Do rodent smoke bombs work?

“I found mouse droppings in my garage and someone told me to try a smoke bomb for mice. Can you bomb a house for mice, or is that not safe?”

No, you cannot use rodent smoke bombs indoors. They are designed for outdoor burrow treatments, not indoor use. EPA-approved labels for these products explicitly prohibit use inside or beneath buildings, and using them against label instructions violates federal law. These products can release toxic gases and pose a fire risk to your household. Do not use them indoors.

Even when used correctly outdoors, smoke bombs tend to offer only short-term results. Mice and rats can rebuild burrows, and new rodents may move into the area. Smoke bombs also won't address rodents already living inside your walls, attic, or crawl space.

If you're dealing with a mouse or rat problem indoors, we recommend avoiding smoke bombs and taking a few safer steps:

• Identify entry points and seal gaps around pipes, vents, and foundations.
• Remove food sources and clutter that attract rodents.
• Set traps in areas with droppings, gnaw marks, or grease marks.

For a longer-term solution, our rodent control technicians can inspect your property, identify the infestation, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.