How do Termite Fumigations Work?

Termite infestations are treatable, so do not worry, drywood termite colonies and treatments are safe, and help is out there for termites. Fumigation is an excellent method to control drywood termite infestations.

Fumigation is a commonly used method that will treat drywood termites and their colonies and bed bugs. This type of fumigation is also known as structural fumigation. Termite fumigants are used for severe drywood termite infestations.

In this article, we will discuss how the termite fumigation process works. We will also give you all the information you need about how to prepare for a certified termite expert to treat your home for Drywood termites who live inside the wood; A soil treatment would be fruitless, but it would eliminate subterranean termites.

How does fumigation work?

Your property is covered in a tent or tarps, commonly known as tenting. The tenting covers the entire house and is made of nylon. This is performed by a certified termite expert who has passed certification tests.

A fumigant gas is released by a licensed fumigator under the tent, and because the tent is so enclosed, the gas is unable to escape from the seal around the tent. The process is not a prevention method; therefore, it will not prevent drywood termite infestations in the future.

How are termites killed during termite fumigation?

Termites will breathe in the fumigant, depleting their oxygen, affecting their nervous system, and causing the termites to die.

The cost of tenting varies depending on the size of the house. When you consider the cost of the damage being caused to your house, calling in termite companies is worth the extra cost.

Is termite fumigation effective?

It is an effective treatment technique but not a prevention method. The method will treat Drywood termite colonies and Subterranean termites active at the time of the fumigation. It will kill the termites in infested areas like wooden structures and where the termites live.

You can opt for a wood treatment process as a secondary option. Along with that, you can have a proactive program for regular maintenance with direct wood and soil treatment to provide the most comprehensive protection against future infestations.

It is more difficult to prevent Drywood termite infestations than it is to prevent Subterranean termite infestations. This is because, with exposed wood, there are more entry points for Drywood termites to get in. By performing regular upkeep on exposed wood, you and the certified termite expert can prevent termites.

Is the termite fumigation process safe?

A termite fumigation process is complex and involves restricted-use pesticides. Fumigations involve toxic chemicals and must be performed by professional pest control who have completed extensive training and passed certification tests.

Certified termite experts use specialist equipment for termite tenting to make termite tenting and fumigation safe as possible.

A pest professional will use:

• A fumiscope to measure concentrations of fumigant gas in the treatment area.

• Leak detectors will monitor gases that might escape into the treatment area.

• A clearance device checks in the termite tenting for extremely low concentrations of fumigant before people and pets return.

• Fumigants will not leave permanent residues on items after termite tenting once the property has been completely aerated.

Before fumigation begins

• You and your family will need to find other accommodation for up to 3 days and 2 nights during the termite fumigation process.

• Open the doors to all rooms to allow the fumigant to flow through the house.

• Ensure all food, including pet food, is put in nylofume bags (these will be supplied to you).

• Any gravel or leaves and debris should be removed from around the house at a distance of one foot from the walls.

• Remove any house plants that are close to the house.

• Put up warning posts to let local people know what is going on.

Remove from the house before termite fumigation

• Any pets and other animals, including fish

• Perishables

• Electrical items

• House plants

• All family members

Fumigation for drywood termites and Subterranean termite infestations

Fumigation is a cure, not prevention, against future colonies. Termites can return. You should regularly check areas for a termite infestation within the structure of the home. Fill in any gaps and as many cracks as you find around the home to prevent any future colonies of termite infestations.

The termite fumigation

A schedule is put in place in preparation for the termite fumigation work. A consultant pest control specialist will visit your house and give a free inspection and the cost for the process to remove a termite problem. A program that includes direct wood treatment and maintenance is beneficial.

Then a pest control expert will go through what will happen and what you need to do in preparation for the fumigation.

How long does structural fumigation take?

The termite fumigation process takes 24-72 hours. Before you can return, the termite tenting process must be checked with a clearance device for low concentrations of fumigant gas.

Bag up your food

For your safety, the pest company (Nylofume) will supply you with special bags to place food in to avoid the poisonous gas used during the fumigation process. These need to be tied securely, and you will be given a leaflet from the pest company with instructions on how to seal them.

Get the gas turned off before Drywood termites can be treated

Gas at the property will need to be disconnected for safety reasons before the termite treatment can begin. This is a legal requirement and the company will arrange this as part of the service.

What chemical is used?

The chemical used for these types of termite treatments is called Sulfuryl fluoride. It is an odorless, non-binding, non-residual product that kills drywood termites in wood structures. It does not leave any residue, smell, or film.

When you come back home after a termite treatment, you may notice a smell due to the tent’s material.

Bad Smells

Before termite treatment, empty your rubbish bins, and do not leave washing up in the sink.

This could lead to a bad smell. During the fumigation treatment process, heat builds up in the home, which will cause organic matter to decay quicker than usual, hence the bad smell.

To avoid the smells after fumigation, empty the dishwasher and empty all waste bins before termite fumigation.

And finally,

We hope you have found this article helpful about termites. How do termite fumigations work; Termite fumigations are an effective treatment technique for an entire structure.

Leave the treatment and comprehensive protection program of the termite infestation in your home to a professional.

If you have any questions, please email us. We will respond as quickly as possible.

Good luck!

Don’t forget to check in to Pest Resources for more information about pest control companies dealing with your home infestations!