How Does Fumigation Work? What to Expect If You Need Heavy-Duty Extermination

Fumigation is an inconvenient process, but it’s less inconvenient than paying thousands of dollars to repair damage caused by harmful pests, like termites and bed bugs. Although you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay for a few nights, this pest-killing method is more efficient and effective than other solutions. However, it’s important to know what the process involves before you agree to it. Learn how fumigation works so that you know exactly what you’re getting into. 

What Is Fumigation?

Fumigation is the process of eliminating pests, such as termites, via tenting the home and exposing the pests to fumigants. Fumigation makes the most sense for more severe cases where heat treatment or other pesticides aren’t possible. This happens when the pest problem becomes widespread, making it difficult to locate the source of the problem.

How Do I Prep My Home for Fumigation?

The gas used to kill the pests in your home can be dangerous to pets and humans, so you’ll need to leave your home for at least 48 hours (sometimes longer). Before you go, there are a few things you should do first: 

Open Doors and Cupboards

Make sure to leave all of the doors to your rooms, closets, and bathrooms open. During fumigation, the open doors will allow the gas to travel between rooms and kill the termites wherever they are. 

Remove All Pets

Be sure to remove all pets, plants, and people from your home, and that includes your fish! Fumigation is an invasive process, so you’ll need to plan to make sure you and your furry family members have a place to go.

Seal All Consumable Products in Bags

Your fumigation specialist should provide specialty bags to protect all consumables against the poisonous gas. Be sure to bag all food, medications, pet food, tobacco, and toothpaste; you don’t need to seal unopened canned or jarred food. 

Prep the Outside of Your Home

The fumigation specialist will put a tent over your home. You should plan to rake gravel or mulch at least a foot away from your house’s foundation before they arrive. If you have plants or bushes next to the house, talk to a professional to decide what to remove. 

Shut Off Gas Service and Handle Mail

You may need to shut off gas services to your home for a few days. Your utility company can help you plan when to shut off the service and when to resume it. Make sure you don’t have any package deliveries scheduled for the time you’ll be away. You may even want to ask the postal service to hold your mail for a few days. 

What Happens During Fumigation?

First, the extermination company will give you instructions for handling your pets, family, plants, and food. Before gassing out the pests, the pest control company will put a large tent over your home. This tent helps contain the gasses used to kill the bugs. 

A fumigant, or gas used to kill pests, is released all throughout your home. After a day has passed, a pro will return to begin aerating your home, allowing the gas to leave your home slowly on its own. Usually after a full day or two of aeration, the fumigation crew will return to remove the tent from your home and test the air to make sure it’s suitable for you to move back in.

How Long Does Fumigation Take?

The application process takes about six hours, depending on the size of your home. It takes another 24 to 48 hours for the poison to settle and dissipate so that you can return safely. Plan an extra day for preparing your home and returning things to normal once the fumigation is complete. 

What to Expect After a Fumigation

Once the fumigation process wraps up, the pest control specialist will air out your home, remove the tent, and clean up any materials left behind. You should have your gas turned back on once you’re ready to move back in. Some people feel more comfortable doing a deep clean afterward, though it’s unnecessary. 

Fumigation is an effective way to get rid of current infestations. However, fumigation does not prevent pests from reentering the home. You’ll need to take preventative measures to ensure your home stays safe from future infestations. 

For certain pests, try standard exterminations before resorting to fumigation to save on costs. Fumigation typically costs $5 to $20 per square foot, or about $1,200 to $2,500 for an average-sized home. On the other hand, a simple cockroach extermination costs between $300 and $700 and is similarly effective. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It’s easier and safer to hire a local pest control company to complete any fumigation work. Professional companies have access to stronger fumigation materials than what’s available commercially. Plus, the pros know how to handle these dangerous chemicals safely. Making a mistake with fumigants could lead to you or your pets getting dangerously sick.

Additionally, tenting your home on your own is difficult and expensive. The complex labor required is enough to deter most avid DIYers away from the project if the risk of fumigant illness isn’t enough already. 

Angela Brown contributed to this piece.