How to Prepare Your Home for Fumigation

As experts in home fumigation, we understand the importance of thorough preparation before embarking on whole-house fumigation. Our comprehensive home fumigation checklist has been meticulously crafted to guide you through the necessary steps to ensure a seamless and effective fumigation process. From safeguarding your residence to prioritizing the well-being of your family and pets, our checklist provides detailed insights and professional recommendations to create a secure environment. 

This timeline is to be used as a guideline and may vary based on your location. Contact our team to confirm necessary activities and timing with one of our fumigation technicians.

As soon as possible

• Arrange accommodations for both family members and pets.
• Identify and secure areas where pets may seek shelter within or under structures.
• To ensure a smooth process, please remember to schedule the shut-off and post-fumigation restoration of your gas service at least 48 hours in advance. In certain areas, it may be necessary to provide three to five days' notice.
• Please make arrangements for parking cars and vehicles away from the structure if necessary.
• If necessary, please make security arrangements.
• If necessary, please suspend your mail service.

Two to three days before

• Ensure that unsealed food and medicines are removed or double-bagged.
• Coordinate house key or door code arrangements with your pest management professional.
• Relocate potted plants, both indoors and outdoors, away from your home.
• Trim any plants or trees that are touching or encroaching on the exterior of your home.
• Water the soil around your home up to a distance of 18 inches from the outer walls.
• Retract all awnings.
• Ensure that all signed contracts are returned to your fumigation and/or termite company.

One day before

• Water the soil near the foundation.
• If mattresses and pillows do not have built-in air vents, it is advisable to open waterproof covers.
• Pets should be taken to a boarding facility or another appropriate location.
• Inform your neighbors about the upcoming fumigation treatment.
• To facilitate tarping, please move any unused cars or vehicles several feet from the structure on the day of fumigation. Cars and vehicles can be stored in your garage, but they should be easily reachable with unlocked doors and trunks.

The day of fumigation

• If necessary, please give your pest management professional your house keys and the most convenient method of contacting you during the fumigation process.
• Remove all individuals, animals, and flora from the premises.
• Confirm the appointment for the gas company restoration.
• Deactivate any automatic timers, sprinkler systems, air conditioning, etc.
• Turn off electrical heating elements, including heaters, computers, pianos, organs, pet habitats, etc.
• Turn off all pilot lights on hot water heaters, ranges, ovens, dryers, etc.
• Ensure that all cabinets, drawers, closets, and interior doors are open.

After the fumigation

• Follow your state’s regulations, and don’t re-enter your home until it has been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator.
• Meet with the gas company to restore service.* Do not remove the clearance notice on the gas meter, as the company will need it to turn the gas back on.
• Turn back on any devices and timers.
• 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.
• Enjoy the peace of mind that the termites are gone.

Whole-Home Fumigation Experts

If you have questions about home fumigation in Sierra Vista, Tuscon, or the surrounding areas, please give us a call at 520-586-3448.