How to Prepare Your Home for Fumigation
Fumigation is a safe and effective way to eliminate pests from your home — but it does require some preparation. Below is a simple checklist to help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Before the Fumigation
✅ Schedule & Plan
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Arrange accommodations: You and your pets must vacate the property for approximately 2 nights/3 days.
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Notify your gas provider: They will need to shut off gas service before the fumigation begins.
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Secure outdoor access: Remove fences or locks that might block access to the structure or roof.
🪴 Outside Prep
1. Plants, Bushes, Vines, Weeds, Hedges, etc. All vegetation and ground cover must be trimmed, removed and/ or pulled back at least 1 foot away from the structure(s), until bare dirt and/or cement is exposed. (Property owner/ occupant/ agent is responsible for the transplanting of any and all plant life growing within an atrium, overhang, patio cover, deck area, planter box, and/or any other similar structural feature.)
2. Trees. Pull back tree limbs away from roof and eaves to allow at least 1 foot clearance from the structure.
3. Decorative Rocks and Bark. All items must be raked back away from the structure(s) at least 1 foot out and deep enough to expose bare dirt.
4. Antennas, flood light bulbs, light fixtures, weather vanes and chimney spark arrestors. If any of these items may come into contact with the tent, they may need to be disconnected and removed from the roof of the structure, unless otherwise specified. Items may be reattached upon completion of fumigation. (Satellite dishes such as those provided by DirectTV or DishNetwork will be wrapped around so they do not have to be detached. There are some antennas that we may also be able to wrap around so they do not have to be detached).
5. Fence Boards. Remove 3-4 fence boards or the entire section of fence if it is less then 1 foot away from the structure.
6. Soaking the soil. Heavily water all soil within 1 foot of the structure.
7. Drain pipes. Detach all drain pipes that lead into the ground (also known as "French drains") and tape off at ground level to ensure gas does not escape down the drain during fumigation.
Stored Items & Debris. Any items and/or debris stored against or within 1 foot of the structure to be fumigated must be moved at least 3 to 5 feet away from the structure by the property owner/ occupant/ agent.
🥫 Food & Consumables
To keep your food safe, you must:
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Remove or double-bag any food not factory-sealed in glass, metal, or plastic.
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This includes items in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.
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We have special Nylofume® bags with instructions upon request at a cost.
🧼 Household Items
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Remove or double-bag medications, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, baby formula, and toothpaste.
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Anything you ingest, inhale, or apply to the body should be protected.
🪑 Furnishings & Decor
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Open all closet, cabinet, and drawer doors.
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Raise all blinds and drapes.
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Unzip plastic mattress covers or remove them (this includes waterproof infant/medical mattresses).
🧾 Other Details
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Turn off air conditioning and heating systems.
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Remove or deactivate security systems.
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Secure valuables and important documents.
🐶 Don’t Forget the Pets!
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All pets, including fish, birds, and reptiles, must leave the home.
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Cover fish tanks, unplug filters, and remove them if possible.