A tent termite treatment is one of the most effective ways to treat termite infestations. The gas used for the fumigation gets into places that you won’t imagine and effectively attacks termites, stopping them in their tracks. But that’s not enough. The way you protect your belongings and the significant prep you do before starting the treatment determines the overall success of the treatment. Here are tips to help you prepare for tent termite treatment, well ahead of time.

Prepare to be away for a few days

Thinking and planning ahead is the best way to prepare for tent termite treatment. Prepare to be away a few days after your treatment. This is because the whole process may take up to 72 hours to complete. Although the fumigation occurs only on the first day, your home needs more time for aeration in the following days. The fumigant needs to be cleared out as much as possible before you can move back in. 

Getting tent termite treatment could be a great way to plan a getaway or vacation at a nice hotel for a change. You and your family can rest and enjoy your vacation while your home is treated for the pests. To ensure this little holiday counts, plan ahead and make suitable arrangements for the decided period.

To bag or not to bag

Prep your food items. Food items include tobacco, pet food, medicines, open and unopened food, alcohol etc. Make sure leftovers and perishables are tossed away. If you must keep food then make sure to double-bag the items and seal it tight. You don’t have to seal the unopened bottles or canned food but double bag opened alcohol bottles and remember to store wine bottles horizontally.

Other items like makeup, dental, and toiletries need not be sealed. Your furniture or any porous items like bedding, mattress, curtains, clothes need to be doubled bagged for protection. Remember to check the bags for tears or air-leaks and replace if necessary. You can use zip locks or nylon polymer bags to seal as alternatives to plastic. When in doubt, check with the pest control professional to provide the right bags and ask for directions on how to use them.

No place to hide and treatment prep

Make sure to uncover upholstery for the fumigant to be more effective. This way, the pests don’t have any places to hide. Another important prep for tent termite treatment is to remove all the living plants from your home and move them outside. Don’t move them to your patio because the tent treatment covers the entire vicinity of your home. Make arrangements to keep your indoor plants elsewhere during the period. This is good way to open up more space and guarantee a more successful termite treatment.

Remember to keep all doors in your home open. These doors include the doors to your room and the doors to your cabinets, drawers, shutters, and blinds. Keep everything open so the fumigant gets inside and through every open space. Remember to unplug all your appliances. This includes your television, speakers, home theatre systems, heaters, washers, oven, and other electrical items. Make sure you call your gas company and suspend the service for the period of time your treatment will be scheduled. 

Since the tent will cover your entire home, it is important to trim branches or shrubs around your homes. If you have plants or vegetation growing along your home’s foundation, be sure to water them well and keep your plants properly hydrated. The thorough hydration helps the plants sustain through the chemical siege for that period.

What to do post-treatment

When the termite tent is removed as per schedule the air quality inside your home will be checked for remnants of the fumigant. Ideally, it should be less than one part to a million or less fumigant. The specialty equipment will determine the chemical level and only then will you be able to go home.