Prepare for a Termite Fumigation

How to Prepare for a Termite Fumigation

If you’re dealing with a drywood termite infestation, fumigation can be an effective solution to completely eliminate the problem. While the thought of having your home fumigated may seem overwhelming, with the proper planning, it can be a smooth and successful process. At Tiger Termite, we understand that fumigation can be a daunting prospect for homeowners. That’s why we offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the process to ensure that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

• Click here for more information: How to prepare for a termite fumigation
• Click here for Bagging instructions: What Needs to be Bagged before a Fumigation
• Click here for Vikane Fact Sheet: Fact Sheet for Vikane Gas Fumigant
• Click here for Occupant Fumigation Notice: Occupants Fumigation Notice

Here is a step-by-step guide for preparing your home for tenting:

1. Carefully read the occupants fumigation notice and all disclosures documents.

2. Remove all people and pets from the property. Fish must be removed, However, the water in fish tanks may remain.

3. Remove all interior plants and those under patio covers or on attached decks/balconies. Cut back shrubbery and tree branches to prevent damage. Allow enough space for the tent to fall freely to the ground. Tree limbs growing over the roof must be trimmed back. Thoroughly water the ground around shrubs and plants located adjacent to the structure.

4. Remove or bag all food, feed, drugs, or medicines that are not sealed in glass, plastic or metal bottles, jars, or cans with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact. This includes items in the refrigerator and freezer, medicines, spices, and opened liquor bottles. Only special NYLOFUME® bags may be used for bagging. 

5. Keys must provide access to all areas within the structure being fumigated including garages and rooms that are normally locked. Any vehicles left inside must have the windows down and trunk and glove compartment open. File cabinets, desk drawers, safes, etc… must be left unlocked to allow for inspection and proper aeration. 

6. Ensure electricity and water are on at your property for the entire duration of the fumigation. Turn off air conditioning units. Turn off exterior lights and those that are on timers. Turn off burglar alarms or make specific arrangements with our company on how the alarm may be set.

7. Natural gas service is shut off by the gas company before fumigation. Normally, our company schedules gas shut off for our customers. In addition, unless otherwise advised, all customers must schedule their own gas restoration appointment.

8. Remove all baby mattresses and change stations. Remove all plastic covers enveloping other mattresses. Leave all drawers, cabinets and storage areas slightly open. Clear away storage or items from windows to allow access.

9. Remove all valuables from the property. We do not provide on-site security. As such, neither the prime contractor nor our company shall be responsible for any loss or damage due to burglary, theft, vandalism, or other acts of third parties.  Windows must be left open to allow proper ventilation of your property. We take measures to deter access: however, these measures will not prevent unlawful entry by determined criminals. We encourage you to consider contracting on-site security for further peace of mind during the process.

10. Retract all awnings. Where practical remove all obstructive articles, such as antenna guide wires, satellite dishes or weather vanes. 

11. Obtain written authorization from your neighbor(s) if tenting will require entrance/access into your neighbor’s yard. 

12. Operable windows must be left open a minimum of 3 inches during fumigation. Windows that can’t be accessed and opened by ordinary means (without moving furniture, removing nails, or cutting a paint seal) can remain closed. Under most circumstances, ground floor windows on multi-story structures can also be left closed. We recommend installing window locks or dowels to prevent windows from opening more than 3 inches.

Terms, Conditions, and Liabilities

A. Our company provides a time call for every job. However, our crews perform several jobs in various locations daily. Each job presents its unique challenges, and our crews are also subject to southern California’s traffic. Thus, any time call provided is an estimate; we will make every effort to advise you if we are running behind. Further, we do not wish to inconvenience you by having you wait for our arrival. As an alternative, please consider providing the keys and notices in advance and leave with the assurance that your property will be properly fumigated and safe for re-entry upon your return.

B. Inclement weather may cause a postponement. Many properties can be fumigated in the rain, but heavy winds are more problematic. We make every effort to stay on schedule; however, we must have full autonomy in making such decisions as they are affected not only by the likelihood the job will remain intact but also by the safety of our crews. If your fumigation is postponed, we will attempt to advise you immediately.

C. Our licensed fumigators are responsible for verifying that occupants performed their interior preparations as directed and in a manner consistent with the fumigant product label. However, missed food or interior plants that were not removed remain the prime responsibility of the occupant. We can assume no liability for those items missed by the occupant and subsequently damaged or rendered useless as a result of the fumigation process.

D. As noted above, WE DO NOT PROVIDE ON-SITE SECURITY. As such, our insurance does not cover, and we will not be responsible for any loss or damage due to burglary, theft, vandalism, or other acts of third parties.

E. The roof covering and the area below must be walked on, and damages may occur. This includes consequential damage that may arise later, damage to attached gutters, wiring, patio and awning covers, solar heating panels and related plumbing. In the case of most tile roofs, THERE IS ALWAYS SOME DAMAGE. Although the utmost care will be utilized, we can assume no liability for such damages.

F. The fumigation process often requires the use of masking tape and spray adhesive to seal the tarps. When applied to stucco and painted surfaces where the surface is cold, oxidized or the paint has been improperly applied, peeling and chipping will occur. Residue from the adhesive may result in discoloration on painted or stucco walls. This is an inherent process, and we can assume no liability for such damages.

G. During the tenting process, antennas and satellite dishes may be covered, moved or taken down. Normally, we request that these items be removed before the fumigation. However, if left in place, we can assume no liability for any damages that occur or more likely any adjustments that must be made to the antenna or satellite dish to improve reception.

H. Due to the fragile nature in which mobile homes are constructed, some damage may occur to carports, roof rails, roofs, or siding. Although utmost care will be taken, we can assume no liability for such damages.

I. All exterior doors (including water heater cabinets) must be lockable. If no hasp or other interior/exterior locking device exists, state law requires nailing these doors shut. If no other adequate locking means is provided, and the fumigation licensee is required to nail a door shut, we assume no liability for resulting damages to include those to the door and doorjamb.

THIS OCCUPANT NOTICE MUST BE SIGNED, FRONT AND BACK. AND BE IN THE POSSESSION OF OUR CREW AT THE JOB SITE TO FUMIGATE. IF YOU HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO LEAVE A COPY ON SITE, PLEASE LEAVE THE ORIGINAL SIGNED COPY.