Once termites enter your home they can go relatively undetected for quite a long time. Because of this, once you do see the initial signs of infestation it's safe to say that the situation is much more pervasive than you realize. While spot treating termites is possible, it’s rarely the best solution to your infestation. Most pest control experts will refer you directly to fumigation.
Everyone knows that when you see a big, bright tent around your neighbors’ house it’s not a carnival, but a pest control company is setting up to treat that home for termites. So what else is there to know about this process, often referred to as “tenting?” Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about in advance of your upcoming whole-home termite treatment.
It’s Best To Fumigate In Warmer Weather
When cold weather strikes, the metabolic systems of termites slow requiring a larger amount of fumigation chemicals to kill your infestation. While Florida weather doesn’t usually stay cold for long, it’s best to plan your whole house fumigation for the warmer months when termites are more active. While tenting can still be done during the colder months, scheduling your treatment in the warmer season requires less fumigant to rid your home of pests.
Plan To Be Out Of Your House For 3 Days
From the time you hand over your keys, until the moment you’re allowed back into your home, you can expect to be gone for about 3 days. This allows the pest control company time to treat your home as well as the additional time required to cover and uncover the building.
It Kills More Than Just Termites
Most people think of termites when we think of home fumigation. In Florida, termites are pervasive and can wreak havoc on your home if left untreated. But, did you know that tenting your home is also useful for killing other pest infestations? Particularly, whole home fumigation is a popular treatment for bedbugs, so if you’ve struggled to get rid of these nasty pests, tenting your home will kill two bugs with one stone.
There Is No Nasty Residue To Clean Up
The chemicals used during the fumigation process are pumped into your house as a gas. They float into your home, displacing oxygen and slowly killing all of your unwanted pests. Once that gas is removed from your tented house there is absolutely no residue left behind, therefore tenting is not harmful to furniture or linens, and you won’t need to wash your dishes when you get home. In advance of your treatment, you will want to remove any pets, plants, and open food containers from the building.