How do I prepare my aquarium?
Remove all animals and fish from the house. Water and filtration systems can remain in place.
I'm remodeling; should I paint the house and/or refinish my floors before or after fumigation?
AFTER. At least one week should elapse between painting or varnishing and fumigation.
Can I leave my car in the garage?
We recommend that all vehicles be removed from the property being fumigated; however, if a vehicle must remain, you must leave all doors unlocked, and the windows, trunk, and glove compartment must be left open to ensure that the gas fumigant does not get trapped inside the vehicle.
Motorcycles may remain in your garage.
Will my outdoor plants and Landscaping next to the house die?
Plants outside the home and NOT under the fumigation tent should not die from the fumigant we use. Plants attached to the house, such as ivy, bougainvillea, or other vines, may have to be included under the tarp if they are not removed by you and will die. We have many tips for protecting plants that touch or are attached to a house. Discuss these plants with your Fumigation Coordinator.
Any indoor growing plants, potted or otherwise, should be removed from your property during the fumigation. Plants left inside during the fumigation will not survive.
My attic access and/or sub-area access are at the back of my closet. Do I have to clean out my closet?
Our fumigation crews need access to your sub-area and/or attic crawl-hole cover. These areas must remain open during fumigation to ensure the proper circulation of the fumigantgas. Please clear enough space for our crew to access these areas, including removal of clothing, shoes, vacuum cleaners, etc.
My cat is an outdoor cat. May I just leave it roaming on the property during the fumigation?
NO!Cats are notorious for their curiosity. They can easily sneak into the fumigated area, perhaps under one of the tarps, while our crews are too busy to notice such an occurrence. Please make arrangements for your cat(s) so they are safely away from the property being fumigated. You may also want to notify neighbors who have cats that regularly roam your yard to keep them safely away from your property during the fumigation.
This applies to all pets on your property. For the safety of all your pets, including fish and reptiles, please make arrangements, so they are safely away from the fumigated property.
Can we leave valuables in our safe?
All areas within the structure must be made accessible, including closets, garages, and safes. If you have a walk-in or large safe, you may need to be present to open the safe for the fumigator’s inspection before fumigation and after aeration.
What about burglaries or theft during fumigation?
During the fumigation and aeration period, the possibility of burglary exists as it does anytime you leave your home. We suggest that all valuables such as jewelry, coin or stamp collections, cash, art objects, firearms or anything else of value be removed prior to fumigation.
Fumigation companies are not responsible for security against vandalism, theft or breaking and entering before or during the fumigation and aeration procedure or after the property is released for re-entry. It is recommended you remove any highly valuable items from the premises prior to the fumigation.
When can I re-enter my house?
The fumigated structures must not be re-entered until they have been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator. Specialized equipment is used to test the air to ensure the fumigant has dissipated. A notice will be posted on the door when the building is certified for re-entry. You must leave this notice in place until your gas is turned on. The gas company must see this notice.
Should I shut off my electricity or water service?
No! Electricity and water must be available as it will be necessary to run fans during the fumigation process. Gas service, however, will need to be shut off prior to fumigation. In some areas, three to five days’ notice may be required to schedule this appointment, so call SDG&E as soon as you know your re-entry date.
Why do you recommend watering the soil around my home?
Thoroughly watering the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home and the ground around shrubs and plants located adjacent to the structure can help protect them during the tenting process. Watering should be done the day before fumigation.
Does a fumigation treatment leave any surface residues?
The gas used to fumigate your home does not remain in the home after fumigation. It completely dissipates.
Can the air conditioning be left running during fumigation?
Typically, air conditioning is not left on during the fumigation. If you have special circ*mstances, such as keeping a wine cellar cool, arrangements will need to be made with your fumigation coordinator.
Window air conditioning units should not be left on as they will be covered by the tarps and unable to function.
After fumigation, my cupboards and drawers were left open. Why?
All cupboards, drawers, trunks, and vaults must be opened to ensure the fumigant gas quickly dissipates from your home during aeration.
Will fumigation kill spiders and other insects?
Fumigation is targeted at drywood termites. It does not kill spiders. It does not kill the eggs of other insects. You will see other insects inside your home after fumigation.
Why are there ants in my house after fumigation?
Fumigation will leave behind the remains of dead termites. This will cause no smell and is no hazard to human health; however, occasionally ants will enter a home to feast on the dead termites. If this occurs your options are to wait it out or to request an ant treatment.
Will fumigation take care of my rodent (rat/mouse) problem?
Fumigation will kill any mice, rats, or other mammals in the structure. This is not good. Finding dead rodents in your house is unpleasant, and if you do not find the dead rodent, you may end up smelling it. If you suspect a rodent/wildlife infestation it is critical that the situation is dealt with before fumigation.
What do I have to wash after fumigation?
Nothing! It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.
Can we leave our burglar alarm on?
If any burglar alarms are to be left on, communicate this in advance with your fumigation coordinator. There are some alarms that cannot be left on.
After Fumigation, Returning Home
- Follow California state regulations and do not re-enter your home until it has been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator.
- Meet with the gas company to restore service.* Make sure to leave the clearance notices on the gas meter and front door in place: the gas company must see them to turn the gas back on.
- Turn back on any devices and timers.
- It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.
- Drawers and cabinets will be left open for the aeration process. You may now close them.
- Be aware of the following:
- Fumigation is targeted at drywood termites. It does not kill spiders. It does not kill the eggs of other insects. You will see other insects inside your home.
- Fumigation will kill any mice, rats, or other mammals in the structure. This is not good. If you suspect a rodent/wildlife infestation it is critical that it is dealt with before fumigation.
- Fumigation will leave behind the remains of dead termites. This will cause no smell and is no hazard to human health; however, occasionally ants will enter a home to feast on the dead termites. If this occurs your options are to wait it out or to request an ant treatment. (Yes, you may order an ant treatment in advance as a precaution.)
- Fumigation provides no lasting protection from drywood termites. Fumigation leaves no residue; this is why you do not have to wash everything in your house after fumigation. Your fumigation is backed by a 2-year warranty. Thrasher Pest offers an extended warranty. More information will be provided to you soon. Please consider protecting the investment you are making in a termite-free home.
