Fumigation means that gaseous pesticides are going to be released into your home. So, if your home is due to be fumigated, you may be worried about keeping your family and living area safe. Here’s what you need to know about preparing for fumigation to keep your worries away.
1. Find out from the fumigators how long you will need to stay away
This will depend on what type of fumigation you are getting. Find out beforehand so you can be prepared. If you will need to sleep elsewhere for a period of time, make arrangements for you, your family and your pets in advance.
2. Thoroughly clean the area
A few days before the fumigators are due to arrive, give your house a thorough clean. This includes the areas behind cupboards and appliances. Cleaning before any pest control is a good idea as you will expose any places where the pests may be hiding or nesting. It will also help the fumigators to do their job effectively if they are working in a clean area that is free from clutter.
3. Remove or seal food and medicines
Seal any opened food, pet food and medicines. You can use airtight containers, ziplock bags or plastic bags tied up tightly. This can take quite a bit of time, so start doing this a couple of days before the fumigators arrive, and try not to stock up on a lot of extra food beforehand.
4. Remove any indoor plants
Move your indoor plants outside, or to an alternative property. Your plants may be damaged by the fumigants, so make sure they are safely out of the house before the fumigators arrive.
5. Open or remove any plastic covers on mattresses and furniture
If you have any plastic covers on mattresses or furniture, now is the time to open them up. This will ensure that the fumigants can get inside the covers, and also that they won’t become trapped inside.
6. Switch off the gas
The chemicals used by fumigators can be a fire hazard, so if you use gas in your home you may need to shut it off before the fumigators arrive. Call the gas company if you are connected to a gas main, or close off your propane tanks if that’s what you use. Make sure that any pilot lights are put out before the fumigation begins.
7. Open all cupboards, drawers and interleading doors
Just before the fumigators arrive, open your cupboard doors, drawers and all interleading doors in the house. This will allow the chemicals to move freely between rooms. It will also ensure that no pests will be able to avoid the treatment by hiding out in your cupboards.
8. Remove all valuables from your home
Make sure that your valuables are stored safely away from your home, so that you won’t worry about giving the fumigators full access to your living space.
9. Vacate the building
When the fumigators arrive, make sure that all people and pets get out of the building. This includes fish tanks, if you have one. Double-check that the area is clear before handing over your keys.
10. Give the fumigators keys
The
pest control fumigators will need access to all parts of the building, to make sure they do their job properly. Make sure they have keys to any locked areas. Also leave your number to make sure the fumigators know how to contact you if they need to.
11. Only re-enter the building after the time recommended by the fumigation company
The chemicals used by fumigators can remain harmful to you and your pets for a while after they have been applied. Don’t move back in before you have been given the go-ahead by the professionals.
12. You don’t need to wash linen and re-clean the house immediately
The gaseous chemicals used by fumigators will fully dissipate before you are allowed to re-enter your house, so you don’t need to worry about curtains, clothing and bed linen being contaminated. The fumigators may have also applied contact powders that should be left in place to kill any remaining critters. You’ll undo their effects if you immediately set about washing your house from top to bottom.
Fumigation may seem like a bit of an extreme step, but for serious infestations it can be the only way to get rid of pests for good! Double-check with the fumigators if there are any additional steps that they need you to take before or after the fumigation, to keep your household safe.