When using flea bombs or foggers to get rid of a flea infestation, it’s important to take the proper precautions to maximize effectiveness and limit exposure to people and pets. One common question is whether you need to cover your bed or furniture before setting off a fogger. Below we’ll go over the pros and cons of covering your bed and other considerations when using flea bombs.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about covering beds and furniture when flea bombing:
- It is generally recommended to cover beds, couches, and other furniture when fogging for fleas. This helps protect fabrics from getting damp and prevents flea eggs and larva from falling into crevices and continuing to develop.
- Use plastic drop cloths or polyethylene sheets to cover surfaces. Seal with tape to limit exposure.
- Wash all bedding and linens after fogging. The fogger chemicals can stick to fabrics.
- Remove pillows, stuffed animals, cushions, and other materials that may absorb chemicals before fogging.
- Flea bombs are effective at killing adult fleas but eggs and larvae may survive. Fogging multiple times can help fully eradicate an infestation.
Should You Cover Your Bed?
The short answer is yes, it’s generally best practice to cover your mattress and bedding when using flea bombs. Here are some key reasons why:
- Protects fabrics and materials: Flea foggers work by spraying insecticide micro-droplets into the air that drift and settle on surfaces. This residue can make fabrics damp and also linger on materials. Covering them prevents direct contact.
- Limits pet and human exposure: Any surface the insecticide settles on can become hazardous, especially for young children. Covering beds and other surfaces seals in the residue until it can be cleaned up.
- Captures falling fleas: When fleas are killed by the fogger, their eggs and larva will detach and fall. Covering surfaces traps them so they don’t re-infest the area.
- Makes cleaning easier: The covers keep the insecticide from soaking into the mattress or fabric. Simply remove covers and dispose or wash after treatment.
What Type of Cover Should You Use?
Look for materials that seal in insecticide residue completely. Plastic sheets or polyethylene drop cloths work best. Avoid porous materials like cloth sheets or furniture covers.
You want a material that won’t absorb the chemical and that you can completely seal with tape around beds, couches, and other areas. Thicker plastic is better than thin sheets. Make sure there are no gaps or tears in the plastic.
How Should You Cover and Seal Furniture?
Here are tips for properly covering different household items when flea bombing:
- Beds: Use plastic drop cloths over the entire mattress, tucking under all sides. Use duct tape to seal the edges and prevent exposure. Remove pillows and bedding, which can be washed after.
- Couches & chairs: Cover the entire piece with a plastic sheet, securing the bottom with tape. Make sure to cover underneath cushions and crevices.
- Tables & surfaces: For hard surfaces like tables, plastic tablecloths sealed with tape can protect the surface. For wood furniture, tape down sheets.
- Electronics: Unplug TVs, computers, and other electronics. Cover with plastic and seal off with tape to prevent any moisture damage or short circuiting.
- Appliances: Cover stove tops, microwaves, etc with plastic wrap and tape to seal. Avoid getting insecticide in or on appliances.
Other Flea Bomb Tips
Covering beds, furniture, and surfaces is just part of properly using flea bombs. Here are some other tips for maximizing effectiveness and safety:
- Remove people and pets before setting off foggers. Keep them out of the house for the recommended time after treatment.
- Take out trash cans and remove food/dishes. Insecticide can contaminate anything exposed.
- Wash all bedding, linens, pet beds, cushions, etc after treatment. This removes any residue.
- Vacuum all floors, cracks and crevices thoroughly to pick up flea eggs and larva.
- Use the appropriate number of foggers for the size of your space. Under-treatment will reduce effectiveness.
- Repeat fogger treatment in 2 weeks to kill newly hatched fleas before they reproduce again.
Risks of Flea Foggers
While foggers can provide thorough flea elimination, they aren’t risk-free. Here are some potential downsides to be aware of:
- Insecticide exposure if not used properly, especially for children and pets.
- Lingering chemical residue on uncovered furniture, bedding, and surfaces.
- Can kill beneficial insects like bees if used outdoors.
- May not penetrate into all spaces, like deep cracks and furniture.
- Requires vacating treated space for hours, along with extensive cleanup.
- Doesn’t provide lasting residual treatment like sprays.
Are Flea Foggers Safe For Humans?
Flea foggers contain insecticides that can be dangerous if directly inhaled or absorbed through the skin at high concentrations. While regulated for residential consumer use, they should always be used with caution:
- Pregnant women, infants, and the elderly should avoid exposure for at least 24-48 hours.
- Open windows and ventilate for the recommended time before re-entering.
- Carefully follow instructions and never use more foggers than directed.
- Thoroughly wash skin, clothing, and fabrics after exposure.
- Heed any warning labels and ask a doctor if you have health concerns.
With proper usage, covering of furniture, and cleanup afterwards, foggers can be safe. However, accidents can happen, so extra precautions are advised.
Are Flea Foggers Safe For Pets?
Flea foggers use insecticides that can be toxic, even lethal, to pets if directly and heavily exposed. All pets should be removed before fogging.
- Birds, rabbits, and reptiles are especially vulnerable to chemicals.
- Dogs and cats should be boarded or kept away for the full recommended period.
- Aquariums should be covered and filters turned off to prevent poisoning fish.
- Thoroughly clean pet dishes and toys after fogging before reintroducing pets.
- Bathe and groom pets after returning home to remove any lingering residue.
While many foggers are approved for use around pets when directions are followed, their safety margins are lower than in humans. Erring on the side of caution is best.
Alternatives to Flea Foggers
If concerned about using foggers to eliminate fleas, there are some alternative treatment options:
Flea Sprays
- Applied directly to furniture, carpets, pet beds, etc.
- Provides residual protection for weeks.
- Can target problem areas instead of entire home.
- Less dispersal of insecticides into open air.
Flea Powders
- Sprinkled on carpets, upholstery, pet beds and then vacuumed up.
- Minimal exposure to people and pets.
- Provides residual killing of flea larvae for up to 2 months.
Professional Pest Control
- Exterminator uses targeted sprays and insect growth regulators.
- Can assess and treat hot spots instead of full home fogging.
- Often uses less toxic and pet-friendly options than foggers.
- May provide residual prevention after infestation eliminated.
Talk to your vet or an exterminator to find the safest flea treatment for your situation.
Flea Bombing FAQ
How long do you have to stay out of the house after flea bombing?
It’s recommended to leave your house for 3-4 hours at minimum after setting off flea foggers. Some products require you vacate for up to 24 hours for safety. Follow all label instructions and ventilate well before re-entering.
Do flea foggers kill eggs?
Flea foggers will kill adult fleas and some eggs, but they are less effective on flea larvae and pupae. Eggs and larvae in crevices or under furniture may survive. Fogging again in 2 weeks will help kill newly emerged fleas.
How long does flea bomb residue last?
Depending on the insecticide, fogger residue can linger from days to weeks if left uncovered. It breaks down faster with ventilation, sunlight, regular vacuuming and cleaning. Covering and washing fabrics will remove most residue.
Do flea bombs work on carpet?
Yes, insecticide foggers will kill fleas and eggs in carpet fibers. But eggs and larvae deep down at the base may survive. Use with sprays or powders for the best carpet penetration and flea elimination.
Should I wash my clothes after flea bombing?
Yes, all clothing exposed to flea fogger insecticides should be washed after treatment. The fogger chemicals can settle into fabric fibers and persist on clothes. Washing will remove any residues.
Conclusion
Using flea bombs requires taking proper precautions, including covering beds, furniture and surfaces. This protects items from chemical residues and allows for easier cleanup after treatment. While effective when used correctly, flea foggers do involve insecticide exposure risk and may not eliminate all life stages. Compare with other options like sprays, powders or professional exterminators to decide the safest flea treatment for your situation.