Termites are not always in full view. You may not become aware of their presence until they’ve taken over your whole house.

Even if you can’t see them, that doesn’t mean they’re not a problem. Every year, the amount of structural damages they cause are in the billions.

If you’re worrying about termites damaging your home, snoop around to see signs of infestation. Look for tunnels, discarded wings, and noises. If you’re unsure, ask for a free inspection from a trusted contractor.

But what’s next after you’ve found out that your house has termites?

One of the most effective ways to kill them is through termite tenting, where a tent over your house keeps the fumigant inside for a certain amount of time.

But you need to prepare for termite tenting. Read on to prepare your house for the procedure.

Make Personal Plans Before Termite Tenting Procedure

Before the termite tenting begins, arrange for an accommodation for you and your family. You may have to stay away from home for two to three nights, whatever the company advises.

Rent a hotel room, stay over at a friend’s house, or anything you fancy. Make sure that you can reschedule, though. The fumigation company may delay an appointment during a bad weather.

You don’t need to pack all your clothes and bring them with you. If you’re worried about the chemicals, seal them in bags and leave them in your home. However, it isn’t needed as the gas dissipates after fumigation.

You also have to call the gas company to shut off your supply the day the fumigation begins. Have it reconnected when you have a certificate of re-entry.

Take Care of Furniture and Appliances in Your Home

Do your furniture still have plastic covers? If so, remove them, even on your mattresses.

This ensures that the termites have no hiding place and that the gas will get to them. It’s can also troublesome if the gas gets underneath the plastic. It may not dissipate in its entirety if they are inside.

Don’t forget to check other items as well, such as clothing with garment bags. As a rule, you should remove all plastic in the house if they’re not airtight. If you’re not sure, take it out anyway.

You don’t need to worry about the surfaces of furniture getting contaminated. The gas doesn’t stick to surfaces. But as a precaution, wipe them all after the process is over.

Take this time to also unplug all your appliances.

Remove Everything at Risk of Contamination

The company will provide you with special fumigation bags. Use them to seal your food and let them stay in the refrigerator. For extra precaution, double bag each food item, even the ones that are still in the original packaging.

However, if you want to have a complete peace of mind, it’s better to take them with you. On that note, refrain from shopping for food when the termite tenting procedure is nearing. You will have to bag or take away fewer items.

You should also remove your houseplants, including the ones on your patio. Move them several feet away from your home or take them with you if you can.

If you are storing vitamins and medications, you should double bag them or take them away. They’re small and you need them anyway. Place them all in a single bag so you won’t lose any.

And of course, pets should come with you. If they can’t go with you for a whole day, drop them off at a pet boarding facility if the place you’re staying at doesn’t allow pets.

Survey Each Room and Prepare Everything

Work on one room at a time. Aside from making sure you’ve done the steps above, open all doors between each room.

In the kitchen, open the cupboards and drawers. You should also open the appliances.

In the bedroom, leave the cabinets and drawers open. Make sure your mattress and clothes have no plastic covers.

Doing these, you allow the gas to squeeze in every space. This also ensures that they won’t trap gasses if some happen to enter small spaces.

While you’re at it, open the drapes and blinds on your windows before termite tenting. This makes it easier for the fumigator to access and spray every room.

Don’t Forget Your Lawn and Backyard

You also need to prepare the immediate surroundings of your house, including vegetation. Remove the flower bulbs and vines leading to the structure. This is also the perfect time for that much-needed pruning.

Trim your shrubs and trees so that the tent falls on the ground. We recommend you cut any foliage 18 to 24 inches from your house to prevent damage to the tent. Also, remove any items sitting within that length.

After trimming, water the vegetation surrounding your house. This helps protect them against the fumigant.

If you’re not sure which ones you need to cut, ask the contractor.

Prepare Everything a Fumigator Might Need

Leave all your keys with the fumigator. They need access to every part of your house. That includes your garage and the little room under your staircase.

Don’t worry, though. Your contractor will place a secondary locking system to keep intruders and visitors out during the termite tenting process. When they remove the tents, the keys also allow them to lock up your home until you arrive.

The fumigator may also require a garden hose. Make sure you have one ready for use.

Hire a Reliable Fumigator

When you’ve deemed you need termite tenting, count on us for effective solutions. We can get you a free estimate and advise you on the do’s and don’t’s before and after the procedure. We’ll help you every step of the way.

Contact us and get a schedule now for your free inspection! And get ready for a termite-free home. We ensure you’re always getting a professional termite inspection.