5 Signs It’s Time to Tent for Drywood Termites
The Drywood Termite is a form of termite that may be found in the southern section of the coastal United States, from Texas to North Carolina, as well as Hawaii and California. If you do not reside in one of these locations, you may not be aware of it. Drywood termites, in contrast to subterranean termites (which build their colonies below the ground) and dampwood termites (which build their colonies in and around moisture-saturated wood), build their colonies in completely sound, dry wood. If left untreated, even though the size of a typical drywood termite colony is significantly less (up to 5000) than the size of a typical subterranean termite colony (up to 1,000,000), drywood termites can still inflict considerable and costly structural damage.
Whole structure tent fumigations, which have been the gold standard in drywood termite elimination for decades, are now competing for treatment space with a slew of other options, including localized spot treatments, heat, electrocution, freezing, wood injection, chemical termiticide liquids, dusts, foams, microwaves, and other methods of elimination.
And how do you know when it’s time to tent for drywood termites in the first place?
From the standpoint of the client, fumigation is a time-consuming, inconvenient, and frequently expensive endeavor.
Furthermore, the investment required to fully equip a firm to deliver these sorts of services precludes the majority of pest control operators from including this service in their list of available services.
Consequently, alternate treatment alternatives were inevitable in many respects, regardless of whether the operation was successful.
Disadvantages of tent fumigation for customers
- Costly. There is an additional expense in addition to the actual cost of the fumigation itself (which can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the size of the structure), which is the cost of arranging for temporary housing for two or three nights while the house must be vacant during the fumigation. Additional preparations, such as the disposal of various food products, the damage to internal plants and outdoor greenery along the exterior of the property, the removal of structural attachments, and other tasks, can quickly add up. Roof tile damage is also not unusual as a result of the fumigation procedure
- This is inconvenient for the homeowner. It is necessary to remove all living creatures from the treated environment (people, pets, plants, produce, and so on) for a period of two to three days following a structural fumigation for drywood termites. Depending on how many people are involved, this may not be too much of a headache. For some, it may be a matter of exposure risk. In order to treat drywood termites, significant volumes of gas must be introduced into the home, allowing the toxins to permeate into all wood members at levels powerful enough to kill any termites there. Unfortunately, this gas is not only harmful to termites
- It is also dangerous to humans. And, while instances of deadly exposure to people are rare, there have been enough recorded incidents of death and damage to warrant at the very least a pause before moving forward with the project. In 2015, Peyton McCaughey, a 10-year-old Florida boy, suffered significant brain damage after re-entering his family’s house after being exposed to a tent fumigation. The chemical company Terminix was fined ten million dollars in 2016 after poisoning a family in the Virgin Islands with a fumigant. If someone were to remain within the treated structure throughout the fumigation procedure, they would be at high risk of death from exposure. Rather frequently, exposure occurs after the fumigation is complete as a result of returning to a property that has not been fully cleansed of poisonous gases, or as a result of the gas becoming trapped inside a substance such as plastic and then being released.
The Fumigation of Structural Tents Procedure However, while each fumigation company has its own procedures for performing a structural tent fumigation, the following is a general outline of what is involved (the amount of time between steps may vary from one company to another depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the home, the pest being fumigated for, the concentration of fumigant, and other considerations):
- With huge tarps covering the whole structure, a fumigant is slowly injected into the structure. After the house has been sealed for 12 to 36 hours (usually approximately a day), it is possible for the poisonous fumigant to seep through all of the wood elements of the structure. As escaping gas might render the fumigation ineffective, some businesses will employ specialist equipment to guarantee that enough amounts of fumigant are maintained in all areas of the home during the fumigation process
- However, this is not always the case. Aeration begins once the tarps are removed by the fumigation firm, which usually takes around 24 hours (give or take a few hours). During this period, the residence remains under lockdown since it is not yet safe to allow anyone back in. When the house has had a chance to air out for a day or two, the fumigation firm returns with specialist equipment to check the concentration of any lingering gas in all of the rooms. The homeowners will be able to return to their house as long as the gas levels remain below the threshold necessary for safe re-entry. If gas is still identified in some areas of the house, the aeration will be maintained until the house is deemed safe for habitation.
Disadvantages of tent fumigation for pest control companies
- Expensive. Setting up a fumigation crew is one of the most expensive endeavors a pest control company can undertake, which is one of the primary reasons so few companies choose to participate. The cost of other expensive equipment, in addition to a flat-bed truck or other vehicle with the capability of transporting several heavy (and therefore expensive) tarps, can range from respirators and fumigant gas to clamps, warning agents, signage, and other similar items. Licensing. In order for any company to perform tent fumigations, they must first be licensed to do so. This typically requires having an employee who has passed a state fumigation certification exam, which requires an increased level of technical expertise. While most states have lots and lots of certified pest control applicators licensed to do standard pest control work, few of those applicators are licensed in fumigation
- Liability. Liability associated with tent fumigations is rather extreme as compared with most pest control service offerings, and justifiably so. Storing, transporting, and injecting lethal gas raises the stakes in terms of making sure no mistakes happen. In the case of fumigation, mistakes can have deadly consequences
- sTraining. Operating a fumigation company requires the highest levels of training and a commitment to process, procedure, and documentation. This requires, among other things, a commitment of time, resources, and money
Sometimes. However, this is not always the case, and it may not always be the case. Tenting for drywood termites, on the other hand, differs from all other existing treatment procedures for one very specific reason: structural tent fumigations use a gas to infiltrate all wood elements of the building at the same time, effectively killing any drywood termites that may be found inside. All other therapies are limited to treating specific sections of the structure. On the surface, it is rational to conclude that tent fumigation is superior since it is more extensive.
- Tenting for drywoods may be prohibitively expensive at times, owing to the necessity of abandoning the structure for up to three nights at a period, as well as the extensive amount of preparation that must be done beforehand.
- After everything is said and done, a tent fumigation for drywood termites may be the most logical course of action in some cases.
- 1.
- As a result of what we know about the biology of drywood termites, we can say that they spread through a process known as swarming.
- Aside from that, they will continue to spread within contaminated wood members and onto neighboring wood members as the colony progressively grows in size over time.
Having multiple infestation points in different parts of a structure that are not adjacent to one another indicates a high likelihood of having multiple termite colonies to contend with as well as a high likelihood of having additional termite colonies in other areas that are not yet readily apparent.
- 2.
- In order to be effective, each of the alternate treatment solutions must have direct access to the damaged wood members.
- A treatment area 4 or 5 feet distant, on the other hand, is unlikely to have any effect on termite populations in the immediate vicinity.
- It is virtually impossible to get rid of drywood termites completely if you suspect that you have drywood termites infesting wood that cannot be immediately treated with a chemical treatment.
- So, if you are unable to gain access to all of the contaminated wood members, it may be necessary to tent for drywood termites.
- Drywood termites swarm in the same location for several years in a row.
- In the case of a termite, it indicates the existence of an established termite colony that is actively seeking to form new colonies in the surrounding region.
Termite swarms that return year after year suggest the presence of well-established termite colonies that would be difficult to separate in order for targeted treatments to be completely successful.
4.
Drywood termite swarms in an attic, in the majority of cases, provide unique problems for targeted treatment efforts due to the possibility of infection in inaccessible wood components.
Insulation, particularly the blown-in form, can exacerbate existing accessibility issues by adding to them.
Certain conduits, such as air conditioning ducts, plumbing, electrical, and other conduits, may prevent termite treatment from reaching certain areas of an attic.
As a general rule, if you’ve detected drywood termites swarming in your attic, it’s probably time to tent the structure.
Drywood termites infesting a wood flooring surface.
For starters, termite damage to the flooring itself may cause the thinness of the flooring to be weakened to the point where it prevents any termite foam or liquid treatment from remaining in the treated zone adequately.
If drywood termites are present in the lower layers of wood as well as the exposed wood floor area, treating only the exposed wood floor portion is unlikely to be effective.
Tenting for drywood termites is a dreadful experience on all levels.
Auxiliary expenses connected with tent fumigation can considerably surpass the actual costs of tent fumigation in some circumstances, such as in multi-unit facilities like as apartment buildings or condominium complexes, when tenting is used.
When it comes to drywood termite treatment, you should seek the assistance of a highly qualified drywood termite specialist who will implement a combination of localized termite treatment tactics if you are unable or reluctant to proceed with a tent fumigation for whatever reason.
Should you do your own drywood termite treatment?
Only as a last resort should this be used. It needs a certain amount of technical ability and experience to inspect, detect, isolate, and treat for drywood termites, which untrained folks are unlikely to have on their hands. If, on the other hand, there is no other practical alternative than to treat yourself, Pest Control You may get assistance from Everything’s Termite Control Guide throughout the procedure. When dealing with freshly introduced termites, one of the ready-to-use termite foams listed below offers an affordable solution with a decent chance of success.
How Often Should We Tent?
When drywood termite infestations in a home are present, structural fumigation is employed to manage the infestation. If the infestation is large, difficult to find, or difficult to reach with more focused ways, this treatment method should be utilized only in those cases when more targeted treatments fail. Your pest control specialist can discuss treatment options with you if he or she detects symptoms of drywood termites in your house during an annual termite inspection. These may include structural fumigation.
However, it is critical to continue receiving yearly examinations following fumigation to ensure that any symptoms of infestation are identified as soon as possible after treatment.
Tips to Prevent Drywood Termite Infestations
Infestations of drywood termites begin with a king and queen slipping into a crack in the wood of a home, excavating a small “nuptial” nest, and sealing themselves within. You may assist avoid an infestation by using protective wood treatments and doing regular house care, which should include the following activities:
- Seal any cracks, fissures, and joints on the outside of your home
- This includes the foundation. When the paint on your outside wood begins to peel or bubble, give it a fresh coat of paint. Maintain the screens on the attic and foundation vents. Remove any things in your yard that might harbor termites, such as dead trees and timber, and dispose of them properly. Keep firewood stored far away from your home to avoid easy access to it.
No-Tent vs. Tent Termite Treatment
Owning a house is frequently one of the most satisfying and valuable purchases you can make. Your house is more than just a physical building; it is also a location where your family’s memories are formed and your belongings are kept safe and secure. It’s critical to protect and preserve your home’s structure. Many concerns and duties occur as a result of homeownership, including bathroom renovations, kitchen appliance repairs, and termite control. In the United States, homeowners spend more than $2 billion each year to safeguard their homes against termites, which eat and destroy wood.
- Termites damage a variety of structural components of a house, including the foundation, framing, and flooring.
- In reality, in 1997, underground termites attacked a municipal library in Windermere, Florida, causing extensive damage.
- Termite treatment, on the other hand, must be carried out in a controlled setting.
- It is unusual for termites to infest your home for several months without presenting any symptoms of their existence, which makes them particularly difficult to detect.
In order to make an informed decision about termite treatment in Fort Lauderdale, we recommend that you gather information about all of your alternatives. Costs of termite treatment, tent termite treatment, and no-tent termite treatment are some of the alternatives you have to consider.
How you do know if you have termites?
Through the whole month of April, termite swarms can be found in large numbers. Termites are easily distinguished visually because they look similar to ants with wings. Winged termites can not cause structural damage to your home, but they are easy indicators that termites are present in your home. Termites that cause damage to your property reside underneath and burrow their way into your structure to feast on the wood. Chipped wood, sawdust-like residues, and hollow wood that was once solid are some of the most visible physical indicators of the infestation.
Why should I use a professional for my termite treatment?
Heavy-duty equipment is required for the majority of suggested and efficient pest control treatments in Fort Lauderdale. Avoid doing the work on your own since the cost in termite treatment equipment is significant and typically does not allow homeowners to break even on their investment. Termite treatment often entails the use of chemicals, which is why it is always advisable to hire a skilled pest control specialist. There are various different types of termite treatments available, and a professional will be best prepared to assist you in determining which treatment is appropriate for your property in Ft.
Types of Termite Treatment
In bigger structures, it is usually more cost efficient to treat only the problematic portions rather than the entire structure. According to the procedure, the technician must drill holes and inject termiticide medication into the colony to kill the termites.
Bait or Barrier Termite Treatment
It is necessary to deliberately place bait and obstacles in order to concentrate termites in a certain location throughout this operation. In strategic locations around the home, termiticide stations are established, and termiticide is injected to a depth of at least 4 feet underground. It is also injected straight into the walls of the building itself.
Tent or Fumigation Treatment
It is necessary to cover the whole structure with a tent and to use a gas that is deadly to termites to kill and destroy the insect colonies in order to effectively treat and prevent termite infestations. In the case of termites, termite tenting allows the gas to enter wood and kill termites on the spot. Typically, the technician will build up a tent over the whole structure of your home and then connect a fan and hose to the tent in order to pump the gas into your home. Termite tenting can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to complete.
Typically, extra changes must be made, such as removing any house plants, pruning any trees that may interfere with the tenting, and removing any uncanned items from the house or apartment.
No Tent Termite Treatment
There is no need to leave your house for a lengthy period of time with no tent treatment. It is also less expensive than tent treatment. To name a few examples, you will not be need to relocate temporarily, remove plants, uncanned food, cosmetics, or medications, nor will you be required to worry about remodeling or roof damage, pulling down satellites and antennae, or pruning trees in the vicinity. No tent termite treatment is well-known for addressing the problem with minimal interruption and restoring your property to its original functionality as fast as possible after treatment.
The disadvantage of not using a tent for termite treatment is that it may overlook critical areas of infestation, giving termites the opportunity to reproduce and re-infest the area.
Cost of Termite Treatment
The cost of termite tent treatment varies depending on the area, the infestation, and other considerations. For a property that is around 1250 square feet in size, a chemical treatment may cost between $1,350 and $2,500, while a bigger home that is approximately 2500 square feet can cost between $1,700 and $3,200. The cost of termite treatment for your property in Ft. Lauderdale is determined on your individual requirements and requirements. It is important to meet with a pest control professional at your residence in order to obtain a realistic cost and assess whether more than one termite treatment is required.
Tent treatments are expensive and require a substantial upfront cost; yet, they often kill and dissipate the majority of termite colonies in a single treatment.
How Often Should My Home Be Treated for Termites?
Homeowners should get their homes examined for termites on a yearly basis in order to avoid infestations. Termite treatments can last anywhere from 5 to 13 years, depending on the type of treatment employed and whether or not there is any evidence of ongoing termite activity. It is the professional pest control company’s responsibility to assist you in developing a customized termite treatment plan that specifies how frequently your home should be treated for termites.
Treating a Property With Termite History
If you had an infestation in your house 10 or even 20 years ago, it’s critical to remain on top of having your property inspected and re-treated on a regular basis. Despite the fact that you are no more or less likely to have another termite infestation than a property that has never had a termite infestation, treatments should always be repeated in a timely manner. It is vital to have treatments more frequently if your home has been fumigated, however, because fumigation does not prevent subsequent termites from infesting your property.
The most effective course of action is to call your pest control firm, which will work with you to develop a strategy that is tailored to the specific needs of your house.
Have termite questions?
Our specialists are waiting for your call; please contact us right away. Our specialists are waiting to take your call and will get back to you as soon as possible. During normal business hours, Monday through Friday. Inquiries received after office hours will be responded on the next business day.
What Should I Do Between Treatments?
No of how long it has been since your previous treatment, year-round termite protection is essential for all property owners, regardless of their location. Among the methods for keeping termites away in between treatments are:
- Make sure there are no sources of standing water in or around the house. Precautions should be taken in places of your foundation where wood comes into touch with dirt. Keep stacks of lumber or firewood away from your property and above ground if you want to use them. Check your deck, patio, or outdoor furniture for indications of wear and tear on a regular basis. Remove any dead or rotting trees or branches from your yard
How Much Termite Treatment Do I Need?
It’s understandable that some homeowners want to go above and above in terms of termite prevention, but regularly providing treatment isn’t always the best course of action, and it may be both costly and wasteful in the long run. The most efficient approach to keep termites at bay is through a mix of preventative measures and frequent inspections by a qualified specialist. Additionally, a pest control firm such as Western Exterminator, previously Hitmen, will know just how much and what sort of treatment will be most effective for your specific scenario.
When it comes to determining how frequently your house should be treated for termites, it’s crucial to delegate the difficult task to the professionals.
To Tent or Not To Tent?
Termites are a big source of concern for homes in South Florida, where temperatures are moderate, humidity is high, and the climate is tropical. The following has been claimed about South Florida homes: “There are two sorts of homes in South Florida: homes with termites and homes that will have termites.” Drywood termites, subterranean termites, and conehead termites are the most common forms of termites that inflict major damage to structures in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, Collier, and Palm Beach Counties, among other places.
Drywood termite colonies are smaller than subterranean termites
Subterranean and conehead termites are invasive species that require contact with the earth in order to thrive. These termites get access to your home through ground-to-wood contact and travel long distances in search of food to bring back to their nests. Subterranean termites breed in enormous colonies with millions of workers, causing vast destruction and feeding their ever-increasing numbers of offspring. Drywood colonies are smaller in size, and infestations are often restricted to a single place, but they might contain many nests.
Infesting sound, non-decaying wood in older homes, drywood termites have adapted to drier, indoor conditions
Drywood termites, on the other hand, are adaptable and do not require soil contact to survive, as well as just a little amount of water due to a stronger outer cuticle, and they live in the wood that they infest. It is more common for drywood termites to invade older homes that have sound, non-decayed wood. Drywood termites will infest hardwood floors as well as wood frame windowsills, doors, and furniture, as well as fascia boards and attics.
Pairs of discarded wings found inside your home can indicate a drywood termite infestation
Drywood termites are most likely to infiltrate your home during swarming season, when young reproductives fly around in search of mates and a location to establish their own colonies of their own. This mating behavior normally takes place during the summer months, following a rain or two. The young pair emerges from the drywood alates or reproductives after mating and finds a new home within the crevices in the wood of your home’s structure. Drywood termites can be identified by the presence of pairs of wings on window sills and in light fixtures, which can be an indicator of an infestation.
Drywood termite “frass” indicates drywood termite activity
Drywood termites are most likely to infiltrate your home during swarming season, when young reproductives fly around in search of mates and a location to establish their own colonies in dry wood. This mating action often takes place during the summer months, following a rain. The new pair emerges from the drywood alates or reproductives after mating and seeks refuge in crevices in the wood of your house. It is possible to see pairs of wings on window sills and in light fixtures, which might be indicative of a drywood termite invasion.
Hollow sounding wood and paper thin wood surfaces point to drywood termite infestations
Due to drywood termites consuming the inner spring wood contained within your boards and timbers, the surface of your boards and timbers may seem blistered or bent as the structural underpinning underneath the surface has been chiseled away to allow for termite galleries to develop. When tapped, termite-infested wood may sound hollow, and it may be readily penetrated with a pointed object if the infestation is severe.
Termites digging into wood can leave a honeycomb pattern on wood surfaces, which can be identified as such. Because numerous nests might occur in a same structure, when one nest is discovered, it is necessary to inspect all other regions of the structure for further nests.
Hulett offers two termite treatment options
As drywood termites consume the interior spring wood contained inside your boards and timbers, the surface of the wood becomes blistered or bent, indicating that the structural basis under the surface has been cut out to accommodate termite tunnels and other pests. It is possible to hear a hollow sound when tapped on termite infected wood and the wood may be readily penetrated with a sharp instrument. Termites tunneling into wood can leave a honeycomb pattern on wood surfaces, which is sometimes visible.
No-tent termite solutions target termite colonies:
- Hulett professionals inject a high-tech repellant chemical straight into termite galleries, preventing them from reproducing. Workers that are still in their infancy transmit these specific ingredients across the whole termite colony. When the repellant elements infect the whole colony, the queen dies and the colony is forced to abandon its home.
With Hulett’s unique, no-tent termite treatment, the only extra inconvenience you may have to deal with is keeping an eye out for any more colony activity after the treatment has been completed. A leader in the local professional pest control business for more than 45 years, Hulett has tented thousands of homes and businesses in South Florida throughout that time period. However, thanks to technical advancements in pest treatment materials and processes, we are able to provide you with additional, more straightforward, and ecologically responsible solutions to drywood termite problems.
- You’ll be moving out of your house for many days, making arrangements for your family and pets, and disrupting your daily routine. Relocating your furniture, houseplants, and other big things away from the fumigation zones is highly recommended. The removal of all uncanned food products from your house (or the covering of these goods in plastic film)
- Making a complete purge of all cosmetics and drugs from your house
- Whether or not your roof will be destroyed, and whether or not your landscaping will be harmed
- Activities involving the pruning of shrubs and trees
- Disconnecting satellite dishes and antennas from their power sources
You’ll be moving out of your house for many days, making arrangements for your family and pets, and disrupting your daily routine. Remove big objects such as furniture, houseplants, and other large items away from fumigation zones; Take all uncanned food products out of your house (or cover them with plastic wrap). Making a complete purge of your house of any cosmetics and drugs; When it comes to whether or not your roof will be harmed, or whether or not your landscaping will be affected; Activities involving the pruning of shrubs and trees in particular Disconnecting satellite dishes and antennas from their power sources.
Don’t Know if you Need Fumigation? Read This Special Report First! Termite Terry’s Termite & Pest Control Services
Do you have termites in your drywood? So, how can you determine whether your home need fumigation or whether a spot treatment would suffice? Every day, hundreds of homeowners are confronted with this dilemma, and many of them end up getting screwed as a result. This report contains facts that can help you avoid getting conned out of your money! The drywood termites, which are a major concern in Southern California, are extremely destructive. Homeowners frequently disagree on whether or not they should fumigate their properties, which is especially true in coastal areas.
- The situation is analogous to the famous story about the person who went to one doctor for a checkup and the doctor instructed him to quit smoking.
- The next doctor advised him to give up smoking as well!
- In his mind, the facts didn’t really matter; what mattered was that the doctor told him what he wanted to hear!
- The other day, I went to a four-plex that had thousands of dollars in termite damage all around the outside eave sections, and I found it to be a disaster.
- A number of termite inspectors examined the property, and they all concluded that the structure needed to be fumigated.
- HE WAS APPOINTED BY HER!
- To put it plainly, I believe she would have better odds if she took that money and used it to buy lottery tickets instead.
Why should you believe anything a salesperson says?
” alt=””> ” alt=””> According to the California Structural Pest Control Board’s documentation, not all dry wood termite-infested homes are required to have their structures fumigated.
If treatments other than fumigation are indicated, you should be aware that targeted treatments will not result in the elimination of any additional concealed infestations in the structure that may have been present.
However, because these treatments are designed to be applied to a specific targeted region only, the chance of further undiscovered infestations within the building cannot be ruled out.
Moreover, they advise us that any pest control firm that promises to achieve whole-house results using local or spot management methods is engaging in fraudulent advertising and should be denounced.
Fumigations occur when a house is enclosed in a tent for the purpose of disinfection.
The home, however, is not filled with fatal gas, but instead is heated until the inside temperature reaches 140 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Please keep in mind that much of the information provided above comes from a California State Department of Consumer Affairs fact sheet titled “STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL FACT SHEET,” which was published in July 1998.
I am writing to express my gratitude for the time you have taken to read this letter.
It is possible that a second examination or opinion will be required.
for more information or to schedule an appointment, please complete our onlineOrder Formand we will respond as soon as possible.
Do you have any questions or concerns concerning termite fumigation?
For the most up-to-date information, including current fumigation safety studies, please see the link provided below.
Dr. Rober Krieger’s article, as well as commonly asked questions Termidor is the termiticide of choice for the majority of our localized drywood termite treatments. To learn more about this product, please visit the Termidor website by clicking on the emblem.
Drywood Termites? Fumigation is the solution!
Do you have questions regarding termite tenting, such as how much it costs or if it is a good investment? Don’t worry, we’ve put up a handbook that will assist you in answering all of these questions and many more. Continue reading to find out all you need to know. Disclaimer: REthority is financed by advertisements and participation in affiliate programs. When you click on one of our links, we may receive a commission. Please note that the information contained in this post is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be construed as legal or financial advice.
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- In this article, we will discuss what is termite tenting, how it works, the difference between termite tenting and fumigation, and the cost of termite tenting. In this article, we will discuss what is termite tenting, how it works, the difference between termite tenting and fumigation, and the cost of termite tenting.
Request a Quote Locate a Pest Control Company in Your Area We’ve worked with Networx to make it easier for you to identify local pest control technicians. To receive a no-obligation estimate, please complete the form below. Pest Control can be found. We may receive a commission if you click on this link, but there is no additional cost to you. Termite populations may infiltrate and demolish a house at an alarmingly rapid rate. Drywood termites are a common cause of termite damage in the United States, and they are notoriously difficult to eradicate.
What Is Termite Tenting?
Request a Price Estimation Pest Control in Your Area To assist you in finding local pest control technicians, we teamed with Networx. To obtain a FREE quotation, please see the link below. Pest Control Services Can Be Found Here You will not be charged any further fees if you choose to click on this link. Colonies of termites may infiltrate and demolish a house at an astonishing rate. Drywood termites are a common cause of structural damage in the United States, and they are notoriously difficult to eradicate.
Termite Tenting vs. Fumigation
The terms termite tenting and fumigation are often used interchangeably in the pest management industry, although there is a significant distinction between the two. Termite tenting is a more general phrase that refers to the process of constructing a structure to enable for the fumigation or heat treatment of termites. Fumigation is the most frequent method of termite tenting, and it involves pumping deadly gas inside the tented home in order to reach every nook and cranny and eradicate the termite infestation completely.
Similarly to gas treatment, hot air is pumped into the residence and heated to at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills the colony, rather of using gas to heat the home.
The use of heat treatment for termites is far less prevalent than the use of fumigation, which is why we’ll concentrate on fumigation in this article.
How Termite Tenting Works
To begin, you must contact a pest control provider to arrange for an atermite examination.
Then they discover that there is a massive and spreading infestation. For fumigation, it is most probable that termite tents will be recommended.
Clear the House
Smaller colonies that are more localized can be handled with less extreme means that do not necessitate the use of tents, such as smothering them. Everyone who lives in the house (including plants and pets) must vacate the premises for about three days to allow for the completion of the termite tenting operation. Anything in the house that you will swallow later, such as medicines and food, should be removed or double packed with Nyoflume bags to prevent contamination (your pest control company will provide you with plenty of these).
This keeps your food and medications secure while you’re camping.
Open All Crevices
Before you leave the house, your qualified pest control technician will ask you to check that all doors (including cabinet doors) and drawers are open throughout the house to allow the gas to penetrate completely and effectively. The pest control professional ensures that all of the home’s doors and windows are closed and locked to guarantee that no one may accidently enter. They want to use a canvas tent to encapsulate the entire house (thoughsome fumigation is tentlessand involves just sealing all doorways and windows to the home).
An experienced pest control professional will next inject the fumigant (often Vikane) inside the completely enclosed and sealed-off residence.
Fumigate and Wait
According on the severity of the infestation, the size of the house, and the weather conditions, this might take anything from 6 hours to a whole week to complete the task. Typically, the actual fumigation phase is brief, lasting little more than 24 hours or fewer in total. If necessary, your pest control professional will open the seals around the house and begin using a ventilation system to air out the house and make it safe for re-entry when the fumigation is complete. During the ventilation process, which can take several hours, your pest control professional will test the air to verify that you and your family do not return to your house until the level of fumigant in the air has dropped to 1 part per million (ppm) or below.
What Happens After Termite Tenting?
A few termites from the colony may live for up to one week after the fumigation, but they will not survive for much longer than that because of the deadly gas used. Because termite eggs are not killed by the fumigant, you may even observe a few newly born termites during your inspection. The newborn termites, on the other hand, will perish within a few days if they are not accompanied by the remainder of the colony. Within one week of your fumigation date, the whole colony should have died off completely.
Results Are Evaluated
They will appear in order to consume the deceased termites. If this occurs, call your local pest control firm to set up a comprehensive pest control program for your entire house. Your valuables and your house will not be contaminated by the gas fumigant that was used to disinfect your home. Due to the harmful nature of the gas used in termite tenting and fumigation, several residents have reported experiencing symptoms after returning to their homes. If the house was adequately ventilated and the air analyzed, this shouldn’t have happened.
If you develop any of these symptoms following a fumigation, consult your doctor right once and notify the pest control firm of your condition. Perhaps they will need to ventilate the house even more.
Termite Tenting Cost
Its home’s size, as well as your location, will influence the cost of termite tenting. Your home’s size, as well as its location, will influence the cost of termite tenting. Overall, some cost estimates might assist you in planning a fumigation to see if it is feasible within your budget. Termite tenting is estimated to cost between $1,000 and $2,500, based on estimates found on various websites. This implies that you’ll be charged between $10 and $20 each linear foot. The expense of termite tenting may appear to be prohibitively expensive.
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Tips From the Pros
What better way to get knowledge about a subject than to hear it straight from the source? Here are some water damage repair professionals who can assist you better grasp the situation you’re in right now. ” Another key element to remember is to remove any and all food and perishable items from the house, as well as any plants and pets. Anything organic will be harmed by the chemicals produced during the fogging process, thus it is necessary to remove it before the process begins. You may also cut down any trees and bushes that are close to your windows and outside walls to make the procedure simpler for the pest control technicians.
Termite Tenting FAQ
The following are some of the most commonly asked questions concerning termite tenting and fumigation that we get. Please see the following link for Frequently Asked Questions.
Will termite tenting kill all termites in and around my home?
It is possible to kill all drywood termites that live in and consume wood by using termite tenting, however it is not possible to kill subterranean termites (soil-dwelling termites). At the time of inspection, your pest treatment professional will be able to determine the type of termites you have on your property.
Does termite tenting kill other pests?
Termite tenting may be effective against some other pests, but it is not considered effective against pests such as roaches, spiders, and ants. If you’re dealing with more than one sort of pest, your pest control professional will advise you on the most effective course of action to take.
How long do I have to wait before re-entering my home after tenting?
Termite tenting may be effective against some other pests, but it is not recommended for pests such as roaches, spiders, and ants, which are considered to be more dangerous. If you’re dealing with more than one sort of pest, your pest control professional will advise you on the best course of action.
Will termite tenting kill termite eggs?
No, not in the traditional sense. Vikane is the most often used fumigant in termite tenting, despite the fact that it is not an ovicide (it does not kill eggs).
While it does not directly destroy eggs, it does kill freshly hatched termites, which may continue to hatch for a few days after the fumigation is completed. The freshly hatched termites will perish if they do not receive care from the colony’s worker termites throughout their first year.
Should I cover my mattresses and furniture with plastic during tenting?
It may sound paradoxical, but you should avoid covering any of your furniture with plastic prior to tenting in order to save space. It takes longer to re-enter your home when there is a lot of plastic in the house since it slows down the ventilation process.
If I see termite droppings after tenting, does this indicate reinfestation?
This is not always the case. There will be termite droppings in the termite tunnels even after the termites have been exterminated because of their feeding on wood. Regular activity in the home might shake these droppings out of the termite tunnels, bringing them to the surface and allowing you to see them. The tunnels dug by the exterminated colony, on the other hand, have survived the fumigation process. In this case, it is likely that a second colony may come in and re-infest your residence.
Will termite tenting kill the plants directly outside my home?
Because the gas used in fumigation is harmful, if you have plants within 18 inches of your home (where the tent will stretch), you should relocate or cut them before the fumigation takes place. Additional watering of plants and grass within an 18-inch perimeter around your home with lots of water can aid in the long-term health of your lawn and plants as well as their recovery from the fumigation. As an added bonus, it will prevent leaks at the tent’s bottom.
Is termite tenting safe?
However, termite tenting is quite safe when carried out under the right conditions, although it is not without its risks. As a precaution, if you have a natural gas appliance in your house, you should have it temporarily turned off throughout the fumigation process. This is because some fumigants are combustible. If your house is not adequately ventilated, you may feel symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and irritation of the eyes or lungs. Keep in mind to strictly adhere to the directions provided by your pest control firm and to avoid entering the house during the tenting process for any reason.
Should You Use Termite Tenting?
Terminate tenting is one of the most successful methods of eliminating undesirable pests, but it is not the most appropriate choice for everyone. If you are sensitive to pesticides or have a limited amount of time to spend away from your house, look into alternative pest control methods. On the other hand, if you are able to adhere to the severe standards that are associated with termite tenting, it may be the most successful method of treating your property. To learn more, fill out our contact form and we’ll put you in touch with a local pest control professional.
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Do You Need to Tent Your House for Subterranean Termites?
It is necessary to first ascertain the kind of subterranean termites you are dealing with in order to answer the issue of whether or not you should tent your house in order to kill them before answering the question. Subterranean termites and drywood termites are the two types of termites that can be found. It is named for the fact that subterranean termites live by building their nests under the earth, whereas drywood termites build their nests within the wood that they are infesting. Subterranean termites may be discovered in buildings, where they can be found infiltrating structures through cracks, cement expansion joints, plumbing penetrations, and other similar sites that provide them with access to the building structure.
- These insects go to their destination, burrow into the soft, damp wood at the base of a building (or trees, wooden fences, or other structures) to eat, and then return to the earth to feed the rest of the colony of the species they have discovered.
- In most cases, subterranean termites may be discovered around and under the foundations of a home.
- Termite colonies in drywood, on the other hand, are often significantly lower in size than termite colonies in subterranean wood.
- It is worthwhile to conduct some study about the sorts of termites that are widespread in your area in order to determine which preventative and, eventually, treatment approaches will be the most successful.
- Consequently, if you believe you have a subterranean termite infestation, selecting the most effective treatment is critical to preserving the structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, and overall value of your property.
As a result, you may be asking whether your home has to be tented to protect it against subterranean termites, or whether there are any other options for eradicating the infestation.
Do You Tent for Subterranean Termites?
It is common for drywood termites that live within the actual wooden building to be treated with fumigation methods (i.e. tenting), but subterranean termites that dwell in the soil surrounding the home must be treated with in-soil chemicals, barriers, and baiting systems. House tenting is not utilized to exterminate subterranean termites since this pest management approach only destroys drywood termite colonies, which are not the target of this pest control method. Subterranean termites infest homes from below ground, and tenting is useless in preventing them from entering through their subterranean tunnel systems.
As a result, because you do not need to tent for subterranean termites, you may manage them using one of the two most often utilized techniques:
Liquid Termiticides –
Liquid termiticide treatment is often done beneath a home and around the full outside of the building, covering any spots where termites may possibly get access to the structure. A traditional liquid termiticide is applied to a building structure in order to establish a chemical barrier between the termites living in the soil and the building structure above. In addition, termites existing in the home might be affected by this treatment since it prevents them from effectively returning to the soil, which in most circumstances will result in these termites dying of dehydration as a result of the treatment.
Repellent Termiticides –
Repellent termiticides are nerve poisons that operate quickly on termite colonies while having little or no effect on humans or pets. They are highly poisonous to termite colonies but have little or no impact on humans or pets. The termiticide is so repellant to termites feeding in the soil that they will avoid coming into touch with it and will instead forage in another location. The result is a chemical barrier that effectively prevents termites from entering the building and inflicting additional damage.
Termite Baiting Systems –
Termite baits are designed to attack the termites themselves, with the goal of suppressing or eliminating whole termite colonies that are already residing in the soil. In addition to incorporating slow-acting toxicants or growth regulators into termite food, the baits are designed to work in accordance with the natural eating and social behaviors of these pests. By foraging worker termites who share their food with other colony members infesting the home, the toxins are dispersed throughout the colony and into the surrounding environment.
Because termites consume their food on a continuous basis, if the baits are not detected in a timely manner, considerable damage to a property is likely to occur.
Non-repellent Termiticides –
The primary advantage of using non-repellent termiticides is that termites that are digging into the soil will not be able to detect the presence of these chemicals. The non-repellent termiticides perform the same functions as baits, but the pests can come into touch with these goods much more quickly than they do with baits since they are less resistant to repellents. Termites do not perish on contact with the compounds, but they are able to live for a lengthy period of time (they can normally survive for up to 90 days after being exposed) in order to distribute and spread the poisons to the rest of the colony.
How Our Professionals at Chem Free Exterminating Can Help?
Having a comprehensive termite inspection performed by an experienced and knowledgeable pest control specialist is one of the most important things you can do to develop an extensive and effective termite plan for both eradicating termites that are already foraging indoors and deterring new colonies from establishing camp. The assistance of our Chem Free Exterminating professionals will help you avoid incurring excessive money as a result of employing treatments that are ineffective due to the form of the infestation you are now suffering.
