Preparing Your Home or Business for Termite Fumigation
Preparing for a fumigation can seem like a difficult and time-consuming task. With our guidance throughout the fumigation process, we can help to alleviate your stress and make preparing for a fumigation a seamless process. Before the fumigator arrives on the day of the fumigation, there are several things you must take care of so the fumigation will go off without a hitch. Making sure all the items listed below as well as any other site-specific instructions are completed makes for a smooth process and ensures your home will be drywood termite free.
Once The Fumigation is Scheduled
- Make sure to call PG&E to schedule a time for them to come back out and restore the gas service (PG&E 1-800-743-5000). This can only be done 30 days or less from the fumigation date. Don’t wait too long to set this up or you may not be able to get PG&E out when you need them. The “Re-Entry Notice” posted on the door after the fumigation must be available to PG&E or they can’t turn the gas back on!
- Remember to plan for overnight accommodations for you and your pets, as the fumigation will typically take 3 days and 2 nights.
The Day Before Fumigation
- Cut back foliage, shrubbery, and landscaping at least 18 inches to 2 feet from the structure to allow room for the tarps.
- Please note, strong winds and heavy rain can interfere with a fumigation. When these conditions arise, the fumigation may need to be rescheduled.
- Any areas that have soil next to the foundation should be thoroughly watered-in to assure a good seal between the tarps and the soil.
The Day of Fumigation
- The fumigator must have a set of your keys during the fumigation. If security during the fumigation is a concern, contact our office for more information.
- Make sure PG&E has full access to the gas meter by 7am. Unlock gates and remove items or bushes blocking the gas meter. If PG&E can’t get to the meter, the fumigation will be delayed or even cancelled.
- Remove all plants from your home, including those on outdoor patios.
- Evacuate all people and pets from the structure.
- Remove mattresses completely enveloped in plastic, such as full Bedbug encasements or waterproof covers, or remove or fully open the covers. Crib mattresses should be removed from the home.
- Remove or double bag anything that will be ingested: food, drugs (including tobacco products), medicines, spices, etc. in the special Nylofume® bags provided. You do not need to bag or remove items in plastic, glass, or metal bottles, or cans or jars with the original manufacturer’s seal intact. For more information, refer to our flyer— What Needs to be Bagged.
- Seal the Nylofume bags by following the special instructions provided with the bags.
- Double bag (in Nylofume) refrigerated and frozen foods and leave them in the refrigerator and freezer. You may need to remove shelves from the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack the bags inside.
- Make sure there is access to the attic and the subarea. These areas must be inspected before the fumigation begins.
After the Fumigation
- It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, wipe down counters, etc. as Vikane® is a gas and will dissipate from the structure.
- The fumigator conducts metered testing to confirm no Vikane is present in the structure and will post a “Re-Entry Notice” on the door.
- Retain the “Re-Entry Notice” that was posted on the door. The utility company representative will request to see it before they can turn the gas back on.
We are always here to help, so please call our office with any questions you may have about the fumigation process. It is important that you have any and all questions addressed prior to the fumigation.
