How Does Termite Fumigation Work in Your Texas Home?

Termite infestation can be a significant problem for homeowners in Texas. A termite colony can contain between 60,000 and 1 million individual termites— to put that into perspective, the AT&T stadium at the District in Downtown Arlington can only contain 80,000 spectators. Termites can be difficult to remove, especially if the entire home is infested. When you see some signs of infestations like mud tubes, wood damage, or wings discarded by swarmers and sometimes hear noises from the wall, it is time to contact a professional pest control company.

Damage caused by termites is expensive to repair, so most homeowners experiencing a termite infestation search for the most efficient and effective way to get rid of these destructive pests. One of the ways professionals deal with termites is through fumigation. But how does it work? Keep reading to find out!

What is Termite Fumigation?

Fumigation is a process used by pest control professionals in which exterminators release gas fumigants to target and eliminate insects. While this treatment could be applied for many types of pests, it most commonly targets drywood termites who can embed themselves within furniture or hide in hard-to-reach areas like beams/walls underneath floorboards. When structures are fumigated, the gas reaches every corner where these pesky creatures live–and dies! In addition, once the home is fully aerated, no residue is left behind since the fumigant used is a true gas.

How is Fumigation Done?

Fumigation is highly specialized and should only be performed by a trained, licensed pest control professional. The fumigation process begins with a thorough inspection of your home by a trained termite specialist. During the fumigation process, all windows and doors should be closed. You should also remain outside and remove all food items, plants, and pets from home. Once you clear your home, the fumigation process can begin. The pest control company will use a specialized tent to cover your home and seal off any possible entry points for pests. They will then carefully apply the fumigant gas to eliminate any existing infestations.

The tent is necessary to keep the gas contained and prevent it from escaping into the environment, and the fumigants can reach cracks and crevices between walls and floors where there is termite infestation.

How Long Does Fumigation Take?

The fumigation process depends on the size of your home, but usually, it will take about six hours. After that, you should wait several more hours before re-entering your home as the gas needs to be aerated.

Points to Consider After Fumigation

Once the fumigation is complete, the exterminators will take off the tent and air out the home. You should not re-enter until all of the gas has been removed. It’s also important to wash any dishes or utensils left in the home during the fumigation process. Aside from this, you also need to consider the following:

Do not enter the fumigated area for at least 24 hours.
Wash / Clean clothing, bedding, and other items exposed to chemical residue.
Ventilate the house for several hours before re-entering.
Dispose of all food exposed to the chemicals.

Termite infestation can be a major source of stress for homeowners, but with termite fumigation, you can rest assured that your home is now a safe and healthy environment to live in. Though it will not ensure that it will prevent termites from coming back, it can still help reduce the chances.

If you suspect a termite infestation in your home, contact a professional pest control company immediately. They will help assess the situation and recommend the best approach for getting rid of these destructive pests. Fumigation is usually the most effective option for eliminating termites from your home.

Conclusion:

Fumigation is a specialized process that qualified pest control professionals should only do. It involves using gas fumigants to reach and eliminate drywood termites in furniture, walls, beams, and other hard-to-reach places. After the exterminator removes the tent, it’s important to take certain precautions, such as not entering the fumigated area for 24 hours and washing/cleaning items exposed to chemical residue. Fumigation is an effective way to eliminate termites from your home, but it will not guarantee they won’t return. Fumigation controls active drywood termites, but it cannot prevent future infestations. If you suspect a termite infestation, be sure to contact a professional termite removal company in Texas right away.