All About Fumigations
Fumigation is the process of sealing up (tenting) the property and adding fumigant to the entire structure with a lethal gas (VIKANE/SULFURYL FLUORIDE AND CHLOROPICRIN) for the control of drywood termites in all areas of the structure. Fumigation is the most effective eradication method for all parts of a structure and performed correctly, the only way to guarantee 100% effectiveness. Taps Termite provides a 5-Year Warranty, which is the best in the industry! The fumigation is a 3-day / 2-night process for Drywood Termites, and the property must be vacated during the fumigation. 🔹Allow an extra day over a weekend 🔹Beetle fumigations will also take longer 🔹Drywood Termites, Wood Boring Beetles, Bed Bugs, & Cockroaches are the most common pests to fumigate for
Why We Fumigate
The Fumigation Process
Google just about anything to do with Termites, and it will come back with Termites cause Billion's of Dollars $$$ in damage every year! That's no joke!! But what does that really mean for your home? To give you an idea... our average cost per home is somewhere between $2,000 & $3,000 for a fumigation... and anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand in damage repair. That is per home! The longer you wait to protect your home, the higher the initial cost will be.
Preparation is Required for Fumigations
Specific Interior & Exterior preparation is needed and required for a fumigation. Below is a great video for you to watch, an awesome checklist for you to download, and an additional brochure and website for further information all about fumigations!
Watch this Awesome Video To Prepare for Your Fumigation!
Watch this helpful overview before your fumigation. It will walk you through the key preparation steps and what to expect before our fumigation team arrives.
Great Information, Checklist, & Facts for You!
Advanced Exterior Preparation
For most fumigations, there is normal preparation needed, like moving plants, trimming vegetation, and raking tanbark or small river rocks away from your home's walls and foundations. This service is typically included.
However; where there is heavy vegetation or trees growing into the structure, fancy pergola structures attached to the home, or attached retaining walls... You will need to hire an outside prep company or someone (at a separate cost) to properly prepare your home, so our fumigators can safely and securely wrap the tent around your property. We will be happy to provide you with a contact for advanced prep service, and our team will be happy to walk you and/or them around your property, and provide details of exactly what will need to be done!
The Fumigation Measurement Process ~ What to Expect
- Once our inspectors determine your home should be fumigated, we will alert our fumigation team and the process begins!
- The next Business Day, our team will come out to your property between 9am - 12pm to measure your home for how much fumigant your home will need, and to determine if any Advanced Prep will be needed. No one needs to be home, we just have to walk around the exterior of your property. We will knock first to see if anyone is home before we walk around your home. Any locked gates must be unlocked and animals put away so we can properly measure your home! You will also recieve an email confirmation of the fumigation measurement.
- That afternoon, we will receive the fumigation quote and all the details of any other information we need to know. After we receive it, we will send it to you along with all the info, and any other findings, recommendations, and costs.
Scheduling Your Fumigation
- Once you are ready to schedule your fumigation, you will contact our office to coordinate. It is good to have an idea of what days you would like... (2 nights / 3 days). It is best to plan at least 1 week in advance or longer to ensure you get the days you would like. NOTE - PGE requires a minimum 48 hours advanced notice.
- Once we have the schedule, you will receive two sets of paperwork: 1) The work authorization... this is for us and our local enforcers 2) The OFN (Occupant Fumigation Notices)... this is the legal California paperwork required to perform a fumigation We will send these documents to you via email and we use an online e-signature program for your signatures required.
- On the start day, you are welcome to stay at the property until our crew arrives. Once the start installing the tent, you will need to vacate the premises until it is safe for re-entry on the third day.
- On the third day, once they remove the tent, it is perfectly safe to go back into the property!
Fumigation Warranty ~ 5 Years ~ The Best in the Industry
- Once your fumigation is completed, within two business days, you will receive your completion paperwork and warranty information via e-mail.
- Important Note: Certain items may need to be done to activate your warranty, like cleaning up the termite evidence or repairing termite damage, as that may be the only way to tell if a new infestation is present in the future.
- How your warranty works: If you see or suspect any new Drywood Termite activity, just give us a call, and we will come right out! If we find any new activity, we will treat it for FREE for you! Note: Generally, it will be a small or minor infestation, so we will treat it locally; that way, you don't have to leave your home again for another 2 nights and 3 days. However, if the termites take over your home again, we will absolutely fumigate it again to make sure your home is protected!
Roofs & Solar Panels ~ Let's Talk About This
- Some Roofs have Metal or Spanish/Clay style roof tiles. These types of roofs can dent or break easily depending on factors like the roof pitch and the age of the material. Especially the older ones, as they can be brittle. Our team is very experienced and knows how to walk on these types of roofs; however, it is possible that some roof damage can happen. This can range from a few tiles to many. Our team will discuss this with you when you have one of these types of roofs. We also recommend a roof inspection prior to a fumigation and retaining the services of a Liscensed Roofer to repair or replace any roof tiles that are broken and to ensure your roof is in good working condition to help protect your home! We would be happy to refer our partner roofers upon request.
- Solar Panels ~ Some solar panels may stop a fumigation due to the panel installation or the panels being too delecate to wrap a tarp over them. Our team will coordinate the tenting plan around your roof and solar equipment, using the care needed to protect your home throughout the fumigation process. If they deem, they cannot fumigate your home, we will come up with a plan of action for a local treatment.
- If you have questions about your roof or solar panels before scheduling, contact our office. We are happy to discuss your property and explain what to expect.
Security & Crime Prevention Tips
- Unfortunately, there are a lot of idiot thieves in our community. Some of them target homes that are being fumigated. Because the property must remain vacant while being fumigated, they think that is the perfect time to rob a house. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent your home from being burglarized:
- We often have people stay in a motorhome in front of their home, or even camp out in the backyard. That will help deter a thief. You also want to take all valuables out of the home, like money, jewelry, important documents, etc. NOTE - Safes need to have the doors open, so that is not an option for storing any valuables.
- Hire on-site security. You can call your local police department (the non-emergency number) and let them know you are having a fumigation and if they can recommend any security companies in your area. Also notify your neighbors and let them know. It's a great way to meet your neighbors if you are moving in or just bought the home, and introduce yourself.
- NOTE - The fumigation and termite control provider are not responsible for break-ins. They will call you immediately if they find any signs of a break-in. Check with your Home Insurance Providers for theft, vandalism, and property damage.
The Best Service â—† The Best Price â—† The Best Warranty
- We understand that a fumigation can be a lot! We are here to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible for you. Our experienced professionals will guide you through every step, from inspection and scheduling to preparation and safe re-entry. We love answering questions... please let us know if you need anything; we are here for you!
- We know there are a lot of choices you have in which companies you choose to work with. That's why we strive to provide straightforward, easy-to-understand recommendations and super competitive pricing tailored to the effective treatment solutions your home actually needs. However; we also know, there are a lot of companies that will look at our price and just say, "Oh, we'll do it for $200 cheaper". That's not how we do business... but, if that happens, please let us know and we will do everything we can to beat or at least match another quote!
- We love providing Peace of Mind! Our five-year fumigation warranty gives you dependable protection and support long after your fumigation is complete. Just call us for any termite sightings, and we'll come right out!!
F.A.Q.'s & Common Misconceptions
- Fact: Fumigation is completely safe when it is completed by licensed professionals and all required preparation, vacancy, and re-entry instructions are followed.
Misconception: Any licensed pest control company can perform a fumigation. Nope... in California, a specific license is required called a Branch 1 license. Most smaller termite control companies partner with a Branch 1 company. Termite companies can recommend a fumigation, but you need the proper license to perform one. - Fact: Fumigation is the only method of treatment to guarantee that all drywood termites in a structure will be eradicated.
Misconception: Fumigation is the only method of treatment. False... you can absolutely have a local treatment done. Local treatments will only treat the area/s treated. - Fact: Fumigation is a one-time kill. It will eliminate all drywood termites in the structure, with no ongoing residual protection.
Misconception: I just had a fumigation; I can't have a new infestation right after. Wrong... technically, termites can reinfest your home right after a fumigation. You normally won't see any signs of an active infestation for a year or years after, as they go deep into the wood to start a new colony. That's why it's a good idea to hire a company with a long-term warranty! - Fact: All living things must be removed from the home before the fumigation. Including house plants, pets, fish, and reptiles, and of course humans. Also, all consumable items like food, pet food, and medicines must be removed or sealed in specialized Nylofume bags provided by your pest control company. Factory-sealed glass or metal cans do not need to be bagged.
Misconception: I don't have to do anything for to prepare for a fumigation. Incorrect... specific interior and exterior preparation is required. Some prep items, if not done, may delay or stop your fumigation. Watch the video and download the checklist above for information.
Elite Fumigation Services
The best method for complete Termite Eradication in the Industry!