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12 Best Flea Killers: Sprays, Traps, Foggers (Bombs)

What is the best flea killer? The solution should target not only adults but also larvae and eggs. The effect should be durable, and lasting for several weeks or more. And you will need a convenient canister to spray it all around the house. We believe that Raid Flea Killer Plus & professional Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus meet all these criteria.

How to get rid of fleas | Best Flea Killers Infographics | StoppestInfo.com

1. Raid Flea Killer Plus 
This is an insecticidal spray with an IGR that works against fleas on all life stages. The solution is based on pyrethrins and tetramethrin, the active ingredients knocking down insects on contact. With a wide spraying angle, it kills fleas even in hard-to-reach areas. The effect lasts up to 4 months.

Raid Flea Killer Plus min: photo
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2. Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus
To treat carpets, cracks, and hidden places, we recommend using professional IGR (insect growth regulator) sprays like PRECOR with a high concentration of methoprene IGR (0.085%). It combines fast-acting insecticides and slow-acting IGR that prevent egg and larvae from breeding. It penetrates deep into the base of carpet and upholstery fibers. The effect lasts up to 7 months. Covers 2,000 square feet.

Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus min: photo
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What Is the Best Flea Killer?

Today, the market offers a wide range of products. What should you choose: a spray, a fogger, or a trap? We have decided to ask scientists for advice. Here’s what Michael Potter, Extension Entomologist in University of Kentucky College of Agriculture says::

“Most homeowners will find aerosol formulations easier to apply than liquids. Moreover, aerosol products which can be dispensed by hand – and thus directed under and behind beds, furniture, etc. – tend to be more effective than “foggers” or “bug bombs” which are indiscriminately set off in the center of a room. It is essential that the application is thorough and includes all likely areas of flea development.

Carpets, throw rugs, under and behind beds and furniture, and beneath cushions on which pets sleep, should all be treated. Pay particular attention to the areas where pets spend time or sleep, as these will be the areas where most flea eggs, larvae and pupae will be concentrated. For example, if the family cat sleeps within a closet, or hides under the bed, these areas must be treated or the problem will continue. Flea traps can be helpful but will not eliminate a flea infestation unless used in combination with other methods.”

To treat carpets, pet sleeping & bedding areas use aerosol sprays with IGR (insect growth regulator). They combine fast-acting insecticides and slow-acting IGR, that prevent egg and larvae from breeding. You may choose Raid or more powerful professional Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus with a high concentration of methoprene IGR (0.085%).

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If you’ve decided to take on the task; It’s high time to get rid of fleas at home or in your backyard, and have asked the question, “How to kill fleas?” to your friends, online and at stores, you’ll find yourself facing such a wide range of pest control products that you can become very confused. Extermination of each type of insects requires an individual approach, so let’s focus on the chemical compounds and organic matters which are deadly for these blood-suckers. You will find out which control methods are scientifically approved, whether a single flea bomb will kill pests, and which products are suitable against fleas in the yard. So let’s jump in and see what you can do to protect your home, family and pets.
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Comparative Chart of Best Flea Killers for Home

TypeHow Does It Work?Best Use
Insecticide Sprays With IGR
Raid Flea Killer min: photo

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Combined action. Fast action: insecticides kill adult bugs on contact. Slow action: IGR prevent egg and larvae from developing into biting adults.Apply indoors: at home, in the garage, kennel, on the carpets, rugs, wood flooring, tile, drapery, furniture, cushions, pet sleeping & bedding areas.
Diatomaceous Earth
Safer Brand 51703 Diatomaceous Earth min: photo

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Kill on contact: the particles cut the insects’ exoskeleton and cause dehydration.Intersperse it in the insects’ activity areas. Use it only indoors, in rooms with low humidity.
Natural Sprays
Vets Best Natural Flea Spray min: photo

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Kill insects on contact and then repel them.Use only for a house treatment not for pets. Apply indoor or outdoor on home surfaces such as pet bedding, pillows, blankets, upholstery, carpets and in your yard.
Concentrated IGR
ZOECON Precor IGR Concentrate min: photo

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Slow action: Prevent egg and larvae from developing into biting adults.Dissolve with water. Use indoors or/ and outdoors (read the labels of products).
Flea Traps
Victor M230A Ultimate Flea Trap min: photo

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It lures bugs with the lamp light, heat, and smell of the bait and the adhesive agent won’t let them out.It is only for indoors use, as it requires a power supply connection.
Flea Foggers (Bombs)
Hot Shot No Mess! Fogger min: photo

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According to the scientists, bombs are not very effective because very little insecticide penetrates into cracks and hidden places.If you want to try using it, be very careful! Follow the instructions so as to not cause any harm to yourself and to others.

Now that we have identified the most effective artificial chemicals and natural active ingredients for killing and repelling parasites, you will be able to take a closer look at 12 best flea killers: sprays, concentrated IGR, traps and foggers (bombs).

The Best Flea IGR Sprays and Concentrated Insecticides

These products are presented on the market as concentrated sprays and insecticides that must be first dissolved and then sprayed. Here are the best 4 products:

1. Raid Flea Killer Carpet & Room Spray

Raid Spray is aimed at indoor treatment of carpets, upholstery and pets’ bedding. The aerosol has a wide spraying angle, allowing reach to even the least accessible places.

Raid Flea Killer Plus: photo

The spray has a dual action and controls insects on all life stages. It contains an IGR (0,015% methoprene) which doesn’t let the eggs hatch into adult biters. However, IGR acts slowly which is why it is normally combined with fast-acting insecticides that kill adults and larvae.

The manufacturer promises that the product will protect you from fleas for four months. It seems like it’s true. Almost all the customers who bought it were satisfied with its action. It looks like one bottle will cover one room. You need to abundantly spray all contaminated surfaces and carpets, shut the door and leave the room. Some people complain of the spray’s strong smell but add that this inconvenience is a trifle in comparison with the results it yields.

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Raid Flea Killer Plus: Check the current price

2. Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus Premise Spray | Higher IGR Methoprene 0.085%

This combined action spray kills fleas, ticks, ants, cockroaches when it comes in contact with them (as it contains Permethrin and Phenothrin). It also inhibits survivors’ breeding and thus serves as an IGR (Methoprene is the component responsible for this). The concentration of its active ingredients is higher than that of other sprays with IGR. For example, it contains 0.085% methoprene, which is several times more than Raid has. We consider this dual action spray to be the most powerful flea treatment for carpet. So after you have completely eliminated the insects, you will be fully protected against them for 7 full months, as the manufacturer claims.

Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus Premise Spray: photo

It can be applied at homes, in garages, kennels, on carpets, rugs, wood flooring, tile, drapery, furniture, cushions, pet sleeping & bedding areas, which is literally everywhere indoors. The users claim that before applying the spray, it is necessary to move the furniture in the room, vacuum clean everything, spray the surface and leave it to dry. It’s better to remove pets and children from the room, and an exterminator should wear a protective mask! You may need to spray for a second time within a few days, and do not forget to vacuum clean the room every two days after the treatment.

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Zoecon Precor 2000 Plus: Check the current price

The same manufacturer sells concentrated IGR as a dissolvable insecticide, Precor IGR Insect Growth Regulator 1oz bottle Flea Control. This small bottle is to be dissolved in a gallon of water – which will be enough for indoor treatment of 1500 sq. ft. Methoprene (1,2%), which is an active component, is said to remove any flea eggs and larvae and repels the insects for 7 months. Use it on carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet sleeping areas – if you believe that using a handmade insecticide is more reliable than using a ready-to-apply one.

ZOECON Precor IGR Concentrate: photo

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3. MARTIN’S I.G. Regulator

This is another liquid concentrate of a larger volume (4oz.), and it seems to be better value for money than the previous IGR bottle – as this volume will be enough for treating 6,000 sq. ft. The active ingredient is IGR (pyriproxyfen).

Its important advantage is the fact that this IG Regulator can be used both indoors and outdoors on furniture, animal quarters, carpets, kennels, poultry houses, etc. to fight against fleas, roaches, flies, mosquitoes, gnats, crickets, litter beetles, and ants. Here’s an important note from the manufacturer: “IG Regulator does not work on adult fleas and flea pupae that already exist,” it works only on the eggs, preventing their transformation in the larvae and adults. Ultimately, this should lead to the elimination of the entire population.

How do the users rate this product? Judging by the reviews, the IGR copes well with the elimination of fleas on its own, but some use it combined with other agents. This insecticide shows excellent results, including complete elimination of pests within a week, as per one of the users. Don’t hope that there is a genie in this bottle and that it will work the same in your case. Perhaps, your situation will require a month or even more. Be persistent.

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Natural Flea Sprays & a Dust (DE)

4. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray

Although this spray is a #1 Best Seller in the Cat Flea Sprays category, the manufacturer claims that its use is not limited to pets. Furniture, carpet, flooring and countertops can be treated with it against both adults and their eggs. Vet’s Spray contains 2 active ingredients, which are peppermint oil and clove extract. Both of them are natural and safe for use in a house where there are pets and children.

Vet's Best Flea & Tick Pet & Home Spray: photo

First, you need to vacuum all the surfaces and spray the Vet’s Spray around without neglecting the areas under furniture, window sills, corners and so on. Some of the customers tried to use it for the carpet and here is what they recommend: “There is no need for the carpet to soak in the liquid, good results can be achieved by spraying lightly. Do not overdo it, and wet the carpet or other surface just slightly!”

The spray has an intense smell. Most consumers like it, though they don’t advise sniffing it. Shut the room for the night, examine the floors and carpets in the morning, and vacuum clean any flea remains on the carpet. It is claimed that within a few hours (some said 12), the smell disappears completely.

Even if you have destroyed the fleas in the house, there is still a risk of bringing them back from their own yard. Keep in mind that they often live in outdoor kennels and the surrounding areas. To protect yourself and your home from re-infestation, you need to handle hazardous areas with special outdoor spray.

As you understand, natural products are less effective than powerful chemicals. So, we recommend that you first combine several organic flea killers for home, such as a spray and diatomaceous earth.

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5. Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Yard and Kennel Spray

The volume of 32 oz is enough for treatment of an area up to 4500 sq ft. It is called natural because it has active natural components – Eugenol – Clove Oil Extract (1.40%) and Peppermint Oil (0.60%), but the composition also has the chemical, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (3.45%). Note that although the active ingredients in a spray are the same as in the previous spray, their concentration is two times bigger – specifically for use in harsh outdoor environments! Street spray similarly promises to kill the eggs and adult fleas and ticks and even scares away mosquitoes.

The manufacturer says that the spray can be freely used in the streets, and on and around pets (from 12 weeks old). And it’s very simple to do: connect the bottle to a garden hose, turn on the water and evenly spray on the area of the yard and kennel, including lawns and asphalt tracks. Do not be greedy, and do not create puddles – Be moderate watering! The treatment is best carried out in dry weather, so that the product will have time to dry. Repeat throughout the year, when the weather allows it.

Users report that the product can completely clean the yard of fleas in one application – but even in this case, there’s no harm to continue using it as a preventive measure. It would be particularly useful when you have a lot of pets at home that spend time on the street and you do not want to get fleas in your house again after their treatment.

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6. Safer 51703 Diatomaceous Earth

The main advantage is that this substance is so safe that it can even be used in schools, where there’s a high concentration of children. It is recommended to apply the DE powder only indoors, in rooms with low humidity – therefore this method of killing fleas outside is useless. But indoors, it can be sprayed on all surfaces and objects: furniture, couch pet, floors, carpets, in any gaps and niches. This natural remedy is not only safe, but also has an affordable price.

FYI: Although DE is safe for people, if used improperly, the fine particles can cause eye and respiratory irritation. Therefore, we recommend using a protective mask, glasses and a convenient hand-duster like the popular Pest Pistol (R) Mini Duster.

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Safer Brand: Check the current price

Best Flea Traps

All of the flea traps are nearly identical, so we picked two by famous manufacturers: Victor and Aspectek.

7. Victor M230A Ultimate Flea Trap

This trap is only for indoors use, as it requires a power supply connection. The Victor Trap lures insects with the lamp light, heat, and smell of the bait, as well as with its color at a distance of up to 30 feet. The manufacturer claims that it is even able to entice upholstery fleas, so they were following the light (or “the temple” as the buyers call it) like little zombies.

Victor M230 Ultimate Flea Trap: photo

The Victor Flea Trap is supplied with two adhesive discs which firmly reliably retain the insects inside. They need to be replaced every 2-4 weeks for continuous protection against the bloodsuckers. The trap is safe, and can be used even near pets and children.

Customers give different ratings to the product, and some quite polar opinions can be found.

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8. ASPECTEK Trapest Sticky Dome Flea Bed Bug Trap with 2 Glue Discs Included

This trap has three times fewer reviews than the previous one, but its overall rating is slightly higher than that of Victor. It is also supplied with two removable adhesive discs. Replaceable wheels and lamps are also available.

The idea of Aspectek Flea Trap operation is the same as that of the previous item – it attracts fleas with light, heat, odor, and the color of the device and is plugged into a wall outlet (the length of the cord is 6 feet).

Cat owners are advised to monitor their pets: There were cases of kittens starting to play with the trap and eventually sticking to the adhesive disk with their fur, which is very frustrating! But to those who didn’t face this problem, the trap helped reduce the flea population.

These two traps are arch enemies and their effect is almost identical, so we reserve the right to get acquainted with both of them and choose the one that seems more efficient and reliable. Unfortunately, a trap does not completely eliminate the fleas indoors – instead, it lets you determine and remove the hotbed of the disasters, kill many adult fleas, and then “finish off” the remaining ones with a vacuum, chemicals, and other means.

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Aspectek: Check the current price

The Best Flea Fogger (Bomb)

Flea foggers (a.k.a. bombs) seem a powerful indoor flea control product. It releases some toxic mist that kills insects on contact. But many scientists doubt the high effectiveness of bug bombs. So, we recommend using it together with IGR sprays to kill insects in hard-to-reach-places. We don’t want to confuse you when it comes to picking a fogger, That’s why we’ve picked two popular products (the first one is a best seller in the Pest Control Foggers category):

9. Hot Shot HG-20177 No Mess! Fogger, Aerosol

The foggers (bombs) are aimed at killing the insects on contact with the help of Pyrethrins. Reviews regarding the extermination of the fleas are contradictory, though experienced users claim that this fogger works if you “help it” and use it indoors alongside the safe Diatomaceous Earth product. As for the other comments, the product has either “worked like a charm” or even managed to eliminate spiders and other insects. If your house is over 800 sq. ft., you should use at least 2 Hot Shot Foggers simultaneously in different rooms. Those who have neglected safety rules and never left the house after the treatment claim that the fog doesn’t have an intense odor but functions like tear gas instead. Be careful!

“Try this fogger out when you buy a “new” house, to check out the level of insect infestation. If there are many dead insects,  you now  know how to deal the problem”.

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10. Raid Flea Killer Plus Fogger 3 CT

Unlike other flea bombs, Raid Fogger contains not only fast-acting insecticides, but also IGR (methoprene). This component combination promises to kill adults on contact and stop egg development within four months. Sounds good, but is it really so? This fogger acts just like others. The experts claim that this is useless as the poisonous fog drops won’t reach the insects’ inaccessible shelters and kill them there.

Just like with Hot Shot, the feedback is contradictory. For some, this control method is effective and they recommend bombing the house for a few days in a row using several bombs. Other users note that after a course of this treatment, the parasites not only stay intact, but even become more aggressive.

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Raid Flea Fogger: Check the current price

If you want to try using it, be very careful! It is the most dangerous pest control product. You should carefully follow the instructions so as to not cause any harm to yourself and your loved ones. We will briefly define the most important points regarding the use of the fogger (bomb) (for more details refer to the product instructions):

  1. Take all food, utensils, toothbrushes, dishes, appliances (i.e. anything that can be damaged) out of the treatment area. Doing this will make it easier to remove chemicals from everything. Also, take out any flowers, pets, aquariums (or at least cover them and tuck in the fabric tightly). Remove people from the room for at least 8 hours.
  2. Cover the wooden countertops and any furniture without upholstery covers with tarpaulins so that the insecticide doesn’t damage it.
  3. Open all the doors and drawers, which don’t contain anything listed in the first point. In that way, the substance will be able to cover a larger area. Close the windows.
  4. Turn off all the lights, all the heaters and air conditioners.
  5. Determine the best location for the fogger. It is better to put it in the central room, from where fog can easily spread to all the neighboring rooms.

You can activate the flea bomb only after fulfilling these steps. Leave the room for at least 8 hours. Once you’re back at home, clean up and vacuum clean everything, wipe away the dust and chemical residues, and get rid of dead insects.

FYI. Mind that just like bed bugs, fleas mutate and certain types of them acquire the ability to resist insecticides. This is particularly evident in the research of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which states that “Ctenocephalides felis [cat flea] resistance has been reported to: carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, pyrethrins, organochlorines, and fipronil – more categories than any other flea species.” The UC IPM Program specialists add: “Products for eliminating adult fleas outdoors are somewhat limited because many field populations of cat fleas are resistant to pyrethroids such as permethrin.”

We can’t recommend to you a single flea treatment product. Each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages. And we have shown that a multifaceted approach(insecticides, vacuuming/cleaning and pet maintenance) is the best way to deal with these pests, and keep in mind prevention is much easier than dealing with an infestation. The chart below distinguishes the best products for outdoor and indoor use.

12 Best Flea Treatment Products for Indoors and Outdoors

What Is The Best Flea Treatment?

Let’s summarize our review and sum up which products are best for treating various indoor and outdoor spaces?

  • The best flea treatment for home is natural oil-based sprays and chemical IGR sprays and concentrates. Use DE (Diatomaceous Earth) to kill parasites in the hardest to reach corners and cracks in the floor and under the furniture. Set some flea traps to monitor survivors.
  • To treat pet bedding, use natural or chemical sprays with IGR. By no means can you use diatomaceous earth as the pets can accidentally lick it.
  • The best flea treatment for carpet is diatomaceous earth or chemical spray. Naturally, remember to vacuum clean your carpets frequently.
  • For outdoor treatment, use natural sprays and powerful IGR products in case the blood-suckers happen to have immense offspring.
  • For cat treatment, you’d better combine systemic (oral products based on IGR) and spot-on treatments (drops). Shampoos, combs, dusts and collars are also effective. Remember that permethrin-based products should never be used on cats. Find more information in our guide How to Get Rid of Fleas on Cats Fast.
  • For dog treatment, systemic products, such as IGR tablets, are more preferable. The thing is that the dogs have contact with water more often than cats do, and thus the effectiveness of topical treatments may be reduced. Depending on the situation, use drops, shampoos, sprays, dusts and combs. Read more in our review of the 8 best dog flea control products.

We advise you to combine multiple products and to keep the house clean and vacuum the floors more often. If you want to know more, read our guide about how to get rid of fleas. We hope that you’ll have enough patience when striving for a flea-free house!

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12 thoughts on “12 Best Flea Killers: Sprays, Traps, Foggers (Bombs)”

  1. This article was very informative and taught me a great deal. Before reading this I was going to flea bomb our house, but after reading this, I think it would be better to spray. Not only can I do a room at a time, I can cover more area more completely. Thank you for this information. It helped me make an informed decision.

    1. Hey
      what was your process of getting rid of the fleas? I’m having a hard time and i was thinking about bombing the house since the spray not working.. it’s not horrible but i dont want the problem to get worse

  2. I wouldn’t waste my $$ on flea traps, when you can easily make one yourself. Just get a pan and put water and a little dish soap in it. Set the pan on the floor in an infested area, and put a desklamp or something similar next to the pan so that the bulb is hanging over the pan. The fleas will jump towards the heat from the bulb but land in the pan. The small amount of soap in the water breaks the surface tension of the water so the fleas sink instead of being able to “float” on the water. I’ve used this method in the past if I had a problem in a localized area to great effect.

  3. An effective flea trap can be made using sticky mouse/insect traps from the hardware store. Pair it with a small set of led mini lights or led tea light.

    I find this much more effective than the water/dish soap combo

    1. Yes, they are. Foggers are often called bombs because it is supposed to spray miniscule particles of a toxic insecticide in the air, and just like a bomb with a large attack radius, to kill all the pests in the room. The scientists have proven, though, that it is pointless to use flea bombs for home. Poisonous fog drops are unable to reach the parasites’ shelter.

  4. Today I tried using flea bomb for house treatment. It was worthless (too bad I haven’t read this article beforehand). Should I now clean up?

    1. Did you prepare for the treatment? Here it is justly mentioned that any animals and food must be removed, and surfaces that could be potentially damaged are to be covered. If you did that, carry out dry and wet cleaning after using flea bombs, remove any dead insects and ventilate the room. Only after these procedures people and pets are allowed inside. By the way, be extra careful if you own a cat and the used treatment contains permethrin. The substance is extremely toxic for cats, so you’d better wash everything twice.

  5. I have already bought a few flea bombs, should I use them at all or are they utterly? Can I combine them with other treatments?

    1. Yes, you can, especially if your room isn’t large. Don’t expect a single use to yield many results though. You will have to treat your carpet (with a spray or a dust) as well as your furniture and other surfaces separately. Fleas can hide in the corners and cracks, but, just like many other insects, they come to light at night. That is why a special flea trap can be handy. Such devices attract parasites with light and trap them. They will help you figure whether there are many fleas still left in the room.

  6. Thank you so much for shaing this. I was actually on a hunt for a similar product for my dog, as we spend lots of time daily in parks, so I think this will definitely come in handy!

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