Fumigation handles a whole structure at once. A tent is placed over the building, and a gas fills it and passes through walls, furniture and stored belongings. It is the most intensive bed bug option, used when an infestation reaches much of a house.
When Tenting Is the Right Call
- Bugs are in most rooms, not only where people sleep.
- Heat or chemical treatment has already fallen short.
- The home holds too many belongings to treat piece by piece.
- A cottage or second unit on the same parcel is heavily affected as well.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- AssessThe fumigator measures the structure and gives you a written prep list.
- TentTarps go over the house and posted signs warn people away.
- TreatA licensed fumigator releases the gas and holds it for the required period.
- ClearThe tent comes off, the structure airs out and the air is tested.
Fumigation in Penngrove
Tenting a Penngrove house is much like tenting for termites. On a rural lot, ask whether each building where people sleep will be fumigated or treated another way, and where your animals will stay. Crews also need room to walk the full perimeter, so fences, woodpiles and overgrown shrubs next to the walls may need attention first.
How to Prepare
- Bag food, medicine and pet or animal feed in approved bags, or take them off site.
- Arrange 2 to 3 nights away for people, dogs and cats.
- Soak the soil along the foundation and trim vines or branches off the siding.
- Open gates and clear side paths so the tent crew can work around the whole building.
Questions About Fumigation
How long must we stay away?
Plan on 2 to 3 nights, until the house is aired out and air testing clears it.
Does tenting prevent bed bugs from coming back?
No. Fumigant leaves no residue, so bugs carried in later can start over. Many companies add a residual treatment after the tent comes down.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Penngrove. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.