How to Prepare for Termite Fumigation in San Jose

If you’ve discovered a termite infestation in your home, fumigation may be the most effective way to eliminate the problem. As a homeowner in San Jose, CA, preparing for termite fumigation requires careful planning to ensure a safe and successful process. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do before, during, and after fumigation to protect your home and family.

Why Fumigation is Necessary for Termite Control

San Jose homeowners are no strangers to drywood termites, which can silently destroy the wooden structures of a house. Unlike subterranean termites that live in soil, drywood termites nest inside the wood, making localized treatments less effective for whole structures. Fumigation is the only proven method to eliminate an entire colony, as it allows a specialized gas to penetrate deep into the wood and eliminate termites at all life stages.

If your termite inspection has confirmed a widespread infestation, your pest control company may recommend fumigation to prevent costly structural damage.

Step 1: Understanding the Fumigation Process

Before jumping into preparation, it’s important to understand how fumigation works:

1. Tenting the Home – Your home will be covered with a sealed specialized tarp to contain the gas fumigant.

2. Releasing the Gas – A licensed fumigator will release sulfuryl fluoride, a gas that penetrates the wood as well as a warning agent into the structure, and eliminates the termites.

3. Aeration Process – After 12-20 hours, fresh air vents are opened in the tent and a fan pulls fresh air while also pushing the fumigant out. After a set period (usually 72 hours in California), the tent is removed, and the air inside the home is tested. 

4. Safety Testing – Professionals test the air to ensure the fumigant has been removed before clearing the home for re-entry.

Step 2: Preparing Your Home for Termite Fumigation

To ensure a smooth fumigation process, homeowners must complete the following steps:

1. Notify Your Utility Providers

• When fumigating with Good Sense, our fumigators will be responsible for scheduling the gas shut off appointment, but once that’s scheduled, law states only the owner can handle scheduling PG&E or your gas company to come out and turn the gas back on!

• Electricity should remain on for ventilation fans to operate during the fumigation process.

2. Find Alternative Accommodations

• You, your family, and all pets will need to vacate the home for at least 2-3 days.

• Book a hotel, stay with family, or arrange other temporary housing(vacation time?).

• Don’t forget to take essentials like clothing, toiletries, and important documents.

3. Remove or Seal Consumable Items

• All food, drinks, and medications that are not in airtight, sealed containers must be removed.

• Items in plastic bags, cardboard, or open containers should be discarded or stored in special Nylofume bags provided by the fumigation company.

• If in doubt, remove pet food, spices, alcohol, and vitamins.

4. Protect Your Houseplants and Garden

• Houseplants should be moved outside the home to a safe location.

• Outdoor plants near the home should be trimmed back at least 12 inches to allow a proper seal of the tent to the soil.

• Consider covering delicate plants with tarps or watering them thoroughly before fumigation as the fumigant cannot penetrate a water barrier.

5. Prepare Your Interior

• Open all doors, cabinets, drawers, and closets to allow the fumigant to circulate.

• Remove plastic covers from mattresses and furniture, as they can trap the gas.

• Unplug small appliances and electronic devices.

• Make sure there’s a clear path for fumigators to navigate around the home.

6. Secure Your Home and Valuables

• Store jewelry, cash, and important documents in a safe location. The interior or safes are required by law to be tested during the aeration process therefore must be unlocked/opened during the fumigation process.

• Disable security systems so they don’t go off during tenting. This is especially true of smoke alarms tied to security systems. Best to contact your monitoring company and inform them that the system should be placed on “test” at least during the first day of the process.

• Make arrangements for keys to be provided to the fumigation company. Good Sense provides secure lockboxes to our clients if requested.

Step 3: What to Expect During Fumigation

Day 1: Tenting & Fumigation Begins

• Your home is sealed with a large tent to contain the fumigant gas.

• Warning signs are posted around the home to notify people not to enter.

• Licensed professionals introduce the fumigant and monitor gas levels.

Day 2-3: Aeration Process

• After the first day of fumigation, the tent is partially opened, and the home is ventilated.

• Fans and monitoring devices ensure all toxic gases dissipate.

• Your pest control company will test the air quality before clearance.

Step 4: Re-Entering Your Home After Fumigation

Once your home is cleared for re-entry, take the following precautions:

1. Air Out Your Home

• Open all windows and doors to increase ventilation.

• Run fans or air conditioning to help freshen up indoor air.

2. Check Your Utilities

• Be sure to have someone 18 years of age or older available to meet your utility provider for the natural gas turn-on appointment.

• Test all appliances and electrical outlets to ensure functionality.

3. Inspect for Termites

• Good Sense offers free annual inspections and service calls during your warranty period. Be sure to call to have us inspect each year to keep the termites away!

• Consider asking about termite preventative treatments from Good Sense to extend your home’s protection. 

FAQs About Termite Fumigation in San Jose

Q: Will fumigation kill all termites in my home? A: Yes, fumigation is highly effective against drywood termites, but it does not prevent future infestations. Homeowners should schedule regular inspections for continued protection.

Q: Is termite fumigation safe for my family and pets? A: Yes,  when all  safety guidelines are followed and do not re-enter your home until it has been cleared by professionals.

Q: How long does fumigation last? A: The effects of fumigation can last for years, but reinfestation is possible. This is why we offer a 3 year warranty with free annual inspections as our baseline warranty to provide you with peace of mind.

Q: Do I need to wash all my clothes and bedding after fumigation? A: No, the fumigant does not leave a residue.

Long-Term Termite Prevention Tips

While fumigation eliminates current termite infestations, homeowners in San Jose should take additional steps to prevent future issues:

✔ Schedule Annual Termite Inspections – Early detection is key. 

✔ Keep Wood & Debris Away from Your Home – Store firewood at least 20 feet away. 

✔ Seal Cracks and Entry Points – Prevent new termites from invading. 

✔ Consider Preventative Treatments – Good Sense Termite offers protection plans.

Why Choose Good Sense Termite for Fumigation in San Jose?

At Good Sense Termite, we provide expert fumigation services tailored to San Jose homeowners. With free inspections, a 3-year re-treatment warranty, and a commitment to high-quality service, we ensure your home stays termite-free.

If you’re preparing for fumigation or suspect a termite problem, contact Good Sense Termite today to schedule your free termite inspection and protect your home the smart way!

📞 Call us at (408) 418 9152

Don’t let termites take over—use Good Sense and safeguard your home today!