So, you’re starting to notice tiny holes in your walls, and some of your floorboards are buckling. These are sadly some of the first signs of a dreaded termite infestation. Though professional extermination isn’t always people’s first choice, calling on infestation experts to eliminate unwanted guests will save you time, money, and headaches in the future.
Although the chemicals can be harsh, a professional termite treatment will ensure the termites stay eradicated for good. Additionally, calling qualified treatment specialists right away can also prevent severe, irreversible damage to your home.
Read on for a guide on preparing your home for termite treatment.
Make temporary living arrangements for your family
If your termite exterminators use a fumigant, ensure you have a place to stay while the termite treatment is in process. Unfortunately, you must vacate your space to allow total fumigation, so call on a family friend or book a hotel room until it’s safe to return.
Expect a few days away while the chemicals work to kill every last termite and restore your house to its comfortable, clean state. Afterward, the termination team will ensure your space is safe and ready for your return.
Throw out perishables or take them with you
Before leaving, throw out opened food containers or take them with you to avoid rotting, chemical contamination, and additional hungry pests. Unfortunately, fumigation processes are extensive, which means any uncontained food will go to waste.
Additionally, take any medications and toiletry items with you, as the chemicals can contaminate those too. Plus, you’ll likely need a few essentials while away from your home.
Any items you leave need a factory seal to ensure they remain uncontaminated, but it is best to put valuables in waterproof, odor-proof plastic bags just in case.
Pack up your clothes and sheets
Make sure you pack and store any porous items like clothes and sheets for the duration of the termite extermination treatment. Though most termite-killing gasses don’t leave a residue on fabrics, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Ultimately, it depends on which chemicals the treatment team uses, so check with the company beforehand to ensure any unpacked items will be safe.
Although you can bring your clothes with you, carrying your entire closet will be a hassle–especially if you stay at a hotel.
Relocate your plants
Removing house plants from your home is crucial if you want them to survive during the treatment. Termite chemicals can cause phytotoxicity—the deterioration of plants— to your beloved houseplants without proper care. Some symptoms include curling leaves, brown leaves, yellow leaves, and weird speckling, which can be difficult or impossible to cure after the fact.
Fortunately, you can simply place them away from the house in your yard to avoid contamination and deadly toxins. Termite chemicals have the potential to cause phytotoxicity to your beloved houseplants.
Turn off your gas line
Most termite extermination service companies will have you turn off your gas line before treatment to bypass any accidents that may further damage your home. Unfortunately, your sealed home could become a ticking time bomb if the gas is on during fumigation.
Simply call your gas company ahead of time to ensure no gas flow to your home by treatment day.
Before you go
The extermination process might seem intimidating, but it’ll be worth it when your home is termite-free. By calling on professionals, taking the proper steps, and preparing for the fumigation process, you’ll be back in your home in no time.