How to Use a Flea Fogger in an Apartment

The best method for controlling fleas is a treatment applied directly to an animal. A pet that hasn't been treated for fleas, however, can bring them into your home or apartment. Fleas in the house can quickly lead to an infestation in your carpet and upholstered furniture. Flea foggers or bombs can be used to kill fleas, but special care must be taken when using insecticides in the house. Flea foggers can be dangerous to people and pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Flea fogger
  • Vacuum cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the square footage of the area to be treated. Flea foggers are designed to cover certain amounts of space, and you will need to get the right size and number of flea bombs to cover the job.

    • 2

      Choose a flea fogger. There are a number of flea bomb products on the market. Read labels to find the one that best suits your needs. Some products require you to remain out of the home longer than others.

    • 3

      Move large furniture pieces off carpet and onto tile or wood floors if possible. Fleas may be breeding in carpet under a large easy chair or couch, and the furniture may block the fogger from reaching those areas.

    • 4

      Vacuum all carpets to ensure that the flea fogger reaches into carpet. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag in the outside trash.

    • 5

      Remove all exposed food and dishes and eating or cooking utensils. Cover food preparation surfaces to avoid contamination.

    • 6

      Turn off lights and put out open flames such as pilot lights. Flea foggers contain flammable liquid and can cause fire if improperly handled.

    • 7

      Remove all people and pets---including birds and fish---from the home before treating it with a flea fogger.

    • 8

      Place bombs in appropriate places throughout the apartment. Release bombs first in rooms farthest from your exit route and move through the house, setting foggers off until you have released the bombs in every room. Move quickly and get out of the house as rapidly as possible.

    • 9

      After the fogging, return home to open the windows and ventilate, then leave again. Quickly go through the apartment and open as many windows and doors as you can to get as much fresh air in as possible, then leave and let the apartment air out. Flea fogger instructions will tell you the recommended length of time to ventilate the home before you can return for good.