Preparing your home properly is an important part of the fumigation process.

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Some preparation steps are required for safety and regulated by county Agricultural Departments to ensure the fumigation can be completed as scheduled. Your inspector will review what applies to your specific property prior to service.

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Fumigation Preparation: Overview of What to Expect

Fumigation preparation comes down to a few key areas:

• Removing or protecting consumables (e.g., food, medications, pet food)

• Making the home fully accessible for treatment

• Planning for all people, pets, and plants to be out of the home/structure

• Preparing the exterior of the home to be properly tented and sealed 

INTERIOR PREPARATIONS

Food, Medications & Consumables

Any food, medications, or other consumable items that are not in airtight factory-sealed containers must be removed or sealed in approved fumigation bags.

You must remove or bag:

• Pantry items (even unopened boxes or bags)

• Refrigerated and frozen food (unless properly bagged)

• Medications, vitamins, and supplements

Before fumigation begins, the fumigation team is required to check for and remove any unsealed consumable items that remain in the home. This includes small or easily overlooked items, such as gum, candy, or medications left in drawers, bags, or furniture.

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To avoid delays or disposal of personal items, we recommend thoroughly checking all areas of the home in advance. For more detailed information, consult the Food and Consumables Checklist in the Termite & Beetle Fumigation Planning Guide to help you prepare for your scheduled fumigation. 

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Access & Setup

To ensure the fumigation is performed effectively, certain areas of the home will need to be made accessible.

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This typically includes:

• Opening cabinets, drawers, and closets

• Unlocking rooms, storage areas, and safes (or providing keys)

• Opening blinds and drapes

• Removing waterproof mattresses and mattress covers

• Opening plastic storage bins or containers, if applicable

• Ensuring vehicles are removed from garages

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Once preparations are complete, the fumigation team will review the property to confirm everything is ready and compliant with fumigation requirements. At that time, all exterior doors are secured, including the use of secondary locking devices where required.​​

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People, Pets & Plants

All living things must be removed from the structure prior to fumigation for a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights, including people, pets (including fish), and plants. This is a required safety step for all fumigations.

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For more details on timing for the fumigation process, please refer to our Fumigation Process Guide.

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We also recommend notifying nearby neighbors, especially if pets may enter your yard during this time.