Tent fumigation is an intensive process used to eliminate severe pest infestations from homes. While highly effective, it requires extensive preparation to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your home ready for tenting.
Understanding Tent Fumigation
Tent fumigation involves enclosing the entire home in a tarp and pumping it full of lethal gas to eradicate pests. The most common fumigant used is Vikane gas, which kills all life stages of insects and rodents.
Tenting is only done for the most serious infestations when all other methods have failed. It is highly regulated and can only be performed by licensed professionals. The process typically takes 2-3 days to complete.
While extremely potent at eliminating pests, the gases used in tenting are also toxic to humans and pets. That is why thorough preparation is crucial.
Timing Considerations
Fumigation is usually scheduled during warmer months when pests are most active. However, tents function fine in cooler weather.
Aim for a stint of dry, calm weather. Strong winds or storms can delay the process. Avoid the rainy season if possible.
Schedule on days you can be out of the home for at least 3-5 nights. Time it for when you can stay with friends or family nearby.
If fumigating in winter, note that homes can get very cold without heat inside the sealed tent. Take precautions like draining pipes.
Plan the dates with your pest control company early, ideally 4-6 weeks out. Confirm the timing at least 2 weeks beforehand.
Major Preparation Steps
Fumigating a home requires extensive prep work. While time-consuming, these steps are crucial for safety, protecting belongings, and ensuring the process goes smoothly.
Inspect and Seal the Home
- Inspect inside and outside the home for any openings pests could escape or gas could leak through. Pay particular attention around loose fitting doors/windows, gaps around pipes, cracks, vents, ducts, skylights, etc. Seal thoroughly with tape.
- Remove any items blocking potential fumigant leakage points. Clear clutter from walls so gas can permeate everywhere.
- Consult your pest control company for any special sealing recommendations. Some require sealing attic vents, chimneys, AC units, etc.
- Check that all sealing held up after tenting is complete. Look for any evidence of leakage like dead insects nearby. Re-seal if needed.
Protect Valuables
- Remove anything that could be damaged by exposure to Vikane gas. This includes plants, produce, medications, supplements, oils, lubricants, and more. Check the fumigation company’s list of what to remove.
- Take out all food, feed, utensils, and dishes. Vikane can contaminate anything porous or that absorbs odors. Discard any unpackaged food products after.
- Remove valuables like artwork, musical instruments, collectibles, etc. to prevent damage.
- Take out sensitive electronics and appliances. Turn off, unplug and move major appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators.
- Clear flammable materials like chemicals, fuels, and propane tanks which could ignite from tracing levels of gas.
Prepare BelongingsLeft Behind
- Stuff pillows into drawers and cabinets to absorb more gas for maximum pest penetration.
- Leave clothes and fabrics unpacked for better fumigant circulation. Wash all clothes before wearing again.
- Open closet and cabinet doors to allow gas exposure. Remove all stored items from shelves.
- Set mattresses upright against walls. Remove and wash all bedding after.
- Leave window blinds/curtains open and ceiling fans on to improve air movement.
- Consult with fumigation company if certain items like musical instruments, antiques, or art can safely remain inside the sealed tent. Get their recommendations on precautions.
Remove People, Plants, and Pets
- Evacuate all people and pets from the home before tenting begins. No living being can be inside during fumigation.
- Remember to take pets’ food, toys, litterboxes, etc. Plan ahead for their accommodation.
- Move houseplants outside. Vikane will kill all living plants.
- Turn off automated sprinkler systems. Ensure any timers are disabled so the system won’t activate and drench the tent.
- Drain garden ponds and fountains that contain fish or other aquatic life.
Prepare the Grounds
- Mow the lawn short and trim all shrubbery back from the home’s exterior walls. This allows better tent sealing.
- Clear patio furniture, decor, tools, etc. at least 5 feet from the sides of home. This leaves space for the tent and seal off tarps.
- Remove any items that could potentially puncture the tent fabric like yard art, fences, branches, etc.
- Take down any temporary structures attached to the home like gazebos, pergolas, or trellises.
- Consult your fumigation company on any other unique aspects of your property that need preparation.
What to Expect During Fumigation
Here is a general overview of what happens during the tenting process:
Day 1: Tenting Begins
- The fumigation crew arrives and begins setting up. This includes unrolling and securing the tarps, sealing off vents/chimneys, and placing warning signs around the property.
- Once fully sealed, fans circulate air to inflate the tent and check for leaks. Smoke or trace gas can also be used to detect any openings.
- Monitoring lines are run into the structure to check gas concentrations throughout the process.
- Once thoroughly sealed off, the home is loaded with Vikane gas from external canisters.
Day 2: Gas Exposure
- Fans run continually to circulate fumigant. Gas concentration levels are monitored.
- More gas is introduced if needed to maintain lethal concentrations for all pests.
- No one enters the sealed tent during this exposure period!
Day 3: Aeration
- After thorough pest eradication, the tent is ventilated and aerated over 6-12 hours.
- Fans run at full speed to flush out all remaining traces of gas.
- Once cleared for safe entry, tarps are removed. Any sealing is also taken down.
- The crew checks that gas levels are below clearance thresholds in the home’s air.
Post Fumigation
- Doors and windows may be left open for further aeration over the next 1-2 days. Run fans to circulate air.
- Fumigated items like fabrics should be washed or aired out before use. Dry clean coats, drapes, etc.
- Discard any unpackaged foods, medicines, and toiletries. Thoroughly clean pantry and cupboards.
- Your pest control technician will provide clearance once everything is safe for re-occupancy.
FAQs on Preparing for Home Fumigation
How soon can I return after tenting is finished?
You can usually return home the same day the tent is taken down once the technician gives the all clear. In some cases, additional aeration time may be needed if gas concentrations were extra high.
How do I prepare my vehicle left in the garage?
Remove any non-essential items from the vehicle. Open doors and trunk. Roll down windows a few inches to allow fumigant penetration.
What about items in the attic or crawlspaces?
Attics and crawlspaces need to be fully cleared out unless specially sealed off from the tent (not recommended). Take out anything that could be damaged.
What steps should I take regarding food after fumigating?
Discard all open food packages, spices, pet foods/treats etc. Wipe down sealed cans before use. Clean out the pantry. Sanitize dishes even if washed prior. Start fresh.
Can I leave jewelry and other valuables locked in a safe?
Generally, yes – most smaller fireproof safes provide adequate protection. But consult your fumigator to check gas permeability or if special precautions are needed.
What precautions are needed for musical instruments?
Wrap instruments in air-tight plastic sheeting sealed with tape. Remove strings, reeds, etc. Consult an expert on removing piano keys/strings if possible.
How do I prepare my aquarium and pond?
Move aquariums outside if possible. Otherwise, seal and cover well. Remove or kill fish from outdoor ponds and drain any water features.
What steps should be taken for houseplants?
All plants must be moved outside. Even hardy plants sealed in plastic will usually die from tenting. Prioritize any special or valuable plants you want to save.
Can I leave bean bag chairs filled?
No, the expanded polystyrene beads inside bean bag fillers can absorb pesticide residues. Empty fill into sealed bins, then refill after.
Conclusion
Preparing for tent fumigation is a major undertaking, but following these comprehensive steps will ensure you are fully ready. Start preparations early, and leave ample time to thoroughly seal off and clear your home, grounds, vehicles, and belongings.
While inconvenient, fumigation is the only way to eliminate severe infestations for good. Take all precautions seriously to allow for safe and effective tenting. With proper care, your home will soon be pest-free and ready for you to comfortably move back into after the process completes.