Termite Identification

One of the treatment methods for termite infestation in your home is a termite tenting preparation. Termite tenting is generally used when most of the interior structure of the house is affected by termites. In a termite tenting treatment, the pest control company sets up a large tent around the entire structure of your house and then release a termite-killing gas inside the tent.

Like any treatment that uses chemical pesticides, termite tenting preparation is also considered as hazardous, unnecessary, and overly expensive. However, if your home has a bad case of termite infestation, a termite tenting treatment may be the best option you have. Fumigation using termite killing gas kills all the worker termites. Since it is the worker termites that provide the colony with food, getting rid of the workers is already half the job done.

How It Is Done

The first step involved in termite tenting preparation is to cover the whole structure with tarp. Then all openings are sealed and secured. Homeowners usually stay out of the house for at least two to three days. Of course, it is a given that all food containers and food storages in the house are sealed to avoid the fumes contaminating the food. In most cases, pest control companies provide you with the necessary air-tight bag to keep your food in.

Once everything is in place and every opening sealed, the pest control company then releases the gas inside the structure and place fans inside to keep the gas circulating. Warning signs will be posted around your property to keep anyone away from the structure while fumigating.

One the second day, the tarp is removed and the house aired out. On the third day, depending on the severity of the termite condition, the pest control company can advise the homeowners about moving back into the house or waiting for another day until the home is cleared of gas.

This often leaves the question hanging: is termite tenting harmful to humans, then? While these chemicals are aimed at eliminating termites, its manufacturers have also taken into consideration the possibility of humans inhaling the gas. They have therefore designed the chemicals to be specifically potent enough to kill termites, but not humans. Since one can never be too sure when it comes to health, though, it is still advisable to follow the necessary procedure such as sealing food containers and temporarily staying out of the house while termite tenting preparation is on going.