When homeowners discover they have termites, one of the questions they have is: Will my home need to be tented? And the natural follow-up questions are: Will it work and is it safe? Let’s look at facts of termite tenting, including the reasons for the process, what it involves, and whether it is harmful to anyone or anything beyond the termites you’re trying to eliminate.
What is termite tenting and fumigation?
The tent fumigation process is performed by a trained pest management team that places a tent of heavy nylon tarps over your house. Then, a gas is released throughout your home, where it circulates throughout so that it reaches all the cracks and crevices where termites can tunnel and thrive.
This process is used for drywood termites, who live within the wood of the home, and cannot be reached by other means of treatment. Here’s what you should know about the tenting and fumigation process:
- It takes about six hours for the fumigant to thoroughly circulate throughout the home
- The entire process – setting up the tent, fumigating the house, and then removing the tent so it can air out – can take about three to four days. However, the length of treatment depends on the size of the structure and the level of the infestation. Your pest control service will give you an accurate estimate so you and your family can plan to stay elsewhere for the duration.
The treatment is very effective at killing current termite infestations. After completion, your pest control service can apply a regular treatment program to prevent new colonies from invading.
Why the process is safe
You may be concerned about the safety of your home after it has been fumigated. However, as long as proper precautions are taken by your pest control service, the process is effective and safe. While the fumigant is deadly to living things – including humans, animals, and plants – your home will be safe for return as long as you follow the instructions given by your pest control service. It’s also important to note that:
- The fumigant will not leave a permanent residue on the home or the items within it
- Levels of the gas decline very quickly to almost undetectable levels after the tent has been removed
- You will not be cleared to re-enter your home until the gas levels measure less than 1 ppm (parts per million)
Call JD Smith to eliminate your termites
If you’ve seen the signs of termites, call us right away. The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin an effective treatment, whether it’s tenting, spot treatment, or soil treatment. And with regular inspections, you can rely on JD Smith Pest Control to keep your home free of termites. Our certified inspectors are ready to assess your situation and determine the right course of action.
