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How to Prepare for Drywood Termite Fumigation

Fumigation Topic Links

Fumigation Preparation Checklist

In addition to the work performed by the fumigator that we assign to your account, it is your responsibility to help prepare your home for the fumigation. Taking the following steps prior to fumigation helps ensure its success, resulting in the elimination of drywood termites from your home.

Your assigned fumigator may supply additional home preparation instructions AND documents for your signature.

The Day Before Fumigation

  • Water the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home to protect outdoor plants and shrubs.
  • Cut back foliage, shrubbery and landscaping at least 18 inches from the structure to allow room for the tarps.
  • Remember to make arrangements for overnight accommodations for you and your pets, as the fumigation will typically take two days.
  • Please keep in mind that drywood termite fumigation cannot be performed in strong winds and/or rain and will be rescheduled if there is inclement weather.

The Day of Fumigation

  • We need your keys! Contact us to arrange for your keys. If security during the fumigation is a concern, contact our office for more information.
  • 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 baby mattresses with waterproof covers, or remove or open the covers.
  • Remove or double-bag anything that will be ingested: food, drugs (including tobacco products), medicinals, spices, etc. in the special Nylofume® bags provided. You do not need to bag or remove items in plastic, glass, or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer’s seal intact (refer to the flyer, What Needs to be Bagged).
  • Seal the Nylofume bags by following the special instructions provided with the bags.
  • Double-bag (in Nylofume) cold and frozen foods and leave them in the refrigerator and freezer. Remove shelves from the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack the bags inside.

After the Fumigation

  • It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as Vikane® is a gas and will dissipate from the structure.
  • Retain the “Clear to Enter” notice that was posted on your house. The utility company representative will request to see it.
  • Call the utility company to schedule a “fumigation unlock”gas turn on visit. (PG&E 1-800-743-5000)

Fumigation Frequently Asked Questions

What about burglaries or theft during fumigation?2016-07-20T13:35:31-07:00

During the fumigation and aeration period, the possibility of burglary exists as it does anytime you leave your home. We suggest that all valuables such as jewelry, coin or stamp collections, cash, art objects, firearms or anything else of value be removed prior to fumigation. We do not provide on-site security, and our insurance does not cover malicious vandalism or theft.

Can we leave valuables in a safe?2016-07-20T14:20:50-07:00

The Agricultural Commissioner requires that we inspect the accessible areas of your property, including safes, before and after fumigating the structure.  You will have to make arrangements to meet with our fumigator on your property on the day of your fumigation to verify that the safe is clear of any violations and again on the re-entry date so that our licensed fumigator can verify that there is no trapped fumigant in the safe.

My cat is an outdoor cat, may I just leave him roaming the property during the fumigation?2016-07-20T14:21:59-07:00

NO! Cats are notorious for their curiosity.  They can easily sneak into the area being fumigated, perhaps under one of the tarps, while our crews are busy to notice such an occurrence.  Please make arrangements for your cat(s) so they are safely away from the property being fumigated.  You may also want to notify neighbors, who have cats that regularly roam your yard, to keep them safely away from your property during the fumigation.

This applies to all pets on your property. For the safety of all your pets, including fish and reptiles, please make arrangements for them, so they are safely away from the property being fumigated.

My sub-area and/or attic area is at the back of my closet, do I have to clear out my closet?2016-07-20T14:22:34-07:00

Our fumigation crews need access to your sub-area and/or attic crawl-hole cover.  These areas must remain open during fumigation to ensure the proper circulation of the fumigant gas.  Please clear enough space for our crew to access these areas, including removal of clothing, shoes, vacuum cleaners, etc.

Do I need to turn off my sprinkler system?2016-07-20T14:23:02-07:00

Yes, your timed/automatic sprinkler systems must be turned off if the sprinklers are located within a few feet of the structure due to the fact that they may sit directly under the tarps, this may possibly result in damage to you sprinkler heads.

Will my outdoor plants/landscaping next to the property die?2016-07-20T14:23:34-07:00

No, plants outside the home should not die from the fumigant we use, depending on the plants proximity to the structure.  There are special circumstances, in which plants may have to be included under the tarp; however, you will be notified of such an occurrence before the fumigation commences.

Any indoor growing plants, potted or otherwise, should be removed from your property during the fumigation.

Can I leave my car in the garage?2016-07-20T14:23:58-07:00

We recommend that all vehicles be removed from the property being fumigated; however, if a vehicle must remain, our crew will need you to leave all doors unlocked and the windows, trunk, and glove compartment must be left open to ensure that the Vikane gas does not get trapped in it.

Motorcycles may remain in your property.

Does gasoline have to be removed from the property?2016-07-20T14:24:36-07:00

No.

I’m remodeling, should I paint and/or refinish my floors before or after fumigation?2016-07-20T14:53:48-07:00

AFTER. At least one week should elapse between painting or varnishing and fumigation.

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