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Fumigation Preparation

To effectively and safely fumigate your home or building for termites, we ask that you take some time to prepare for our visit. These steps are vital to achieving elimination of Drywood Termites from your home, so please be sure to set a reminder to get started the day before our scheduled service.

It is important to keep in mind - The fumigation may need to be rescheduled if the weather is uncooperative. High winds and rain may hinder fumigation and cause potential danger to fumigators.

Termite Fumigation Preparation Checklist

To print this checklist, please click here (PDF).

One Day Prior to Fumigation

  • Water areas of soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home to protect outdoor plants and shrubs.
  • Cut back foliage, shrubbery and landscaping at least 18 inches from the structure to allow room to place tarps.
  • Remember to make arrangements for overnight accommodations for you and your pets, as your home may be under fumigation for 2 ½ days.

The Day of Fumigation

  • Remove all plants from your home, including outdoor patios plants
  • Remove mattresses that are completely enveloped in plastic, such as baby mattresses with waterproof covers, or remove the covers
  • Remove or double bag any food, feed, drugs and medicines in special Nylofume* bags your fumigator provides. You do not need to bag or remove items in plastic, glass, or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact. A good rule of thumb is, “when in doubt, take it out.”

Be sure to double-bag or remove:

  • Chips, pasta, rice and other foods packaged in plastic bags
  • Cereals, crackers and other foods packaged in cardboard boxes (even if the boxes have never been opened)
  • Spices, salt and pepper shakers, and other items where the seal has been broken
  • Eggs
  • Ice, opened bottled drinking water
  • Butter, cream cheese and any other items stored in a resealed container, including items stored in Tupperware containers
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bags of pet food and bird seed, as well as opened cans

You do not need to bag or remove:

  • Unopened cans (including home-canned goods)
  • Cosmetics, such as lipstick
  • Unopened soda cans and glass bottles
  • Shampoo, soaps and unopened toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Unopened bottles of liquor and wine (stored horizontally)

Read more about bagging here (PDF).

  • Seal the Nylofume bags one at a time by twisting the tops, or folding down and sealing with tape, twisty ties, string or rubber bands. DO NOT TIE BAGS IN A KNOT. Your fumigator will provide special instructions on proper bagging procedures for you.
  • Double-bag cold and frozen foods and leave them in the refrigerator and freezer
  • Remove shelves from the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack the bags inside
  • Do a final walkthrough to make sure you’ve removed or double-bagged anything that will be ingested (medicine, spices, etc.)
  • Evacuate all people and pets from the structure

If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for termite fumigation, please give us a call at (805) 581-2670.

As a 3rd generation family-owned and operated business, you can always count on our family to provide yours with reliable, friendly and personal care.
Serving Ventura & Los Angeles Counties Since 1977
3rd Generation Family Owned & Operated
High Rate of Customer Satisfaction
Local Company Experienced With Common CA’s Pests
We had the most excellent experience.—Lisa S.
A History Of Customer Satisfaction Since 1977
Serving Ventura & Los Angeles Counties