This termite treatment involves covering the entire structure with a tent and using a gas, that is toxic to termites, to kill and destroy the insect colonies. Tenting for termites allows the gas to penetrate wood and kill the termites on site.

Does tenting a house for termites really work?

The tent keeps the poison gas inside the home, and it helps it penetrate deep into every part of the home, even the wood timbers. Tenting is extremely effective in getting rid of a stubborn termite infestation or one that is difficult to access.

What happens when they tent your house for termites?

During the termite fumigation process, a trained pest management professional will place a tent (tarps) over a home before releasing a fumigant throughout the structure. ... Termites will breathe in the fumigant, which then will deplete their oxygen, affect their nervous system and cause their death.

How long after termite fumigation is it safe to return home?

But the toxicity levels remain for a few days after fumigation. That's the reason termite controllers say that it's safe to return your home 24-72 hours after fumigation.

Do you have to tent to get rid of termites?

ANSWER: It is used for some severe and widespread infestations of drywood termites, even then there are other methods that could be used, depending on the extent of the infestation. IF tenting is necessary, that is fumigation. You will need to leave the home. There are items that can stay; others need to be sealed.

How Does Fumigation Work? The Whole Process As I Saw It

37 related questions found

Do termites return after tenting treatment?

Will termites come back after treatment? Termites may return after treatments. Luckily, companies like Orkin and Terminix promise to re-treat at no extra cost if you have a termite plan with them.

What needs to be removed from house when tenting for termites?

Animals, perishables, clothing, electrical appliances, and other things all need to be removed when tenting for termites. Termite tenting is a very effective treatment when dealing with termites.

What does it cost to tent a house for termites?

The average cost to tent a house for termite fumigation ranges from $1,280 to $3,000 or $1 to $4 per square foot depending on the level of infestation. The second option for the entire home is heat treatment which usually costs between $1 to $2.50 per square foot with most homeowners paying about $800 to $2,800.

Why does my house smell after fumigation?

What does the fumigant smell like? Structural fumigants are odorless. Because of that, fumigators are required to release a warning agent such as chloropicrin (tear gas) within the structure when the fumigation begins and throughout the fumigation process.

How much does house fumigation cost?

Fumigation treatment that requires tenting the home and applying lethal gas may run between $1,200 and $2,500 for a house that size. Exterminators may base fumigation costs on the home's cubic feet (total volume) or square feet (total area).

How long does tenting a house for termites last?

Close all exits and entrances or enclose them with a special nylon tent. Fumigant gas is then pumped into the house. The process can last approximately six hours to one week.

How often should a house be tented for termites?

To avoid infestations, homeowners should have their home inspected annually for termites. Termite treatments last anywhere from 5 to 13 years depending on the type of treatment used and any signs of current activity.

How do you prevent break in during fumigation?

Make every effort to not have any valuables or precious keepsakes left in your home during the fumigation. Remember your home will be left open for two to three days without any of your usual home security measures in place. If you cannot remove valuables from the home, you are encour- aged to hide them.

Is it safe to live in a house with termites?

Buildings or houses that are made of wood can be unfit to live in if termites have already caused considerable damage to its foundations, beams and other supports of the structure. ... This is considered a serious safety issue as once a solid wood structure turns weak and brittle.

Can a house collapse from termites?

Advanced termite damage can greatly affect the structural integrity of your home, even causing ceilings or floors to collapse. However, if damage does not affect your home's structure, your family's experience at home can still be impacted by ruined carpeting, walls, furniture or flooring.

What food needs to be removed when tenting for termites?

Any packaged food in any kind of container, bag, packet or box needs to be removed, even if it's never been opened. Vegetables, fruits, eggs, cartons of milk, jugs of fruit juice and even blister packs of pills also need to be removed or bagged.

When should you tent for termites?

Recurring termite swarms year after year indicate the presence of well established termite colonies that would likely be hard to isolate in order for localized treatments to be entirely effective. If you've observed termite swarming for more than one year, it might be time to tent for drywood termites.

Are windows left open during fumigation?

California Law requires that operable windows be open a minimum of 3 inches during fumigation. Windows that can't be accessed and opened by ordinary means (without moving furniture, removing nails, or cutting a paint seal) can remain closed.

Do you have to wash dishes after fumigation?

It is not necessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.

Is a termite bond a waste of money?

As Totaro, the New York City agent, says, "On the buy side, it's advisable to have a termite inspection performed before you sign a purchase contract. On the sell side, a termite bond is a selling enhancement. It's like insurance; it's only a waste of money if you never file a claim.

Does homeowner insurance cover termite damage?

Homeowners insurance is designed to cover risks and damage that are accidental and sudden. ... The cost to remove termites and repair their damage is generally not covered by your homeowners insurance.

Why is termite treatment so expensive?

Termite treatment is expensive because it is dangerous

In fact, seagulls and other water-dwelling birds were severely affected. These chemicals are now banned since it research indicated how carcinogenic they are (they cause cancer). ... While the newer chemicals are less harmful to the environment, they are still toxic.

How long does a fumigation tent stay on?

Typically, it takes at least 6 hours for the fumigant to leave the house after a termite treatment. After removing of the tents, the fumigator will test each room of the house using a sensitive fumigant clearance device, to make sure that the air is clean for safe re-entry.

How do I prepare my house for tenting?

How to Prepare for a Tent Fumigation

1. Unlock and open all rooms, cabinets, desks, closets, attic hatches and safes.
2. Remove all food from refrigerators, freezers, pantries and storage closets and move it off-site.
3. Remove all linen from beds, mattresses, sleeping pads and closets and move these off-site as well.

Does fumigation affect electronics?

It has no properties that would adversely affect electronics or even food. Bagging anything at all would be a waste of your time, as the gas will freely pass through all the containments. In fact, it passes through the large containment around the building as well, and begins to dissipate into open space immediately.