1. 

   Comment by Native Okie
   October 20, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

   NO NOT SAFE. any kind of hot water tank can cause a fire when you set off a bug bomb. If the electric hot water tank cycles to heat water while the bomb mist is in the air you will have an explosion. My cousin burned here house down using bug bombs.

2. 

   Comment by Paul in San Diego
   October 20, 2009 @ 4:37 pm

   Probably not, unless it’s an electric water heater. Check on the can for precautions and warnings. But, a gas water heater usually has a pilot light, which is an open flame. And, even if the water heater isn’t actively heating the water, just the pilot could cause the bug spray to combust (blow up in a fireball).
   I would suggest that you turn the water heater all the way off, including the pilot, before setting off the bug bomb. And, if you have a gas stove, make sure there is no pilot on that, too (shut off the gas).

3. 

   Comment by GulfGirl
   October 20, 2009 @ 10:43 pm

   I think an important question is if your water heater is electric or gas fired. Read the package directions, but as I recall the warnings were for gas operated water heaters. Also I do know that there are some new formulations in aerosol bug bombs. The new ones, say NO RESIDUE, so they may have different warnings on the can.
   The older formulas are written about in this article.
   In 1999:
   Consumer Safety Prevails: “Bug Bombs” to Carry Better Warnings
   October 1, 1999
   Beginning today, all total release insecticide foggers (also known as “bug bombs”) will have more accurate warning labels regarding their highly flammable nature. The new labels will help educate consumers about the proper use and handling of these aerosols. It will warn of the hazards associated with the use of bug bombs, which have caused an estimated 500 fires or explosions per year.
   A graphic of a multi-colored flame must be included on all aerosol foggers. Additionally, the warning label must include “highly flammable.” It must also be listed in both English and Spanish.
   This change in labeling comes twelve years after the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) initial efforts were thwarted by aerosol industry lobbyists. As an EPA official wrote in an internal document, “They (industry) have presented no data, tried to bully us into compliance, and have succeeded. (Industry) does not regulate the pesticides industry, EPA does.”
   The new labels will caution against using foggers around potential ignition sources such as pilot lights and refrigerators. It will also indicate the proper number of “bombs” which should be used in a given area. Unsuspecting homeowners have lost or damaged their homes to fire when they unwittingly detonated the bug bombs.

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