All plants must be removed before fumigation begins.
Tenting, or whole-house fumigation, is a common treatment for drywood termite infestations. It's most often used in cases of multiple infestations in the same house, or when termites colonies are located in an inaccessible place. Tenting involves the use of insecticide gas to kill the termites, and requires all residents to leave for the duration of treatment. This raises concerns about tenting safety for many homeowners.
Methods
Termite tenting involves the creation of a sealed environment. Non-permeable material is placed around the home, and secured with heavy clips or weights. Any immovable plants near the structure are individually protected using heavy plastic. Prior to fumigation, the occupants must remove any pets or plants, as well as food and medicine not sealed in pesticide-resistant containers. All gas pilot lights must also be extinguished before treatment. Gas is pumped into the tented area, and allowed to remain for anywhere from a few hours to up to a week, then removed.
Hazards
During the fumigation process, no one may enter the structure. Workers handling the fumigation are subject to some health risks, including poisoning from contact with liquid fumigants and contaminated clothing. If liquid fumigant spills, it can produce toxic vapors. Symptoms of over exposure include nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing and difficulty speaking.
Precautions
Because active fumigants pose a health risk, it's important not to enter a building that has been fumigated until the fumigation company has certified that it is safe. To keep owners from going back too soon, pest control companies place their own locks on all outside doors.
Residue
Despite the dangers of entering the building during fumigation, the process does not leave a dangerous residue on non-food objects. According to the University of California, once the building has been certified as safe, the process leaves no dangerous residue. A strong odor may remain after treatment has occurred, but this is due to the release of warning agents when fumigation begins. The actual fumigants have little to no odor.
Warning
According to the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, some people may experience nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms after entering a home that has recently been fumigated. In these cases, the sufferer should leave the building immediately and contact the local poison control center, the pest control company, the local pest control board and a medical professional. The building may have been incorrectly cleared for re-entry.
Tags: termite, tenting, safe, pest control, been fumigated, dangerous residue, fumigation begins, fumigation process, nausea dizziness
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