Fumigation and Whole-House Termite Treatment - Fullerton, CA
It is no wonder why the image of a tented house pops up into your mind when you think of termite treatment. It is the standard of treatment in the termite industry. You likely have seen a neighbor's or friend's house get tented, or you may have even had to tent your own home before.
If an infestation is severe enough where multiple sections of the property are infested, the most effective form of treatment would be fumigation (also known as tenting). This is usually a secondary option and only considered when termiticide is determined not to be an effective solution.
Fumigation can reach areas that are inaccessible for inspection. Since termites feed on wood structures, often times it is hard to tell how far they've penetrated into the home, as there are semi-permanent obstructions that prevent ability to see behind dry walls, ceilings, crown molding, flooring, baseboards, door frames, cabinets, etc. If a termite infestation is believed to be that widespread, fumigation is likely the best option.
You're likely here because you have a termite problem and are wondering if you need to have your home fumigated. Continue reading below to see if fumigation is the right treatment for you.
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What is Fumigation?
Also known as tenting, fumigation is a method of pest control that uses lethal fumigants (or gaseous pesticides) to poison the pests within. The gas most commonly used by companies today is sulfuryl fluoride. This is the most surefire way of exterminating pests within an enclosed space. Structures must be sealed (typically vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulins) to ensure that no air can escape from within the contained area.
Laws require that houses that have been fumigated require a sign posted with the name of the licensee, date of fumigation, and type of fumigant used. The sign must be posted somewhere in the house (typically in the attic or garage), so keep an eye out for one if you are curious if your home has ever been fumigated.
Fumigation is generally regarded as a last resort, when an infestation is so severe that inaccessible areas are believed to be infested as well. See our FAQ section for more information on fumigation.
Fumigation Process
Ensure all household members have vacated the premises
Fumigants are toxic to living organisms, so all household members (including pets!) must be out of the house.
Cover area to create a sealed environment
In order for fumigation to be effective, the home will need to be within a sealed environment so that fumigants cannot escape and concentration of fumigants is maintained for maximum effectiveness.
Release fumigant into the space
This is typically a few days. During this time, no one is to enter the premises as the fumigants are being pumped throughout the home to ensure complete coverage through every crack and crevice.
Ventilate space and test air quality
Safety is our number 1 priority. Before re-entering the premises, the home is ventilated so that the poisonous gases are able to escape, and the air is tested.
Is fumigation the right termite treatment for me?
Fumigation (or "tenting") is the most effective way to eradicate termites, as it is a whole-house termite treatment that gets rid of all dry wood termites within the structure. It can reach into every crevice and corner of the property. However, it is not always the most practical option due to the nature of tenting. It's also more costly than local spot treatments, and it requires the residents to vacate the premises for a few days while the fumigation does its job.
Many termite companies tend to be overly aggressive and will advise on a whole-house fumigation, even when it may not be needed. We recommend finding a trustworthy termite control company to help you assess how severe your infestation may be. If you're in the Fullerton or surrounding area, give us a call and we'll be happy to inspect your residence and provide an honest recommendation. We don't believe in fumigating unless we feel it is absolutely necessary.