If you’re struggling with drywood termites, bed bugs, or another invasive pest, fumigation services can be your best bet to kick your infestation to the curb. While these services are widely practiced, they are procedures that disrupt your daily routine. That’s why it’s best to know what you’re getting into when you need house fumigation and how to prepare for it.
Our Clegg’s Pest Control team explains what to expect when fumigating a house and provides some tips for preparation.
What Is Fumigation?
Fumigation services are commonly used by pest control professionals. In these services, insecticide is applied as a gas throughout the house. In a whole-house fumigation procedure, the house is covered in a protective tent to keep the gas in and produce the best results possible.
These services are often used to get into hard-to-reach areas and eliminate the most challenging and invasive pest problems. Common pests treated through fumigation are termites, bed bugs, ants, wood-destroying insects, and stored product pests.
How To Prepare for Fumigation
While the fumigants’ effects ultimately fade away, you should take proper precautions in the days before your home fumigation treatment begins. Although your pest control technician will give you a to-do list ahead of time, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some essential tips and steps to help you get a head start in your fumigation preparation process.
Call Gas and Fumigation Companies
If natural gas is the primary energy source of your home, shut it off well before your fumigation begins. Call your gas company and schedule a temporary shutdown to have gas off the morning of your treatment. Inform your pest control technician about this temporary shutdown to avoid miscommunication.
Find Another Place To Stay During Your Treatment
While effective against pests, fumigants are toxic to humans, pets, and house plants. While these effects fade over time, clearance typically takes 36 to 72 hours, so you must find another place to stay in the interim. We recommend finding a nearby hotel or a family member to stay with.
Turn Off Heat Sources and Unplug Appliances
Turn all heating or gas sources before fumigation to avoid dangerous gas buildup within the tarped structure. Your fumigator will likely direct you to unplug appliances, such as kitchen appliances and media consoles. All ventilation systems, such as HVAC, should also be shut off.
Remove Your Perishable Items
You should remove any perishable items from your home, whether you need to dispose of certain items or take some food and medication with you. See that these foods and other perishable items are cleared out prior to your treatment:
- Food in paper or cardboard packaging
- Refrigerated food and produce
- Medication
- Beverages
- Anything in resealable containers
Clear Out Your Plants and Pets
Living things like pets and plants should also be removed from the home. Protecting your pets’ safety and the health of your houseplants is just as important as protecting yourself.
Make Clear Access in Hard-To-Reach Places
The fumigants must penetrate every nook and cranny of your home for maximum effectiveness. To make this possible, open all your doors and leave spaces between furniture so the fumigants can reach those hard-to-reach places.
Stay Away Until the Job Is Done
No one should enter the house until the professionals give you clearance. Contact your fumigators for more detailed information about when you can move back in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Household Fumigation
Is fumigation used for treating termites?
One of the most common pests treated through fumigation is dry wood and Formosan termites. Whether they get in through hitchhiking on wood or finding their way to your home’s foundation, look out for any signs of these pests and contact the professionals at Clegg’s to fumigate termites as soon as possible.
Does fumigation kill bed bugs?
Yes, fumigation is an effective way to kick bed bugs to the curb. As these pesky creatures are tiny and get their way in through traveling on luggage, bags, and other portable items, fumigation for bed bugs can get into those tight spaces where bed bugs reside and effectively eradicate them.
Other Fumigation Services from Clegg’s Pest Control
At Clegg’s Pest Control, we also offer fumigation services for a wide variety of spaces, including boats, commercial properties, and even individual furniture pieces. Our fumigation chamber in Durham allows us to treat furniture and other small items effectively, ensuring pests are eradicated without damaging your belongings.
Additionally, with a licensed fumigation manager on staff, you can trust that every treatment is conducted with precision and compliance with the highest industry standards. Whether you’re dealing with termites in a commercial facility or bed bugs in your boat, Clegg’s has the expertise and equipment to tackle infestations of all kinds.
Get Fumigation Services With Clegg’s Pest Control Today
Whether you need fumigation for termites or bed bugs, Clegg’s Pest Control is your best choice. With service branches across North Carolina, our technicians and specialists are prepared to handle pest problems of all sizes with the best techniques.
Are you ready to get started? Contact our team online or call us to schedule your free North Carolina fumigation services inspection today!