Fumigation
Fumigation for Drywood Termites
Fumigation is the process of enclosing a structure under large tarps and using a gas fumigant to eliminate drywood termites and beetles. Fumigation is a proven process that has been used safely and successfully for over 50 years to eliminate drywood termites.
Fumigation is the only treatment method that guarantees the elimination of all drywood termite infestations in all areas of a structure. Fumigation reaches all the hard-to-reach and hidden areas of a house that other treatments can’t get to.
Drywood termites cause an estimated $500 million in damage per year. If you think you have termites, please contact us for a termite inspection. We take the bite out of termites. Guaranteed.
Termite Fumigation Timelapse
View a timelapse of the set up and take down of a termite tent.
Fumigation Guarantee
We’re proud to offer one of the best fumigation guarantees in the termite control industry.
Fumigation is the only termite treatment guaranteed to kill all hidden or inaccessible drywood termite colonies. We guarantee your home will be termite free. If they come back, so do we.
Your home will be drywood termite free after a fumigation, guaranteed, for 3 years.
In most cases, the warranty can be extended. After fumigation, your home is automatically covered for 3 years. If a new termite infestation is suspected, call us and we will visit you to investigate and treat, if necessary. You’ll find many competitors will offer just a 1 year guarantee.
All of our fumigations also include a check-up inspection towards the end of the warranty period and can be renewed on an annual basis. Our check-up includes many hard-to-reach areas, such as the attic and crawlspace. If there are any signs of new termite infestation we’ll take care of it. No other termite control companies will include this service with their fumigation.
 |
View more details in our fumigation warranty sample. |
Termite Fumigation Alternatives
You have a choice. Let our experienced staff explain the different treatment options and what’s best for your home. We use proven, effective processes that will eradicate or control termite infestations, but we also understand the concerns some homeowners may have about fumigation.
There are 2 primary fumigation alternatives to eliminating drywood termites – localized, spot treatments and heat treatments. Heat treatments are not commonly performed and not recommended.
If your house has only one or two areas of visible infestation that are accessible for treatment then local treatment may be appropriate – but not guaranteed. If there are multiple areas where infestation has been noted or infestation is located in areas where access for local treatment is difficult or impossible, then fumigation should be considered.
We offer both fumigation and limited localized injection treatment.
Fumigation Preparation
Pre Fumigation Preparation for your home is an important part of ensuring everything goes smoothly.
For a complete list of steps and more detailed guidance, please visit our page on How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation.
1. Turn Off All Gas Services
- Our fumigator will arrange with your local provider to have your gas service shut off.
- Please note, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your gas provider in advance to have the gas turned back on and to re-light any pilot lights, as we’re unable to do this for you.
- For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit PG&E’s website. We recommend requesting an appointment at 5pm or later to allow enough time for the Notice of Re-entry to be posted.
2. Prepare Accommodations
All people, pets, and even fish tanks must vacate the home for approximately 2.5 days (typically 2-3 nights).
3. Notify Your Neighbors Before The Fumigation
It’s a good idea to let nearby neighbors know your fumigation dates so they can keep pets & children away from the tented structure.
4. Prepare Home
All exposed food should be removed or covered prior to fumigation. We provide up to 20 fumigation bags for no additional fee to help protect your perishables, while many companies charge for them. Items in the refrigerator or freezer do not need to be removed or covered. Sealed items also do not need to be removed. You’ll also want to prepare the exterior of your home so our crew can safely and securely place the tent.
5. Fumigation Process
- The fumigation process starts with preparing your home for fumigation. Once you’ve prepared your home and left, the fumigation crew will cover your home with sealed tarps. This is called “tenting” the home.
- Once tented, a warning agent is released into the home as a precaution to ensure that all people have vacated.
- Next, all doors are secured by locking them and using additional locking devices to prevent unauthorized entry.
- Now, fumigation begins. The gas fumigant is released into the home, filling all air spaces and voids in the wood, walls, and floor. The fumigant reaches all of the termite colonies in the structure.
- Finally, the tarps are removed and your home is aerated. Your fumigation professional will check the home with sophisticated equipment to ensure all of the fumigant (gas) has dissipated and been aerated from the structure before authorizing re-entry.
View this page for complete details on termite tenting preparation.
Home Re-entry – How long does termite fumigation take?
Most fumigations require you to be out of your home for about two and a half days. For example, if the fumigation starts on Monday you’ll typically be back in your home by Wednesday evening.
NOTE: In some special cases, like a beetle fumigation, you may need to be out of your home for longer than two days. We’ll let you know if your specific fumigation will require more time.
If desired, our fumigator is happy to provide a “guided tour” of the process and answer all your questions.
Contact us for a limited or full termite inspection.
Franz Termite Guarantee
If they come back, so do we. We stand by our work and it shows. Your home will be termite-free.
0+0+0+
Request an Estimate, Inspection, or Just ask a Question
Don’t delay! Get in touch with us today.
If your home hasn’t been inspected in a couple years or you suspect you have termites, contact us for a consultation and inspection.
Have rot damage or a new construction project? Get in touch with our consultants to learn more about our process and options.
- (650) 493-0445
- info@franztermite.com
- 4041 Transport St. Palo Alto, CA 94303