Is the item consumable by humans or pets?

Such as food, medicine, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, lozenges, spices, pet food, pet treats, chips, pasta, bread, tortillas, cereals, rice, cookies, crackers, beverages, snacks, sauces, milk, butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, fruit, vegetables, produce, wine or liquor, or any thing else you can consume or swallow.

You may need to bag the item. Answer the next question.

You do not need to bag items that are not consumable or ingestible.

Is the item in a container made of glass, metal, or hard plastic?

Hard plastic is not easily squeezed. Metallic foil-lined containers such as sauce pouches, juice boxes, or blister packs are not metal containers! Metal containers are cans.

You may need to bag the item. Answer the next question.

Double bag the item in a Nylofume bag or remove it from the house.

Is the item in a container that has NEVER been opened?

Is the item in a container with the original manufacture’s seal intact? A screw top that has never been unscrewed. A can that has never been opened.

Consumable items that meet both of these tests do not have to be bagged and can be left in the house.

The container is glass, metal, or hard plastic
The manufacturer’s seal has never been broken

Double bag the item in a Nylofume bag or remove it from the house. Any item that has been opened, even if you screw the lid back on tightly, must be double bagged in Nylofume bags or removed from the house.

Fumigation Frequently Asked Questions

Remove all animals and fish from the house. Water and filtration systems can remain in place.

AFTER. At least one week should elapse between painting or varnishing and fumigation.

We recommend that all vehicles be removed from the property being fumigated; however, if a vehicle must remain, you must leave all doors unlocked, and the windows, trunk, and glove compartment must be left open to ensure that the gas fumigant does not get trapped inside the vehicle.

Motorcycles may remain in your garage.

Plants outside the home and NOT under the fumigation tent should not die from the fumigant we use. Plants attached to the house, such as ivy, bougainvillea, or other vines, may have to be included under the tarp if they are not removed by you and will die. We have many tips for protecting plants that touch or are attached to a house. Discuss these plants with your Fumigation Coordinator.

Any indoor growing plants, potted or otherwise, should be removed from your property during the fumigation. Plants left inside during the fumigation will not survive.

Our fumigation crews need access to your sub-area and/or attic crawl-hole cover. These areas must remain open during fumigation to ensure the proper circulation of the fumigant gas. Please clear enough space for our crew to access these areas, including removal of clothing, shoes, vacuum cleaners, etc.

NO! Cats are notorious for their curiosity. They can easily sneak into the fumigated area, perhaps under one of the tarps, while our crews are too busy to notice such an occurrence. Please make arrangements for your cat(s) so they are safely away from the property being fumigated. You may also want to notify neighbors who have cats that regularly roam your yard to keep them safely away from your property during the fumigation.

This applies to all pets on your property. For the safety of all your pets, including fish and reptiles, please make arrangements, so they are safely away from the fumigated property.

All areas within the structure must be made accessible, including closets, garages, and safes. If you have a walk-in or large safe, you may need to be present to open the safe for the fumigator’s inspection before fumigation and after aeration.

During the fumigation and aeration period, the possibility of burglary exists as it does anytime you leave your home. We suggest that all valuables such as jewelry, coin or stamp collections, cash, art objects, firearms or anything else of value be removed prior to fumigation.

Fumigation companies are not responsible for security against vandalism, theft or breaking and entering before or during the fumigation and aeration procedure or after the property is released for re-entry. It is recommended you remove any highly valuable items from the premises prior to the fumigation.

The fumigated structures must not be re-entered until they have been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator. Specialized equipment is used to test the air to ensure the fumigant has dissipated. A notice will be posted on the door when the building is certified for re-entry. You must leave this notice in place until your gas is turned on. The gas company must see this notice.

No! Electricity and water must be available as it will be necessary to run fans during the fumigation process. Gas service, however, will need to be shut off prior to fumigation. In some areas, three to five days’ notice may be required to schedule this appointment, so call SDG&E as soon as you know your re-entry date.

Thoroughly watering the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home and the ground around shrubs and plants located adjacent to the structure can help protect them during the tenting process. Watering should be done the day before fumigation.

The gas used to fumigate your home does not remain in the home after fumigation. It completely dissipates.

Typically, air conditioning is not left on during the fumigation. If you have special circumstances, such as keeping a wine cellar cool, arrangements will need to be made with your fumigation coordinator.

Window air conditioning units should not be left on as they will be covered by the tarps and unable to function.

All cupboards, drawers, trunks, and vaults must be opened to ensure the fumigant gas quickly dissipates from your home during aeration.

Fumigation is targeted at drywood termites. It does not kill spiders. It does not kill the eggs of other insects. You will see other insects inside your home after fumigation.

Fumigation will leave behind the remains of dead termites. This will cause no smell and is no hazard to human health; however, occasionally ants will enter a home to feast on the dead termites. If this occurs your options are to wait it out or to request an ant treatment.

Fumigation will kill any mice, rats, or other mammals in the structure. This is not good. Finding dead rodents in your house is unpleasant, and if you do not find the dead rodent, you may end up smelling it. If you suspect a rodent/wildlife infestation it is critical that the situation is dealt with before fumigation.

Nothing! It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.

If any burglar alarms are to be left on, communicate this in advance with your fumigation coordinator. There are some alarms that cannot be left on.

Follow California state regulations and do not re-enter your home until it has been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator.
Meet with the gas company to restore service.* Make sure to leave the clearance notices on the gas meter and front door in place: the gas company must see them to turn the gas back on.
Turn back on any devices and timers.
It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as the fumigant is a gas that will dissipate from the structure and its contents.
Drawers and cabinets will be left open for the aeration process. You may now close them.
Be aware of the following:
- Fumigation is targeted at drywood termites. It does not kill spiders. It does not kill the eggs of other insects. You will see other insects inside your home.
- Fumigation will kill any mice, rats, or other mammals in the structure. This is not good. If you suspect a rodent/wildlife infestation it is critical that it is dealt with before fumigation.
- Fumigation will leave behind the remains of dead termites. This will cause no smell and is no hazard to human health; however, occasionally ants will enter a home to feast on the dead termites. If this occurs your options are to wait it out or to request an ant treatment. (Yes, you may order an ant treatment in advance as a precaution.)
- Fumigation provides no lasting protection from drywood termites. Fumigation leaves no residue; this is why you do not have to wash everything in your house after fumigation. Your fumigation is backed by a 2-year warranty. Thrasher Pest offers an extended warranty. More information will be provided to you soon. Please consider protecting the investment you are making in a termite-free home.