Flea bomb products emit a continuous stream of insecticide that allows you to treat a large area in one go. When used correctly, they are proven to be effective in getting rid of an infestation. In addition to being lethal to parasites, the chemicals contained are dangerous to humans and pets. It is important to disinfect the entire home and not just a room, since fleas spread en masse. You should also take care to treat animals separately against these insects when using a bomb product, to avoid new infestations. Also, don't forget to take precautions to ensure the safety of all family members.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the House
Step 1. Calculate the area expressed in square meters that you need to treat
Bomb products are available in different formats based on the brand and the substances contained. Typically, one pack is required for each room; however, in some cases a single "bomb" positioned at the entrance allows disinfesting several adjacent rooms. Read the instructions carefully to understand the range of action of the product.
Step 2. Purchase a high quality insecticide
Ask your vet for advice, ask friends or family for their opinion on the products they have used, and read reviews online. Ask the shop assistants questions to find out more about bomb treatments, but always compare their opinions with the news you have gathered thanks to your research.
Step 3. Read all instructions on the package
Most of these devices work the same way. Make sure you have read and understood the directions before disinfecting the house.
Step 4. Plan a period of several hours, during which no one will be at home, including pets
The chemicals in the insecticide are poisonous and can easily poison humans and animals. Check the label on the product you bought to keep the family safe and stay out of the house for as long as the instructions say.
Step 5. Open the doors and drawers
Open all doors to the infested rooms so that the chemical can kill the fleas. Don't forget the drawers and cabinets to get rid of the insects that are inside the furniture as well.
Step 6. Remove all cutlery and utensils that are used for eating, food, small appliances and dishes
Remove these kinds of items from kitchen drawers and cabinets to protect them from insecticide. By storing them away from the action of the bomb treatment, you will be able to clean them more easily at the end of the procedure.
Step 7. Cover the tabletop, kitchen, special furniture and electronic devices
The chemicals you use can soil these surfaces and damage appliances. Protect them with sheets or plastic sheets.
You can easily find bed linens in thrift markets. Painter's cloths are available in hardware stores and paint shops
Step 8. Seal or move the aquarium
The poisons you will need to spread are toxic to aquatic animals. If you can't take the tub to another place, cover and seal it with cling film.
Step 9. Turn off all lights and electrical devices
Both the propellant and the insecticide chemicals are flammable. Turn off the heating or air conditioning system and don't forget the boiler pilot flame. Disconnect all fans from the power supply.
Step 10. Close all windows before proceeding
Make sure that the insecticide cannot leave the house and ensure its maximum effectiveness by closing all openings to the outside.
Part 2 of 3: Treating the House
Step 1. Clean the house and use the vacuum cleaner just before the treatment
The vibrations created by the vacuum cleaner cause the larvae to come out, maximizing the effectiveness of the insecticide.
Step 2. Remove all dirty laundry
Eggs and larvae can hide in piles of dirty laundry. Wash all your laundry or put it in a bag and take it to the laundry while you treat the house.
Step 3. Place the devices on newspaper or plastic bags in the center of each room you need to treat
In this way, you prevent product residues from staining the floor surrounding the container.
Step 4. Verify that all cans are in place before activating them
When you operate a device, you must evacuate the house immediately, to prevent potential poisoning caused by exposure to poisons.
Step 5. Activate the treatment and leave the house
Follow the directions on the package to operate the device. If you've placed more than one can, start by activating the one in the room farthest from the exit and continue as you approach the door. Once a "bomb" is in operation, do not reenter the room.
Step 6. Stay away from home
Avoid unnecessary exposure to pesticides by keeping all pets and family members out of the house for two to four hours. Read the instructions on the label carefully to find out how long it will take to go home.
Step 7. Treat pets for fleas
While you are waiting for access to the house, it is important to remove all parasites from the body of your furry friends, so as not to infest the house again when you return.
- Ask the vet to prescribe pills containing nitenpyram (Capstar) to kill adult fleas on the pet's body.
- Wash your pet with flea shampoo.
- Take your furry friend to a professional groomer for a professional flea treatment or wash.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the House Flea Free
Step 1. Clean the house on your return
Typically, you should find dead fleas, insecticide residue, and a layer of dust after a bomb treatment. Use the vacuum cleaner and scrub the floors carefully, clean the tables and kitchen countertops, wash the sheets and clothes, without neglecting any surface.
It is advisable to wear gloves during cleaning and to throw them away at the end, to avoid direct contact with the residues of toxic substances
Step 2. Open the windows to ventilate the house and reduce the bad smell
The smell of insecticides could last several hours or days. Open the doors and turn on any traditional or ceiling ventilation systems to get rid of them.
Step 3. Use the vacuum cleaner every day for 10-14 days
In this way, you remove all adult specimens that have recently hatched from the eggs and that have survived the treatment.
Step 4. Prepare for numerous treatments
Some products are not effective against flea eggs which can hatch days or weeks after pest control. Check your home and pets for several weeks after the first treatment for fleas.
Step 5. Examine pets for new infestations
Parasite droppings take the form of small red-brown spots on the dog's or cat's fur. If your dog scratches itself, use a flea comb to check the undercoat for excrement or adult insects.
Advice
- Ask your vet about a flea medicine and don't be afraid to ask any questions or concerns that they can answer.
- Brush the animals regularly (throw the fur in a sealed bag in the dumpster outside the house to catch all fleas and eggs). The bomb treatment may have reduced the number of parasites in the house, but your four-legged friends could infest it again if they are not given constant and continuous flea treatment.
- Sealed foods such as canned or airtight containers should not be thrown away after processing. But remember to wash the outer container after using a bomb insecticide.
Warnings
- All fresh fruit or vegetables exposed to the insecticide should be thrown away and not consumed.
- Bomb treatment insecticides contain neurotoxins. They should not be used regularly and should not be taken lightly, considering them on a par with other flea products. The best methods are to have pets get flea care, vacuum the house, and manage flea presence at the first sign.
