Is Fumigation Dangerous for Humans? What to Know Before Your Home Is Tented

Fumigation, the tenting treatment used for drywood termites and some other pests, uses a gas that fills every space in the structure. During the treatment that gas is dangerous to people and pets, which is exactly why the home is sealed, posted with warning signs and locked with a secondary lock only the fumigator can open. Once the treatment is finished and the house is aired out and tested, the gas is gone and the home is safe to live in.

Why the gas works and why it does not linger

Fumigants such as sulfuryl fluoride penetrate wood and reach termites that sprays cannot. They are gases, not residues, so they do not stick to surfaces, dishes or furniture. After the tent comes down, fans and open windows clear the air, and the fumigator uses a meter to confirm the concentration is below the safe re entry level before releasing the house. You should never re enter before that clearance.

How to prepare your home safely

• Food and medicine. Anything that is not sealed in its original factory packaging goes into the special bags your fumigator provides, or leaves the house. That includes pet food and items in the refrigerator.
• People, pets and plants. Everyone leaves, including fish and reptiles. Houseplants go outside. Outdoor plants near the foundation are watered and trimmed back so the tent seals properly.
• Gas and utilities. The natural gas supply is shut off, pilot lights are out, and the fumigator confirms this before tenting.
• Time away. Plan for two to three nights. Your fumigator will give you the exact re entry date and time.

When it is safe to go back inside

Only when the fumigator has removed the secondary lock and posted or handed you a clearance notice. That notice means the air has been tested. Bedding, clothing and dishes do not need washing, though many people choose to air out closets and run the air conditioning for a few hours.

Who should take extra care

Anyone with a respiratory condition, pregnant women, infants and the elderly should not be nearby during the release of the tent and should wait a little longer before returning. If anyone in the household develops headaches, nausea or eye irritation after moving back in, leave the house and call the fumigator, then your doctor.

Is there an alternative?

For small, localized drywood termite infestations a spot treatment can work without tenting. For widespread infestations, or when the colony cannot be located, fumigation is the only treatment that reaches every gallery. Uprooted Weed and Pest Control inspects first and recommends tenting only when it is the right tool. If you are in Dunedin, Clearwater, Largo or Palm Harbor and want a second opinion on a fumigation quote, call us.

Related reading

• What does the fumigation kill
• How long after fumigation is it safe
• What Is a Termite Warranty and Do You Need One in Florida?