Why Do They Tent Houses In Florida?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Almost always, fumigators will cover the structure with a large tent

to prevent the toxic chemicals from seeping out and causing harm to the environment and other people

. The tent also serves to keep the pesticides concentrated within the house so they can do the most damage to the pests inside.

Why would a house be covered in a tent?

The purpose of tenting a house is

to eliminate severe pest infestation problems with a powerful toxic gas that shuts down the nervous system

. However, the entire home is sealed with heavy-duty vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulins to prevent the bed bug, rodent, or termite fumigation gas from leaking out of the home.

What does tenting your house do?

The tenting process involves a complete covering of your house with tarp panels. This

creates a sealed casing for the pumping of a poisonous gas throughout your home that will kill your termites

. It even penetrates the wood and timbers where termites tend to hide and feast.

How often do you have to tent a house in Florida?

Homeowners should have their home inspected annually for termites as a method of prevention. Termite treatments last anywhere from

5 to 13 years

depending on the type of treatment used and any signs of current activity.

How long does fumigation smell last?

The answer is

24-72 hours

.

How long does fumigation last?

A fumigation can take from

six hours to one week

depending on the type of infestation, dosage, temperature, size of the structure, and other factors. What does the fumigant smell like? Structural fumigants are odorless.

What does it mean to fumigate a house?

Fumigation is

the use of fumigants (gaseous chemicals) to suffocate and kill pests within a structure

. It is an invasive procedure that requires all other humans and animals to be outside of the home for anywhere from several hours to an entire week, so it is not often a first line of defense.

Is house tenting safe?

Health Effects of Tenting

Sulfuryl fluoride is a central nervous system depressant, and is

highly toxic to humans, animals and plants

. While remaining in the home during termite tenting means certain death for animals, humans and plants, sulfuryl fluoride rapidly dissipates once the tent is removed from the home.

What can stay in the house during fumigation?


Food for people, animals and pets, as well as tobacco products and medicines (including items in refrigerators and freezers)

can remain in your home if they are in plastic, glass or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer’s air-tight seal intact.

What are the side effects of fumigation?

  • Mild inhalation exposure can cause a feeling of sickness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, nausea and tightness in the chest. …
  • Moderate inhalation exposure can cause weakness, vomiting, chest pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and pain just above the stomach.

Is it OK to live in a house with termites?


Termites can actually cause damage to structural integrity

!

Buildings or houses that are made of wood can be unfit to live in if termites have already caused considerable damage to its foundations, beams and other supports of the structure.

Is it safe to live next to a tented house?

Tenting can be the most effective method to treat a house for termites. And

if you comply with the stringent requirements that come along with the process, it is safe to live next to a tented house as well.

How serious are drywood termites?

How serious are drywood termites? Infestations can be limited to one area of the house or can be widespread.

Damage is often extensive, as these pests will chew tunnels inside wooden beams or other wooden objects, weakening them from the inside

.

Can you treat termites without tenting?


Treating termites without tenting is often used for smaller infestation problems

. You could fix the problem with the methods of no-tent termite treatment. However, if the infestation is much more extensive, you will need to use tents.

Is tenting for termites effective?


Tenting for termite control has long been the accepted and most effective method of exterminating termites

, but natural and less toxic methods are gaining traction as people look for alternatives to using harmful chemicals.

Why is gas turned off during fumigation?

Normally they turn the gas off a day before the fumigation for vacant properties, and same day for occupied properties, this is

to try to minimize the time without that basic utility

.

How much does it cost to tent a house for termites in Florida?

Termite Tenting Cost
Low-end


$1,000
High-end $12,000

Can termites come back after fumigation?

Even after fumigation,

termites can still find a way into your home again, if a barrier is not created to discourage re-entry

. In addition, termite protection is an ongoing process because continued maintenance and treatments might be required to keep these pests out of your property.

How long is tenting?

From preparation to treatment to aeration, the entire fumigation process can take about

24 to 72 hours

, depending on the size of the house and the outdoor conditions.

What should be bagged during fumigation?

YES, bag or remove these items: Don’t forget about these items:

Any food, feed, drugs, tobacco products and medicinals NOT sealed in glass, plastic or metal bottles, jars or cans with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact

. Spices without their original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact.

Can you drink bottled water after fumigation?


Bottled water or bottled soda is safe for use after fumigation

. If you’ve got an unopened glass jar of pickles or a can of soup that is unopened, they’ll be no need to beg these items up.

What fumigate means?

Definition of fumigate

transitive verb. :

to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of destroying pests

.

How do I clean my house after fumigation?

Make a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar. With the solution repeat the wiping process not forgetting about the cabinets, doorknobs, drawers, and cupboards. After wiping down the surfaces discard the cloth immediately. Proceed to mop the floors using warm soapy water to get rid of the remaining fumigants.

What gas is used in fumigation?


Sulfuryl fluoride

is a gas used to fumigate closed structures and their contents for drywood and Formosan termites, wood infesting beetles, bedbugs, carpet beetles, clothes moths, cockroaches, and rodents. Sulfuryl fluoride is an odorless, colorless gas.

Do I need to wash dishes after fumigation?

Do I have to wipe down my counters and wash all my dishes after a fumigation? No! Vikane Fumigant is a gas in which leaves no residue what so ever. Therefore

you will not have to clean your home in any way due to the fumigation

.

Does fumigation ruin your stuff?

The fumigation process eliminates the pests but

does not cause damage to furniture, clothing, carpets or other areas of your home or business

. The fumigant Western Exterminator uses will also not leave a residue so there’s no worry about that, either.

Do cosmetics need to be bagged for fumigation?

Cosmetics protection

You might ask if your cosmetic items must be sealed or bagged properly.

It is not really necessary to prioritize sealing your cosmetic items, in case the product is inside a container or bottle

. In case the cosmetic item is too much exposed outside, it might be a better idea to seal or removed.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.