What This Article Will Cover
- What fumigation is and when it’s needed
- How the process works, step by step
- How long you’ll be away from home
- Which pests fumigation can eliminate
- How to get your home ready for treatment
What Is Fumigation?
Fumigation is a specialized pest control method used for severe infestations, when regular treatments just aren’t enough. We use gaseous pesticides, called fumigants, to eliminate pests in every corner of your home, including areas that are not visible or difficult to reach.
This method works exceptionally well for pests that damage your home’s structure or hide deep inside wood or furniture.
Here are some situations where fumigation is usually recommended:
- Drywood termite infestations
- Widespread bed bugs
- Carpenter ants or wood-boring beetle problems
How Fumigation Works
We want our customers to feel informed and confident. Here’s what happens during a professional fumigation:
- Preparing your home: We’ll guide you on removing items that could be damaged during the treatment, such as food, medications, and plants. You’ll need to plan to be away for up to a week, although the duration may be shorter.
- Sealing the property: Your home is completely sealed with a tent.
- Applying fumigant: The enclosed space is filled with a gaseous pesticide that penetrates every corner, eliminating pests wherever they hide.
- Ventilating and returning: After treatment, the tent is removed, and we ensure your home is safely ventilated before giving you the all-clear.
Pro tip from our team: Always ask your fumigator about safe re-entry times and any cleaning steps recommended after treatment.
How Long Will Fumigation Take?
We understand that being away from your home can be inconvenient. The time depends on:
- The size of your home: Larger homes take longer to treat
- The severity of the infestation: Bigger infestations may require extended fumigation
Most treatments last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. We’ll provide you with a clear estimate, allowing you to plan ahead.
Which Pests Can Fumigation Eliminate?
Fumigation is most effective for pests that hide inside wood or other concealed spaces. Common pests we treat with fumigation include:
- Drywood termites
- Wood-boring beetles
- Bed bugs
- Carpenter ants
- Cockroaches
- Rats and mice
Not all pests require fumigation. For smaller or surface-level infestations, other treatments may be enough.
Preparing Your Home for Fumigation
Here’s what our team recommends to get your home ready:
- Remove food, medications, and plants
- Pack up personal items that could be damaged
- Arrange temporary accommodations for your family and pets
- Let your neighbors know if necessary
- Follow all instructions from your Big Time Pest Control technician
Proper preparation ensures the treatment is both safe and effective.
Why Choose Professional Fumigation
At Big Time Pest Control, we’ve seen how quickly pests can take over a home. The best way to prevent a full-blown infestation is through regular pest control; however, when fumigation is necessary, professional treatment is the most thorough solution.
Contact Big Time Pest Control Today!
If you suspect you need fumigation services in Anderson, Redding, Sacramento, or elsewhere in Northern California, contact Big Time Pest Control right away. We’ll inspect your home, recommend the best solution, and handle the process from start to finish, so you can get back to enjoying your home without pests.
FAQs About Home Fumigation
How long do I need to be away from my home during fumigation?
Usually 24–72 hours, depending on your home and the size of the infestation.
Is fumigation safe for my family and pets?
You’ll need to leave during treatment, but licensed professionals follow strict safety protocols.
Will fumigation prevent future infestations?
Fumigation eliminates the pests currently in your home, but ongoing pest control is the best way to prevent new ones.
This blog was originally published on January 1, 2023; it has been updated to include new information regarding fumigation.
