What You Need to Know to Prepare for Whole House Fumigation

Do you need whole house fumigation for a serious pest problem? While standard, targeted pest control measures are sufficient for many homeowners and business owners, fumigating the entire structure may be the only way to permanently solve a pressing and ongoing infestation.

However, whole home fumigation is not something with which most people are familiar. So, what should you do to prepare for yours? And what happens during and after the fumigation? Discover what you need to know.

What Is Whole House Fumigation?

Applying a fumigant to your entire home is a big process that professionals generally handle. Commonly known as tenting a house or structure, the large and colorful tarp that goes around the entire building is its most identifiable feature. 

Most residential fumigation uses sulfuryl fluoride, which is colorless, odorless, and toxic to living things — including the pests you want to get rid of. An additive mixes with the gas to alert people if they are exposed to it.

The pest control pros will help you ready the house for this invasion of toxic gas, which can reach into just about any crevice or crack to complete the job. They then cover the home and release the gas. When the process is done, the service will monitor the levels of gas to ensure that everyone is safe before reentry. Finally, they remove the tarp and clean up after the procedure.

How Do You Prepare for Tenting? 

Filling your home with fumigant is a big task, and you will need to take multiple steps to prepare for it. First, know that no one can be inside the home while it is fumigated. So you, your family, and your pets will all need somewhere to stay for a few days or even a week. Some homeowners schedule fumigation to coincide with something fun, like a family vacation or a trip to Grandma's house.

In addition, the home must be clear of organic materials that the gas could affect. For instance, move all your houseplants to a temporary location. Remove food that is not in protective original packaging in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. The pest control company may provide protective bags for any food you need to leave in the house. And they will advise about shutting off gas and pilot lights.

Then, help the sulfuryl fluoride do its job by facilitating its reach into every possible hiding spot for pests. This often includes removing bedding or plastic covers that might shelter bedbugs and other fabric pests. Open cabinets, drawers, and closet doors. Raise blinds or window treatments. And unlock interior doors so that the exterminators can ensure the widest reach.

The final step is not about the gas itself but rather about securing the tarp that will enclose it. To get a good seal, you may need to remove landscaping and hardscape elements from the immediate area around the outside walls. This could include plants, bushes, landscape rock, organic and inorganic mulch, or fences.

Unfortunately, fumigating an entire structure is not a small task. It can sound very daunting to most property owners. But it is also the best way to get rid of major infestations and start moving forward. If you may need it, learn more about the specifics of how your home will be affected. A qualified pest control service will guide you in prepping the house and your family.

Pass Pest Control can help. With over 40 years of experience, we assist home and business owners find the right solutions for all their pest problems. Call today to learn how we can help you with your pest control needs.