How to Use a Flea Bomb

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Gordon Reidy

Flea Treatment, General Pest Control

A flea bomb is the key product in DIY flea control

When you realise you have a flea problem, you need to get rid of the flea infestation as fast as possible. Although a comprehensive flea treatment involves a range of actions and probably a number of different products, flea bombs are the best way to carry out a complete room treatment.

A professional flea bomb will include ingredients to provide fast knockdown of adult fleas and larvae, ingredients to “break the breeding cycle” and ingredients to provide long lasting protection against future infestations.

Insecticide “bombs” or “foggers” are technically known as “total release aerosols” – once you press the button, there’s no stopping them and the entire contents of the aerosol are released.

The ultra-fine aerosol is designed to get under and behind furniture and into cracks and crevices – the typical insect hiding places. However, there are some important safety considerations and useful tips to get the best performance.

Flea infestation? Flea bomb to the rescue!

Step 1: Prepare the room to be treated

Open all cupboards and drawers to allow the aerosol to penetrate all insect hiding places. Belongings should be moved from the cupboards or drawers and placed in another room. For kitchen treatments, all food, cutlery and crockery should be removed and food preparation surfaces covered.

Step 2: Treatment

When using flea ‘”bombs” is it vital that the label is read carefully and that all safety instructions are followed.

Key standard instructions include;

Remove any clothing items, exposed food, food utensils
Remove all pets and plants
Cover fish tanks
ENSURE THAT ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION (flames, pilot lights, electricity) ARE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO USE
Before setting off the flea bomb, turn off fans and air-conditioners and close all doors and windows to the treatment room
Position the flea bomb in the centre of the room on a flat, stable surface
Leave the room immediately after starting the flea bomb

Note regarding smoke alarms: As the use of the product may set-off smoke detectors, before setting off the flea fogger, either switch off / remove batteries from the detectors in the room to be treated or cover the detector to prevent aerosol particles contacting the detector. Remember to switch the detector back on / remove the cover once treatment is complete and the room has been ventilated.

Watch the video of setting off a flea bomb…

Step 3: Clean up

A flea bomb can take around 10 minutes or so to empty. The fine mist will be quite dense in the air and it takes some time to settle onto the surfaces. For this reason it is important to stay out of the room for at least 2 hours after application.

After 2 hours the treated room should be aired (open windows and doors).

Wipe down any uncovered surfaces and vacuum up any dead insects.

Repeat the process for other infested rooms.

Complete flea control

To get complete control of a flea infestation it is necessary to treat any pets with a suitable veterinary product and all areas that the pet has been (both inside and outside the home). Check out the full details on how to carry out a complete flea treatment to get rid of fleas.

PestXpert Pro-Fogger is the professional flea bomb

Recommended PestXpert Products for Flea Control

Originally Published: January 23, 2017

Author:

Gordon Reidy

Gordon Reidy has over 30 years experience in Pest Control Product Development and Product Safety. As the lead formulator at PestXpert, he has helped develop some of Australia’s most trusted household pest solutions. With a PhD in Toxicology, Gordon is passionate about delivering effective, science-backed products that are safe for families and the environment.

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