Termite fumigation (2024)

FAQs

Termite fumigation? ›

During the termite fumigation process, a trained pest management professional will place a tent (tarps) over a home before releasing a fumigant throughout the structure. The fumigant will circulate throughout the home to reach cracks and crevices between and inside wood where termites can tunnel and thrive.

Does Termite Fumigation Work? Research shows that fumigating a building with sulfuryl fluoride is an effective way to completely eliminate pests from your building — particularly dry wood termites. Though this method is extreme, it is very reliable. It's important to make sure the job is done safely and correctly.

Safety Check: The fumigation company will test the air quality to ensure it's safe for re-entry. Re-entry Time: This varies based on the chemicals used and the home's size, but it is typically 24 to 72 hours.

Remove ALL living things from the structure such as pets (including fish) and plants. Warn neighbors that own cats of the fumigation plans and recommend securing their cat during the procedure. Open ALL cabinets, closets, drawers and attic hatches. Raise blinds and open drapes to allow access to the windows.

Treating termites is not a DIY project, as colonies can be hidden anywhere in or near your home and often in areas you can't access. Termite treatment requires the knowledge, experience, and skills possessed by a professional who can effectively find and control any termites in your property.

When your home undergoes fumigation for drywood termites, you will typically need to leave your home for three days. That means that you, your family, and your pets (houseplants included) need to stay somewhere else during that time.

The only risk is to the moths and bugs that may be hiding among your clothes. While termite removal agents are meant to get rid of termites, they may also work against other pests, so the risk of insect damage to your apparel is reduced. Your clothes can be left in the house during fumigation.

Can Termites Return After Treatment? Unfortunately, they can. Termite treatment is very involved and requires ongoing maintenance to keep these pests out. Once your termite problem is fully treated, our termite control professionals will work to create a barrier around your home that will deter termites from returning.

So the simple answer is no, you do not need to wash dishes or clothes after the fumigation process. We have many customers, though, that wash their dishes just for their own peace of mind.

While extensive washing may not always be required after fumigation, it's essential to take certain precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your family and pets. Following fumigation, ventilating the treated area by opening windows and doors is crucial to allow any residual gases to dissipate.

Where do termites go during the day? ›

Termites swarming inside your home tend to gather around light fixtures and windowsills because they are looking for a way out of the house to form another colony. Their instinct is to fly toward lighted areas.

A toxic gas called sulfuryl fluoride is used to control bed bugs, termites, and other structure-infesting pests. This chemical has no smell, but can irritate your nose, eyes, throat, and lungs. At high enough levels, it can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, or even death.

Thermal Heat as an Effective Alternative

This temperature is maintained until the core of the wood has sustained 130 F for one hour – a process that that no termite or egg can survive. For single-family houses with isolated colonies, heat treatments can be just as effective as fumigation.

Fumigating is a highly effective way of controlling termites inside the home, and it almost always has a 100% success rate.

Termite tenting is not always necessary.

The best way to get rid of termites is to hire a professional pest control company. Termites are one of the most difficult pests to identify and remove.