These are some of the precautions you can take to protect your home: • Empty your crawl space of debris and pieces of wood. Cover the soil’s surface with polyethylene sheeting to reduce the moisture.
Full Answer
How do I protect my home from termites?
Ensure that you protect them from damage by moving them away from the perimeter of your home so that your pest control specialists can tent your home without obstruction. Unwrap all plastic-covered seats, cushions, and mattresses because the covers inhibit the effectiveness of the chemicals used to rid the home of termites.
What happens during a termite treatment?
The termite treatment experts will remove the tent as planned on the determined day. The pest control experts will check the quality of air using special equipment before you are allowed to enter your home. Remember to open all the door and windows to air the rooms to allow the chemicals to dissipate.
How to prepare for termite tenting?
One of the vital steps when preparing for termite tenting is the placement of a warning agent. For the sake of clarity, a warning agent like Chloropicrin is generally used. A small amount of this compound is used before the application of the fumigant (Vikane). Chloropicrin is a colorless liquid that has a strong odor.
How do you keep termites out of a brick foundation?
Brick and block foundations develop cracks as they age, so they should have a capping of 4 inches of solid concrete to make it harder for termites to get inside. Using steel frames, pressure treated wood or termite resistant heartwood during construction is also highly recommended to prevent termites.
Do people break in during fumigation?
The number of burglaries in structures being fumigated isn't a significant problem, police say, but the break-ins that do occur can happen to homes small or large, modest or expensive. Often, victims lose valuables or emotional keepsakes.
How do I prepare my house for termite fumigation?
Personal ItemsMake Accommodation Plans for The Family. ... Seal and Toss Away Consumables. ... Pack and Store Clothes. ... Unplug All Electrical Appliances. ... Take Out All Plants. ... Uncover The Furniture and Upholstery. ... Open All Doors Between Rooms. ... Prep The Exterior of the Home the Tent.More items...•
What can stay in the house during fumigation?
Food for people, animals and pets, as well as tobacco products and medicines (including items in refrigerators and freezers) can remain in your home if they are in plastic, glass or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer's air-tight seal intact.
Do windows stay open during fumigation?
California Law requires that operable windows be open a minimum of 3 inches during fumigation. Windows that can't be accessed and opened by ordinary means (without moving furniture, removing nails, or cutting a paint seal) can remain closed.
Do I need to remove clothes for 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.
How long do you stay out of house after termite tenting?
You'll have to make arrangements to be away from your property for a minimum of 24 hours but some fumigation appointments may take as long as 72 hours to completely dissipate the chemicals inside.
How do I prepare my house for fumigation?
Remove all living things, including pets and plants, from the structures to be fumigated. Adding poison to the building can seriously harm or kill pets or plants. Remove or seal food, medicines, tobacco products, etc., in the provided fumigation bags or remove them entirely from the structure.
How toxic is termite fumigation?
Chemicals used in fumigation are lethal! Exposure to fumigants in a structure being fumigated, even for a few minutes, will result in death or serious injury. Absolutely NO ONE can enter a structure until it has been certified safe for re-entry by the licensee in charge of the fumigation.
What do you throw away after fumigation?
Throw any packets of chips, sugar, butter, etc. that were left open during fumigation for precaution. Start by vacuuming all the dead pests around the house before discarding the vacuum bag. Then proceed to empty all the cupboards and drawers for vacuuming.
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 .
Is bottled water safe from fumigation?
Double bag all of the food items in your home apart from unopened plastic bottles. 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.
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.
How to keep termites away from my house?
Taking these steps to cut off access to their food sources can help make your home less attractive to termites. Keep dead trees and rotting wood away from your home. Remove any tree stumps or leftover construction wood around your home.
How to prevent termites from forming around foundation?
Michael Potter, Entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, suggests the following as effective methods to aid in termite prevention: Remove all lumber, wood, mulch, paper, cardboard or other cellulose-based debris from around the foundation.
How to get rid of termites in my house?
Keeping grass near your home cut short and raked regularly. Using pine needles as mulch. Pine needles are less appetizing to subterranean termites than wood mulch.
How to keep sprinkler heads pointed away from foundation?
Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home's foundation. Check for plumbing leaks in your home and crawl space. Direct all condensation from air conditioners, clothes dryers and other appliances away from your home. Check or install vapor block barriers in your crawl space, and consider using a dehumidifier.
How to prevent water leaks from foundation?
Ensure storm drains empty a few feet from the foundation and that your soil drainage minimizes overly moist soil. Check your roofing and flashing for water leaks. Check gutters and downspouts to ensure water is directed away from your foundation wall. Keep all sprinkler heads pointed away from your home's foundation.
Can you use stainless steel mesh for termites?
If there are larger gaps , stainless steel mesh could be used to fill in the spaces before caulking. If pipes show signs of rust or moisture, make sure there aren't any cracks or leaks that create moisture that may attract the termites.
Can termites attack wood siding?
Plants can also make it harder to notice if termites are attacking your wood siding or exploiting cracks in your home's foundation. To better protect your foundation, Potter also recommends:
Why do you need to fumigate a tent?
Most pest companies recommend tent fumigation simply because it is the most effective way of treating every square inch of your home and property without risking the health of your family or the employees who are administering the chemicals. The main problem with tent fumigation is that it puts your home or business at a much higher risk of break-in and theft. Green Knight Security offers a variety of security systems that could be used in this situation. Call 844-457-8326 and find out how they can help you protect your property.
What is the problem with tent fumigation?
The main problem with tent fumigation is that it puts your home or business at a much higher risk of break-in and theft. Green Knight Security offers a variety of security systems that could be used in this situation. Call 844-457-8326 and find out how they can help you protect your property.
How long can you stay under a tent?
Your property can be kept under the tent for several hours placing your home at a much higher risk. With the tent surrounding your property, visibility is also limited, preventing you from seeing inside your home while the foggers are going. Don't take risks or try to enter your home during this time.
Is fogging your home a stressful process?
Having to fog your home for pests can be a stressful process in and of itself. You shouldn't have to worry about whether or not your home is protected during the process. When you make the choice to have your home tented and fumigated, call the security professionals at Green Knight Security.
Is Green Knight Security available 24/7?
Green Knight Security is available 24/7; we understand your security issues don’t only happed during normal business hours. We guarantee the availability of both armed and unarmed security specialist or even off duty police officers at anytime of the day or night.
Can you rent a storage unit for fogging?
It may be beneficial for you to rent a storage unit for anything that may be damaged by the chemical residue left behind by the fogging process. It's important to discuss these issues with your pest control representative to ensure that your property is fully protected from both theft as well as damage.
Can a tent be locked during fumigation?
During a tent fumigation, the windows and doors of your home must be left open to allow for proper ventilation. While the tent itself is secured, it can't be effectively locked. This means that your home or business will be vulnerable to thieves and vandals during the fumigation process.
What if a product label does not include instructions to control termites and protect the structure?
If the label does not include directions to control termites and protect the structure, then the product is not intended to protect the structure against termites and should not be applied. If you wish to see a copy of the product label, ask the company representative for a copy.
What is termite bait?
In recent years, several bait systems have been introduced to help reduce the overall use of insecticides and their impact on human health and the environment. These systems rely on cellulose baits that contain a slow-acting insecticide. The most common active ingredients found in termite baits are:
What is the active ingredient in termite bait?
The most common active ingredients found in termite baits are: Diflubenzuron - inhibits insect development. Hexaflumuron - first active ingredient registered as a reduced-risk pesticide. It is used as part of a termite inspection, monitoring, and baiting system. Also see general fact sheet (PDF) (3 pp, 248.46 K) Exit.
How to tell if you have termites?
Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below: Examine, by probing, exposed wood for hollow spots (using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool). Identify termite swarms (sometimes ant swarms are mistaken as termites).
Can termiticides be used for barrier treatments?
Termiticides used for barrier treatments must be specifically labeled for that use. If conducted improperly, these treatments can cause contamination of the home and surrounding drinking water wells and will not protect against termites.
How to keep termites out of your house?
It is a precautionary measure that ensures the termites have no place to hide. Open All Doors Between Rooms. Leave the doors between rooms open to all the chemical to spread through the house. You should also leave the closets, drawers, and cabinets.
What is termite tenting?
Termite tenting is a very effective treatment when dealing with Drywood termites. While the process of treating a home infested with termites is done by pest control professionals, you have a part to play in the tenting process. When it is time to treat your home for termites there are a few things you can do. ...
What to do when fumigating furniture?
Clean Utensils, Furniture, and All Surfaces. It is important to wash all the utensils and clothes to rid them of the fumigation chemicals – even those sealed away. Also, remember to wipe the floors, doors, windows, shelves, countertops to rid the surfaces of any chemical residue.
What to do with perishables in your home?
Remove all perishables from your home and double seal the ones you question. However, the best option is to relocate them to a storage outside your home. The sealing and relocation also applies to pet foods and all medical and hygiene products. Pack and Store Clothes.
How to get rid of pests in your house?
Take Out All Plants. Remove all indoor plants as well as those on the patios and place outside your home. Ensure that you protect them from damage by moving them away from the perimeter of your home so that your pest control specialists can tent your home without obstruction. Uncover The Furniture and Upholstery.
Can termites be removed from tents?
The termite treatment experts will remove the tent as planned on the determined day. The pest control experts will check the quality of air using special equipment before you are allowed to enter your home. Remember to open all the door and windows to air the rooms to allow the chemicals to dissipate.
Do you need a key for termite treatment?
Leave Your Keys. The termite treatment professionals will need keys to every section of your home and will be keen to lock up the place when finished. There is likely a secondary locking system for the house to ensure nobody enters the home during fumigation and the 24-hour quarantine period.
What to do if your house has been attacked by termites?
If one of your rooms has been attacked by termites, make sure to never take the stuff including furniture stored in that room to other parts of your house that are not affected by the termites. 4. Maintain a Distance Between Soil and Wood: If you have a garden, ensure that there is some distance between the soil and wood.
How to prevent termites from spreading?
Here is a list of things you can do to prevent termites from spreading and ensure that the treatment is successful: 1. Get Rid of Moisture: Moisture is one of the main reasons that attract all kinds of pests including termites into your home. Getting rid of excess moisture in your home will help in keeping termites at bay.
How to get rid of termites on wood?
5. Use Borate on Wood Before Priming or Painting: Borate is one of the most popular termite repellents. You can spray borate on wood prior to priming and painting. It soaks into the wood and essentially prevents termites from attacking and nibbling on it.
Why is it so hard to get rid of termites?
Once they invade your home and start feeding on the foundation of your house or your expensive furniture it becomes really difficult to get rid of them, especially because of their minuscule size. Carrying out frequent inspections in your house to check for the presence of termites ...
How to keep your house cool during the summer?
In summers, you can switch on the air conditioner periodically during the day to maintain a cool temperature in the house and remove excess moisture from the air indoors. Also read: 5 Signs Your Home is Infested With Termites. 2. Fix Leaks: Pay attention to any leaks or decay in your house.
Can termites be killed in the summer?
This termite protection strategy can work well in summer since termites cannot stand the heat. 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.
Can you use termite spray on furniture?
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. You can do the same with the furniture items that may not be affected by termites to make sure that they stay termite-free.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
Remember, nylofume bags are best to pack food items into. These are the basic steps to follow when fumigating for termites. Fumigation is one of the best ways to get rid of termites.
What is the best way to prepare for termite tenting?
One of the vital steps when preparing for termite tenting is the placement of a warning agent. For the sake of clarity, a warning agent like Chloropicrin is generally used. A small amount of this compound is used before the application of the fumigant (Vikane). Chloropicrin is a colorless liquid that has a strong odor.
How long should you stay out of your house after termite fumigation?
While some fumigants are odorless, others aren’t. So, if by chance you perceive anything unusual, you’d need to stay out of your home for a couple of days.
What safety gear is needed for termite fumigation?
The basic safety gear for termite fumigation includes safety goggles for the protection of your eyes. Safety helm ets are also are a requirement. Respiratory masks are indispensable when conducting termite fumigation yourself. This gear helps filter out harmful vapors and fumigant particles.
How long do you have to stay out of home for Vikane gas?
In the case of Vikane gas, you may need to stay out of your home for a period ranging from 1 – 2 days. This period may be longer when using other fumigant agents. Methyl bromide, for instance, will require upwards of 4 days. Whatever it takes, we recommend you stay out for a sufficient period.
How to get rid of fumigators in your house?
Open all doors, grant unlimited access to fumigators by giving them keys to every door in the house. Switch off electricity and gas supply, as well as your air conditioning system. Remove pillows, sheets and mattress covers from your bedding. Empty your garage, remove cars, trucks, lawnmowers, etc.
What is the warning agent for tearing eyes?
In measured doses, the warning agent Chloropicrin causes tearing and eye irritations. During the application of this warning agent, you’ll need a shallow pan and an absorbent material. The liquid is poured into a shallow pan containing the absorbent material.