Termite Fumigation & Tenting

Termite tenting & fumigation is a termite control strategy that gets rid of a termite infestation by filling a durable plastic tent that covers your home with termiticide gasses. These gasses are an effective termite treatment designed to cause the entire colony to collapse. The tent keeps the dangerous gasses inside where they need to be to be effective while creating a barrier that will stop people and animals from accessing the property until the treatment is completed. This helps circulate the gasses thoroughly through the covered structure so the gasses can permeate walls and get deep into any cavities caused by termites. While this strategy is the most effective way of combatting termite infestations, it’s a strategy that also requires some planning before execution. This is largely due to the fact that a family will have to relocate for several days to a week while a home is being fumigated.

During termite fumigation, a fumigant is released that will circulate throughout the home and penetrate hard to reach places like inside wall cavities, cracks, crevices, and inside the wood itself. Termites will eventually be exposed to these termiticides which act as a nerve agent that causes them to die. Once enough time has passed and enough of the colony has been infected, the rest of the colony will collapse without the support of enough workers, the queen, and king. 

Termite Fumigation vs Spot Treatment

• Effectively eradicates all termite colonies including satellite colonies that are hard to find or inaccessible
• One treatment is guaranteed to exterminate all termites
• No drilling or demolition necessary to penetrate hard to reach areas
• Preparation is required to ensure that fumigants don’t impact plants, food, and other consumables
• Families must vacate a home for 3 – 7 days while tenting is up, and fumigants are active
• Costs for treatment are higher and can include additional expenses like room and board and kennel costs

Spot Treatment

• Colonies can only be treated if found and accessible
• Enough termites can survive spot treatment to reestablish the colony which may require multiple treatments
• In order to find colonies, some discovery drilling and demolition may be required to effectively treat termites
• Local spot treatment requires a thorough inspection
• Families will have to vacate for a short period of time while pesticides dry
• Costs are much more affordable but can require multiple treatments

Termite Fumigation Process

1 Week Prior to Tenting

Day Before Tenting

The day before is critical to the tenting process because several steps need to be completed before tenting can take place. All preparations must be completed including having the gas turned off by the utility company. Generally, this appointment with the utility company needs to be scheduled a couple days in advance. The account holder is the only one who can schedule for the service to be reactivated. In addition to double checking the preparation checklist, the ground around the property must be saturated enough to create an effective ground seal. 

Day 1 of Fumigation

On the first day of the fumigation process, the termite fumigation team will come in and tent and seal in the structure. This requires the team to climb onto the roof to release plastic tarps that extend down to the ground. These tarps are connected so as they fall, the structure of the home becomes completely enveloped. The base of these tarps are secured with weighted sand bags that help create a seal and contain the fumigants. Once the structure is tented, an inspector will enter the home for the final time to ensure that the house is cleared of humans and pets and to ensure that all preparations have been implemented. Any safes, locked cabinets and vehicles under the tent need to be accessible to clear of humans and animals. After the inspector gives his approval, the fumigants will be released into the structure. The gasses must be allowed to permeate the structure for at least 12 hours. 

Day 2 of Fumigation

Once the gas has been allowed to permeate all wooden structures inside of a home for a certain amount of time, the aeration process will start as the fumigants are released through vents. At this time, the fumigation team will do a quick check to ensure that the fumigants are being released properly and that the integrity of the tent was maintained. 

Final Day of Fumigation

The tenting will be removed on the final day of fumigation and a member of the fumigation team will check the air quality inside the structure to ensure that it is safe for re-entry. A ppm device is used to ensure the air inside is under the appropriate levels. Once the air quality inside is safe, a notice of re-entry will be placed at the front entry and gas meter for the family and utility companies. This notice is important to keep until the gas is turned back on because the utility company won’t turn on the gas without it. The final day of fumigation is when the gas is usually turned back on if scheduled properly. The utility company should arrive between 5-8pm and requires someone over the age of 18 to grant them access to the meter.

Day After Tenting

If gas service were not returned the final day of fumigation the next day is the best option. Be sure to have the notice provided by the fumigation team, to ensure that the gas is turned back on promptly. When the team member from the utility company comes, they will check all gas appliances and gas lines to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation?

Fumigation preparations include:

• The removal of all people, pets, plants, and fish aquariums
• All food and medications must be removed or stored in containers that have an airtight seal to prevent contamination
• Power must be left on, but certain appliances must be disconnected
• Gas must be turned off prior to tenting
• Outdoor potted plants should be moved away from the home to create a gap for the tent
• Vegetation, shrubs, and branches should also be cut back to create a gap for the tent
• Soil 12 inches from the foundation must be soaked
• Loose gravel, mulch, and decorative bark should all be moved 12 inches away from the foundation
• Storage, firewood, or any other debris against a home should be moved 12 inches to provide clearance for the tent
• Any sharp objects like rooftop antennas should be removed prior to tenting
• Fence railing connected to the house must be disconnected to provide clearance for the tent
• Double bags clothes to ensure that fumigants don’t contaminate items that will eventually come in contact with humans
• Open all interior doors and closets to provide fumigants with the least obstacles possible
• Leave the keys for the fumigation team

In addition to home preparation, additional accommodations are necessary because the house will need to be vacant during fumigation. This generally requires at least 3 days at a local hotel or staying with friends to ensure that fumigation can be completed. 

For immediate service for all of your termite inspection concerns please call 866-326-2847 or complete this form.