If drywood termites are present in several areas of your home or in places that cannot be effectively treated individually, your inspector may recommend whole-structure fumigation with Vikane. Here are straightforward answers to common questions from homeowners in Chino Hills and surrounding Southern California communities.
What is Vikane?
Vikane is a brand of structural fumigant whose active ingredient is sulfuryl fluoride. Licensed fumigators use it to control drywood termites throughout an enclosed structure.
As a gas, it reaches termite colonies inside wood and concealed areas that localized treatments may not reach. The fumigator determines the treatment requirements for the property.
Why recommend fumigation instead of spot treatment?
Localized treatment may be appropriate when an infestation is limited, accessible, and can be accurately located.
Fumigation may be recommended when drywood termites are widespread, present in multiple areas, or located in inaccessible wood. It treats the enclosed structure rather than only the individual areas identified during an inspection.
Finding termites does not automatically mean your home needs to be tented. Your inspector should explain the findings and the reasons for the recommendation.
Learn more about our termite treatment options.
Does fumigation treat subterranean termites too?
Whole-structure fumigation does not eliminate subterranean termite colonies living in the soil. These termites generally require a different treatment approach.
A home can have both drywood and subterranean termites, so correct identification is important before choosing treatment.
How long will we need to leave the house?
Our typical fumigation schedule is three days and two nights, but the vacancy period can vary with the property, treatment requirements, weather, and scheduling.
Use the departure and return dates confirmed by our office. Do not assume that the home is ready simply because the usual time has passed.
Will we receive information about the fumigant?
Yes. An adult occupant receives the Vikane Fact Sheet as part of the fumigation arrangements. It explains the product, preparation precautions, and re-entry information.
Read the documents provided for your property before treatment and contact us with any questions.
You can also download the Vikane Gas Fumigant Fact Sheet.
What do we need to do to prepare?
Preparation includes removing all people, pets, and plants from the treatment enclosure; arranging keys and access; and preparing food, medicine, and other consumables as directed.
Consumables must be removed or protected in the special Nylofume bags supplied for fumigation unless they qualify for an exemption under the preparation instructions. Certain unopened items in approved original sealed containers may remain without bagging. Ordinary household bags are not substitutes for Nylofume bags.
Use our fumigation preparation guide and bagging instructions. Follow the written instructions issued for your property and ask the fumigation coordinator about anything unclear.
What is the warning agent used during fumigation?
Sulfuryl fluoride is colorless and odorless. A separate warning agent called chloropicrin is used to help deter people from entering the treated structure. It can cause eye and throat irritation.
Stay outside the posted restricted area. Never rely on the presence or absence of an odor to decide whether the home is safe to enter.
Is the home secured during fumigation?
The fumigator posts required warning signs and installs secondary locking devices or other required security measures to restrict entry.
These precautions do not make the property theft-proof. Follow the coordinator’s instructions about keys, alarms, valuables, and access before leaving.
How does the fumigator clear the home for re-entry?
After treatment, the licensed fumigator aerates the structure using the required procedure and measures sulfuryl fluoride concentrations in the breathing zones of each room with an approved clearance device.
The home may be released for re-entry only after the required aeration and testing are complete and sulfuryl fluoride concentrations are 1 part per million or less.
The vacancy schedule alone does not establish clearance. Wait for confirmation from the fumigation company.
When can we go back inside?
Return only after the licensed fumigator has formally cleared the structure and confirmed that you may re-enter. Follow the posted re-entry notice and the instructions provided by the fumigation company.
Never enter early, even if the tent has been removed.
If you experience watery eyes or a scratchy throat after returning, leave the structure immediately and contact the fumigation company to have it retested. Seek medical attention if you feel ill or symptoms persist.
Do we need to wash dishes or surfaces afterward?
Vikane is a gas and does not leave a surface residue. Routine washing of dishes, clothing, or household surfaces solely because of the fumigation is generally unnecessary.
This does not replace the preparation requirements for food, medicine, and other consumables. Follow the written instructions provided for your property.
Does fumigation prevent termites from returning?
Fumigation controls drywood termites present in the treated structure, but it does not leave a protective residual that prevents future infestations.
Keep your warranty documents and contact us if you discover possible termite evidence after treatment.
Is the fumigation covered by a warranty?
Tiger Termite Control’s whole-structure drywood termite fumigations include a three-year warranty. The coverage, conditions, and exclusions are described in your written agreement.
Read more about our fumigation warranty.
What about mail delivery and windows?
Place mail delivery on hold if the mailbox will be inside the fumigation enclosure or cannot be safely accessed. Review our mail delivery guidance.
The fumigation crew determines which windows must be opened for the procedure. Read why windows may be left open during fumigation, and follow the instructions for your property.
Have a question about your fumigation?
Tiger Termite Control is a family-owned business serving Chino Hills and surrounding communities since 1997. We explain the inspection findings, treatment options, and preparation requirements so you know what to expect.
Call or text (909) 597-6953, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., or contact us online.
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