Fumigation for Termites: Step-by-Step Process, When to Choose It, and Health Precautions

Termite infestations can cause significant damage to homes, and in severe cases, fumigation is often the best option for eradicating these pests. Fumigation is a comprehensive treatment that kills termites throughout an entire structure, ensuring no hidden colonies are left behind. In this post, we’ll provide a detailed step-by-step guide to the fumigation process, discuss when fumigation is the right choice, and outline important health precautions to take before, during, and after the treatment.

What is Fumigation?

Fumigation is a termite treatment that involves enclosing a structure with a tent and releasing a gas (fumigant) that penetrates every area of the home, including the wood and hard-to-reach places where termites may be hiding. It’s typically used for severe infestations, particularly drywood termites, which infest areas inside walls, furniture, and structural wood.

Step-by-Step Fumigation Process

Fumigation is a multi-day process that requires careful preparation and execution. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in fumigating a home for termites:

1. Inspection and Assessment

Before fumigation begins, a professional termite inspector will assess the extent of the infestation and determine if fumigation is the best option. This step includes identifying the type of termites (drywood, subterranean, or Formosan) and evaluating the level of damage.

When It’s Necessary: Fumigation is recommended when the infestation is widespread and difficult to control with localized treatments.

2. Preparation for Fumigation

Homeowners are responsible for preparing their homes before fumigation begins. This preparation is crucial for ensuring that the fumigation process is safe and effective. Below are some important steps to prepare:

Remove or Seal Food and Medications: All food, medications, and pet food must be removed from the home or double-sealed in special protective bags provided by the fumigation company. This prevents contamination by the fumigant.
Turn Off Gas and Electricity: The gas company will need to turn off the gas supply to your home to avoid any potential hazards during fumigation. Some fumigators may also require electricity to be shut off, depending on the fumigant used.
Remove Houseplants and Pets: Any living plants, including houseplants, and all pets (including fish) must be removed from the property before fumigation. The fumigant is toxic to plants and animals.
Open Cabinets and Drawers: Open all cabinets, drawers, and closets so the fumigant can circulate freely inside the home.
Unlock Doors: Interior doors, closets, and storage spaces should be unlocked to ensure that the fumigant can reach every part of the house.

3. Tenting the Home

Once the home is prepared, the fumigation team will cover the entire structure with a large tent (also called a tarpaulin). The tent is secured to the ground or foundation to create an airtight seal, which allows the fumigant to permeate the entire house.

Why It’s Important: The tenting process ensures that the fumigant is contained within the home, allowing it to penetrate deep into wood and hidden spaces where termites may be living.

4. Fumigant Release

After the tent is securely in place, the fumigator will release the fumigant gas (commonly sulfuryl fluoride) into the home. The gas will spread throughout the structure, including inside walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture, killing termites on contact.

Gas Penetration: The fumigant is designed to penetrate all areas of the home, including spaces that are not easily accessible, such as inside wood beams and beneath floorboards.

5. Aeration and Monitoring

Once the fumigation is complete, the fumigators will begin the process of aerating the home to remove the fumigant. This involves venting the gas from the house and monitoring the air quality to ensure that it’s safe for re-entry.

Air Quality Testing: Fumigators use sensitive monitoring equipment to measure the levels of fumigant in the air. They will only declare the home safe once the gas levels have dropped to a safe, non-toxic concentration.
Duration: The aeration process typically takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the home and the concentration of fumigant used.

6. Re-Entry and Inspection

Once the air quality inside the home has been deemed safe, the fumigation team will remove the tent. Homeowners can then re-enter the house, but it’s important to follow any post-treatment guidelines provided by the fumigation company.

Final Inspection: After the fumigation is complete, a final inspection will be performed to ensure that the termites have been eradicated. Any necessary follow-up treatments or repairs may be recommended.

When to Choose Fumigation

Fumigation is not always the first treatment option for termites, but it is necessary in certain situations. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether fumigation is the right choice:

1. Severity of Infestation

Fumigation is typically used for large-scale infestations where termites have spread throughout the home. If termites are present in multiple rooms or have infested the interior of walls, furniture, and structural wood, fumigation is the most effective method for eliminating the entire colony.

Widespread Drywood Termites: Fumigation is most commonly used for drywood termite infestations, as these termites burrow deep inside wood and are difficult to reach with localized treatments.
Hidden Colonies: If termite colonies are hidden in hard-to-reach places, such as behind walls or under flooring, fumigation ensures that the gas reaches these areas and kills the termites.

2. Failure of Other Treatments

If less invasive treatments, such as spot treatments or baiting systems, have failed to fully control the infestation, fumigation may be necessary to eradicate the termites once and for all.

Persistent Infestations: If termites keep returning after other treatments, fumigation provides a complete solution by killing termites throughout the entire structure.

3. Pre-Sale Requirement

In some real estate transactions, particularly in termite-prone areas like Hawaii, fumigation may be required by the buyer or lender before the sale of a home. This ensures that the property is free of termites before transfer.

Health Precautions for Fumigation

Fumigation involves the use of powerful fumigants that are toxic to humans, pets, and plants. While these chemicals dissipate after the process is complete, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines before, during, and after fumigation.

1. Before Fumigation

Remove or Seal Consumables: All food, beverages, medications, and pet food must be double-sealed in special bags provided by the fumigator or removed from the home.
Leave the Home: All residents must vacate the premises for the duration of the fumigation process, which typically lasts 48 to 72 hours.
Notify Neighbors: Depending on the proximity of neighboring homes, it may be a good idea to inform your neighbors about the fumigation, as the gas may drift slightly during the aeration process.

2. During Fumigation

Do Not Enter the Home: The home will be sealed during fumigation, and it is unsafe for anyone to enter the property until the process is complete and the home has been aerated.
Stay Away from the Tent: It’s important to stay away from the tented home, as the fumigant can seep out if the tent is disturbed or damaged.

3. After Fumigation

Ventilate the Home: After the tent is removed and you are allowed back into the home, open windows and doors to further ventilate the space.
Follow Re-Entry Guidelines: Wait for the all-clear from the fumigation company before re-entering the home. This ensures that the air inside the home is safe to breathe and that there are no lingering fumes.
Discard Open Food Items: Even after the fumigation, any food that was left out or improperly sealed should be discarded to avoid contamination.

Conclusion

Fumigation is an effective and comprehensive solution for severe termite infestations, particularly for drywood termites and widespread infestations that are difficult to treat with localized methods. By following a step-by-step process, fumigation penetrates deep into the structure of your home, ensuring that termites are eradicated. However, because fumigants are toxic, it’s essential to follow all safety precautions before, during, and after the process.

If you suspect a termite infestation and believe fumigation might be necessary, consult a licensed pest control professional to assess your home and recommend the best treatment.