How long do termite tents stay up?

The process of tent fumigation is something that will typically last between 24 to 72 hours. Your whole home will be tented, the chemicals will be pumped into the home and then the all-clear what has to be given before you are able to re-enter your home.

How long does termite tent stay on house?

A fumigation can take from six hours to one week depending on the type of infestation, dosage, temperature, size of the structure, and other factors.

Do termites come back after tenting?

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.

Do you need to clean after termite tenting?

Regular fumigation of your house will lead to a pest-free environment. After fumigation, you will need to clean your home to get rid of any chemicals before you get into the house. Cleaning a house after fumigation will also get rid of the dead pests lying around the house.

Does tenting a house for termites really work?

Tenting is extremely effective in getting rid of a stubborn termite infestation or one that is difficult to access. Still, it is costly, involves some risk, and requires a lot of planning and preparation on the part of the homeowner.

10 Termite Fumigation/Tenting Facts You May Not Know

What food needs to be removed when tenting for termites?

Remove ALL items for human consumption INCLUDING food in refrigerators and freezers PRIOR to the fumigation. (Food items in cans, glass jars and plastic bottles with the ORIGINAL FACTORY SEAL do not have to be removed. Any other food and/or medicines MUST be removed even with the factory seal intact.

How often should you tent 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.

Can you 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.

Are dishes safe to use after fumigation?

It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents. Drawers and cabinets will be left open for the aeration process. You may now close them.

What needs to be bagged when tenting for termites?

Anything in resealable containers, including plastic containers, such as milk, butter, sour cream and cot- tage cheese. Eggs, fruits, vegetables and any oth- er forms of produce. Sample items that must be bagged or removed from the structure being fumigated .

What kills termites permanently?

What chemical kills termites? There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact.

Do I need to wash all dishes after termite 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.

Will you see dead termites after treatment?

The occurrence of post-treatment swarms can mean the colony is still producing alates, even though it is weakened. Also, alates can withstand much drier environments than workers and can be found still living in the colony after an effective treatment.

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

But, after the treatment is complete there is a time period of waiting that is required. You can only return to your property once the licensee in charge has certified that it is safe to return. The time between starting fumigation and returning home can take up to 60 hours.

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 is termite fumigation good for?

On average, termite treatment lasts about 5 years. Liquid termite treatment can last five years or more, whereas termite bait stations only last one year and need to be maintained annually.

Should I wash my sheets after fumigation?

Your clothes are not affected by the fumigation process, therefore you do not need to wash your clothes once it is done. On the contrary, if you want to be extra safe, you can go ahead and wash them. Washing your clothes after fumigation will not cause adverse effects or problems for you.

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.

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.

What to take out when house is tented?

Dry goods packaged in bags and/or cardboard boxes need to be removed or double bagged even if they haven't been opened. These items include cereal, chips, rice, etc. Mattresses sealed in plastic, such as baby mattresses, need to be removed or the waterproof covers must be removed or opened.

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.

Is termite tenting toxic?

Health Effects of Tenting

Sulfuryl fluoride is a central nervous system depressant, and is highly toxic to humans, animals and plants. While remaining in the home during termite tenting means certain death for animals, humans and plants, sulfuryl fluoride rapidly dissipates once the tent is removed from the home.

Are termite bait stations worth it?

More importantly, they're designed to not only kill termites active within the traps, but also to kill off the actual nest too. This is what makes termite baiting stations really effective. Not only are they an affordable long term solution, but they are incredibly effective at killing off large colonies of termites.

What to expect when tenting for termites?

What Happens During Fumigation? On the first day of the fumigation process, your termite extermination team will place fans inside your home, and that big, bright tent will make its appearance over your house. The team will also put up all of the necessary warning signs and begin to circulate the gas.

How do you keep termites from coming back?

By keeping the infected furniture in the sun, the heat will kill the termites and remove moisture from the furniture preventing chances of re-infestation. The smart thing here would be to dust off the furniture thoroughly and use a termite spray on it before bringing it back into the house.