Bug Bomb Exposed: Why Insect Bombs are Ineffective

December 18th, 2008 Posted in Organic & Chemical Pesticides




Sure, it might be tempting to use a bug bomb, or insect fogger, since its name wields so much power. If you’ve put up with a bug infestation for awhile, you probably can’t wait to retaliate the invasion with a bomb.

The truth is…bug bombs aren’t as powerful as their name suggests, nor are they safe, especially if not used by a professional. This article will tell you why and suggest safer solutions.

Insect Fogger – What is it?

A total release fogger is a pesticide product containing an aerosol propellant in a can that releases its contents to fumigate an area. Because of the aerosol propellant, a bug bomb is typically flammable, so improper use can cause a fire or explosion.

Bug Bombs “Bomb”

Although it would seem like an insecticide that makes you and your pests vacate the treated area for hours or days would kill bugs, bug bombs often fail.

One problem with this type of insecticide application is that it doesn’t actually make it into the cracks and voids in which pests hang out. You see, to prepare for the “bombing,” you’re supposed to open drawers, cabinets, and closets where pests may be living. Then, bug bomb directions usually have you place the can in the center of a room on a chair or table where you activate it by depressing a button or removing a tab at the top of the can. This allows the entire contents to be released upwards into the air where the chemicals remain suspended for awhile before settling down onto the floor and other surfaces.

Since it fails to make it to bug hiding places, bumb bombs don’t work as well as target insecticide application that can directly treat hiding spots.

Not Safe

Before using a bug bomb in a kitchen, homeowners often forget to cover exposed food, utensils, and food preparation equipment and surfaces, nor do they remember to clean these items after use. The chemical residues are a potential health hazard.

New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on October 17, 2008, that the state will move to classify total release foggers as a restricted-use product so that only licensed pesticide professionals can obtain them, instead of the general public. Foggers have caused four to eight serious explosions in New York City apartments, according to Fire Department data over the past several years.

There were 123 cases of fogger-related illness or injury in New York State from 2001-2006, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most commonly reported health affects caused by bug bombs are respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea and vomiting, according to a study published in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The median age of affected persons is 35.

An Alternative

As you can see, bug bombs aren’t exactly the most effective or safe method of getting rid of pests. An effective, environmentally-friendly line of organic pest control, EcoSMART, is a great alternative. You can apply the sprays directly to your target and have no need to fear, since they’re safe around children and pets.

These minimum-risk products work, because they contain a blend of natural oils that block neural pathways found only in insects. This blockage results in immediate knockdown followed by death.

Don’t bomb your house. Try EcoSMART products today!




  1. 114 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By Anne on Dec 18, 2008

    BOMB?/?/?????
    That word makes me very uncomfortable!!
    I DON’T want to BOMB my home to get rid of creepy crawlies. I want them to live OUTSIDE not in my home.

  3. By Frank Peoples Sr. on Dec 18, 2008

    Please help me!!! I am tired of sitting at my computer and feel this crawling sensation up my leg! I have bombed a few times, but yes, as the article has stated, it doesn’t work?

  4. By Colby on Dec 18, 2008

    These are horrible!! Very Dangerous to kids and pets, and I have never had any luck, back when I did try them , and move out of my home for a week! EEEEK!

  5. By Ira on Dec 18, 2008

    A low cost, green eco friendly, healthy natural way to deal with aphids is to make a homemade liquid from soapberries which grow on the Chinaberry tree and have been used for thousands of years. They work very effectively.

  6. By Debbie on Dec 18, 2008

    I think these environmentally friendly products are fantastic if they do the job! I’m always concerned about using insecticides with my pets around so these sound awesome!

  7. By Jenny Gossman on Dec 19, 2008

    We recently tried bug bombs to get rid of roaches, but it just seems like it made them multiply. I have never had roaches this bad in my life. I am not sure what to do anymore. I read somewhere that soapy water in a spray bottle works to kill them and it is killing them when I spray them, but it seems like it is not even beginning to end my problem. What else could there be to end this problem. I have 4 kids and 2 dogs and I can’t stand these roaches anymore.

  8. By samantha on Dec 19, 2008

    I have a 3 month old and a bad insect problem i desperately need something effective but not harmful…hopefully this one will be it.

  9. By Casey H on Dec 19, 2008

    I applied to test and would love the chance to review a product on my blog and possibly host a sponsored giveaway. Please be in contact if you are interested.

  10. By Asja on Dec 19, 2008

    oh my god i did not know that!

  11. By Tina on Dec 19, 2008

    Please help me, we have pets and my husband does not want to spray or treat our insect problem. We just bought this house and have several wooded acres and have a problem with milapeds, spiders, beetles, ladybugs, ticks, and just about anything else. Help I h ave MS and he thinks when we have treated in the past I have a flare up….but bugs. I would love to try this to see if it works, if so you’ll have a costumer forever.

  12. By Kim Fenner on Dec 19, 2008

    Very interesting. I had never considered the residue left by bug bombs. I would love to try a safe alternative.

  13. By Elana on Dec 19, 2008

    I would love to have a product that gets rid of those pesky mosquitos. Being here at the beach they are Everywhere. Even my poor dog has been bitten

  14. By EcoSMART Kara on Dec 19, 2008

    Dear Jenny Gossman,

    To solve your roach problem, I recommend checking out any of the articles also on this blog accessible at: http://blog.ecosmart.com/index.php/category/roaches/

    Best of luck!

  15. By Kristina on Dec 19, 2008

    I have 3 kids and 2 cats so I am always afraid to spray for ants and ladybugs because I am afraid of harming my kids or pets. I couldn’t imagine using a bug bomb or fogger. It would be such a mess and it would take forever to clean up after them.

  16. By Dolly Tiwari on Dec 21, 2008

    I have kids and I am so much waiting for a safe product. I think this will be the answer.

  17. By Pamela Bing on Dec 22, 2008

    I have used “bug-bombs” often and they never seem to work for long. I’ve used them for everything from ants to roaches. The process of covering everything and the clean up is a BIG hassle. Does your product work better?

  18. By Alicia on Dec 26, 2008

    This is scary to read, as we have used them, out of desperation, to kill roaches and fleas. I hate the idea of them being poisonous to people and pets, and, as mentioned, they don’t work very well either. Yes, I would definitely like to see a safer alternative, that works!

  19. By mike on Dec 30, 2008

    Does this work for fleas?my 2 year old seems to be allergic to their bites and i dont want to “bomb” our home with pesticide,
    but fleas are tough.

  20. By Diane F on Dec 31, 2008

    Since moving to Florida, we’ve been bombarded by all types of insects. Using “Bombs” has had little effect in getting rid of these pests. Also, they’re not safe for my family & pets. Safe products are important for our home. “Bombing” is out!

  21. By Andrea on Jan 4, 2009

    Not to metion if you own animals you want to make sure that the bomb isn’t posionous to them.

  22. By Shawna on Jan 11, 2009

    I am shocked!! This is rerally good information to have as I have always been told how effective the bug bombs were! I “bombed” my house twice this summer and the bugs seemed to subside for a short period of time and them return. I am now afraid of what the “bombing” may have done to my health. I recently adopted two cats and really want to try this economically safe and organic product to rid my house of bugs once and for all!!!

  23. By JA Stannard on Jan 13, 2009

    I need a healthy alternative to bug control as I have a cat with athsma and can’t use a lot of the products out there.

  24. By Vicky on Jan 13, 2009

    I would like to buy an sprite for kill the bed bags. Please, could you recomend me where I could get it?. Bombs or sprite, witch one it’s better?. Thanks.

  25. By Holly on Jan 13, 2009

    I have had to use these “bombs” in the past to get rid of fleas. I would love to use something safer and just as effective. Bring it on!

  26. By Pam on Jan 16, 2009

    I thought ants were gone….but they came back after the warm weather earlier this month! Time to spray again….

  27. By Barbara on Jan 19, 2009

    Bombs are not safe especially if you have gas appliances in the home. A woman’s home blew up from using one of the roach bombs because she forgot to put out the pilot on the gas stove.

  28. By Lana on Jan 20, 2009

    These bombs definitely do not work. Roaches run around carrying umbrellas and laughing at the dumb humans thinking a spray can is going to get rid of them!

  29. By ll on Mar 2, 2009

    thank god I am leaving this roach infested place.. sprayed eco smart on them and yes, it got rid of the ones on the service.. roaches are so tough that they were covered in white spray and still moving… oh, how awful.

  30. By EcoSMART Kara on Mar 6, 2009

    II, Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you tried EcoSMART – and that it was a success. Be careful when you move – unfortunately, roaches like to travel. Check boxes before packing them away!

  31. By Jacob Herbold on Mar 19, 2009

    I’ve always heard that the bug bombs are bad for asthmatics as well. I am especially cautious about what I use now because I have a 6 month old.

  32. By EcoSMART Kara on Mar 25, 2009

    You’re right, Jacob. Let us know what you think of EcoSMART!

  33. By Brandie on Jun 27, 2009

    Well I am at my wit’s end as well – I am about to ‘bomb’ my house because my poor cat is tearing herself up and my 1 yr old and I (and my husband too!) are turning up with flea bites… This morning a flea jumped right out of the carpet in my living room onto my hand! I’ve used a natural essential oil flea repellent on the cat but I think that’s a better maintenance than a “get rid of” product. (?) I use the EcoSmart bug spray for our occasional spider or roach and love it – even though my husband says he cant’ stand the smell. I think it smells nice! But is there a whole house flea treatment available!? What do we do!?

  34. By Gina Brandt on Jul 8, 2009

    I have been considering Bombing my House, This will be a fantastic alternative- The Bug Bombs are such a pain in the butt, You have to spend hours covering everything- then any opened food needs to be tossed- all cereals, snacks everything- Then keeping the kids busy outside for hours, To come inside and have to clean everything- Its such a hassel this will be a blessing!!

  35. By Samara on Jul 9, 2009

    We have been plagued by teeney ants! They are everywhere. Call them ghost ants, sugar ants, white-footed ants; I call them a menace. Once they find their way in, they are almost impossible to get out. I would love to be able to find an easy, non-toxic solution to these guys. We’ve tried the home remedies, but to no avail. The best thing to work so far- leftover cake filling forgotten on the kitchen counter. Please help!!

  36. By Donna on Jul 14, 2009

    I have a horrible problem with bugs. We moved to the smoky mountains in the foothills and have several acres of woods and country around us, and I have more bugs now that I did living in Florida for 47 years. The spiders are out of control and the flees are out of control. I have a Maltese and worry about using products around him. I would love to try your product. If it works, I would be a great customer!

  37. By Ted Deines on Jul 14, 2009

    An intresting read, I have always wondered about the effectivness of BUG BOMBS. I would like to try your product.
    Thanks, Ted

  38. By samantha geier on Jul 15, 2009

    Hubby was just asking me to look up how to “bomb” our house, so I typed it into a search and up came this article. This definitely seems like the way to go. We have ants and little fruit flies that are driving us crazy. Plus this would be a great product to get our consumers to buy if they need to do this procedure. Thanks!

  39. By Samantha on Jul 17, 2009

    I found one flea on my 6 month old pup the other day, bathed her right away with flea shampoo and she seemed fine for a few days. Then a few more last night.
    I’m concerned that fleas are everywhere and multiplying. Being totally freaked out by bugs myself, and wanting my pup safe and happy, I want these gone now!
    If these products give results, I’d much rather use something safer!
    *has anyone USED these product and can share their experience?

  40. By Nicky on Jul 20, 2009

    AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!! I am being driven insane by the bugs! I live in AZ and its been extreamly warm all winter long and now the summer is here and its already been 115! We have been plaged by every kind of bug even termites and carpenter ants! Now in the last few months theres these little bugs on my bed. A few different ones. We have 3 cats that scratch too and we itch when were near them so they have there own set of bugs. The ones on the bed we cant figure out at first we thought they were bed bugs, then we thought they were lice now we have no idea what in bleep they are! Im so desprate for sleep they bite night and day just sitting here something bite my face! All the bugs Ive seen look different from one another dont think its fleas but Im betting there around too. My doc told me it was head lice but Im being bite all over now too. We have 6 rooms ALL have wall to wall carpeting! We need something to do the whole house beds an all does your product do that????? My cousin told me I need to bug bomb the whole house but we have a number of health issues here and cant. My cats were very sick all year long after we adopted the last cat and I cant now posion them with cemicals. We are on disablity and the cost of doing anything is really going to hurt us. Its so bad I spend my time looking around for bugs and crying. I cant sleep I cant eat when Im out I dont want to even go home. I’m loseing my mind I want to run away and never come back! Pleasessssssss can you help us????? :(

  41. By Rich O on Jul 20, 2009

    WE just moved into a new (but very old!) home and have just seen evidence of some icky residents. The problem is that we have two house bunnies and are VERY wary to just ring up any old exterminator for fear of what they will use to rid us of the critters. I’m definitely going to try some of the Eco Smart line first before resorting to chemical pesticides.

  42. By Thomas Jordan on Jul 21, 2009

    Im really curious as to how this will work…. I have used bug bombs in my houses before.. Infact I am in the middle fo a move and Just bug bombed last night… I set off 8 Hot shot foggers… But then again I am doing this premove. That is about the only time I fog; when everything is out of the house. If this stuf will work better I am all for giving it a try.

  43. By Meaghan on Jul 22, 2009

    Please help me!! My home is infested with gnats!! I have 3 children and need something very safe!! Please help me!!

  44. By Mat on Jul 23, 2009

    I live in an area that has lots of trees and bushes, coupled with my house being over 50 years old, makes for a spiders dreamland. I need help getting rid of them. I have tried bug bombs, exterior repellents, and glue traps. They just keep coming back. If your product works, I will be a customer for life! Please help!!!

  45. By Maros Fodor on Jul 23, 2009

    Pantry moth problem has been a nightmare for the past few years! Moth traps are only partially effective. It is a bit inconvenient to have all the pantry foods removed before letting the bug bomb do the job. I’m looking forward to try eco-friendly alternative!

  46. By Phillip on Jul 26, 2009

    I live in the country and our trailer is infested with roaches. We tried using a profession company but their method did not work and seemed to only make them worse and all they kept telling us is “give it time” guess 3-4 months wasn’t long enough. So we tried using the bug bombs and foggers and even doubled the recommended numbers in hopes it would help but it doesn’t. Wake up in the middle of the nite and the kitchen floor looks like New york city on new years eve from 1000 ft up. I would love to test your product and see if it does better then anything we ever tried.

  47. By KillMyBugs on Jul 27, 2009

    Fruit fly infestation, sprays do not work. BOMBED house and problem solved, just washed utensils and sealed food. Bombing does work!!

  48. By Dona Good on Jul 28, 2009

    Hi,

    I was just searching for a non-toxic bug bomb when came across this site.
    Our home is INFESTED with roaches. Some time ago we brought some boxes home from a storage unit to unpack for selling etc. We have been infested ever since.
    My mother and I booth have respirtory issues, we have pets in the home and my daughter has allergies. So most sprays are out of the question.
    It is frustrating and gross!
    My daughter is a teen and can’t even have a friend over for fear a roach will crawl on them.
    I am concerned with the health risks of having them everywhere and in everything.

    I am anxious to try the ecosmart product!

    Thank you
    Dona

  49. By Dona Good on Jul 28, 2009

    I was just searching for a non-toxic bug bomb when came across this site.
    Our home is INFESTED with roaches. Some time ago we brought some boxes home from a storage unit to unpack for selling etc. We have been infested ever since.
    My mother and I both have respirtory issues, we have pets in the home and my daughter has allergies. So most sprays are out of the question.
    It is frustrating and gross!
    My daughter is a teen and can’t even have a friend over for fear a roach will crawl on them.
    I am concerned with the health risks of having them everywhere and in everything.

    I am anxious to try the ecosmart product!

  50. By Jennifer on Jul 30, 2009

    I was planning on bug bombing my house tomorrow, then i saw this ad. I was wondering though does this stuff get rid of spiders like the brown recluse?

  51. By Jasmine on Aug 4, 2009

    We live in the woods and try to be very natural. But me and my poor dog are suffering from the worst flea season ever. Anything that helps get rid of these pesky creatures in my home would be a miracle. Also any ideas for a natural outdoor bug killer?

  52. By Donna Harris on Aug 13, 2009

    I have had some kind of knat for 2 yrs and nothing I do helps. I did just do a bomb but it was a hassle to keep my 91 yr old mother out of the house and now 2 days later I still see those nasty knats. Please help. I can’t go thru another winter with these black things on my walls. Thank you!

  53. By Ashley on Aug 14, 2009

    Not sure which is more wasteful/harmful…washing dozens of loads of sewing room fabric and household linens, renting carpet and upholstery shampooers that use toxic chemicals for cleaning OR bombing. All of my current options point to waste and chemicals. I do not want to undergo applications of chemical death that could jeapordize my families health in the process. HELP!

  54. By Jack McMillen on Aug 23, 2009

    I used 3 bug bombs about 4 wks.ago and the bugs are still here in the house with me.I would shoot them,but I don’t holes in the wall.

  55. By Stan on Aug 24, 2009

    I am looking for an environmentally friendly method of reducing insects at one of our university-owned field station structures. This is an old farm house which was donated to our department of Natural Resources. It would only make good common sense to use a product that is environmentally safe and friendly…

  56. By KIM on Sep 5, 2009

    I hope these products work! I really don’t want to use the harmful chemicals in my home.

  57. By Kerry on Sep 5, 2009

    I would much rather use a organic treatment rather than a harmful chemical because I am very scared of what it might do to my family. I really need to get rid of these spiders in my old home and am willing to try something safer.

  58. By James Young on Sep 6, 2009

    I am beng eaten alive by fleas and sugar ants.
    I tried spraying Hot shot directly on the carpet with no results.
    I hestate to use insect bombs because of allergies.

  59. By Kathy Martinez on Sep 7, 2009

    I’ve been on the computer for DAYS! Trying to find a way to get rid of our flea infestation. Ive tried the sprays, the powders, the collars, the baths. Im at my wits end. I refuse to “bomb” my house because I read an article where it was thought that a family “bombing” there house was the result in the death of a 10month old the next day. I have a 2month and a 2 year old. I wont risk it. I need help though, the fleas are multiplying right before my eyes!

  60. By Karen Schimmel on Sep 10, 2009

    I can’t take the spiders anymore! We have atleast 5 different kinds infesting our house and I’m sure one of them are leaving nasty, ozzie bites on my oldest daughter. I’m afraid to see what it would do to my infant. Bug bombs/foggers aren’t a good idea because of the young children. I need something more effective and safe.

  61. By Rebekah F. on Sep 11, 2009

    HELP!!! I have a problem with cockroaches and black widow spiders IN MY HOUSE. I found a blackwidow spider in my 6 MONTH OLD’s CRIB! Last year I had a BLACK WIDOW CRAWLING ON MY ARM when I was asleep in my bed!!! And there’s been black widows all over the house! And cockroaches appear everwhere! I honestly don’t know what to do anymore… I’m about to bug bomb my house but I don’t know if it’s the best solution especially because I don’t want to harm my baby. I need help and advice.

  62. By Jeannie Mackowiak on Sep 11, 2009

    Our daughter is 22 months old and we have a spider problem in our house, wolf spiders as well as others. We also have a dog and 2 cats. We are trying to figure out a safe and effective way to treat the problem, and we were looking for a fogger or bug bomb, when I found this website. We are going to treat around the outside of our house as well. Please consider us for your product.
    Thank you,
    Jenanie:)

  63. By tony on Sep 22, 2009

    so where does one buy your product. Not one clue as to where to purchse other than on line. Do any stores carry your items.

  64. By dani on Sep 23, 2009

    I have never bombed a house but my husband would like to in a home that we are closing on in Oct. Will the EcoSmart products be as effective as the bug bomb that my husband swears by? I have two young boys and a cat, I am not comfortable with harsh chemicals. I need to prove to my military chemical loving husband that going green is just as effective.

  65. By Raymond on Sep 24, 2009

    Great article, I was just about to by a bug bomb and decided to research more about it and stumbled upon this great information. Would love to try safe but effective pest control.

  66. By Stacey O on Sep 26, 2009

    I am interested to see how this might be different than other products. I want to keep my pets safe. I don’t like other products that you have to leave for hours. It scares me that bugs bombs don’t work so effectively.

  67. By DEBORAH on Sep 28, 2009

    hELP ME GET RID OF THESE FRUIT FLIES

  68. By Adonna on Oct 1, 2009

    We just purchased a house that has been vacant for a few months. We are going to remodel and renovate it to some degree before we move in with our two children, ages 4 and 7. We’ve seen some really small roaches running around in there and everyone keeps saying that we should just bomb the house. I really don’t know how I feel about that considering we have two small children. We ARE going to be removing the carpets in the only two big rooms that have them, refinishing the hardwoods, replacing kitchen, etc.. Do you feel that we could just bomb now and then after reno is done switch over to safer products? Pretty much every surface will be washed and painted before we move in.
    I’m really unsure of what to do!

  69. By deb smith on Oct 3, 2009

    We have suffered from a severe flea, tick & spider problem ever since we moved into this home 6 months ago. We have bombed the place but I have MS and I was in complete misery for an entire week even though we stayed out during the time the bomb was going and my hubby opened all the windows 4 hours later and we waited 3 hours before going back in. PLUS the fleas seem just as bad as they did BEFORE the bomb. I got new flea bites the same night we had set off the flea bomb that day. I have huge whelks all over my body. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  70. By Neil on Oct 3, 2009

    I have heard many horror stories of people using “Bug Bombs”. It is most likely not reported in most cases that have not resulted in a media event. So a eco friendly product would be most welcome in the market place. I know I would certainly try it!

  71. By Amber Boring on Nov 3, 2009

    I can testify that bug bombs are ineffective against some insect issues. My kitten got fleas from a friends dog, and the bomb (even though it supposedly killed fleas and their eggs) had ZERO effect. I still haven’t found a good, affordable solution to the issue, and I’m tired of being bitten. I would LOVE to try EcoSMART for the safety purposes, of course, but also because nothing else seems to be working.

  72. By Kayla Wildflower on Nov 24, 2009

    Pantry moths have invaded my kitchen and office. They infested my boxes of envelopes! I am about to bomb so you better hurry!

  73. By Tracy Howell on Mar 6, 2010

    I have had Flea, spiders, roaches, etc… I have birds, cats, dogs, iguana, I am so ready to get rid of these bugs. I live in the country with a big pond and lots of wooded area. I can’t have family or friends over do to bugs. My 7 month old poodle plays with the bugs and it is so nasty. My poor iguana cant get away from roaches they love his cage. Please help me I am at my wits end.

  74. By Sarah on Apr 23, 2010

    I think there’s something that can hide in clothlike material in my room I just moved and its driving me and my daughter crazy I tried a bedbug spray but no success I can’t see them but I feel them please help can’t sleep

  75. By richard m on May 25, 2010

    I just moved into a new apartment and the previous tenants left roaches for me to deal with.the pest control people have been here once,the management said they sprayed once and they have fogged once.so the management handed me a couple of foggers to use if i need them again.I just want rid of these bugs.I didn’t have them at my last place and i want to show off the new apartment to friends but i am too embarrassed.Help would be appreciated greatly.

  76. By Matti on May 26, 2010

    I have a massive fruit fly infestation. It started small and just kept growing. I could not figure out the source until finally I realized I had a leak under my kitchen sink and that is where they must have been breeding. OK So now I got the leak fixed up, but I can’t get rid of the fruit flies! I would love a safe product to do it because I am pregnant and have a house full of kids. Oh, and I have an ant problem, too…

  77. By H. Evans on May 28, 2010

    My brother woke up to find ten little red bumps on his leg and a hole in his mattress. We’ve sealed off the room and are preparing to clean it by vacuuming, bug bomb, and surface cleaning.

    Will that be enough? Could this product work and how long before people can be in the room again?

  78. By EcoSMART Jocelyn on May 29, 2010

    Hi H. Evans,

    EcoSMART’s products are harmless to humans and pets, meaning an evacuation is not necessary.

    Rather than using a bug bomb (that poses some toxic threat) you could try EcoSMART without having to worry about leaving the room.

  79. By Wayne on May 30, 2010

    My girlfriend and I just bombed yesterday. After opening the apartment up, and gagging in the process, we left for a few more hours. Upon arrival back at the apartment, we found bugs still crawling around and fleas still jumping. I’m willing to try anything, since the fleas bite me on a regular basis. I hope I can find these products near here.

  80. By Kayla Valentine on Jun 8, 2010

    I just moved in with my bf and I noticed that his house is infested with spiders! His 3 year old niece was over the other day and she pointed out so many spiders I couldn’t begin to count them all! My bf and I are considering bombing the entire house but then I came across this article. We have 3 cats and do not want to harm them in any way at all and do not want to evacuate the house because we do not have anywhere to go. My bf doesn’t like spiders and I am SO scared of them! Oh yeah, he also has a fireplace and I think that might be how a lot of critters got in the house. We also live by a big lake. Ever since I seen the spiders I have not been able to stop looking around for more! I REALLY hate spiders and do NOT want any crawling on me! PLEASE HELP US!!! We’d greatly appreciate it.

    Thank you.
    ~Kayla Valentine

  81. By Denise Andrew on Jul 13, 2010

    I am being woke up every night from itching and a friend of mine said to bug bomb the house. I really don’t like the idea of using those chemicals in my house. EcoSMART sounds like the perfect solution and I look forward to trying it… I’m really having a bad time with this itching!

  82. By Michelle on Jul 21, 2010

    I grew up in the slums of northsie fort worth, and lived with roaches and other NASTY rodents, so when I moved out and started my own family that is the last thing I wanted.
    WELL we purchased a home about two years ago and it was empty for the previous year we thought it was bug free.
    At first we started seeing a few little roaches, NOT THEY ARE EVERYWHERE! I have had two major companies come out, we have tried boaric acid, spray, oils, and to no success,,,
    I have four kids and I don’t want them growing up with these nasty things as I did.
    I am horrified and getting ready to put our house on the market or rent it out! IT IS THAT BAD!
    PLEASE HELP IF THIS REALLY WORKS….

  83. By Aaron Campbell on Aug 11, 2010

    I have a fly and spider problem. I need help getting rid of these stupid bugs.

  84. By Kevin Fox on Aug 17, 2010

    I live in a warm climate where there is always lots of bugs. My wife is 7 months pregnant and we don’t want to spray harmful pesticides all over our apartment. We try to use all natural and/or organic products whenever possible. I found this website while trying to find info on the harmfulness of residue from traditional bug bombs. This product sounds like just what we have been looking for. I am looking forward to trying EcoSMART.

  85. By sarah on Aug 20, 2010

    Ok we have been invaded by flies this summer. We just can’t get them to go away. With pets and kids we really don’t want to bomb.

  86. By shawn on Sep 10, 2010

    We have had flee problems this summer. I love a product that is safe for my dogs and my kids.

  87. By Dawn Walker on Oct 10, 2010

    I have a mite infestation for 3 months now. I have tried everything and have had chemical burns and illness. Finally, something that will not kill me and my dog, instead of the bugs.

  88. By caren on Nov 8, 2010

    Bought my house in 1998, have had dogs living in it for years. Didn’t have a problem until a renter’s soiled linens in 2006 were discovered too late. 5 months they laid in the corner. Then in 2007 one of my dogs started going downhill and refused to be bathed anymore. It was awful. I really believe the spiders and other disgusting bugs targeted her and accelerated her angonizing death. I noticed that after the renter left, I would get hit by what felt like a rock propelled from a slingshot when I would vacuum. And it stung! After getting “hit” several more times, I got sick. I wish I would have had access to something to kill my “moving carpet” but even in 2007, I could find no one with any way of getting rid of them. I kept getting, “What?! It freezes in the winter. You’re dreamin’!”
    I have a variety of spiders and a hard shelled bug that has antifreeze for blood. I live in Alaska and our winters are NOT like they were when I was younger.. a warming trend unfortunately. Sometimes a spider would come out and confront me but I always made sure they went in the vacuum. I vacuumed so much that I would do it in my sleep. I drove EVERYONE nuts and burned up 7 vacuums trying to get whatever was in the carpet out. My dog died March 29, 2008. I have one left and now am kenneling another older dog. After watching one dog go in such a horrible way, I’m ready to use this Hot Shot Fogger even if it blows up my house. Used foggers for fleas in Portland, Oregon. 4 applications to tame fleas from a cat. They actually wouldn’t bite if I had one of their friends in a plastic bag on my fridge. Kinda like an example. Swear to God it worked that way! But I miss my dog and I would love to get another dog after the one I have left passes away and I worry that they bite her too. Please let me be a tester. We don’t have exterminators in Alaska and we need them. The agonizing look in my passed dog’s eyes will haunt me forever.

  89. By Ricky on Nov 21, 2010

    I work at a public school and with children coming in from farms, and from in town, we have all kinds of bugs coming into the school. In the last couple of years we have been making the move from harsh chemicals of cleaning to more of a residential chemical cleaners. we have tried a few bug bombs in the past, with minor satisfactory results. in this continued movement to safer chemicals in a school setting, i’m hoping, as well, that this product will be beneficial to us as well.

  90. By Elizabeth on Nov 24, 2010

    i have a two year old little girl who is also having an allegoric reaction to flea bites. i have bomb the house about a week ago, and the fleas are back. i had no idea thatbug bombing was so unsafe to us and pets. and unfortunately i will be bombing again to try and get rid of those annoying pest due to my father be so demanding of me doing it again. i would love to give this new product a try. oh, i almost forgot i also have three cats in the home, the newest cat came from outside, and the lady said that kitten had no fleas, and well thinking that she didnt have any, we thought we were in the clear. but we really werent. thanks for writing this article

  91. By Derek And B on Dec 14, 2010

    Please help, my house has so many spiders there are nests everywhere. Everywhere i look theres a brown recluse and my landlord wont help, please help us

  92. By Jason on Dec 16, 2010

    Great read…

  93. By jack on Mar 22, 2011

    I have a spider problem…and the spider problem comes from the fact that I have a lot of stink bugs and silverfish so there is plety to eat. These spiders are big and I have a real phobia of them. Unfortunately my washer and dryer are in the basement where these creepy crawlers reside. And they don’t scare easily…they just sit and watch me. Frequently they will make their eight legged way uyp the steps and into my kitchen, living room and even bathroom. It is very disturbing to come upon one,,the other bugs don’t bother me at all, but the spiders have to go. My cats won’t even mess with them, they are so big. When I run into one I can’t even go to sleep at night just thinking about it. I would happily test your product because I don’t want to use chemicals around my kitties. Please let me be chosen. Thank you.

  94. By Genell Belston on Mar 28, 2011

    I’m looking for something safe to use in my house. My 9 month old baby girl keeps getting bitten up throughout the night. her bedding is washed at least once a week and there is no carpet or curtains. We’ve tried sprays and was thinking our last resort would have to be bombing. Please help!

  95. By Josh Jones on Apr 21, 2011

    I am very sensitive to those bug bombs and need a product like this for my home! Help me with these bugs PLEASE!

  96. By Renee on Apr 27, 2011

    We are having a TERRIBLE time with silverfish, and now fleas! My boyfriend and I work full time, he is in the Navy, so we have no time to take both the cat and the dog out to bomb!The safety concerns mentioned scare me, i don’t want to poison my pets or myself, but no other product has been effective! Please help!

  97. By Kayla Montney on May 8, 2011

    my parents and i have a big problem with ants, spiders, and lady bugs. we’ve been searching for something safe to use instead of bombs because we have fish and a cat. this product seems like a wonderful alternative.

  98. By Amanda Friend on May 16, 2011

    My husband and I live in the country with our infant daughters and one cat. I have asthma and can’t take the chemical fumes of most pesticides. We don’t want to use toxic chemicals around our girls or cat, but we are inundated with ants, spiders (of which my husband’s phobic), wasps, and flies.I’d love to find a safe, clean solution.

  99. By Noel on Jun 4, 2011

    I have tried Diamotaceous Earth, which is natural and safe -It is like a dust and microscopic. It dries out the bugs and cuts them up inside when they eat it. We put it around perimeters of house inside (just vacuum later) and let it set for a day or two-no more ants. Its also good to put a little in your pets food-kills worms and things inside of them. I have a 50# bag of food grade (safe for humans to use a bit too). We used this in basement and along with Ionizer machine killed most everything

  100. By Cory Freeland on Jun 17, 2011

    I think that it is very smart to use something that can be much more health friendly especially with young children in the home.

  101. By kyle morris on Jun 23, 2011

    Me and my family live in a basement apartment surrounded by fields. as summer approches, more and more spiders, ants, beetles seek shelter in our cool apartment. i recently found a large black widow under my infants crib. i dont mind insects and spiders as they do have a right to live. and bombing a basement just sounds like a deathtrap for all. i really want to find a safe product. this pruduct sounds like what i have been looking for. please help us.

  102. By Amber on Jul 3, 2011

    I just bought 6 “bombs” for my small apartment..after reading this I dont want to use them! I have 4 small children (4yr-6mo) and NEED something SAFE I didnt even know they had “safe” bug product but I would definatly be more willing to try them over the poision that are being released from the bombs. We have roaches so BAD I hate even being here because they are everywhere!

  103. By Pattie O on Jul 10, 2011

    I am fighting a losing battle with ants in my home! I have a 4 year old with a compromised immune system so I cannot use traditional products. I did use two different products for the outside of our home (windows, doors, cracks, etc) but nothing that safe seems to help indoors. I would love to try your products but do they work and are they super expensive?? Our home is 3 floors… so it’s not a simple job!

  104. By Timothy on Jul 26, 2011

    My house has a very very bad bug problem. Very bad fleas and spiders. We are always getting bit by both of them.

  105. By Rodney Hendricks on Aug 7, 2011

    I have just moved into this apartment 3 months ago and I have ALWAYS had problems with HUGE roaches! Since we are 4 apartments per building I am sure that it is one of my neighbors that has the problem but i need them out of my house! Ever been woken up because a 4″ long roach fell on your face? not pleasant! I had to sleep in my car last night :( i hope to god this product works because raid and bombs are not doing the trick!

  106. By karen smith on Aug 21, 2011

    I have used ecosmart – would love to use it again, but concerned that it killed much of my foliage. It just withered up. Could have been too close???

  107. By Robin Findlay on Sep 11, 2011

    Ive been living with this problem for a year, i am so sleep deprived i can hardly function, i have tried everything but dosent seem to work more than a day or two then i get really sick from the fumes as i have a weak immune system i am also very concerned for my pets PLEASE HELP I FEEL LIKE IM LOSING MY MIND OVER THIS DAMN ISSUE1

  108. By Michelle on Sep 11, 2011

    Palmetto Bugs & Roaches in my new apt in Florida!!! i have never had a problem in my life with bugs of any sort while living in Nevada!!! Help

  109. By Jason McIntyre on Sep 13, 2011

    I am a new father. My son is juat a few weeks old and we live in the country. we dont have many roaches but the spiders are getting pretty bad. they hop out of nowhere. while we are in the shower they jump on us. we wake up with bites and itch all the time. I would love to try something that actually works and is safe for my dog and son.

  110. By Sarah Patrice on Sep 19, 2011

    i have a friend who moved into an apartment that is flea infested, how can she get rid of the fleas?

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