Do windows stay 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.

Can I sleep in my house after fumigation?

You cannot stay in your home during structural fumigation and neither can your pets or plants. You need to remove any living thing from your property for the duration of the treatment. You also need to pack your food and medicine in special bags designed for this process.

How long does it take for fumigation to air out?

It typically takes at least six hours for the fumigant to thoroughly aerate from a house after treatment. From preparation to treatment to aeration, the entire fumigation process can take about 24 to 72 hours, depending on the size of the house and the outdoor conditions.

What can stay in the house during fumigation?

Food for people, animals and pets, as well as tobacco products and medicines (including items in refrigerators and freezers) can remain in your home if they are in plastic, glass or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer's air-tight seal intact.

Do you need to wipe everything down after fumigation?

You will need to wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth. Dispose of the cloth after use. After that, repeat the process by wiping all surfaces with a damp cloth, only this time you would be using 1 part vinegar and 1 part water.

FAQ: Is there any residual left behind after fumigation is completed?

Does your house smell after fumigation?

Fumigation will leave behind the remains of dead termites. This will cause no smell and is no hazard to human health; however, occasionally ants will enter a home to feast on the dead termites.

Do I have to wash my 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. Enjoy the peace of mind that the termites are gone.

Can I drink bottled water after fumigation?

Bottled water or bottled soda is safe for use after fumigation. If you've got an unopened glass jar of pickles or a can of soup that is unopened, they'll be no need to beg these items up.

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.

How do I prepare my house for fumigation?

Remove all living things, including pets and plants, from the structures to be fumigated. Adding poison to the building can seriously harm or kill pets or plants. Remove or seal food, medicines, tobacco products, etc., in the provided fumigation bags or remove them entirely from the structure.

Why is gas turned off during fumigation?

Normally they turn the gas off a day before the fumigation for vacant properties, and same day for occupied properties, this is to try to minimize the time without that basic utility.

How long should you stay out of the house after fumigation?

You'll have to make arrangements to be away from your property for a minimum of 24 hours but some fumigation appointments may take as long as 72 hours to completely dissipate the chemicals inside. Licensed fumigators should be the only one entering your property after the tenting goes up.

What are the side effects of fumigation?

Should you bag clothes for fumigation?

No, you do not need to do anything special or extra to protect your clothes before or after the process. Clothing and other fabrics like furniture, toys, bedding, mattress, towels, and more are not affected by the fumigation process. You do not need to place any of these items in the special bags.

How often should you fumigate your house?

Fumigation typically lasts four years, but we recommend a termite inspection every two to four years to keep your home protected. Because termites can sometimes secret themselves away in areas where fumigations can't reach, make sure to note any signs of damage after a treatment.

Is it normal for eyes to burn after fumigation?

Therefore, prior to the fumigation, applicators introduce trace amounts of a warning agent, chloropicrin, into the structure. Chloropicrin has a strong odor and will cause respiratory and eye irritation. Symptoms include tears, burning eyes, difficulty breathing, coughing, headaches, and nausea.

Do I need to unplug electronics during fumigation?

Foggers are used when pests are present and if you plan to have your home fogged, you need to know that unplugging a refrigerator is a must. Unplugging refrigerators will prevent accidents from happening since chemicals released by foggers are flammable.

Does fumigation affect books?

Second, fumigation is safe for artworks, books, wooden objects, furniture, and more. Finally, even the most delicate displays and collections benefit from protection without the risk of damage.

How do you prepare for termite tenting fumigation?

What foods should be bagged for fumigation?

Chips, pasta, bread, cereals, rice, cookies, crackers and any other items packaged in plastic, paper or cardboard bags or boxes, even if they have never been opened. Anything in resealable containers, including plastic containers, such as milk, butter, sour cream and cot- tage cheese.

Does shampoo need to be bagged for fumigation?

If they do not provide bags, all food items must be REMOVED from the property. THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Does makeup, shampoo/conditioner, and lotions need to be removed? Make-up, shampoo/conditioner, and lotions DO NOT need to be removed.

What happens if you eat food exposed to Vikane gas?

Will that cause me harm? No adverse health effects would be expected from consumption of some food items inadvertently fumigated with Vikane. The residue that can form in unprotected food items exposed to Vikane is fluoride, which naturally occurs in food and water.

Can termites come back after fumigation?

Even after fumigation, termites can still find a way into your home again, if a barrier is not created to discourage re-entry. In addition, termite protection is an ongoing process because continued maintenance and treatments might be required to keep these pests out of your property.

What should be cleaned after fumigation?

You should start by examining the entire house for any edibles that may have been left open or exposed during fumigation. Any contents of any open containers, such as potato chips, crackers, butter, sugar, etc., should be discarded as precaution. The next major step is vacuuming. You will need to vacuum all dead bugs.

Do I need to wash bedding after termite fumigation?

The property is surrounded by a tarpaulin to contain the gas. Fumigation companies claim that the gas does not leave a residue, therefore items like clothing or plates do not need to be washed after the fumigation has taken place.