When drywood termites are spread through a house or hidden inside walls, tenting is the most reliable way to reach every colony at once. Cal Termite & Pest Control inspects the home, recommends whether tenting is needed, and arranges the fumigation through licensed fumigation partners, for homes and buildings across Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties. We coordinate the schedule, give you a prep list, and handle the follow-up after you move back in.
When tenting makes sense
The University of California Statewide IPM Program divides drywood termite treatments into whole-structure treatments and local (spot) treatments (UC IPM Drywood Termites Pest Note). A whole-structure fumigation treats all infestations at the same time, including ones behind drywall, inside roof framing and in other places no one can see, which spot treatments cannot do. We usually recommend tenting when:
- Drywood termite pellets or damage show up in several parts of the house.
- Activity is inside walls, ceilings or roof framing that cannot be opened up.
- Earlier spot treatments did not stop the activity.
- A WDO report for escrow calls for whole-structure treatment.
If the infestation is small and reachable, we will tell you, and quote a local treatment instead. Tenting treats drywood termites; subterranean termites live in the soil and need a soil treatment.
What happens, step by step
- Inspection and quote. We confirm drywood termites, check the extent of the activity, and give you a written quote that explains why tenting is or is not the right choice.
- Scheduling and prep list. We set a date with you and the fumigation partner and give you a written prep list. You and your pets and plants will need to be out of the house for a few days; the exact time depends on the size of the structure.
- Tenting. The licensed fumigator covers the building with tarps and releases sulfuryl fluoride, the fumigant UC IPM describes as treating all infestations at once when applied correctly. UC IPM notes that monitored fumigations, where gas levels are measured inside during treatment, have the highest success rate.
- Aeration and clearance. The tarps come off and the building is aired out. The fumigator tests the air inside before anyone goes back in, as the product label requires, and posts the re-entry notice.
- Afterward. Fumigation leaves no residue and no ongoing protection, so we recommend a follow-up inspection and repair of any damaged wood. Pellets left in walls from the old infestation can keep dropping for a while; that does not mean the treatment failed, but call us if you see new activity.
Getting your home ready
- Remove or seal food, medicine and pet food as the prep list describes; the fumigator provides special bags for items that stay in the house.
- Take out pets, including fish, and house plants.
- Arrange for the gas company to shut off gas service and pilot lights if the fumigator asks; UC IPM notes gas pilots must be out before treatment.
- Water the soil next to the foundation the day before, and trim back plants touching the house so the tarps can seal to the ground.
- Open interior doors, cabinets and drawers so the gas reaches everywhere.
- Plan where you will stay, and tell your neighbors the date.
UC IPM also notes that tarps dragged across a roof can damage tiles. Tell us about fragile roofing, solar panels or recent roof work so it can be planned for.
Protecting the house afterward
Drywood termites can fly in again in later seasons. Our Extended Care plan, from $35 per month, includes yearly inspections so new activity is caught while a spot treatment is still enough. Ask us for the written plan terms. If termites we treated come back, we come back free.
Common questions
How long will we be out of the house?
Usually a few days from tenting to clearance. The fumigator sets the exact times based on the size of the building, and we give you the schedule in advance.
Is it safe to move back in?
Yes, once the fumigator has tested the air and cleared the building for re-entry. Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas that leaves no residue on dishes, clothes or furniture.
Is Cal Termite the fumigator?
No. Tenting is done by licensed fumigation partners. Cal Termite inspects, recommends the treatment, coordinates the job, and handles your follow-up inspection and any wood repairs.
Why homeowners call Cal Termite for termites
- Free inspection and a written quote before any work starts.
- Same-day service is available.
- Free come-backs if termites return after treatment.
- Local offices in Ventura, Woodland Hills and Santa Barbara.
- Award-winning pest control, rated 5 stars by 750+ customers.
Related services: Termite Control | Termite Inspections | Escrow Clearance | Pest Control Services