Safety & Product Information

Learn about fumigation safety, product information, clearance requirements and important precautions.

First Class
Fumigation Guide

Explore each step of the process to learn what to do, what to expect, and how to prepare for a safe and successful fumigation.

The Fumigation Process

Preparing for Fumigation

What to Expect

Re-entry After Fumigation

Safety & Product Information

Understanding Fumigation Safety & Product Information

Structural fumigation is a highly regulated process designed to treat pests throughout an enclosed structure. In residential structural fumigation, sulfuryl fluoride is commonly used and every fumigation must be performed according to the product label and applicable federal and California requirements. The specific fumigant being used on a property is identified in the documentation provided before treatment begins.

Safety starts with proper preparation and continues through every stage of the job. Occupants and pets must remain out of the structure, access is restricted while fumigation is underway, and warning signs are posted to help prevent unauthorized entry. First Class Fumigation follows the required procedures for securing, treating, aerating, and clearing each structure before it is returned for occupancy.

Sulfuryl fluoride is colorless and odorless, which is why structural fumigation includes additional safeguards. In California, a warning agent is generally introduced before fumigation begins to help alert anyone who might attempt to enter the structure while treatment is underway.

The fumigation process also includes required documentation, site security, aeration procedures, and clearance testing. Product labels and regulatory requirements can change over time, which is why customers should rely on the instructions provided for their specific fumigation rather than older information or generalized instructions found elsewhere.

After treatment, the structure must be properly aerated and tested before anyone can return. Before the property can be released for re-entry, the fumigation professional tests the air throughout the structure to confirm that sulfuryl fluoride levels have fallen to the required clearance level. For residential sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, the current EPA clearance level is 1 part per million or less.

If the required clearance level has not been reached, additional aeration and testing are necessary. Customers do not need to interpret measurements or determine for themselves whether a property is ready. The fumigation professional completes the required clearance process and provides notification when the structure has been released for occupancy. Until that confirmation is received, the property should remain off-limits, even if the tarps have been removed or the estimated treatment schedule has passed.

SAFETY & PRODUCT INFORMATION

What You Should Know About Fumigation Products & Safety

Structural fumigation follows established safety procedures before, during, and after treatment. Understanding the role of the fumigant, restricted access, aeration, and clearance can help you know what to expect throughout the process.

The Fumigant

Structural fumigation uses a fumigant that moves throughout the enclosed structure to reach areas where pests may be hidden. For residential structural fumigation, sulfuryl fluoride is commonly used and must be applied according to the product label and applicable safety requirements.

Restricted Access

Once fumigation begins, the structure must remain unoccupied and secured. Warning signs are posted, and no one should enter the property until the required treatment, aeration, and clearance procedures have been completed.

Warning Agent

Sulfuryl fluoride is colorless and odorless, so a warning agent is typically introduced as an additional safety measure during residential fumigation. Its purpose is to help alert anyone who might attempt to enter the structure while fumigation is underway.

Aeration & Clearance

After treatment, the structure is ventilated to allow the fumigant to dissipate. The fumigation professional then completes the required clearance testing before the property can be released for occupancy. If the required clearance level has not been reached, additional aeration and testing are necessary.

Follow Your Project Instructions

Every fumigation has specific preparation, safety, and re-entry requirements. Follow the instructions provided for your property, and contact your pest control provider if you have questions about food, medications, pets, access, timing, or returning to the structure.

Important to Know

Always follow the preparation and safety instructions provided for your specific fumigation. Product requirements can vary, and the instructions for your property take priority over general information on this website.

Safety Comes First

Structural fumigation is carefully controlled from the time the property is secured through the final clearance for re-entry. Required safety procedures, restricted access, aeration, and clearance testing all work together to help ensure the structure is ready before occupants return.

PRODUCT LABELS