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The very word fumigation sounds intimidating, but here at Western Exterminator we can say that we are pest control professionals who are the experts in fumigation techniques. We know how stressful it can be to think about the big tents, having to stay away from the building for a while, and the use of fumigants in the place where you work, but we do all we can to alleviate those fears with our professionalism and courtesy.
Our fumigation methods are needed when localized methods do not work. Sometimes the infestation is too large or too difficult to remove just from spot treatments and other methods. We even have fumigation solutions for pests in containers, silos, warehouses, and more.
The good news is that with fumigation usually only one application is needed to get rid of 100% of pests like stored product pests, fleas, cockroaches, termites and other wood-destroying pests. We also use a method that will not leave behind any residue, odor or film on the surfaces treated.
Interested in fumigating your property? Schedule an appointment online with a Western Exterminator Company fumigation expert today or call 800-937-8398.
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Our fumigation services and solutions
With access to a wide range of fumigation services, we can ensure the most suitable form of treatment for your pest control needs.
- Container fumigation - treatment of a commodity or the container itself
- Silo fumigation - treatment for large amounts of grain product within a storage vessel
- Warehouse fumigation - treatment conducted in an enclosed warehouse space, especially for the eradication of stored product pests such as weevils and grain beetles
- Stack fumigation - treatment for stackable goods (such as tobacco leaves, sacks of produce, etc.) during which the goods are treated under a large sheet or tarp
- Cargo train fumigation - treatment of train cars containing goods to be transported
Fumigation for your home
Western Exterminator offers many commercial fumigation solutions, but we are also experts in house fumigation. Whether you're dealing with termites, bed bugs, or some other pest, sometimes the best solution for a widespread problem is fumigation. Our home fumigation experts receive ongoing training that allows them to stay up-to-date with all current regulations and technology, ensuring that we are providing you the safest and most effective treatment possible. Fumigation may sound scary, but your specialist will work with you to make sure you are fully prepared. You can count on Western Exterminator to keep you, your family, and your pets safe. Contact us today to find out more.
Preparing for fumigation
Western Exterminator offers various commercial fumigation services such as full or partial facility fumigation, commodity fumigation (including railroad cars), household goods fumigation, and export required fumigation.
To prepare for a fumigation treatment, there are some things that must be done inside and outside the building.
Interior preparation
- Extinguish any open flames or other sources of heat
- Allow for full penetration and aeration by opening doors, cabinets, and equipment within the home or facility
- Remove any live objects that might not withstand fumigation (i.e. live plants and pets)
Exterior preparation
- Lock all exterior doors and windows or at least verify that they can be locked
- Provide any necessary keys so that all areas of the property are accessible for fumigation
- Ensure that all truck docks are clear, if applicable
- Alert local police and fire departments that service is taking place
Frequently asked questions
What is fumigation?
Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides—or fumigants—to suffocate or poison the pests within. This method also permeates the structure itself, affecting pests that inhabit the physical structure, such as woodborers and drywood termites. Your specialist will determine the best fumigant to use based on the type of fumigation and the target pest.
How do I prepare for fumigation?
- Remove all pets and plants from the home or business
- Double-bag food in special bags or remove it completely
- Cut back trees and bushes that are grow right against the structure
- Pull back rocks, bark, and other similar items in close proximity to the building
- Wet the soil adjacent to the foundation
**Your specialist may provide additional preparations depending on your unique situation.
How long does fumigation take?
With a structural fumigation (home, apartment, etc.) for drywood termites the usual duration is 3 days. However, depending on the target pest (bedbugs, wood boring beetles, rodents) the duration depends on the amount of fumigant used, target pest, and environmental conditions. With commodity fumigations, the length of time will be determined by the amount and volume of fumigant used, target pest, and temperature.
When is it safe to return home after fumigation?
Once the fumigation is completed, your specialist will take readings with an electronic monitor clearing device in several locations within the structure. Once the fumigant level is below the required specifications, the specialist will post an indication that it is safe to enter the location at each entry point. Never go inside or allow anyone to get inside a fumigated area before having it cleared by your licensed specialist.
Is fumigation safe?
Fumigants are lethal gases, but fumigation is a safe procedure. Our fumigation specialists strictly follow the fumigation procedures and protocols. When the fumigation is performed as per the label instructions by an licensed professional, it will be safe for all.
What to do after fumigation
Once a homeowner returns after a fumigation they will need to contact their gas company to turn back on the gas and light any pilot lights if applicable. All cabinets doors will need to be closed along with closet doors. We use products that do not leave a residue, so you do not need to wash dishes or wipe down anything.
Experts in structural fumigation
There are times when a complete structural fumigation is required. For this, the structure is completely enveloped in a tent. This is where the term "tenting" comes from. The tent allows the fumigant to treat the entire structure without escaping outside of it. There are some insects and pests that are tough to eliminate once they get a foothold in a structure such as cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, rodents and stored food pests. This is an especially common treatment solution for drywood termite infestations. To make sure these pests are really gone, fumigation is the solution.
Structural fumigation can also be done with a "tape and seal" method. With this method, only specific, infected areas are sealed off from the rest of the building and then treated.
A Western Exterminator fumigation expert will discuss the entire process with you and let you know what needs to be done. We make sure that you comfortable with the entire plan before we set up.
Fumigation for termites
Because missing even a couple of termites can mean hundreds of dollars of damage in the future, it is critical to eliminate the entire population as quickly as possible. Fumigation, or termite tenting, is one of the most effective ways to do so. This process involves covering an entire structure with a tent, allowing for application of a gas that will penetrate the wood and get rid of termites at all life stages.
If you have a termite problem, our termite fumigation services may be the answer. To schedule an appointment with a Western Exterminator fumigation expert, contact us online or call 800-937-8398.
Bed bug fumigation
Bed bugs are excellent hiders. Consequently, it can be easy to miss a couple when doing spot treatments. Also, in order for the bed bug population to be completely removed, bed bugs at all life stages need to be controlled. Fumigation for bed bugs is an incredibly effective treatment solution for persistent bed bug infestations. Not only does it eliminate bed bugs in all life stages, but it also permeates the entire structure, getting into the cracks and crevices of your home or business where bed bugs might be hiding. It is especially common for bed bug eggs to be hiding away in these cracks, not reachable by other bed bug treatments.
If you think bed bug fumigation could be an option for you, contact Western Exterminator today.
How much does fumigation cost?
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Fumigation costs will depend on a number of factors such as the type of pest infestation, the severity of the infestation, the size of the property to be fumigated, and the type of fumigant used.
Each fumigation is different. The best way to determine a price of fumigation is to speak with one of our experts and develop a treatment plan for your property. From here, your specialist will be better able to advise on the cost of fumigation.
Benefits of our reliable fumigation services
- Western Exterminator has been in the pest control industry for over 100 years.
- Our local pest specialists have industry-leading fumigation training.
- Our in-house team of highly qualified technical specialists (entomologists, biologists and chemists) and PhD doctoral candidates work tirelessly to foster continual development and innovation.
If you need home fumigation services or fumigation for your commercial property, call on the experts who have been doing it for decades now. To setup an appointment with a Western Exterminator commercial fumigation expert, contact us online or call 800-937-8398.
Fumigation services near you
The last 100+ years have provided us with extensive experience and training in dealing with fumigation. We carefully combine this knowledge with our understanding of the unique treatment needs of each customer. Our local, highly-trained fumigation specialists have been specially trained to provide you with the best possible solution for your pest problem.
Los Angeles
We have a branch office in Los Angeles, so that a fumigation specialist is always in your area.
Phoenix
Our fumigation experts in Phoenix and the surrounding area will help you with your pest problem.
Seattle
Based in Seattle? So are our fumigation specialists. They're only a call away, whenever you need them.