Fumigation Preparation and Process

When an active infestation of termites, specifically drywood termites, has been found in your home, fumigation of the structure is the most effective option to eradicate the colony. Generally, fumigation is recommended when a local treatment would be too costly, or ineffective.

This form of treatment consists of covering the structure with a tarp that is secured at the base of the building and filling it with Vikane* gas to kill any living termites in the structure. This entire process only takes 3 days and two nights (e.g. if the fumigation is scheduled for Monday, it will be cleared for re-entry after 1pm Wednesday) and is guaranteed by Will Power Termite Control Incorporated and our fumigator. Here are some important things that must be done prior to commencement of the fumigation and some useful information regarding the chemicals used:

• The gas (PG&E) will be turned off just prior to the fumigation. NOTE: lt is the
  owners' responsibility to contact PG&E to have the gas service restored.
  
• All persons, pets, inside plants, vinyl mattresses (baby bed/hospital bed type), food, feed, drugs,
  & medicines not in airtight containers (including what is in the refrigerator) must be removed.
  
• Dishes, utensils, and fabrics need not be cleaned after the gas has cleared the structure.
  
• Structure fumigants are odorless, colorless, and do not affect the common surfaces in your home
  (paints, fabrics, finishes).
  
• All plants, trees, shrubs, and vines must be cut back 8 to 12 inches away from the structure so as
  to allow for the tarp to cover completely to the ground. Decorative ground cover such as gravel or
  bark also needs to be raked back to expose bare soil.
  
• The night before the fumigation, a one foot wide area around the perimeter of the home needs to be soaked with water. This may require up to one hour of soaking depending on the soil condition.
  
• The fumigator will need keys to the structure to perform the fumigation. We suggest either a
  lock box or using the PG&E box on the side of your home.
  
• All automatic timed devices must be turned off prior to fumigation.
  
• All antennae and weather vanes must be removed.
  
• Solar water systems need not be removed but only turned off and drained.
  
• The subarea and attic areas must be accessible through an access cover inside or outside the structure.
  

*For facts regarding Vikane gas, please refer to the below web site and select "Vikane"

under the Products category:http://www.dowagro.com/prod/index.htm

When you have determined whether or not to perform fumigation on your property our

fumigation company will provide you with all of the forms and information you will need

to be prepared. They will also be available to give an estimate to perform any exterior preparation

work your home requires, removal of any attached fences, or wetting of the soil.