Ten Things You Ought To Know When Tenting a House for Termites

If you’re considering termite tenting for the first time, it is natural to have questions about what it entails, whether it is safe and how much it costs. You have come to the right place. Here are ten facts about tenting a house for termites you ought to know.

1. Termite tenting and tent fumigation are not the same thing

It’s not uncommon for people to use these two termite treatment terms interchangeably. However, they don’t mean the same thing. Termite tenting is a general term encompassing termite fumigation and termite heat treatment.

2. Termite fumigation requires extensive preparation

You must take practical steps to keep your loved ones and property safe.

• Ensure all food items are in air-tight containers. Those that are open can go into specific nylon bags provided by your pest control provider. Else remove them out of the house
• Remove all plastic mattress covers as they reduce the fumigant aeration rate
• Remove indoor and outdoor plants from your property
• Trim outdoor shrubbery to make it easier for the exterminators to tent the house
• Arrange for someone at the gas company to come and turn off your mainline 48 hours before the fumigation process
• Water plants that are on the perimeter of your property a day before termite tenting to protect them in case of fumigant gas leakage
• Raise or remove blinds for easy window access
• Remove your furry friends and other pet types
• Leave all cabinets, closets, rooms, desks, and safes open
• Pack clothes and other essential items you will require during your time away from home

3. The duration of tenting a house for termites varies

The time taken to complete tent fumigation will depend on the size of your property and the level of termite infestations. Some homes only require several hours, while others require at least five days to complete the fumigation process.

4. DIY termite tenting is dangerous

DIY tenting using fumigants may be safe for insects like ants and fleas. However, DIY can put you and your loved ones in danger. Termite tenting uses a much stronger chemical; therefore, only a pest control expert should do it.

5. Tenting a house for termites is only effective on drywood termites

Subterranean termites live underground, which is how they enter your home. The tenting process does not go below ground, hence ineffective against them. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live on wood which is why structural fumigation works.

The fumigation process involves installing a tent over the structure before releasing the fumigant gas. The chemical circulates everywhere, reaching every nook and cranny where the drywood termites could be nesting. Once these pests breathe in the gas, it chokes them, killing them.

Once the pest control company determines the process is complete, the team will bring down the tent and leave the house to aerate for about 72 hours. The exterminators will then use a fumigant clearance device to confirm that there is no residue before letting you reoccupy your home.

6. Termite fumigation is only effective on active termite colonies

While tenting a house for termites eliminates active termites, it does not protect your home from future termite infestations. Keep in mind that drywood termites are much harder to prevent than subterranean termites due to the multiple entry points.

A few things you can do to keep them away include:

• Storing firewood at least six meters away from your house
• Sealing gaps and repainting wood
• Use treated wood
• Discard stumps

7. Termite fumigation is safe when performed by a licensed pest control company

The pest control company will only use restricted-use pesticides(RUPs). The team will also have the following tools in hand.

• A fumiscope to check the gas levels during the fumigation process
• Leak detectors
• Clearance apparatus

8. Sulfuryl fluoride is the primary fumigant used in termite tenting

Sulfuryl fluoride is an odorless RUP that has been in use since 1959. After tenting, the exterminators release it, and it circulates, penetrating pores. Besides termites, this gas could also kill rodents if exposed to a high concentration. You may return to your house only if the fumigant residue is less than 1 part per million.

9. Termite tenting relies on good weather

The use of tarps means that the exterminators cannot go ahead if it’s raining or windy, as it may lead to leakage. So don’t be surprised when the company reschedules due to unfavorable weather.

10. Termite tenting does not have a standard cost

The cost to tent your home depends on the state, property size, and the duration of the fumigation process. You may need to pay up to $2,500, about $20 for every linear foot.

Contact McDonald Pest Control To Schedule Your Termite Treatment

Termite tenting is an excellent way to kill termites and other pests. While there are two ways to go about it, termite fumigation is the most preferred choice. Only a licensed exterminator can determine which termite control method will work, so you’ll need our team’s help.

Our pest control services include termite inspections and treatment. We will also educate you on the best termite prevention tips. Find out whether your home qualifies for termite tenting or book an inspection by calling us at 727-734-0963 today to schedule a free consultation.