Structural fumigation is a treatment in which a building is enclosed with specialized tarps and treated with a fumigant to eliminate drywood termites and other targeted pests throughout the structure.
The tarps create a controlled enclosure around the structure so the fumigant can be introduced and maintained at the concentration required for treatment.
The total timeline can vary depending on the size and type of structure, treatment requirements, weather conditions, and other project factors. Your pest control company or First Class Fumigation can provide information specific to your scheduled project.
Yes. People, pets, and plants must be removed from the structure before fumigation begins and may not return until the property has completed the required aeration and clearance process.
First Class Fumigation typically performs structural fumigation on behalf of pest control and termite companies. Your pest control provider handles the overall customer relationship and treatment recommendation, while First Class provides the specialized fumigation services needed to complete the project.
Start with the pest control company coordinating your project unless you have been specifically instructed to contact First Class. They can help with scheduling, preparation requirements, and other details related to your particular property.
Incomplete preparation can delay or prevent the fumigation from starting as scheduled. Review your preparation materials carefully and address any questions beforehand so the property is ready when the crew arrives. Additional charges may apply when a fumigation must be postponed or canceled because required preparation was not completed.
Yes. Refrigeration or freezing does not protect food from the fumigant. Items that are not in an approved airtight container must be removed or properly sealed in approved fumigation bags according to the instructions provided for your project.
Waterproof coverings can interfere with the fumigation and aeration process. Covers may need to be opened or removed, and some items may need to be taken out of the structure entirely. Baby mattresses should be removed before fumigation. Follow the preparation instructions provided for your property.
Vehicles may sometimes remain in a garage or carport, but specific access requirements apply. Vehicles generally need to be unlocked with windows lowered and the trunk accessible, or a key must be provided. Vehicles should not remain parked where they could interfere with the fumigation crew.
The fumigant needs to circulate throughout the structure, including enclosed spaces. Interior doors, closets, cabinets, drawers, storage areas, attics, and other compartments may need to be opened and accessible. Locked areas can interfere with the fumigation process.
Medical breathing equipment, including oxygen tanks and similar apparatus, should be removed from the property before fumigation. If you have specialized medical equipment and are unsure how it should be handled, ask before the scheduled fumigation date.
Outdoor plants, shrubs, and tree branches may need to be trimmed back from the structure to provide room for the fumigation materials and crew. Potted plants should be moved away from the building, and soil near the foundation may need to be watered before fumigation. Follow the exterior preparation instructions provided for your property.
Antennas should be removed before fumigation. Removal of satellite dishes may also be recommended because tent installation and removal can affect their alignment or cause damage. Make any necessary arrangements before the fumigation date.
Yes. Strong winds and other weather conditions can affect the safe installation, treatment, aeration, or removal of fumigation materials. In some situations, the schedule may need to be adjusted or the fumigation period extended.
Certain occupied nests, including protected bird nests, cannot legally be disturbed. If active nesting is discovered in an area that would interfere with fumigation, the project may need to be delayed until the nest is no longer occupied. Let your pest control provider know about any known nesting activity before the scheduled date.
First Class Fumigation does not provide on-site security. Customers should remove valuables and important documents before leaving and may wish to notify trusted neighbors, arrange private security, or take other reasonable precautions while the property is unoccupied.
Your pest control provider and fumigation company need to know about any construction feature that could allow air or fumigant to move between structures. This can include shared walls, common drains, plumbing, air ducts, central vacuum systems, conduits, or similar connections. Be sure to disclose anything you know about before fumigation begins.
Generally, no. Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas rather than a surface treatment and does not leave a residue on dry household surfaces. Once the structure has been properly aerated and officially cleared for re-entry, ordinary household items can generally be used normally unless you have been given different instructions for your specific project.
Take anything you may need while the property is unavailable, including medications, identification, important documents, work or school items, clothing, pet supplies, chargers, and other daily essentials. Once fumigation begins, you should not return to the property until it has been officially cleared for re-entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find information about preparing for fumigation, what happens during the process, safety, re-entry, and other frequently asked questions.