before fogging. I didn’t want to fog but it’s way beyond anything else I can do. I’ve tried everything. My kitties are both on Revolution and I wash their bedding every day. It’s just all the rain n no winter here in Texas I think. Thank you. And big sincere thank you for your site!!!
Hi Sherrie! It is a pleasure! Yeah that will work well, put it down before. Please share my blog on Facebook if you appreciated my help 🙂
Okay, so leave the DE under sofas and go ahead and set off foggers. Then, sweep it up upon return, right? Sorry… I’m terribly sleep deprived. Just wanted to make sure. 🙂 I will surely post your site to FB absolutely!!! Thank you!!
Hi Sherrie! Thanks so much, really appreciate it! Good luck!
Hello, I have 2 story house and one room is infected with bed bugs, In addition to other remedies Im using the Hot shot fogger..Questions:
1.,This is in a bonus room with minimal furniture n a small closet..Do I need to take the clothes out the drawers and closet or just make sure the drawers and closet door are closed and covered
2. Do I need to cover my TV, computer and desk
3.If the doors are closed, Will my dog downstairs be ok ?
Thank you
Hi Nik, I would just close everything, cover the TV and PC (important) and definitely take the dog out the house, even though its downstairs. Hope that helps, please share my blog on Facebook 🙂
Hi,
I believe( fingers crossed) I caught my potential problem early( we do not have any carpeting in our house, except the top floor which the dog has never been up there). We treated the dog and haven’t seen any fleas on her for a few days now, she’s primarily in our finished uncarpeted basement( I’ve found quite a few down there but I wouldn’t say they jump on you or anything. I’ve found about 8 on my main floor, I’ve been wearing high white socks and haven’t seen a single one jump on and didn’t get any with a soapy water mix with a light,I also haven’t has a bits nor have my children and I’ve been vacuuming nonstop everyday( I have a Roomba running all day long, with a flea collar in it that I empty each time outside) I’m also moping with floor( and spraying couches) everyday with a Dawn soap/ vinegar mix. I burned all her dog beds and threw out all our area rugs. I also washed all curtains and bedding with hot water and dryer. I know this may sound insane but I really really want to get on top of this. I ordered Siphotrol Plus foggers on Amazon as an extra precaution but I do have small children and I’m a bit concerned about using them. Do you think I should wait to see if my problem increases or use them to be proactive? Thanks!
Hi Kate, I suggest that you use them only if the problem increases. They really make a mess and by the sounds of it, you are handling the flea problem well so keep it up!
I have fleas in my house but I don’t have any pets as we were only looking after a friends cats for a week. That was 3 weeks ago and now my wife’s ankles look like she has chickend pox! Will the fleas die off and not reproduce anymore eggs as they do not have an animal to feed on?
Hi Neil, yes they will, provided they don’t find rats, etc. to feed on lol. I am sure that you will be fine, give it a week or two and let me know.
I have 2 cats and one dog and found out, last night, just how bad our flea infestation is. My cats have their own room with their toys, food, litter, and a large blanket that my mother gave me. I put one foot inside the room and am instantly attacked. I’ll be taking my oldest cat to the vet today because of some health concerns as well as getting flea prevention.
My question is, I know you posted to not close off a room when fogging, but there’s only one room that I need to destroy these monsters. Would it be fine if I did just put a fogger/bomb in the cat room, closed the door and sealed the bottom opening with a towel? I’ll be applying a flea prevention (Whether Frontline, Advantage or using Comfortis per vet recommendation) when I bomb/fog the room.
Hi Rebecca! That should be fine, just leave the home when you do it, keep the pets out and make sure you clean the room properly when its done.
Hi Natasha. Can I use DE to rub on my 3 month old kitten? I heard that it helps with the fleas but just wondering if it would hurt him. Thank you
Hi Sonia, it probably would be fine but ideally, I recommend some warm water and a little dish soap, it kills all fleas instantly.
Can fogger residue on toilet paper cause problems? My landlord binned our bathroom & bedroom while we were out of town. I’m very picky & he knows I hate those things. We didn’t even have any bugs in our room.
Hi Norma, I havn’t done any research but honestly, if it is bugging you, just chuck the toilet paper and use a new one 🙂
Flea pill is the way to go. Removing pets from your home just because you see fleas or get a few flea bites is actually going to make things worse on you and your family. Fleas dont actually like to bite humans but once you remove the pets they have no choice. Using a flea pill on your pet and leaving your pet in the flea area will actually just about remove all fleas. Fleas are in life cycles so every other day or so make sure the flea pill is still working by checking your pet. If i remember correctly the package said you can give a pill every few days. Flea pill is the way to go if your animal is healthy enough to take it. READ THE PACKAGE FOR WARNINGS AND USE. READ IT TWICE. As far as the last resort of bombing. We took all kids toys and put in large trash bags. Plush toys in a separate bag with a flea collar to kill fleas that might be on them. Good luck.
Hi Rob, thanks for your fantastic feedback, much appreciated!
We had a rental home that we are fixing up to move back into. We pulled up all the carpeting, never thought about fleas at this time because no bites or evidence. But, when I pulled up the outdoor carpeting in the screened in patio, my ankles got bitten up and I think the bites may be flea bites. I do have an exterminator that sprays 4X year. With no carpeting inside the house, do I need to worry about the fleas entering? Or am I overreacting?
Hi Angela, it doesn’t sound like a major flea issue honestly. However, my recommendation is making a few DIY flea traps (article on this blog) and using them to catch any fleas in your home.
Hi,
We have 3 cats and 2 dogs and we were using frontline plus on the dogs (the cats are indoors ) and we’re free of feas until 2 months ago when feas appeared on the cats and dogs. Our vet gave us Comfortis tablets and the animals were free of feas for about a month when they returned. We gave them a second dose of Comfortis but are considering bombing the area of the house where the cats stay. Is it necessary and if so what defogger works best with frontline resistant fleas?
Thanks for your help,
Howard.
Hi Howard, I don’t think it is necessary, unless you are having a visible flea issue in your home? Maybe make a few flea traps to check, article on that is on my site 🙂
Hello,
Ive just about read EVERY post on this article to get some ideas on how to tackle this flea problem im dealing with. I have a long haired dog that i recently gave a bath with a flea and tick shampoo. After his bath, the fleas started going crazy! I have carpet in the living room, and i know i will definitely need a vacuum. Im planning on setting about 6 bombs off in my rather small 2 br house. Most of them will be downstairs where the problem is really bad. I cannot even walk accross the carpet in the living room to get to the kitchen without seeing at least 15 on each pant leg! Seems like the only reason they got into my room upstairs was from traveling on clothing from downstairs. I figure, if i vacuum, bomb, spray raid flea carpet and room spray then vacuum again for about 3-4 weeks, along with setting flea traps in between, will this do the trick? Or am i wasting my time and money? Ive read alot of these post where professionals dont work. Help please!
Hi J, yes that would be a good strategy. Don’t just vacuum though, first lay down some DE for a couple days and then brush it up, check my article on this topic, it really works well. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha,
We used a hot shot bed bug and flea fogged last night in our sons room. He kept on waking up and we were seeing all these bites on him. We slept I the camper last night and now I’m cleaning his room. We put a towel in front of his door and closed his vent, cover his toys and dresser with old sheets. He is 10 do I need a to clean all his toys and with what? Also my daughters rooms are down the hall from his, do I need to clean them also and what about the rest of the house. I wish we didn’t use it, but we didn’t know what else to do and we didn’t want them spreading throughout the house. I just want to clean to make sure we are all safe
Thank you for your help
Hi Jen, yes, I recommend that you clean everything well with your regular household cleaning stuff. Basically, clean anywhere the fogger might have reached.
Hi Natasha,
Great article and blog – -didn’t read it all. My Doberman, latest rescue, and I live in the suburbs west of Houston. With all the flooding I thought the flea problem would get better, but not for Dobi – – it seems she is a flea magnet. I have used raid in the past and had good results. This time I used “Permethrin 10%”, 1oz per Gal of water in a pump sprayer for the carpets and her bedding. This seems to have taken care of all but what she was carrying. Today I used the last of some VERY old “Hartz 2 in !” shampoo at the dog park wash station and the fleas were literally falling off of weak enough to be washed away. Need to get some more shampoo; what would you recommend?
As a Military Veteran of 3 wars, over 5 continents, the greatest good was in the K9 rescues. I commend your knowledge and commitment – -please keep up the good work.
Hi Tony! Thanks for your kind words and for your service, you are also to be commended. This might come as a surprise but give dawn soap and warm water a try, it absolutely destroys fleas. Let me know how that goes! Cheers!
Hi! I live in a small, small apartment, one bedroom, bathroom, no separation between living room and kitchen. Recently, in the past few weeks, I stayed at a friend’s home, and his animals apparently let their fleas hitchhike onto me into my place, because there’s no animals in here at the moment. I’ve been absolutely, embarrassingly riddled with bites and I feel like I’m going insane. I think I’ve seen them, but I’m not sure. Would it be wise to bomb the house? I’ve hot washed all of my bedding in water and white vinegar, vacuumed for hours, and washed myself with lemon juice and lavender oil and it stops them for only a little while. I have a fairly large amount of furniture, including bookshelves, a bunkbed, hard floors, and two large rugs. Should I also start wearing a flea collar to keep them off of me more effectively? Like I said, I feel on the verge of insanity here. I have no idea what to do at this point.
Hi Crystal. Please don’t use a flea collar. I recommend that you read my article on DE and my other on on DIY flea traps. Both will help. Failing that, I can send you a quotation from someone affordable (near you), let me know.
Hi there should i remove my bed from my room while i bomb it with hartz ultra guard plis home fogger? And what about couches and other furniture in my living room?
Hi Destinee, I usually recommend that you just cover them with plastic. If you don’t have that, you can remove it from the room yes.
Hi Natasha,
Urrrggghhh! I’m at my wits end! I am the only one in the house that is the flea magnet. My dog had fleas, but the reason why she had gotten the fleas was by us having to take her to the vet for treatment, which turned out being cancer. We recently had to put her to sleep. We are now dealing with the little critters, and I ONLY wanted to do the natural treatment since I have a 7 year old, and my elderly father. I did the natural treatment that I purchased that has rosemary and cedar oils, and drenched the entire area, we vacuum faithfully every single day, we have the water traps, as well as 2 traps purchased from Orchard Supply that light up with the sticky pads, and I use a dry erase marker, to mark how many fleas are on the sticky pad, so I know if there are more, and yes, there are still fleas. They are small looking fleas, as if they are newly hatched, but we also have a huge shag style throw rug in the living room on top of our hard wood floors, and I am seeing fleas on the hardwood, as well as the carpet. The carpet is where I have the water with the desk lamp, as well as the lighted sticky pad traps, because that is the area where our doggy was the most. I am deathly afraid of my son and my father being exposed to the after math of the bomb… I need to feel totally confident that I am not putting them at harm, as well as myself. I need advice. My plan is to do the flea bomb, stay at a local hotel. I have gotten bit on my cheek, and neck, as soon as I sat on the couch, it jumped on my face. I was able to catch the blood sucker, but as others have said, I feel that I try to spend as much time out of the house. I have also gotten bit while driving on the freeway, I felt something biting my ankle, I reached down, and it had jumped on my arm, and I was able to catch it, rolled my window down, and let the flea fly away. I’m freaking out. I actually every single part of my body, and my ankles and feet are to the point where it looks like I have a tan, from the scars. It’s disgusting, and sandal season is here, and I’m still wearing my boots, because I’m embarrassed. I also plan on doing the bomb, getting rid of the throw carpet by putting it out on our back patio cause it was pretty costly, and getting it steam cleaned. Do you have any other advice on the well being of my son and father. They are my only concern in doing treatment. Thanks Natasha!!!
Hi Kimmy, I am going to be honest with you and tell you that at this point, a bomb is probably not going to be enough. You need to an expert in, it will be more affordable in the long run and will free you from this nightmare in the shortest time possible. Sorry 🙁
Hi Natasha, I woke up an hour ago, and was coughing and had a lot of congestion to ,excuse the expression, to cough up and spit out. I walked into the bathroom and someone had set off a raid Fogger, deep reach, for ants, roaches, and spiders. lso in the kitchen. My room is next to both, and even has a 2″ by 24″opening at the bathroom into my closet. I hack up congestion for a good 20 minutes.They saidy set them two hours ago. I am better now but it seems to me that everything , every surface will have to be cleaned, and can you maybe say what else should be done, besides the manufacturers having warnings much much bigger on their products, or maybe not even allowing minors to buy them? thank you
Hi Ray! Goodness, every living thing should be out before one of those are let off! Yeah I agree, that is scary! Yes, everything needs to be cleaned, including linen that may have been exposed to the fumes. Sorry Ray, that is hectic!
My situation is a little different. I have no pets! My neighbor has a dog and there are stray cats that roam from yard to yard. We had a rug in the living room. I threw it away so now it’s just tile through out the house. My grand daughter was getting bit daily I sent my daughter and grand to stay with my brother. I have tried the dawn in bowl maybe I’m doing it wrong…out of the four times I tried it I have only seen two in the bowl. I have also purchased the flea trap with the sticky paper. Nothing jumps in it. But fleas are here! My mother is a recovering cancer patient and does not want to use foggers or professionals because she is afraid of the chemicals. I want to move…fleas have totally turned my world upside down. We vacuum and mop…still fleas. I found one on me tonight in the bed. My grand daughter came to visit the weekend. I watched her like a hawk. I saw one around her ankle. Today my daughter called and said she has new bites. My heart hurts because she is getting bit like crazy…it’s not safe. I really want them to come home but I don’t want her to continue getting bit. My yard is mostly sand. I have tried granules, DE, tobacco, and sprays. I have even had a professional spray the yard. He said it would work better if both the house and yard were did at the same time. It seems to me either way they would keep coming back.
The other day I notice two fleas in my car. I pick my grand daughter up from school. Taking her out the car I noticed a flea going through the top of her shoe. I don’t know what else to do…please help!
Hi Michelle, I suggest that you treat your house with DE (see my article on this) about 2 weeks before the exterminator comes back. When he does, get him to treat the garden and combined with your efforts inside, that should solve your issue without bringing chemicals inside. I will send you some details for a free quote service, the guys on that are very good and affordable.
So I’m not sure if you are still replying or have any words of advice. So my boyfriend set off about 6 bombs for ticks fleas spiders yatata one in each room and two in our room and did not cover anything or unplug anything.. Tvs.. Toilet paper.. Toothbrushes just about everything you wouldn’t have in a cabinet was wondering do we need to scrub all walls and floors.. Also our beds and couches were not covered are we okay to sleep on them.
Hi Bianca, I will always reply to comments. I suggest you wash everything down well, sorry 🙁
Hi Natasha, I am leaving for a holiday of 10 days and wonder if I was to bomb the house ( bug bomb that is 🙂 and leave it without vacuuming for 10 days would the wee blighters start breeding again? We released 4 about two weeks ago and there are less and less but we are hoping to be rid of them while kitty is in the cattery.
Hi Chris, great idea, definitely do that.
How do I get smell pout of refrigerator.
Hi Ange, maybe wash it?
I just had my house treated with Mortein flea bomb.Came back home after 8 hours and opened up the windows and left. When I came home my flatmate (the biggest flea alive still) was on the couch and when I asked if he’d cleaned up and wiped the table, he replied that Permethin isn’t harmful. Not sure if this is true or whether it’s his irrresponsible behaviour?
I’m just worried because I’ve read how toxic this stuff is. So what do you think?
Hi Gman, its about 2000x more harmful to fleas than humans, but I still wouldn’t lick the stuff lol. It is ideal to clean up properly after bombing the place.
Hey there! I live in a two bedroom apartment with three lil furry kitties and they’re all inside cats. Our apartment manager said that the fleas were so bad this summer that they must’ve made their way upstairs. Crazy. I know. I’ve bathed the cats and have been vacuuming diligently. I feel like this is working rather well but of course I need to bomb. My problem is that I don’t have anywhere to take the cats while I’m bombing. Is it at all possible to barricade a room with a bomb and stuff under doors keeping my cats and the bomb stuffed into separate rooms at a time? I know it isn’t ideal and it is more effective to bomb the entire thing at once but that just isn’t possible since I have no where to take them and they’re indoor cats or I’d just scoot them outside. Any thoughts?
Hi Jess, I highly recommend that you make a plan, leaving them inside, even a room blocked off is dangerous. Sorry 🙁
I’ve been trying to get rid of my flea infestation for a year and a half. I’ve been reading this site for months. Recently I’ve had the dog removed from the property to deal with his fleas separately and I’m trying to de-flea the house. In the past few months I’ve applied flea-killing pellets around the outside property and also applied Cyonara spray throughout the grounds and foundation. (I placed a flea trap in the crawlspace overnight and didn’t catch any in there.) Inside I spread Borax over floors, furniture and under cushions and left it 2 weeks, then vacuumed thoroughly with Shop-Vac. After that I sprayed Precor thoroughly soaking all floors, furniture and under cushions. Since then I have been bombing every week and a half, but the flea traps still continue to catch more each night. I’m at my wits end. My dog is 11 years old. I kept him flea-free for 10 years, but suddenly my usual methods stopped working. What to do from here??
Hi Susan, will send you some additional info shortly, sorry that you have tried all those things without success 🙁
I need your help! I live in Texas and I have a really bad flea problem right now in my apt. My cat was covered in fleas the vet gave me a pill for him and I gave him three baths. Right now it looks like he is ok and has no fleas on him but I can’t let him come back into the apt because I can’t get rid of them inside. I have carpet in my living room, dining room and bedroom. I have put flea powder down, I had an exterminator come in and today I did two flea bombs and I still vacuum fleas up and they are not dead. Please tell me what I can do? Why are they not dead from using so many things in the last week? Please help…
Hi Carla! The exterminator should be able to sort it out, no exceptions. I will PM you a link a little later, check it out when you get a chance. Otherwise, I recommend using DE and my DIY flea traps, both topics have articles on this blog.
I have no place to put my cat outside of boarding him. Would it be safe to shut him in a bathroom with the window open, the central air system shut off and its vent blocked, as well as blocking the the crack under the door with a towel?
Hi Darla, that sounds fine yes.
I had to move in with my Mom cause she cannot live alone now and she has a little dog. I had to put my cats in the basement. The basement is loaded with fleas. We set off 3 bombs the first time down there, (after removing the cats), and 4 this last time yet the fleas are still so thick that you cannot walk down there without getting totally covered. And that is before we put the cats back down there. I realize we need to treat all the animals but there shouldn’t be that many fleas left should there? My son want sme to get rid of my furbabies and we haven’t any no kill shelters in my area. I have advertised for homes for them and no one responds…I’m at my wits end…I love my babies but they are suffering…help!
Hi Debbie, I suggest you get an exterminator to treat your basement and then (at the same time), treat your pets with Frontline and use my DIY flea traps in every room (article on this website).
Hello Natasha,
My dog had gotten fleas but it looks like we didn’t find out till too late. my mom forgot to put the advantage on her. We bought flea spray and took all the carpets out of the house, which we plan on throwing out. My mom was getting bitten up and she has a bad allergic reaction to them. She thinks she brought them upstairs with her socks into her bed. Since then, we sprayed and washed everything up stairs. I haven’t seen fleas upstairs but we still let our dog sleep upstairs on the floor. The downstairs we are looking harder since we sprayed but it looks like the kitchen and definitely our family room are infested. our family room is just crawling with those devils! we’ve sprayed the room three or four times with the flea spray. I have a feeling the spray is starting to make me sick. We keep our birds in the basement but if we use only one bomb in the family room would we have to take them out? Mom still finds them on her and if i walk near the family room even i find 3-5 on me. Today we found 5 of the teeny tiny ones crawling around the family room. I have a feeling they’re still hatching in the family room. And mom found 2 on her legs when she walked from the kitchen to the dinning room. We had a issue in the dinning room but since 3 days ago i haven’t found a one. My dog has been given advantage twice. An she’s on pills prescribed by the doctor that kills fleas for 24 hours but she can only take them every three days. However, my dog is still getting one or two on her and I feel like she’s going to transfer them to the non infected rooms. Should we pen her in somewhere? I’d hate to do it but I’m sick of all this!!!!!!!!!! Should we use a flea bomb? in just the family room or all the downstairs rooms?
Hi Abbey, sorry for the late response, are you still having an issue with this?
Hey-my name is Andi and I’m dealing with my first round of fleas with indoor pets. I have 2 huskies and have already done 2 months of Frontline, 2 flea baths each, regular vacuuming and daily brushing with a flea comb. I thought I had it under control when only one dog had them, but in a couple of days they both had them. I haven’t seen them anywhere else (carpet, rugs, dog beds) but my pups are miserable! A flea bomb would really be my last resort-especially since I just moved into this apartment and have stuff spread out everywhere. Any advice or good home remedies?
Andi
Hi Andi, try using DE or borax, both guides are on this blog 🙂
Hey there again I totally forgot to ask a specific question in my last comment, when using raid foggers is it really necessary to be gone from the area for 8 hours? In the directions for the product it reads 2 hours and then to open windows to let the remains air out for a half hour to an hour totaling about 3 hours. I was planning on fogging tonight after work and heading out to my brothers who lives down the street for a few hours but would like to know if it’s better to let the fogger do its job for a bit longer? A response today would be awesome since again, I’m planning on doing this today, appreciate all your knowledge and help! Be well.
Hi Charlie, sorry this wasn’t on the day. 8 hours is a generic number, I usually recommend it but rather follow instructions on the flea bomb honestly.
So recently I thought that I had a mosquito bite but when more appeared the next morning I became worried. And I saw a flea jump… :/ the problem doesn’t seem bad yet.. but I don’t even have pets so I’m wondering how this could have happened??? I am planning to clean everything and spray raid flea and bed bug spray as well as vacuum. And hope to nip it in the bud that way? How can I make sure the fleas don’t get to my closets?? Which I normally keep open so.. should I spray there too??
Hi Edith, sounds like a good plan, just wash your clothes, don’t need to spray them.
Hey. I have a bad flea problem but I don’t know what to do. We had to give away our 6 month old cat and our 6 week old cat to the neighbor. I am 8 weeks pregnant and I have a 3 year old son. What can I do that is safe and very effective?
Hi Jordyn, you can use DE, it is very effective, guide on this blog.
Hello! I did a bug bomb today and I’m freaking out because I’m sure the chemical got all over this things my closet. Should I be worried about this? Also, I wiped down the counters and cabinets with Lysol, is this ok? Should I be worried about it being on my laptop case, mattress, and my couch?
Hi Aquila, just wash everything, you will be fine promise.
Hi there I fogged my house 2 times with a total of 12 foggers I have 3 floors two with hardwood floors n basement with concrete. We still get fleas on us. I used hot shot fogger. What else can I do.
Hi Ken, in addition to that recommendation I sent you, I suggest you try my DIY flea traps, you can make them yourself.
Hello Natasha. I am so happy I found your site and know that i am not alone. We have been battling a flea infestation in the home now for the last 3 months! It was a long and hot summer. The weather is finally starting to get cooler so hopefully that helps with fleas outside. It looks as if my dogs are treated. I can’t find any fleas on them and they are no longer itching. They have a flea collar and are also on topical treatment and taking baths frequently. The problem however is that I keep getting bit which is probably why the fleas keep surviving and thriving. After a series of diamataceous earth, bleaching and mopping, cleaning, and laundering I really felt the last resort was a flea bomb. I used Zodiac. However, upon arriving back after the flea bomb I noticed some fleas were still alive! I don’t know if they are slowly dying off, or newly hatched. I read somewhere that I can do another flea bomb a week after before a new set of eggs hatch! I don’t have carpet so I mop obsessively and even with bleach. I put diamataceous earth underneath couch and in between couch (it’s leather). I take 3 showers a day, I wash my clothes like crazy. I just don’t know what the next step is! Please help.
Hi Osiris, I have PM’d you 🙂
Hi, where do i find your home remedies? And where do i find flea traps. I am going crazy
Hi Betty! Click on the fleas category at the top, that will link you to all of them.
Should we also wash all bedding and curtains? Also, what about the couches, won’t residue start on those as well? I am a month pregnant as well. I don’t want to get sick if we don’t clean up what we should after. If you can provide after care instructions id appreciate that Thank you
Hi Tish, you usually have to leave it untouched for a day or two and then clean EVERYTHING. I would be careful about fogging though when pregnant, rather contact your doctor first please.
You mention using DE, I’m not sure what that is and how do you use Borax? Thank you so much
Hi Stephanie! Check out my articles on that subject, I have written ones for both 🙂
I just treated my dogs with white vinegar in warm water and the fleas died instantly, I wonder if I could make a mixture of vinegar and spray the furniture and around the house with that? Anyone have any natural alternatives?
Hi Shelly! You could do that, might make the house smell a bit strange for awhile though lol.
Hi Natasha,
My roommate and I are experiencing a flea problem, we have a very small, two bedroom apartment and have seen fleas in both bedrooms as well as the common living areas. We don’t have any pets in the house, and we don’t know how we got the fleas in the first place, but we are desperately trying to get rid of them. I’ve seen them on my bed on multiple occasions, and have been bit a few times and it terrifies me! We planned on fogging/bombing the apartment, but I’m concerned about the chemicals being everywhere, do I have any other options?
Hi Jess! Try making a few flea traps, I have a DIY article on this blog 🙂
Natasha, we have a mama kitty and two 4 month old kittens. Mama is an outside cat and has brought us fleas. The kittens are in the basement and there are fleas down there. We have found some here on the main floor and a couple upstairs. What is the best way to get rid of them? Help!
Hi Beverly! Use a spot on treatment on the cat and try my DIY flea traps for your home.
I’m just about at my wit’s end. I had 2 cats and a dog. I gave them away only to find their “friends” stayed behind. I tried Spectracide spray first and my fleas seemed only irritated by it. I then tried borax and salt…which Im sure gave me only really clean, salty fleas. After much research, I found that my spray didnt have the IGR. So, like a storm trooper, I head out for foggers….only to find a bunch of those little buggers beat me to the car….started adding it up….Ok, Im packing these things back and forth. Helps a little to know that! So, I get my bombs with IGR and spray with same. Treat the house and vehicle….and Voila, I start pulling my sheets off my bed and well what are those creepy crawlies? Flea larvae wiggling around ON my bed. Still alive after my bombing. I immediately start spraying and vacuuming the bed itself(and now Im scared to look oreven touch my bed. So I’ve done all of this along with incessant vacuuming and yippee…..I still have fleas. I live in a rental property and will be moving soon and Im afraid no matter what I do I’m gonna take the little buggers in my furniture and bed.
Hi Michelle! Grab yourself a hand held steamer and blast your bed and wash your linen. Repeat on anything else you take with you and you should escape these little buggers
Hiya I’m having problems in my flat with fleas I’ve got no pets but my friends have. I don’t like to be bitten every day it’s horrible wat can I do its really bad and my housing association will not help me
Hi Sam! You can use a bomb or give my DIY flea traps a try.
Hi Natasha,
we had a dog but had to give her away due to my daugther been allergic to her. That way 3 weeks ago and now that shes gone there are fleas i woke up to my son been cover in flea bits what should I do I have bombed but there still there
Hi Lesha! Try my DIY flea trap, its cheap and works well 🙂
First of all I am exhausted. Spent two house brushing my dog trying to catch a flea. Nothing.
So here is the situation because I can’t think right and this is all a mess. (This could be the straw that breaks the camels back for my cat/dog. Majority vote with the family…this hurts bad.)
I have a dog and a cat. We also have a small community of strays we feed. The momma cat befriended my dog. One walks they walk with each other and rub on each other like family. We never avidly looks through her but she has fleas…we gave her a collar and 4 of her kids a collar (all of whom have found a foster home) only momma cat and her two older kids left. Well…when we found out they had fleas, this was when we decided to get everyone flea collars.
Low and behold a couple weeks later after constant cleaning of clothes they are still around. I don’t know much and honestly I am trying to make this as painless as possible because my parents will for sure send the pets packing.
Home is almost entirely carpet. The dog was everywhere as was the cat…and I mean everywhere. Those fleas for sure are in fact everywhere.
Please guide me in the right direction (what my steps should be, etc). I have no idea what to do…and like I said, exhausted.
Thank you.
Hi Jen! Give my DIY trap guide a read, its a very affordable way to get rid of fleas. Then read my article on DE, that should get you on the right track 🙂
We have 2 dogs in the house. As far as I can see- they are flea free. I have had 2 fleas (that I know of) on my fleece zip up that I have to wear to work. I had someone house sit a week ago and her dog supposedly has fleas- could they have gotten into my room on her belongings? I plan on using a fogger. My room is the only one that has been affected so far. Could I close up my room and stay in the house while the fogger is going off?
Hi Kailee! I suggest skipping the fogger and giving my flea traps (cheap and DIY) a try, they work really well. I have an article on this blog.
Hi Natasha, I recently noticed fleas on my cat. I went out bought him a flea killer and repellant collar then I bombed my apartment. Yesterday I found a flea and today I noticed flea eggs on my windowsill (cats favorite spot) I had never seen the eggs before until just now. Do I need to bomb again?? Is this normal?? Help please.
Hi Maria! I highly recommend that you don’t use a flea collar (see my article on this subject). Secondly, grab yourself some DE and use it in areas where your cat hangs around and lastly, try a decent spot on like Frontline. Hope that helps!
Hello I have fogged my apt twice for fleas hut am starting to think maybe I’m doing it the right way and that’s why I still have the lil pests. Now I am thinking it may be a good idea to lift my couch and mattresses up off the floor and put them standing up against a wall so the bomb will hit them as well as underneath where any fleas would be hiding. Is this a good plan? I also wonder cam fleas be hiding in our clothes perhaps or couch pillows? What I should I do with the clothes, and other fabrics laying around? Will the flea bomb get to them since they’re out in the open? Also my son is the one mostly getting bit, but they don’t itch him, the ones I have itch but his don’t bother him. They do though bother me to see them all over his legs and neck. Any advice on how to get rid of the bites? Thanks in advance.
Hi Caila! Yes, that’s a great idea! They can unfortunately, I recommend that you wash the linen covers, etc. where possible an use a flea trap in your son’s room (I have a diy guide on them on this site). Good luck!
Hello there I need help I live in a trailer park an I have a bad flea problem I’ve used multiple different foggers had one work for couple days I’ve done so much cleaning my. Cat hardly wants to come in anymore. I always once a year get fleas from the cat I treat the cat an use a fogger fleas go away.. this year there like super fleas they take everything I be throw at them. I fog the multiply. There only in the carpet an vinyl floor any ideas?
Hi Justin! Give my DIY flea traps a try, I have an article that will help you make your own.
I’ve learned the hard way that fleas are determined to survive. In order to rid your home and pets from fleas you must use a multi prong attack at the same time to break the life cycle of the fleas. First, give your pets Capstar or CapGuard which is slightly cheaper, then bomb the house. Bath the pets, the best is to drop them off at the groomer while the fogger is being deployed. Then return home, go into the yard and spray the entire yard with a yard and garden spray. Once you pick your pet up from the groomer, apply Frontline, this will help get rid of residual fleas that may have survived. The next day give your pet another Capstar or CapGuard. You will see instant relief. two days later give your pet another CapStar or CapGuard this will kill any residual fleas that may have survived. In this process. Now, most eggs will hatch within 3 weeks, this is where infestations get tough to get rid off, you have to complete the entire process at the 3 week mark, this will break the flea cycle and return you and your pets back to normal.
Hi Ted! Thanks for your contribution to the community and I am glad that process helped you find some relief.
Hi, Natasha. This is great site with tons of information! My problem is my travel trailer. We have it on a permanent site ( it stays there year-round). We had a flea problem at home, which we are treating with success. Our pets have all been treated as well. The trailer, however, is a problem. We only go there about every other week. After discovering fleas at home, I took a trip there and sprayed it inside from top to bottom, under everything, with Raid Flea Room And Carpet Spray. All bedding, towels, etc…were brought home and laundered. That was on a Tuesday. On the following Friday, we came back for the weekend, and not a flea in sight! BUT…I now realize that the second wave has hit…the unhatched eggs and larvae. We again went for a camping weekend last evening and I was horrified to see that when I walked in, I was almost immediately covered from the knees down in tiny fleas! We didn’t go any further…locked up the trailer and returned home. I’ve purchased Raid Flea Foggers and we’ll be going back tomorrow (Sunday) to bomb. My question is…is it going to take care of the problem? All bedding, towels, etc…will be removed before fogging and laundered. I was thinking of going back up on Thursday and setting off another round of bombs. Is that overkill? I would hate to take the whole family back up for the weekend on Friday, only to have to come back home because there are still fleas. Is the second round of bombs a good idea, or would the Raid Flea Spray suffice?
Thanks in advance! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Terri! A flea bomb is effective and will work, just make sure that you clean up properly when you are done. You shouldn’t need to do it twice, maybe follow up with a couple DIY flea traps (article is on this website) in each room afterwards.
I have a flea problem bad they r eating my 4yr old up he has bites every where what can I do to get those bites billed up on him
Hi Trish! I suggest that you take him to the closest Pharmacy, they should be able to recommend a decent cream that will help.
Natasha, my name is Dana we have 2 cats and a small dog. My brother in law brought us fleas when he moved into an apartment complex. I have tried home remedies, bombs, dips, frontline, dawn dish soap. We have even treated the yard with some kind of granules that would kill fleas. Still nothing has helped my husband is getting bit, I’m not thankfully!! But I feel so bad for my babies scratching all the time!! This is the first time in their lives they have ever been through this! I want to do what ever I can!! Please help!! Tired of spending $$$ no results!!
Hi Dana! Give my flea traps a try, they are DIY and work really well. You can find the article on this site.
Hi everybody.have two very important rules for foggers that I did not see discussed before.
1. Shock and awe. Don’t skimp on the number of foggers. I suggest using twice the recommended dosage.
2. Break the cycle. You must repeat fogging, but timing is critical. Most foggers don’t kill flea eggs. So in a week or two, old eggs hatch and live fleas start biting again. Most important is that the newborn fleas start laying new eggs when they reach adulthood.
So here’s the trick — you must fog again just after old eggs have hatched, but before new eggs are laid. Since it’s impossible to perfect the timing, I suggest fogging 3 times, at 1-week intervals.
Hi Scott! Thanks for the suggestions. I usually recommend that people stick to the instructions on the bottles but if that worked for you, thanks for sharing 🙂
I have 2 6 month year old kittens. They only stay in mine & my fiancées room. We live with 8 other people. The cats stay in our room only . We have a flea infestation horribly bad … & I was wondering if we could bomb JUST that room & not the whole house so they didn’t have to leave the house??? I need answers fast. Please help! Thank you!!!
Hi Rachsl! I always suggest that you leave the house otherwise its at your own risk, sorry.
Also struggling with my own infestation. I’ve dealt with it (successfully) before; it’s just been a while. Also, living in a different place. Time of year is also a factor. The “little buggers” are dwindling, but persistent. I’m a single mom….working 60+ hrs (12 -15 hr/shifts), so paying someone else and/or doing it myself are my personal “rock/hard place”. I’ve got teenage kids….they’re about as reliable as pest control. Sometimes fine….sometimes not so much.
I LOVE DE and borax. I’ve made a point to BURY the edges of carpeting in either (that’s one place they like to hide!). Treated my cats. They LOVE to sleep WITH me (they’ve been 98% banished….they’re sneaky). I did get cedar wood (discs for treating moth’s in closets). I put them under my fitted sheet and have a thick mattress pad over that). I sprayed everything down with a herb based spray (cloves etc..can’t remember the brand). I have the flea light traps. Less and less found…sometimes almost none…until I stand there. Then 1-5 jump on me. And right back off with no apparent bites. Four of us in the house. My girls have almost no bites (total <5 in 3 weeks). I have maybe 5-6 in that time. Nothing new in several weeks. All of us girls LOVE our bath time. We LOVE using lavender, chamomile, and/or frankensense and myrrh bath sugar scrub–SheaMoisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea (at Target sometimes at walgreens). Great for "scratching" the itchy bites…soothes and is "stinky" to the fleas (bed bugs too). Also Dr Teals bath salts seem to be pretty repulsive to these buggers. Zum brand has oil, soap and a mist. I use the mist on my bedding and on my feet (EVERY TIME I get in/out of bed!).
I haven't gotten bit (knock on wood) in a while, but I have noticed the fleas will "ride" anyone!. I've had several that have jumped on (and then I watch out of curiosity). They don't bite, but they sometimes stay "put" for several minutes. Which means that putting animals outside isn't always (IMHO) a solution. The fleas will ride anyone or anything. My daughter brought a shirt out to our car (that had been on the floor…early on in the infestation.). right after she put it on, I saw my drink had 3 fleas in it!! She never got bit!
I've treated my cats…one had developed severe dermatitis from the fleas! It's gone now. They also have flea collars for double coverage. They scratch and sometimes I'll even see fleas. But no new bites that I can tell. My biggest sufferer is/was my son. He now bathes twice a day using camomile salts, scrubs for any itchy sites and F&M mist/spray. I'm thinking that I might break down and do a bug bomb, but sooner or later they stupid things will either starve to death or will have to move on. They have to bite someone or leave…..? Using DE and borax primarily now and somehow if no one is getting bit…it becomes a "lesser" annoyance.
Also (FYI)…I HATE bites. I have a REALLY bad habit of picking at them. A trick a lot of nurses use on themselves (IT WORKS)…..if you have a bite you are scratching at and picking BLOODY, take an alcohol pad (or anything soaked in rubbing alcohol) and TAPE IT ON!
IT WILL BURN…for a short while. Then nothing. It won't bother you (until you pull it off….compulsive scratchers will probably pick again). Do it again. This also helps with decreasing risk of infected bites. FINGER NAILS ARE THE ####1 SOURCE OF INFECTION….handwashing doesn't do much for fingernails…real or fake). Scratching tears away your body's natural defense and "rakes in" whatever dirt etc is surrounding the bite area (plus whatever is under your nail already…scratched your armpit, ear, teeth, nose, etc lately?)
Hope this is helpful. Even those of us who have done this before go through these struggles again!!
Hi Anne! Wow, your comment is packed with info and I really appreciate your contribution to the community. Thanks so much, I am positive that others will find it extremely useful.
I recently had my 10 month old daughter at my parents house…after she was already playing with her toys my parents proceeded to tell me they flea bombed the house three days ago…by this time my daughter was playing on the floor and had already stuck some of the toys in her mouth. the toys were kept in a drawer…but still…iknow my parents didn’t clean after flea bombing….i washed the toys after…but i know I’m going to have to go back over and clean before i let my daughter back over. how dangerous are these pesticides? I’m never goingto feel right having my daughter over there.
Hi Carly! Yeah I would probably take her to the doctor, just incase. That’s the only thing I can suggest, depending on the brand, some of those bombs can be rather toxic. Don’t stress though, just be safe 🙂
Dear Natasha
Help : ( !
We have a flea infestation which seems to be getting worse not better. We no longer have a pet in the home but we do have fleas. I sew and am not sure how to protect fabrics and books I have from any reinfestation or extreme treatment I might have to use to eradicate the fleas. Our home is very open concept . Secondly for the sake of my sanity can you please tell me if it is actually possible to eradicate fleas in a home with natural and less toxic remedies. Today I will steam everything I can including floors and walls but I worry that I have no safe place to store all clean laundry etc. while we are attacking the little buggers. Does it help at all to store everything in plastic garbage bags or the like? Vacuuming and steaming while I anxiously await your reply. Thank you, Toni
Hi Toni! Since you have a steamer, just use that diligently and try using DE (I have an article on this) in combination with vacuuming.
How should I store my clothing and fabrics to keep them safe from infestation through the weeks that I am steaming and vacuuming? Will plastic bags with cedar sachet in them work?
Hi Toni! Yes, that will keep the clothes safe and will deter the fleas.
Hi Again Natasha,
Thanks for your answer about steaming and vacuuming. I am doing that. I would just like to make sure that clothig and fabrics stuffs I have are not getting revisited by fleas every tiime I wash them. Will they be protected in plastic bags with some cedar oil sachets? Does that deter or kill the fleas? Though I am focusing on getting our home clean and comfortable again, I will go to an estimate and support your site. Just trying to calm all the upheaval so I can think straight.
Thanks again for sharing your expertise.
P.S. I have hipped friends and family to this very informative site. We are big dog lovers and 1 (jokingly) crazy cat lady.
Hi Toni! Yes they will, give that a try. It will deter them. Thanks so much, I really appreciate the support!
Hey I just had a question. After the bombing/fogging process, what are the risks to a pregnant cat? She’s not very far along. Just want to make sure that she’ll be ok. Thank you.
Hi Amanda! Any living person or pet should be removed from the house during the fogging process.
I have a huge house flea bombs are junk. Maybe if you set off five to a room. I got bit so bad from them five years ago i almost landed in a hospital. My house has all wood floors and ceramic tile. One female bites you they say the egg can make 3000 babies. So this is crazy when the foggers are not killing them and you start putting outdoor poisons for garden on floor your house is fully toxic. Some people died from flea bites its rare but it happens infection from to many flea bites. Got them again this year and the way im getting i wish summer never came. My wife told me five years ago what the hell are you doing with that giant stainless steel pot i told her im boiling water took it upstairs drop it right on the center of the hardwood floor i mean before this fleas were jumping every were killing me drop the water made it go across the whole floor with out wecking every thing and waited mop the rest up all dead never came back. Ceramic tile holds water so it free and it works. Flea powder in beds and chairs and a good vacum cleaner.Counter tops vacum cleaner and furniture cabernets. And dispose of the bag far away take it on a trip sealed in a plastic bag.
Hi Michael! Thanks for your lovely tips 🙂
Hi Natasha,
We have a flea infestation in our basement and plan to bomb it. The infestation is really bad, and I’m thinking we’ll need to use something akin to a hazmat” suit.
I’m wondering what kind of suit to buy. Do they come in materials that fleas can’t stick to? Or should it be sprayed with something before we go to the basement?
We are thinking of using two bombs, one towards the front and one towards the back. Thank you for this interesting site and information. Linda
Hi Linda! The shop owner will be able to help you with specific brands. Try get one with IGR in it. Good luck!
I agree with other readers, Frontline is a big waste of money. I have had better luck with Advantage. I am on here because I need to fog my house, haven’t had to do it in a few years but for some reason the fleas are bad this year. I even pulled up my living room carpet a couple of weeks ago. The fleas diminished quite a bit but then came back in full force recently. I am assuming eggs have hatched. The only carpet left in the house is in a bedroom and it is going this weekend. Going to pull it up before I fog. We are being bitten so bad that I feel like my pets look when I see them scratching. They have all been treated so I am guessing the bites are still itching.
Hi Betty! Best of luck, I am sure that you will win the battle!
Hi Natasha. I will be integrating three cats to a household of one dog and two cats, inherited when my parents passed. My dog currently is scratching like crazy. While I have not found a flea on her, I have noticed flea bites on me. All of the cats are indoor cats and elderly. I live in a one-floor home, and no basement, and have nowhere to put the two cats. Can I possibly put them in a room that is usually locked for eight hours? The DE will be used in addition to the fogger, but has to be ordered online. Please advise asap as I need to integrate the other three cats within a week.
Many thanks!
Hi Victoria! I highly recommend that all living things (which mean your cats) are removed from the house before fogging. There is no other way I can comfortably suggest, sorry.
Hi Natasha. The DE is healthy and u can get a really good deal on Amazon. a 10 lb. for $20 or 2.5 lbs. for like $10….mix with borax. It is safe. We are going insane too and I’m afraid to bomb because of all my medication, my daughter, the computers etc… Good luck!
Thanks Alison, appreciate you sharing this info.
Hello Natasha,
The exterminator just came in today to spray and set a flea fogger. Thus is my first experience with stuff. I was sold that I need another treatment in a week. What is the best way to clean now. He did spray in the closets. The doors were close. What should I wash? The clothes in the closets.
Hi Betty! Wash everything 😉 Seriously though, anywhere the stuff landed pretty much needs to be wiped/washed. Good luck!
Hi Natasha, thank you for reading this & your time!!
I just moved into a house with 2 roomies and 1 big white husky. I noticed bites on my leg arms and torso after a week and a half, figured it was mosquitoes, then thought maybe bedbugs. Pulled the bed away from the wall and found black dirt-looking stuff along 5 feet of the baseboards behind the bed, along with what my boyfriend identified as dead fleas. Weird thing is I have seen 0 LIVE fleas in the whole house. (There are about 4 rugs in the otherwise hardwood floored house btw; 1 in my room.) I was going to bomb my room but am thinking that’s not necessary now–maybe instead I’ll vacuum my room and the living room rug regularly, and put out flea traps in every room just to get an idea of what’s out there first? Also the dog’s owner is on vacation right now; supposedly he has applied flea medication to the dog in the past, though was not consistent with it. I would love your advice. Thanks so much!
Hi Anne! It’s my pleasure, glad you like the article 🙂
Hi – I used a Raid and a hot shot bomb yesterday. We were out for about 4 hours. I covered things. Well, last night I woke up with a massive headache. This morning, I started feeling like I was getting sick and my throat is irritated not sore though, It does not feel like a cold coming on, i just feel weird. My eyes are bothering me slightly as well. What can i do about the resulting residue on everything? Thanks for any and all help!!!
Hi Michelle! I suggest you wipe down and wash everything, you need to get rid of that residue.
Hi Natasha! I just discovered that we have fleas in our apartment. I have never delt with them until this week. I live in an apartment complex and just found out that one of my neighbor’s (two doors down) had pest control go into their apartment a week ago. I don’t know for what exactly but I am thinking its do to fleas. Could this be the reason why there are fleas in my apartment now?? (Note: I have no pets) I called management and the maintenance guys are coming tomorrow morning to set bombs off. My concern is that I have an 11 month old who loves to be on the floor and crawls everywhere. What precautions can I take to make sure she is safe after bombing the apartment??
Hi Monica! It could be yes. Just ensure that you wipe/mop and clean everything that could have come into contact with the residue.
Please help. I have read every piece of advice on here. Almost two months ago we found that a possum got into our basement and had babies, unfortunately, the momma got hit by a car and I took the babies to a rescue center. Well unfortunately, they shared their fleas with my dog, cat and me. I have applied frontline plus on both animals. I vacuum constantly making sure to empty the bag outside. ive used Adams spray and we still see live fleas on the animals and in the house. I did the white sock experiment and I have picked at least 25 fleas off my socks. My main concern is my sons room that has a lot of toys. He’s been gone for awhile and I was cleaning out his room. No one had been in there and that’s when I noticed they were everywhere! I don’t want my son to come home to this because he does bs e allergies. I’m just wondering, should I try DE first and then bomb the house? It just concerns me because if we bomb can I cover up my kids boxes of toys? I’ve already cleaned them to make sure there are no eggs anywhere. I’m just concerned because we really don’t have a place to take our animals while we bomb the house. And I really can’t afford a professional. I’m just tired of being bit all the time and I want to get this situation under a bit of control before my son Comes home in a couple weeks. So should I use DE, then bomb the house is I can find a place for the animals? Any suggestions or comments would be wonderful. I’m a working single mother that is exhausted! From vacuuming and washing clothes.
Hi Stacy! Try the DE first (and my flea traps), you might not even need the flea bombs. Let me know how it goes.
Hi Natasha, we seem to only have fleas in our basement. Decent size ranch house with full basement. Can I put our cats upstairs, sealed off, and bomb the basement? Thanks for your time.
Hi Madelynn! If there is no possibility of any of the bomb getting to your cat, that is fine.
Hi Natasha! Our indoor/outdoor cat has so very kindly shared his fleas with us, and now we are under attack! My lower legs look like a war zone! We have a large house…and I am ashamed to say that we are also pack rats, so there is a lot of “stuff” sitting around in several of our rooms. The flea problem is growing, but still mostly contained on the main floor – for now. We have tried DE in the great room with pretty good success and are also using Nyguard Plus spray and the flea light trap for indoors. Outdoors we have Cyonara and/or Permethrin 10% sprays, but we have to be careful because we have honeybees. The cat is now condemned to live outside 🙁 If we decide to use a bomb or call a professional, we cannot do that until later in the summer or early fall (for several reasons). I am overwhelmed with the enormity of vacuuming our house every day!! Help!!!! Do you have any suggestions? I am trying to get control of one room at a time (moving the stuff out and cleaning the stuff and the room), but won’t the fleas just move to another area of the home and then come back? Oh yeah, we have all wood floors but they are not sealed so the fleas can live in those cracks for a long time! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Louise! Thanks for your detailed explanation. You will have to do the entire house at once otherwise yes, they often just migrate to another room. Given the situation, I recommend going with the exterminator option, it will end up being cheaper. Otherwise just keep doing what you are doing (and get your cat a spot on treatment).
I am pregnant and have an 18 month old daughter and we have been trying to get rid of a very heavy flea infestation for 2 months now. We have a dog that we have been treating with front line and also bathing her weekly. We have been putting borax all over the house twice a week and vacuuming twice a day. After 2 months we still aren’t getting any results. I have been reluctant to using foggers because of my condition and the fact the my daughter is playing all over the floors all day. But I’ve had it and decided we are going to fog this weekend. To cut down on the cleaning and my exposure to the stuff I am going to remove as much stuff that I don’t think they can live on (plastic toys, closed boxes, movies) We are moving to a new house in a few weeks so we are just moving that stuff early. I don’t want to bring any gas to our new house so I want to make sure they are gone from our rugs, clothing, furniture and especially or beds (they are biting me like crazy in my bed). So my big questions are how do I clean my bed after the fogging, I know they are on my bed under the sheets so I figured I would fog without the sheets on and just wash the sheets in how water and borax before putting them back on. I also am wondering if I need to wash all the clothing in my closets as well (there are many weeks worth of Laundry in our closets).
Hey Sarah! Given the level of infestation, it would end up being cheaper having an exterminator deal with it for you. The email notification that you receive for my response will contain a link, use it and let me know how it goes. Hope that helps!
I have a 18 month daughter and am also 30 weeks pregnant, we have been using borax twice a week for two months and sprayed bedding with lemon water and are still heavily infested with fleas. We are taking about fogging next week but I’m worried about the exposure to the pesticide after the fogging. In particular I am worried about our beds and how to clean them up afterwards. Also I was curious if I need to wash all my clothing in my drawers and hanging in the closet.
Hi Sarah! I suggest that you wash and wipe everything, you need to clean anything the residue lands on.
Hi Natasha,
We are moving in to a rental house in 3 days and we learned the previous tenant had a large dog at the backyard. Although the house seems pretty clean and we didn’t see any fleas when we visited it, I want to play safe and take some precautions about possible fleas. I have a 3 years old son who sleeps on a floor mattress (Montessori bed) and a indoors small dog. I heard it would be better to vacuum the house and leave the flea bomb in the empty house for the entire night before we move in the furniture. But it seems too drastic once I am just guessing the existence of fleas. I thought about just hiring a deep steam carpet cleaning and avoid the chemicals from the bombs. What do you recommend?
Thank you for this amazing portal!
Hi Lina! A deep steam machine will do wonders, I highly recommend it!
hey, thanks for the very useful article! I need to use a flea bomb, but think the fleas may have gotten into my comforter and mattress/pillows. Is it ok to leave these out in the room when I deploy the bomb or is that hazardous? Thanks !
Hi Nerry! Clean them and leave them out the room.
So we just found fleas on our indoor cats… a first for me! After 2 treatments and baths, the cats still had fleas, so we boarded them for treatment while we bombed the house. We have tried two DE treatments, we vacuum twice daily and are still ending up with 5 live ones in the canister every time. After fogging the house and letting it sit for 1.5 days, we vacuumed and still had live fleas in the vacuum. I am at my wits end and I feel so helpless. I am picking the cats up tomorrow after their capstar treatment and I am so worried that they are just going to get reinfected. What else can I do? Am I just overreacting?
Hi Shelby! I don’t think you are over-reacting, it must be really frustrating! I recommend that you get your house treated by a professional, it will end up being cheaper in the long run, let me know if you want me to organize a free quote. In the meantime, I suggest that you give my flea trap a try (after treated your cats) as it works really well.
Hi,
Really need some help !!!! Moved into a housing association property about 4 months ago. after being there a couple of weeks found fleas in my house. I don’t have any animals, but have been informed by neighbours that previous to me moving in there was hazardous signs outside the house because the where flea bombing. I have had since then the local approved authority pest control man spraying 3 times a different intervals acclaim spray stuff. He is currently at my property with a maching fogging thing. I’ve had to leave my property for 8 hours when spraying but now for 24hrs when using the fogging machine. My baby should be rolling around and stuff but isn’t due to the fact that she is never allowed on floor due to getting jumped on by fleas. So basically will have been 5 times. But has said he won’t be able to get the ones under kickboards and floorboards and stuff. Don’t want to live here anymore hate it so bad. Would also like to know what chemicals are in this stuff. Thanks
Hi Vikki! I am sure that after that many applications, the fleas should be killed? If there are any fleas in the floorboards, you can apply DE and that should fall down and hopefully kill them (I presume there is gaps?). I recommend mopping up and cleaning after he has gone and then doing the DE thing, then you should be sorted 🙂
Hey! I continue to read blogs telling me to vacuum and throw away the bag right after. My vacuum doesnt carry bags. I have the one that has the plastic cylinder. What can I do?
Hey Alex! Just wash it out, its simply to get rid of the trapped fleas. Good luck!
Can I use a flea fogger underneath my house without turning off the power to the house and do we still need to leave the house if I’m doing it outside?
Hi Brandon! It should be fine but I hesitate to give you an “absolutely yes” sort of answer because I always advise my readers to leave the house and turn off the power, just to be safe.
Hi please help… I have a flea problem.. When I found out my house got fleas I call for the exterminator to treat the fleas…but that didn’t work my house still have fleas..and then I flea bomb my house 2 times 1 every week. I use the Mortise flea bomb., but I still find a lot of red dots on my body..so I guess there’s still fleas around.. I wash n vacuum a lot too..I even bought a new bed n new blanket but the blankets still fell itching. Please help me I have spend so much money already oh I already try cooking salt on my carpet didn’t work..HELP ME should I get a pro to steam dry my new bed cos it got flea too.’
Thank You
Hi Thao! Yes, steam cleaners work well, they get rid of a variety of insects (due to the extreme heat) so if you can hire one, use it throughout the house. As for your bedding, run it through a hot wash as that will definitely help. Lastly, use my flea traps to catch the rest.
HI! my boyfriend has a flea problem in his house, we had a cat but his friend took him because we got him cleaned up and free of fleas. but now the fleas are biting my bf he is really upset and getting really tired of them and to make it worst his daughter is coming to stay with him and he cant even have her there with him because of the fleas. we have tied washing everything, fogging with two different foggers one was adams and the other one Raid for fleas and also a can to spray on the carpet. i have put vinegar water borax on the carpet and floors and we had put cal (lime powder) outside we don’t have pets and and nice plants and we are willing to put whatever it takes to get rid of the fleas. I’m so tired of seeing his legs burning red and looking even infected because of the fleas. please help!!!
Hey! Since you have tried everything yourself, I highly recommend that you get an exterminator in, it will save you money in the long run 🙂 Let me know if you would like some free quotes in Texas.
Hi Natasha,
I have a pretty bad flea problem at the moment even though I regularly dose the cat etc. I have bought some foggers for the rooms and flea spray for the cat bedding and those places the fogger won’t reach. However, the fogger says not to be used on human bedding or clothes – does this mean that I shouldn’t use it in the bedroom?
I am pretty desperate as I am being badly bitten and have now banned the cat from the bedroom so she is very sad!
Thanks for any advice.
Lorna
Hey Lorna! You usually can, just make sure that you put everything away (including your bedding) and clean up properly. Also remember to leave the house for the day as the fumes are toxic. Have you tried any of my other flea removal methods?
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for taking some time out to read this.I need some advice about 4 months ago a friend of mine gave me and my family a Chihuahua that had fleas. we eventually also gave the Chihuahua away due to this problem. At first me and my family started getting bitten by large adult fleas. but thought it was nothing more then just a few so we purchased a bedbug and flea spray which did not work at all. we then tried Dawn dishwashing liquid/water in a bowl which caught more than 15 in each new bowl we made. I feel as this is out of control now. we have now purchased “foggers” but I am doubting it will work because I have heard of cases where the fleas became immune. do you have any ideas on how to get rid of them for good? we truly need some help we haven’t been able to to get a full nights sleep since this started occurring. Plz help thanks again for taking time out to read this .
Hey! Since it sounds fairly severe, I recommend getting a pro in to help you out. I can organize some free quotes if you like, let me know. Otherwise, give the fogger a try (make sure you read the instructions) and take some time to read through some of my other flea articles (such as the one about the trap) as I feel they they will help you. Good luck!
Hey need help mother of four one of them just 7 months old we bombed the house 2 weeks ago and this week I stood at my mother’s house my husband bombed and sprayed the house we gave the pets away because it seems our 6 yr old is allergic to flea bites and got a really bad reaction to it we done all that me can even used everything you wrote on your page and they still jumping on us is driving me crazy that I feel like taking my kids out our home please help
Hi Vanessa! Sorry you are still struggling 🙁 I highly recommend using DE (it will be save on your 6yr old) and using a flea trap. I have articles on both of these subjects, please check them out 🙂
Hi, would i be able to set off a flea bomb under the floor boards ?
Thank you for this useful post 🙂
Hey! If you leave the house, unplug electrics and follow all the steps on the flea bomb, I don’t see why not hehe. Good luck!
Hi, I just bombed my place today but I forgot to switch my fridge off. Same with my dishwasher. Will everything be ok? I’m a bit worried…
Hey Emma! It should be fine, just make sure that you switch off all electronics, etc. in future. Basically just unplug everything, just to be extra safe. Did the bomb solve your flea problem?
We live in an apartment. Will the fogger go to the neighbors apartments? Also can I do one room at a time in our apartment? So that way we don’t have to leave for 8 hours?
Hey Emily! If you keep the windows shut and follow the instructions on the bottle, you will be fine. I highly recommend doing the entire apartment at once, it will not be as effective if you do it like that.
Hello, we have two dogs and they have fleas like crazy! The whole house is carpet which doesn’t help but we have a dirt basement which I think isn’t helping either. We have done the bathing and drops we have vaccumed many times, we have done flea bombs, we have tired basically everything and it doesn’t seem to help! They are in our couches, room, carpet, they are litteraly everywhere. HELP please! We don’t know what to do. This has been a problem for a while now, we are now purchasing our first home and we don’t want to bring them with us! We need to get rid of them NOW. Suggestions?
Since you are moving, just make sure that you hot wash all your material/etc. based belongings and send your animals to a professional to ensure that all the fleas are killed. As long as you are methodical, you shouldn’t bring your problem with you to your new house.
Help! New to California and my dog keeps getting fleas! My cat had them but he seems to be better once I’ve been giving them littlecitydogs pills. But the dog no. Frontline didn’t work. I was told not to use DE because it’s bad for cats breathing. I won’t use a digger as I have nowhere to being the cat for a day. Help!! I keep getting bites.
Hey Lani! I suggest you use DE on the floor and wash your dog using warm water and lemon based dish washing liquid (1-2x per month, don’t do it too frequently). This is extremely effective, hope that helps!
We had a minor flea problem this past summer, normally we treat our yard every two months, we have over an acre, dogs in yard next door and chickens on the other side. We have 3 house cats, and one dog that primarily stays inside. Fleas were bad this year. One of my cats can’t use any chemical based product, she has a reaction. So during my hunt on line I found an article about dipping/bathing cats in an Apple Cider Vinegar solution, dilute with equal parts water. I take them in our shower that has a glass door and use a sponge to soak them, ignore the growls and crying. Then I leave them in there to dry for several hours. The same solution can be used on dogs, either in a bath or spray bottle. Dawn was previously mentioned as well, I have used on my dog. The next day after using the vinegar solution on the cats, they weren’t itching anymore. Fleas weren’t on them. Dawn had the same affect on my dog. I was told that the flea drop products that we use on our pets may take a few months to be totally effective.
Hi Lisa! Thanks for sharing, the community will definitely appreciate those tips.
Hi there! I am probably going to go out tonight to buy a flea bomb after reading your article. I, like many of the people who have commented here, am just so frustrated with these pests! I had been using a cheaper version of flea and tick prevention for my indoor outdoor kitty and it obviously didn’t do its job… I live with two other housemates and luckily it seems to be only my room that is so badly infested (kitty sleeps with me after all, also I was keeping her food and water in my room and her litter box in my bathroom.) At first I just noticed one or two fleas on my cat, but that soon escalate to findings them on my ankles every day! The entire house is wood floor, only one 7×4 ft rug in my room but that seems to be where they are multiplying. I borrowed a product from my mom called “rx for fleas plus fleabusters”. I worked it into the carpet and sprinkled it around all the baseboards in my room. Also, have kicked the cat outsid for the past few days and she will remain there until Thea dvantage plus comes in the mail!
Is it safe to set a flea bomb off in JUST my room, while my housemates are home?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hey Hailey! I don’t recommend it unless your room is quite a way from any of your housemates living areas. I recommend just doing it on a Saturday morning and then you guys can all spend the day out doing something fun and when you get back, it will have done the job. Its a pleasure, hope this helps!
Hi Natasha,
I’ve had a professional bug bomber treat my house. He said he soaked our guest room mattress and futon mattress with the solution. Do we need to get rid of the mattress? I’m planning on putting a claim against our landlord for allowing us to move in a flea infested house. Thank you in advance for the time.
Hey Ella! If he treated your matress safely, that shouldn’t be necessary. Its a pleasure, glad you took the time to stop by and leave a comment 🙂
Hi,
I recently had surgery on my shoulder and have been sleeping on the couch to make sure my wife doesn’t hit me during the night. Ever since sleeping on the couch, i’ve been waking up with loads of flea bites! Our dog (who hardly ever comes inside) had fleas about 3 months ago but we treated him, gave him tablets, washed him with flea shampoo and put on a flea collar. I haven’t seen any fleas on him since. The couch i’m sleeping on I actually got from my sister a couple of months ago and she had a cat that i’m pretty sure had fleas. I’m guessing it was the couch that brought the fleas into the house. Either way, i’m sick of being bitten while I sleep and i’m about ready to burn the house down! Its a very old house and there is no carpet at all (apart from the one we just bought) in any of the rooms. The whole house has jarrah floorboards. My wife and I got some flea bombs the other day but i’m not sure how they work or even if they will work! If it is the couches that are infested, will a flea bomb be enough to kill them? I just don’t see how it will get under the couch, over all the cushions, etc. even if I move them all off the couch. I though about getting a professional in to treat the house but as I am recovering from surgery, money is very tight at the moment. Do you have any suggestions?
Hey Lloyd! Highly unlikely that a flea bomb will kill those guys inside your couch. I recommend using some DE (check my article on this). Its really cheap so it will be perfect for your situation. Good luck!
I have fleas only in one bedroom in my house. Can I just use a flea bomb in that one room? Can I shut the door and put a blanket to cover the gap underneath the door?
Hey Janetta! Absolutely, just make sure that you wipe everything down afterwards as it will leave a chemical residue on surfaces. Also, make sure that you unplug and cover any electrical appliances and follow the instructions on the back of your flea fogger product. Good luck!
Hello natasha!
I recently noticed that my cat had flea on him, i treated the cat and sent him to my brother’s house, but i still see the fleas around the house! I vacuumed the entire house and the couches, i washed my bedsheets and put them in the drier for 30 minutes as well to make sure all fleas are killed. Should i get a flea bomb too? Im very worried.
Hey Dalal! While a flea bomb may do the trick, I recommend that you first try a couple alternatives. Firstly, make yourself a flea trap by following the guide on this site. If you find any dead fleas in it, use some DE to kill them on your carpets and around the house. Lastly, before you bring the cat back, make sure you apply a decent spot on treatment and you will definitely be free of fleas. Good luck!
Hi, I was wondering if you have ever had any one tell you that their flea fogger mal-functioned? I was setting them off in our house the and last one shot out the side of the can and into my face. i have been struggling since with breathing problems and pnemonia and doctor visits. We used the Hot Shot brand. I am most concerned about lasting health problems, do you know anything about this?
Hey Cathy! I actually haven’t, that is not good at all 🙁 I recommend that you go and see a specialist if you are suffering like that, it shouldn’t be long term but since these foggers contain chemicals its better to be safe then sorry. Keep me updated!
Hello Natasha! I have a few concerns with using a fogger in a 1 bedroom apartment.. but my cat and dog have fleas and it doesn’t seem to be getting an better. I’ve given the dog multiple flea baths and have sprayed the cat with some “flea treatment”. Every night I find fleas crawling on the dog and my poor cat has flea excrement all in his fur! I am on a very tight budget and no sure with what to do with the animals (since no one I know is willing to take them) while I treat the apartment. Please help!!!!
Heya! Since you are on a tight budget, I recommend that you use dawn soap and warm water on your dog and cat (give them a good scrub, they probably will hate you for a couple hours but it really works). Straight after this, use borax or DE on your carpets and around your home for a natural and affordable way to kill any fleas that may be hiding there. Good luck!
Borax is a guaranteed toxic to cats and dogs. Not all all natural solutions are pet safe. Borax is not pet safe.
Hi Joe! Thanks for the comment! Agreed, especially if they start trying to eat it.
I was watching my parents dogs recently and they got fleas. We treated both dogs and I have used a flea spray on the carpets and furniture and have vacuumed. The dogs are now gone and even though I have only been bit once, my boyfriend and roommate have a ton of bite marks and we saw another one today. I do not know what to do. Should I invest in a fogger? I have a fairly large house and I don’t have a lot of money so I can’t invest in an exterminator. I really am at a loss for what I should do. I do not own pets of my own so I never thought I would have to worry about fleas. Thank you!
Hey Teresa! A fogger will work nicely, just make sure it has something that stops the flea growth cycle. This will stop the flea eggs from hatching, thus preventing another potential flea infestation. Hope that helps 🙂
I just moved into my apartment 2 months ago. I have no pets. My son is getting bit on a regular basis and I have seen no bugs in my apartment. I am sure they are not bed bugs. My guess is fleas! I have covered my carpets in borax and let it sit for two days before I vacuumed, bit still he is getting bitten. I bought a new shark vacuum and vacuumed the entire house today. I also sprinkled more borax along the edges of the carpet today. I sprayed flea spray around the base of all my furniture. My son just got bit again! I am a single parent who can’t afford and exterminator. I’m losing my mind! Please help me find it.
Hey Bony! Its possible that he is experiencing these bite marks from mites. Regardless, I recommend that you give all his linen a hot wash. When the clean linen is done, use DE on the carpets and see if the problem disappears. If it doesn’t, please let me know and we can explore different options 🙂
I have had no success getting the fleas out of our house. I gave all the animals frontline. Last night I gave them capstar. Today we bombed the house. Used DE outside so the animals won’t be reinfected when they go out. Here’s my issue. I still have fleas inside. I hate using DE in the house because honestly it is horrible to vacuum up. We ruined 3 vacuums. We moved last time this time I’m not going anywhere. We have done everything we can possibly do. We cant afford an exterminator. I walked in to find, you guessed it fleas. So without using DE on my furniture and hardwood floors WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?!?!?
Hi Shawna! Have you tired using my DIY flea traps? I have a free guide on making them on this blog, read it and put them out at night. It will thin their numbers significantly 🙂
Thank you , just the info I needed.. Verry, Verry good. Thanks again. Jimmy
Hey Jimmy! Thanks for your kind words, its comments like these that keep me motivated! Have a good one!
HI Natasha. I think it is the first time I met the flea since I found out my ankle got bites then got more and more (like a new one in a new position) I dont know if the itchy swollen rashes were allergic or flea bite. I was so freaked out then went to the doctor, she just gave me ointment and said she didnt know as well… but i think i got more even i changed my linen all the clothes i’ve worn recently(not the winter jackets tho). Also i’ve vacuumed my room few days ago and i think it started from last week. Since i live in other people’s house but only me got bitten… The most important thing is I really dont want to use the flea bomb if it’s not necessary. I wonder if my situation severe enough to use it or not?
Hey Kit! I suggest that you take some time to examine your surroundings for actual signs of fleas before putting any flea removal process into action. A quick way to determine if you have fleas around the home is to use my modified version of a flea trap, check it out under the flea category of this blog. Let me know after you have read it 🙂
My dog was treated for fleas Monday, found 2 live ones since then on him. I have been going crazy. I haven’t seen any in the house so far. But I am still freaking out. Should I bomb the house? So far I have used borax on the carpets! Should I call an exterminator?
Hey Kristin! If you have only found a few fleas here and there, its not really worth your while to bomb the house. Don’t get me wrong, you can if you want but perhaps rather consider a little DE treatment on your carpets (check my DE article on this) as it will kill off any remaining fleas naturally. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha,
I just moved into a house and one of my roommates has a cat that is COVERED in fleas. : ( She has been giving the cat baths with flea shampoo and using a flea comb daily to try and get rid of the fleas and we have both been cleaning the house thoroughly at least twice a week, vacuuming, mopping, etc. and using a peppermint/clove spray throughout the house and entryways, but the darn fleas just won’t go away and we have finally come to the realization that we have to bomb. Only the bedrooms have carpet, but we both have extremely heavy beds that we cannot move, but there is a good 5 inches of space under them… I’m worried that the flea eggs could be under them and that the fog won’t reach… any suggestions on how to deal with that? Also, the rest of the house has the original hardwood floors, so there are cracks and crevices in them and I’ve read that eggs can fall into these, will the flea bomb kill whatever is inside these cracks? We are also planning on having the cat professionally groomed and/or possibly dipped while we bomb the house, we are thinking doing it at the same time will be effective (along with changing his flea medicine.)
Hey Natalie! I recommend putting some Diatomaceous Earth (food grade, very cheap and completely safe) under the bed. You can actually leave it there for a couple days if you like, it kills all sorts of pests. Vacuum it up when you are done with it. The flea bomb should reach all those areas, just make sure you get one that mentions something about preventing the flea life cycle (stops the eggs from hatching) and you will be good to go. Keep me updated 🙂
Natasha, I bought DE at Lowes — what is “food grade?” Is that different? I see another poster spoke of putting it in her pet’s food. If different, where would you get “food grade” DE?? Thanks!
Hi Sherrie. Lowes should have food grade DE. As a general rule of thumb, if the package doesn’t say “Food Grade”, then it is not.
Hi! I am dealing with a flea infestation for the first time and I am petrified! I have treated our dog with trifexis (as well as another fast acting killer due to her severe infestation) and the cats with revolution…they have since been left outside. I have all hardwoods and one area rug. I’ve been vacuuming daily and have mopped everything with a bleach solution, have cleaned out all closets, wiped down all baseboards and have shop vac’d everything that I possibly can. In the meantime, I have been taking all washable items to my basement and seemed to have caused a MASSIVE flea problem downstairs. I was getting ready to bomb and spray a liquid solution upstairs/outside and then start to bring the clean laundry back up but now I’m not sure what to do!?! I am about to come unglued and my five kiddos are extremely worried about this issue.
One more thing, my upstairs is very neat and tidy as opposed to my basement being storage and is also under major remodel…do I treat upstairs THEN the basement? And do I need to completely clean out the basement before treatment? It is all concrete flooring. I just need some advice, please!! Thanks so much 🙂
Hey Abbi! Your plan of attack sounds good, I recommend that you follow it through! Here are some tips to help you though:
1) Use a flea bomb in the basement, it wont matter about the chemical residue and will work really well since its mainly for storage.
2) Try and use DE upstairs. Its cheap and I have a guide on how to use it effectively on this blog.
3) If you still have fleas after a week or so, drop me a message and I will help you personally 🙂
Good luck!
Hi Natasha,
I have a flea infestation in my basement. Can I use a bomb just in the basement and if so do I have to turn off all appliances in the house if its just the basement?
Hi Stephanie, just the basement is fine, although I do recommend leaving the house while it is going off.
I think I have a flea infestation and I think they’re in my hair!! My scalp has been itching;I recently found my dog with fleas again…Yes…again. Tried dawn on her, didnt see her scratch for a few days and then I I found some more. Bought frontline, and it didnt work. I’ve been cleaning and vacuuming but no resolve. I will definitely buy the foggers, treat my dog, but what do I put in my hair? I’m so grossed out; I don’t see any bugs, but it’s intense itching with small bites on my neck. Trying not to scratch. Ugh, help me please!
Hey Jacqueline! Its very unlikely that your itchy scalp is from fleas so don’t stress about that 🙂 Sounds like a good plan, follow it through and if you are still having a problem with fleas, please let me know. As for the actual bite marks (not just the itchy scalp), I recommend that you take a look at my “flea bite” and “bed bug bites” articles for a detail comparison before we work out a plan of attack. Good luck!
I live in a house trailer with a roommate that has a 6-month-old kitten and my cat is a year old. my cat has been treated 4 months in a row and my roommate has only treated hers 2xs. The vet said that kittens have to be treated 4xs with frontline for it to start killing the fleas. My roommate said it’s just my cat and my room. she refuses to believe that both have to be treated for it to work. My cat was given a pill this month because she is allergic to fleas. Like another person on this site said she had bites on the back of her neck. I also have bites on the back of my neck I have red welts on my arms and ankles from bites and have seen them in my bed. I have washed all bedding, clothing and vacuumed my bedroom that I rent. I went to spend the night at my friend’s house 2 days ago and they had fleas on the bed I slept in and in the sinks and all 5 of their animals, so obviously they came from me carrying them on my clothes. What does Ii to get them off my clothes and body? how do I make it clear to my roommate that if my cat has fleas hers does too? finally, they are so bad I don’t know how many bombs to use and should I do it more than once. Please help!!
Hi Cherri! To get the fleas off you, just have a hot shower. As for the roommate, your best bet is to use a flea comb and see if you can find any fleas on her cat. Although you are probably right, it is better to prove it to her and who knows, maybe her cat doesn’t have any fleas (unlikely though). I recommend keeping up the spot on but also kill fleas in the rooms by using some DIY flea traps, they are easy to make (article on this blog). Hope that helps!
Last week we were at a friends house and they had been dog sitting. Just two days ago we got a call and they told us that the dog had fleas. We haven’t seen any fleas (maybe because we have no idea what they look like) but the past two nights I have gotten multiple bites on my lower legs and so has my boyfriend. Today we used a Raid bug bomb and hopefully it helps. I’m still feel like I am getting bit and I think that I may have seen one tonight after we had washed and cleaned everything. I just don’t know. Do you think that 1 week is enough time for them to have infested my house?
Also, 3 days ago we had been in the corn field behind our house and heard that you can get fleas that way. Is that true?
Thank you!
Hey Shauna! Fleas can multiply fast but not significantly in that short time period, especially if there were only a few of them to start with. Its possible to get fleas from outside so just take precautions when coming back inside after being in those potentially problematic areas. Its been a little while (sorry about my delayed response), how are things looking at the moment?
Is it possible to leave our cats in the basement while we bomb the upstairs, then switch them upstairs while we bomb the basement? We have four, and the battle is going to take a very long time… Also, if I use Zodiac flea and tick spray, do I also need to give my cats a bath? They really hate water!
Hey Cathy! Yes, you can definitely do that. However, I recommend waiting a day or so between the switches, just to make sure that there is less toxic residue around. If you want to give you cats a bath, do it before you use the flea and tick spray otherwise it will not be effective. However, it shouldn’t be necessary. Good luck!
Our cat has fleas. Her body was infested with hard black things. Without knowing what this was we took her to the vet right away. We were suprised to hear what this was. We apply frontline faithly. She is an indoor cat and only goes out once a month to get her nails cut. I hold her when this is done so she has minimum exposure to the groomer. Our vet gave us different drops for her. She told us to buy spray for the carpet and furniture. We have been doing this one room at a time along with vacuuming for 2 weeks. The fleas are getting fewer on our cat. We get a few fleas everyday that jump on us. Our vet said this process could take 2 to 3 months to get rid of them. We want them gone now. Do you recommend we continue this process or use flea bombs?
Hey Rhonda! With all due respect to your vet, if approached properly, a flea infestation will never take that long to eliminate. Anyways, you will need to get rid of the fleas in your home and on your cat at around the same time. While I could go through the entire process here, please do me a favor and check my article on cat flea removal (on this blog) and then review my guide on using diatomaceous earth (also on this website) for killing the fleas in your home. If you have any questions, please let me know and I will help you through the entire process 🙂
We have fleas in the basement only. Is it safe to leave my cats on the first and second floors of our house while we are using the fogger in the basement? We have 9 cats so removing them completely from the house will be difficult. Thanks.
Hey CJ! Yes this will be fine, just make sure that your cats don’t sneak into the basement during or straight after the treatment. Let me know how it goes and I will help you where I can 🙂
What would you recommend cleaning up the surfaces with after setting entirely too much fogger in an apartment. I plan to wash everything and soak my children’s toys and wipe down every surface. I usually clean with a vinegar and water solution. I just don’t know what would be most effective to get the pesticides off everything.
Thank you.
Hey Amanda! Just a regular surface cleaner and a decent cloth will do the job. I also recommend getting a lemon based one as this will help with the cleaning process. Keep in mind that it would be preferable to wipe all the surfaces at least twice (all of them) to make sure that the pesticides are gone. Good luck!
Natasha,
Thank you for your concise article. Very helpful.
We have fleas in the basement. When we first went down there, after some nasty tenants left, our legs were covered with fleas! Yuk!! So, I bombed it with Raid product and didn’t go back down for a couple of weeks. Today I went down, confident that the fleas were gone and, yuk, again, my legs were covered with fleas when I came back up. I immediately spray my legs with a solution of dish soap, vinegar and water that I use to kill all bugs. It breaks down the ektoskeleton and drowns ’em.
How the heck can I get the basement flea-free?
Is it because I didn’t repeat the bomb??? What are they living on down there? Mice? Yikes. Please help!!!
Lollie
Hey Lollie, its a pleasure! You may find the RAID product didnt contain an insect growth regulator so it didnt stop flea eggs from hatching, thus causing a repeat infestation. However, as far as I can remember, most RAID products do contain this, please check for me and let me know. My recommendation is that you utilize some DE (not at the same time as you bomb though). Its safe, cheap and really works. Give it a try and keep me updated 🙂
We have been treating our dog and two cats with the spot on treatment but cannot seem to get rid of the fleas on them. We have carpeting in 2 rooms and hardwood in the others. We do not see fleas anywhere but on the dog (despite treating and bathing regularly.) we are considering bombing the house but afraid the bombing wont be successful because the dog is still carrying fleas. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Hey Jen! You should definitely get rid of the fleas on your dog before bombing the house. I recommend that you try an alternative spot on product, not because the one you are using is incorrect but sometimes fleas can become immune to certain treatments and this change is necessary. I have personally used Frontline and Advantage and they work very well. Alternatively, check out my article on dog fleas as this will give you a number of options, including a few natural ones that you can use right away. Good luck!
Natasha,
I cant seem to get the fleas controlled on my 2 cats or my dog. I have a flea infestation in my 2nd floor which has no carpets as I have ripped all the carpet out to replace with laminate floor. I sleep in the first floor bedroom which has carpeting. My first floor and basement which is where my animals spend most of their time does not seem to be infested. I still need to go upstairs to use the bathroom to shower and my clothes closet is still upstairs. I don’t see fleas attacking me anywhere but upstairs, they attack my ankles as soon as I get upstairs. I have sprayed organic something, have tried the flea light trap and sprayed some other bug spray up stairs but still infested. Treated both cats with frontline as well as my dog with revolution spot 2 1/2 wks ago. Gave my dog a flea bath but still has fleas as well as the cats. What can I further treat the animals with before I bomb the upstairs? Is it too soon to treat with another brand of spot? I am at my wits end and am almost literally ready to set a bomb to the whole f’ing place. Why don’t I get fleas on me downstairs where we spend most of our time? Should I bomb the first floor as well? I am to the point I don’t even want to be in my house anymore and my animals are miserable as well I have never experienced anything like this ever before
Hi Maryann! I suggest using a flea bomb (or getting an exterminator to come in, let me know if you want some free quotes) and spot on for your pets. That will do the job. Just bomb the floor with the fleas and then keep an eye on the first floor. Let me know how it goes!
I bombed my daughter’s house for her today, and just wanted to say thanks for the help from your well written web sight. I used it to make a detailed check list of preparations leading up to the bombs. Sure I read the long directions on the can/3 pack box, but the manufacturer is so worried about their own liability they end up writing like crap. Reading this helped a lot, gave me the confidence I needed to do this and feel like my grand kids wouldn’t get hurt by it. Went smooth and hopefully the results are worth it.
Hey Andy! I am really happy that things went well and I appreciate your kind words. I am sure that the Bug Squad community will also appreciate your comment 🙂 Hope to see you back again soon, have a good one and enjoy your flea free home 😉
I had my house Professionally fogged and sprayed yesterday, and after 8 hours I came back home to find 2 live fleas on my bed! I called the company and they said I should find live fleas fro the next 7-10 days. What can I do to ensure I don’t have another infestation?! I put my dog on comfortis, but she’s 4 pounds– I don’t want her to get fleas again! Is this normal after professional spraying? I vacuumed after, but what else can I do? I live in an apartment– so Its small areas tog cover. Please HELP!
Hey Brooke! Its unlikely that you will suddenly get a massive flea problem if you only have a couple at the moment. They take time to breed. However, at the time time, its important to get rid of them as soon as possible before they do start doing that. Anyways, chances are that the exterminating company didnt do a very good job, my recommendation is the use something like DE on your carpets after they treat the house. This is a natural way to kill fleas and you can find more information on it in a separate article on this blog. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Natasha! I am so tired of these damn fleas! I work with animals at a shelter so I know I have probably contributed my share of cling ons but my two dogs and cat have had a continuing flea problem. They are all three on frontline and it does nothing! I bought some all natural flea powder for the carpets and left it on for 6 hours and them vacuumed every room in the house as well as giving all three animals capstar. I have recently begun fostering 2 week old kittens from work who I know for sure came into my home flea free. Now all three kittens are covered with fleas! I have set aside Monday to make sure everyone leaves the house and I have an appointment for the dogs to have flea treatments at a salon including capstars and a new dose of frontline. I have been researching bombs and products for the house and yard because I don’t want my clean animals to come home just to get more fleas. What products or method do you recommend for treating the house and yard? I am worried about chemicals because the kittens are so young and my dogs spend lots of time indoors. I read about a flea trap with a light that catches fleas. It had great reviews. Do you have any experience with it?
Hey Kristy! Sometimes fleas become immune (due to a number of reasons) to certain products, its happened to me before. Have you tried something like Advantage on your pets? I dont recommend using any serious insecticide with those little kittens as you mentioned. I suggest that you use dawn soap and water for the kittens, DE on your carpets daily for a couple days, borax outside (if its nice and dry) and Advantage on your dogs. As for the flea trap, it definitely works. I have written an article on this, check it out on this blog 🙂
My husband and I have tried foggers….they didn’t work at all and actually “pissed” the fleas off and when we went down in the basement a day later, we were attacked!!!! My animals are also both on Frontline, another waste of money. Seems as though the fleas are mutant and totally immune to the stuff. Capstar works, but it’s a quick remedy, not long lasting. Natasha, could you please email me back instead of communicating through the forums. I’d love your input and advice. I also commented on the other blog about my exterminator coming today. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Did you finally resolve the flea issue Laura? We have 2 cats and 2 dogs. They were also infested even after bombing, giving them 2 flea baths. And applying a flea agent like frontline. I found fleas on 2 of the pets the next day. Do I bomb again? Help me to please get rid of these annoying insects.
We have fleas and I am having a hard time with spraying chemicals in my house. What about the chemicals getting on furniture? Should they be removed?
Hey Steph! I understand that you are concerned about the residue chemical, it also worries me sometimes. Thats why I sometimes recommend a couple natural choices for inside the house, namely DE and borax (check my articles on both these subjects). You wont need to get rid of your furniture, just follow the instructions on both those guides and you can even get rid of fleas without any expensive (or dangerous) treatment options. Good luck!
Hi Natasha, Thank you for your help. I feel so overwhelm with the flea situation, I feel I’m loosing my sanity. Right now I’m laying in my bed in tears, starving and freezing in fear of walking on my carpet and getting bit. I read about some other people getting their feet covered and don’t know how they’re coping. I started seeing the fleas in my beloved dog. Then I saw 2 in my bed, and a lot of bites on my ankles and legs. Now I saw 2 more in my couch downstairs. I treated my dog and my friend is watching her until I figure this out. I used a fogger in my room and hasn’t seen any more , but feel them on my skin and every little dark speck looks like it. Today while I vaccum all the borax from my couches, I saw another 2. I read from one of your replies that the foggers will not work on the couches? Is that right? What is DE and where do I get it. I’m worried that there are eggs ready to hatch.
Hey Denisse! Yes that’s correct, basically the fogger needs to be able to reach the fleas and if they are in your couches, that’s unlikely to happen. I have an article on DE, take a look at it and let me know if you have any questions afterwards, I will be happy to help you 🙂
For fleas we sprinkle baking soda all over the carpet, and leave it there for a few days, it will dehydrate the fleas Then get the vacuum cleaner and vacuum it up. We vacuumed the hardwood floor and we had a DE with baking soda in the vacuum bag so the fleas get killed. We washed all her bedding and anything of cloth she comes in contact with. Then we fogged. We also got a nit comb that will come out the fleas . FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous Earth for pets is amazing we just put it on the fur of the cat totally safe even if they lick if off and it goes into her stomach it will also kill the worms caused from flea or other parasites. We also gave our cat a sea salt bath in the sink , we filled the sink with nice warm water and dumped in about 1/3 cup of sea salt this will also dehydrate and kill fleas, as well as helps heal the flea bits or scabs that the cat may have gotten from scratching . We turned facet off because that scares her ..we would just fill a big glass from her sea salt bath water and gently kept pouring the warm water on her and she was as calm as could be in fact she purred! We did this for 20 minutes., When I took my 11 years indoor cat in to the Vet she had fleas first time in her life, and he suggested Comfortis I gave my cat half of pill because I’m very cautious and a few hours later she smelled so strong of chemical and fishy smell
. Then I read about the side effects I was so shocked when I read reviews from real people that reported that their pet cat or dogs had organ failure and died within hours or days after taking it I had total freak out attack…we quickly put my cat on total detox . A time released flea pill is so strong that the pet is literally poisoning the fleas and they drop dead within 30 minutes How can that be safe for a cat or dog. I want to strongly suggest there are natural and harmless ways to help your pet that does not risk the pets life, or endanger them in anyway or shorten their life span. So, please do your research.
Sorry for the long story
Hi Gracee. Thanks for your valuable input, no need to apologize. I appreciate your wisdom in this regard, and for sharing it with the community. Your suggestions are great, thanks for sharing! And yeah, flea medication is never great, to kill the fleas, they have to have to have SOME toxicity. Some brands are worse than others, plus some animals react worse than others. But in the end, glad you can though on the natural route, good job.
Hi Natasha!
I bombed my house twice in the last two days. But I am very scared of going home for a few days cause I have a 3month old son. We took all his stiff and put it in the garage and coveted his dresser and our stuff as well. But when will it be safe for us to go home?
Thanks!
Ashley 🙂
Hey Ashley! Most flea bombs have specific instructions on the back as to how long you need to wait before you can continue living in the same area where they were let off but it shouldn’t be longer then about 8-10 hours. I usually set them off in the morning and then spend the day out the home with family or friends. When I return home in the evening, I wipe down all the surfaces, etc. to make sure I remove residual chemicals that could be potentially dangerous. Good luck!
We currently have a flea problem and I feel like I might go crazy if we can’t get it under control. We have hired a professional exterminator called Terminix and they have sprayed for fleas twice but we still have found fleas under the couches. How do we get the fleas that are hiding under there? Also I have locked my poor cats in the garage because I don’t want them to spread fleas over other parts of the house that are not currently infested. Would it be better to let them in they are treated so the fleas can buy them and I or leave them in the garage where they won’t carry the pests around. Please help! I feel like I can’t go into half of my house!
Hey Rebekah! If you are still finding fleas after having the house professionally treated, I recommend finding an alternate company for your next one as that is shocking. Anyways, here’s my recommendation. Take an entire Saturday to do this:
1) Frontline your cats and keep them out the house for the day
2) Use a flea bomb with an IGR (insect growth regulator, as described in this article)
3) Rub Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) into your carpets and leave for 5 hours (have a dedicated article on this subject, check it out)
4) Wipe all the surfaces, vacuum everything and bring the cats back in the house
5) Share this post with all your friends 😉
Hehe, hope that helps! Please feel free to ask me any more questions as I would be more then happy to help you further 🙂
I swear by Diatomaceous Earth, I feed it to my cats after their flea treatment to help with any worms that may get into them from the flea bites. I put it in the wet food and mix it in with a generous helping of water, essentially giving them a stew sometimes I feed it to them for 10 days at a time. Wonderful product!!!!
Hi Sandi! Thanks for your contribution, I am starting to think I should investigate this product even further, it sounds great!
Sandi, how much Diatomaceous Earth do you put in the cat food…I have four outside cats I am trying to treat with the DE and also one inside cat. The fleas are driving us crazy. We have flea bombed and vac over and over and the fleas just won’t go. We used Zodiac, and other flea bombs. I even flea dust the inside cat.
Hi Debbie! Just in case Sandi doesn’t get back to you, I don’t feel that DE in their food is going to help much in your situation. Have you tried something like Frontline? Once your cat is flea free, then I can help you treat inside and outside if needed.
Natasha,
Hi we have a 2 story house with one cat my boyfriend,myself and our 3 kids. We have a terrible flea problem but myself and myb2 boys are the only ones that get bit. But we are covered in bites. I have frontlines the cat,bombed the whole house taken all bed linens to laundry mat,used a natural peppermint oil spray on our furniture and the powder on all eugs bc we have hardwood except 2 rooms in entire house. I vaccumed all mattresses and couches. We still are gettimg bit what would you suggest I do? I have never had to deal with anything like this before and my boys and I are miserable 🙁
Hi Paige, sorry to hear that 🙁 I recommend that you check out my DE article, as well as my DIY flea trap article. Those two are cheap and they work very well, give them a try.
if you think you have fleas in your own hair what should you do? also we are finding flea poop on our dogs. we have the good collars and we have used the good remade for there neck to tail and used Natural flea spray on them ,wash the bedding . I vacuum every day and I have even used the flea rug power and let that set. we are ready to bomb. we are living in are RV in Florida and we never have had this problem. They say there really bad this year. We leave here the first week of May. I know they are probably living under the couch but we have no way of getting under there . Any help would do
Thank you
Meercedes
Hi Mercedes! If you have fleas in your hair (almost zero chance though), a simple wash with warm water and soap will kill them all. Nice and easy, just do it whenever you feel like they might be in your hair.
Hello Natasha, I’ve had the worst flea infestation I’ve EVER seen the past month. My boyfriend and I give our dog a bath religiously. His sister has a dog and 4 cats and never takes care of any of them. I have personally bought them all frontline and it didn’t help. I also have been vacuuming on a daily basis and even steam cleaning! My boyfriend and I fight all the time because I just can’t stand the fleas. I also have a 9 month old daughter and I hate seeing the bites on her. It’s so bad you can look at our dog and SEE them, and by them I mean 10 at the very least crawling around on him. I feel them jump on me and I am absolutely discussed! What do I do?!!!
Hi Nat, start off with a decent spot on for your dog. Then use my DIY flea traps (check out my article on this blog) in all your rooms. That should give you relief after a couple days. Then move onto DE or something like that. Hope that helps, share if you appreciate my time 🙂
Hi Natasha,
We currently have fleas. We foster cats and one of my cats loved going outside to sun and get some fresh air. She brought a few fleas, and they spread. We don’t have carpeting except for area rugs, but the fleas managed to get into the wood floor crevices. My husband and I have developed some strategies that may help.
We only wear white tube socks and flip flops around the house to be able to catch any fleas that may jump on us. We’ve reduced the population greatly this way! We also roll up our pants to our knees as they will climb your pants to you and travel to other rooms that way.
We have a couple of those white plastic dish soaking pans that you get at the supermarket. We fill those about half way with water, soap and apple cider vinegar. When we catch one, we put them in there. They don’t get out. To dispose, we use the toilet and make sure to rinse pan well.
I manually spray the crevices in the floor using the Raid blue bottle flea spray with the little straw insert for tight spaces. Kills well.
We’ve used the Raid Fumigator blue canisters that activate with water, but they only seem to get some of the adult fleas. I like it because it doesn’t drip spray all over our nice wood floors and there’s virtually no smell. However, we’ve had to fumigate several times before the flea population visibly diminished. The box isn’t too pricey and that’s also a plus.
My foster lead gave our cats and kittens a treatment using Revolution. This seems to have worked great on the cats treated with it. Not much scratching as before. It also treats heartworms, ticks and other issues as well with the treatment. She’s tried other brands and this one is the best.
I’m looking into new fumigators or foggers to see if they work better but so far we’re winning the fight.
Important is to try not to spread the fleas as they travel in your shoes and clothes. They won’t climb onto your bed unless you bring them there. Trust me on this. We haven’t had any fleas in our bed and we were infested. Our trick was, as mentioned earlier, to wear the white tube socks with flip flops and roll up our pants to our knees. We always made sure our socks were free of fleas before leaving any room. We placed the fleas we caught in those dish pans. This helped contain the fleas to mainly one room.
We also used a nice flea and tick shampoo on our cats which is good for both cats and dogs as well. It’s called the My Codex Flea and Tick Shampoo. It is gentle enough for my 23 year old cat and our 10 week old kittens. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes while trying to keep kitties warm (we usually turn up the room temp to 80 degrees F while bathing them in the stainless steel sink, which we then sanitize with bleach and water). I also keep a white bowl with water, soap and apple cider vinegar beside the sink while I bathe and use alternately some old tweezers and a flea comb to take as many of the fleas as I can off the wet cat. Some of these remain alive but look dead, so before they revive, I pull them out, put them in the bowl, then flush them down the toilet. This shampoo works the best and keeps the hair soft and doesn’t irritate the skin. I always start with the head area, placing the shampoo around the cheekbones and cheeks, chin area, forehead and back of the head before doing the rest of the body. I don’t wet the cat’s head using the faucet, I wet a wash rag that is cat’s only, and use that to gently wet the fur. Keeps the kittens and cats from freaking out and keep water out of their eyes, breathing passages and ears. It’s also better when removing soap so as to not get it in their eyes. Trimming their nails also is a must I find before bathing to minimize damage of clawing at you. They will still claw at you but won’t cut into your skin. And always wear gloves.
I also wear an apron and keep the towels next to me for quick in and out of the bath. We bathed 9 cats in a few hours one time and this was best. Lol.
We also used diatonomous earth all over the floors. It does help a lot but I must add a warning. The dust that constantly flies up isn’t so good for you. We have one that you can digest, but we put so much around the house that I got to a point where I had some trouble breathing. And it’s really tough to get off. It gets on everything. It’s all over our stuff and I’m still dusting and finding the dust around decorations and things. Very annoying. But it does work. The fleas were dying in it…but so was I! Lol. So use but do not make dust if possible and don’t breathe it in.
So I hope I helped some. Fleas are very very annoying but there’s hope and you CAN win the war. We’re winning and it was pretty bad here, even without carpeting. So have faith!
Hi Nella, you deserve a medal and some serious recognition for that fantastic write up, thank you so much for sharing! I really enjoyed it and I am sure that it will be highly beneficial for the community!
Natasha my cat has kidney failure and I’ve been told not to use the Rx flea treatments. My vet said I could use frontline because it works differently and doesn’t get in the bloodstream. I’m still afraid to use any chemicals on him. What about the natural stuff that is peppermint oil or other oils?
Hi Cathering! Honestly, that spot on should be fine, just make sure you get the correct strength based on his weight. However, please do NOT use essential oils on your cat, it can be deadly (their liver cannot process it). Natural wise, a warm bath and dawn dish soap kills all fleas, but keep in mind that your cat picked up the fleas from somewhere, so you will need to find the root cause and deal with it. Hope that helps!
Hi Natasha! Where can I find links to other articles of yours? Like the Diatomaceous Earth one and the DIY flea traps??
Thank you!
Krysta
Hi Krysta, just go to the top of my website and click on “fleas”. You will find both articles (and more) in that area.
Natasha,
I have 5 cats and fleas. Never had a flea problem so it’s driving me nuts. I bought DE food grade and was told I can dust it on the cats. Is this safe?
I have one room infested. Using a fogger. Washing the floors with white vinegar and it’s helping. Was told to use baking soda with salt on the steps then vaccum. Doing waterless baths because not all the cats are water friendly. Am I going in the right direction. Has this problem on and off since Aug 2017.
Hi Renee! I wouldn’t, it is not poisoneous but it can have other negative effects. Rather use a good spot on, if you can find something affordable where you live. I wouldn’t bother about the baking soda and salt, just use DE. Also be sure to use a bag vacuum, as the more fancy ones can get clogged up. Hope that helps.