Have you experienced any termite problems in your home? If you had, you probably already know how exasperating it could be. Luckily, there are several effective ways to deal with this particular invader.
Some homeowners use DIY killer products to get rid of these pest problems. However, when the infestation is extensive and spirals out of control, fumigating your house is often the only solution.
Fumigation is an effective way to eliminate pests, such as a dry wood termite infestation. But it can be an intimidating experience if it’s your first time going through it and not knowing what to expect.
Pest management professionals can fumigate and exterminate termites for you. However, to ensure success, there are steps you need to take before the procedure. The problem is, many homeowners don’t know how to prepare their homes for the process.
Some fumigation services will provide specific instructions for you. But it wouldn’t hurt to equip yourself with the best fumigation preparation tips we’ve put together below.
Fumigation Explained
Pest management professionals performed fumigation to control termites and other pests effectively. It’s a treatment that uses fumigant in an adequately sealed area. Fumigants are lethal gas chemicals that can circulate to all infestation areas, including hard-to-reach places. They enter the insect’s respiratory system through its breathing openings and kill them eventually.
But fumigation only works if applied with sufficient concentration and time. That’s why this treatment requires enclosing your property with a tent or sealant. Then proper amounts of fumigants will be released and stored within the area for a certain period.
The time frame depends on the circumstances like property’s size, type of pests, temperature, and the extent of the infestation. But in general, the whole fumigation process can take from at least six hours to an entire week.
Note that fumigation is a serious procedure. The chemicals used in the process are highly toxic to living organisms, including humans. So it should only be done by licensed fumigator or pest management professionals. These people are properly trained and know how to handle lethal gas. Plus, they are knowledgeable in sealing the structure properly.
Importance of Household Fumigation
It’s typical for most homeowners to turn to spray and residual applications when they have termites or other pest problems. But such options may not always work, especially when the infestation is already severe.
Meanwhile, fumigation is an efficient solution that you don’t have to perform repeatedly. When done the right way, it will completely eradicate the pests in one treatment application.
If you’re not sure about fumigating your home, you may consider the following benefits:
- Eliminates pests at all life stages.
- Time-saving and cost-effective.
- Can cover hard-to-reach areas that most sprays, dust, and other pest killer products cannot.
- Has fewer residue problems in commodities and structures.
Fumigation Preparation at Home
In addition to the work performed by the fumigator, there are several things you need to do as a homeowner. It is your primary responsibility to make your home ready for fumigation. This preparation is essential to ensure success and protect your property, family, and pets.
Typically, the fumigator will provide additional home preparation checklists and documents for your signature. Failure to comply with them may delay the fumigation. So make sure to get in touch with your assigned pest management professional.
For the most part, here are the steps you can take to prepare your home for the fumigation process:
Open all doors between rooms
Before you leave, you need to open all the doors from room to room, including the cabinets, closets, safes, attic, and basement. Make sure to open interior doors, windows, and drawers. Leave all blinds and drapes open to make it easier for the fumigator to apply the chemical around.
Remove your people, pets, and plants
The chemicals used in fumigation can cause injury and even death. So everyone should evacuate the property. Of course, don’t forget to bring your pets. Plants won’t also likely survive the fumigants.
Make sure to check all windowsills and remove all potted plants. It’s best to leave them in the open or somewhere that the fumigation tent won’t cover.
Clear access to any closets
The fumigants need to get into every corner of your home. By providing clear access to any closets and crawl spaces, you can ensure that the treatment can penetrate to hard-to-reach areas, where most pests tend to hide and thrive.
Turn off appliances
Some fumigant materials are inflammable, and they may have destructive reactions to a heat source. Therefore, it’s essential to turn off and unplug appliances, computers, and heaters.
Fumigators will also need electricity, so ensure not to cut the service entirely. However, you may have to suspend natural gas service during the fumigation.
Leave extra keys to the fumigator
As much as possible, the fumigator should have easy access not only to the main door but to every part of your home. Make sure to provide extra keys to your assigned pest management professional.
It’s also best to inform them of the best way to contact you during the entire process. This way, they can reach out to you if there are any unforeseen challenges.
Book your hotel room
The fumigation process may take several days, depending on the circumstances. Thus, you would need a good and safe place to stay while the treatment is ongoing. You can book a hotel room for your family and pets.
But ask about the time frame of the fumigation so you have an idea how long you’ll be away from your home. You cannot enter your house unless the entire process is complete.
Fogging vs Fumigation |
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| Fogging | Fumigation |
| Used for residential areas to resolve mosquito infestation | Used to control pests that attack stored goods and commodities |
| Water-based thermal fogging uses non-flammable or non-combustible solution | Uses fumigants, which are highly toxic to living organisms |
| Maintains a low-smoke environment for safety purposes | Can be done by a licensed fumigator only and should be applied in air-tight environments |
Keep your loved ones safe against pest infestation by contacting the experts from PestGuide.
Pro Tip
“Look for certified fumigators who are appropriately trained on how to handle fumigant and fumigation-related equipment and procedures.”
– PestGuide.org
Fumigation and PestGuide
High levels of infestations are hard to get rid of with pest control products. It can cost you both time and money. Meanwhile, fumigation is an effective and time-saving treatment method against termites and other pests.
Fumigation is a complex process that involves restricted-use chemicals. Only pest management professionals who complete extensive training should conduct them. PestGuide has a team of licensed and well-trained experts. Contact us today to get more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fumigation has less residue. But you will still have to do thorough cleaning since some gas particles may not dissipate easily in the area. There might also be dead pests lying around the house. You can call professional cleaning companies if you want to save time.
Twenty four hours is often enough time for the space to become safe after fumigation. But professionals use clearance devices to measure the toxicity dissipation levels of fumigants. You can only sleep in your house after the pest control professionals confirm it is safe.
Make sure not to leave valuables in your house. But even so, criminals may still enter the fumigation tent. The best way to prevent burglary is to talk about it with your chosen fumigation company. Most of them will use a secondary locking system on all doors of the fumigation tent to block entry by anyone.