What Does Fumigation Entail?
A wide assortment of pests can take up residence inside your house. In addition to cockroaches and termites, bed bugs and fleas are among the most common household interlopers. Because these pests can nest virtually anywhere in your home, it may be difficult to locate and treat all the places that the insects could set up their nests.
Ineffective, off-the-shelf pesticides often cause the pests to scatter throughout your house. Depending on the pest, an unchecked infestation can pose a health hazard as these insects spread germs. Getting rid of these pests permanently may require fumigation because the insects have become resistant to certain pesticides. It is the most effective way to eliminate small pests as well as those that can hide virtually anywhere in your house.
What is Fumigation?
Fumigation is the process of securely enclosing a house in a large tent or a series of tarps so that the pesticides can be safely released inside the sealed space. This technique ensures that fumes permeate the building and suffocate any pests living in your home. Your home will be sealed for several days depending upon the level of the infestation. This protocol ensures that the fumigant has sufficient time to reach into all cracks, crevices and other hard to reach places.
Items like food, medications and personal care products that cannot be removed from your home must be double-sealed in special bags provided by the technician. Only products in their original sealed containers do not require double bagging. You will have to arrange alternative lodging for all members of the family, including your pets. Certain houseplants should be removed as well. Before leaving your home, open all doors, cabinets, drawers and appliances. Raise blinds, and open drapes.
After the extermination process is complete, the tenting materials will be removed so that your home can be ventilated for several more days. Once the fumigants have been dispersed to safe levels, you can return home. Inhaling high levels of pesticides can be harmful to your health as well as that of your family and pets. Once the process is complete, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is pest free.
Contact a Professional
You may feel that you have the necessary skills, but fumigation is not a do-it-yourself project. It will not work as intended unless your house is properly sealed. Because the pesticides used to fumigate can be dangerous, the process is best left to experienced professionals. If you have a pest infestation, contact Harbor Pest Control for a free, no-obligation quote. After inspecting your property, determining the extent of the infestation and identifying the pest, we will recommend the best course of action.