Tent fumigation is a safe and effective method of exterminating severe pest infestations like dry wood termite colonies. It involves covering the home with tarps and sealing it, allowing the fumigant to permeate it for a set period.
Before treatment, homeowners must clear their property of all occupants, pets, plants, food, and medicine. They also need to extinguish gas pilot lights and disconnect natural gas service.
Termite Prevention
Termite tent fumigation is a complete extermination method for dry wood termites, which can’t be reached with heat or liquid pesticide treatment. It kills all the termites and any eggs or pupae that may have been laid. It also eliminates other insects, like cockroaches and beetles, that might be attracted to the termites.
It’s essential to ensure your home is ready for tent fumigation before the date scheduled with your termite service professional. It includes ensuring the fumigation company has access to the house, and everyone has left the premises. It’s also an excellent idea to double-bag or remove all food, medicines, and cosmetics.
It would help if you also trimmed outdoor plants, bushes, and vines so they have at least a 12″ clearance from the structure and raked away any rock, gravel, bark, or landscape mulch that could touch the house during the fumigation. Lastly, you should disconnect any fencing attached to the house.
Termite Control
Termite tent fumigation is most effective in cases of severe termite infestation, especially when baiting does not work. It can also kill off any remaining termites in a home that has already been fumigated with liquid pesticides or heat treatments.
Extensive preparation is necessary before fumigation. All food, medicines, and certain cosmetics need to be double-bagged or removed from the house. Indoor plants should be moved outdoors, while outdoor ones close to the structure should be watered down or covered. Fences, antennas, and other outdoor fixtures must be removed or trimmed away from the house.
All occupants, including pets and livestock, need to find accommodations for the duration of the treatment. Depending on the fumigant used, this could include local hotels or pet-friendly vacation rentals. Safety signs and barriers must also be set up around the property. The good news is that most modern fumigants used in fumigations are non-residual and disperse quickly, minimizing environmental damage.
Preventing Recurrences
Tent fumigation is a highly effective method of extermination. The chemicals used during this process kill the pests entirely and quickly. In some cases, the fumigation can even eliminate eggs and pupae. This provides long-term protection from recurrences.
However, the tents and the fumigant do have some drawbacks. They cause the structure to be evacuated, which can be inconvenient for occupants. Fumigants also require extensive preparation. It includes bagging or removing food, medications, and certain cosmetics; contacting natural gas companies well in advance to shut off services to the home; and ensuring all doors, windows, and vents are accessible.
Non-fumigation treatments can be just as effective and less disruptive for occupants. Liquid pesticide treatments are spot applications of termiticide that target infested areas. Heating treatments can effectively exterminate termite swarmers while sparing wood, but this method might not be suitable for heat-sensitive belongings (such as vinyl, electronics, and beauty supplies). The air in the house is ventilated after treatment so occupants can return as soon as it’s safe.
Environmentally Friendly
Tent fumigation uses a chemical that circulates through the structure and penetrates every surface. Drywood termites breathe in the fumigant, which chokes them and kills them. Once the tent is removed and the home is fully aerated, it will be safe for reoccupation. Fumigation also eliminates other pests, such as fleas or bedbugs, that might have hatched or bred in your home.
A consultation with your pest control company lists specific preparations you must make for the fumigation process. It includes removing house plants and other decorations, trimming trees that could interfere with the tenting process, disconnecting fencing attached to your house, and double-bagging all food items and medications.
Sulfuryl fluoride, the fumigant used in termite tent fumigation, has a lower greenhouse gas potential than other significant gases. It also breaks down rapidly, minimizing the risk of exposure to homeowners post-fumigation. To further reduce the environmental impact of fumigation, consider additional treatments that deter pests, such as soil and perimeter treatments.
