How to Prepare Your Home for Termite Control Service
Equipping yourself with knowledge on termites can help you understand how to manage them when they turn into a menace. It is however recommended that pest control specialists be left to manage them. Usually, there are several species of termites existing, and each may require a unique control technique. For instance, subterranean termites' nests are found beneath the soil while wood termites nest above.
Prior to performing any termite service, homeowners need to prepare the entire home to avoid unsafe treatment or a re-infestation. Often, professional pest control specialists will provide you with a detailed list of preparation activities that you ought to have completed before their arrival.
This article focuses on some of the most common preparation requirements for both insecticide injection and fumigation.
(If you are using self-treatment/over-the-counter pesticides, read carefully and adhere to all labelled guidelines and safe-use instructions before use.)
Insecticide Injection
This approach often requires some drilling done through concrete floors, so as to reach and treat the ground underneath the concrete. This will require you to vacate your premises and seek an alternative accommodation for a time frame specified by your pest removal service provider. Also:
- Pest control specialists will inspect your home before service, noting areas that need treatment. All appliances, furniture or anything stored within the marked areas should be distanced at least 3 feet away from all walls.
- Move fragile things away from cabinets, closets or tables in areas under treatment, to avoid breakage.
- If closets are among areas to be treated, remove or cover all your clothing.
- If the weather is not favourable (snowing or raining) on the scheduled work day, a reschedule may be necessary.
Fumigation
With fumigation, a lethal gas is used to eliminate insects from a building. Make all necessary arrangements to leave your home for at least four days. The fumigant should remain in the structure for approximately 16 to 30 hours, depending on various factors. Thereafter, the premises will require aeration for a minimum of 12 hours. Do not attempt returning to your home until the fumigator certifies it safe for re-entry. Other preparations include:
- Remove all living things; not only pets but also plants and fish tanks.
- Also, remove any food or medicines from your home, or seal them in fume bags
- To enable easy access to the outside walls, cut down the exterior perimeter plants and water around thoroughly to enable ease penetration to the soils
- Ensure all rooms, closets, cabinets, etc. are all opened, to ensure that the fumigant reach all parts within your home
- Get rid of chimney caps, antennas, and weather vanes to allow complete sealing of the tarp.
- Remove mattresses, pillows and clothing or encase them in plastic, waterproof covers.
- Remember to turn off all your appliance, pilot lights and gas as instructed by your service provider.