Tenting, also known as fumigation, is a process used to eradicate termites and other pests from a home or building. It involves covering the entire structure with a tent and pumping it full of toxic gas to kill the termites. Tenting is an extreme measure, but it is also the most effective way to eliminate a widespread termite infestation.
One common question homeowners have when tenting their home for termites is, “How long does the tent stay on?” The answer depends on several factors, which will be covered in this article. We’ll discuss what tenting involves, why it takes time, safety considerations, and provide a general timeline for the tenting process. With the right information, you can understand what to expect when your home is being tented for termites.
What Tenting Involves
Tenting is called fumigation because it involves filling the tent with a lethal fumigant gas to eradicate the termites. The most common fumigant used is Vikane gas, which is actually sulfuryl fluoride. This colorless, odorless gas spreads throughout the space under the tent to penetrate inside walls, furniture, wood structures, and anywhere else termites may be hiding.
To prepare for tenting, the home is completely sealed off and all people, plants, pets, food, and belongings are removed. Then tarps are spread over the roof and exterior walls and secured tightly with adhesive strips and weighted bags. This seals off the entire home so gases remain trapped inside during fumigation.
Fans and tubes are used to distribute the fumigant through the interior space. The entire home is filled with a concentrated dose of gas calculated to be lethal to termites based on the total cubic footage needing treatment.
During exposure, the Vikane gas diffuses through all the contents and materials in the home. This takes time to reach equilibrium and ensure termites have no place to hide where they could survive. The home must remain sealed overnight while the gas penetrates throughout the entire space.
Why it Takes Time
There are several reasons why tenting takes a minimum of 1-3 days to complete:
– Time for sealing – It takes manpower, equipment, and several hours to properly seal even a modest-sized home with tarps for tenting. This process cannot be rushed.
– Diffusion time – The fumigant gas requires sufficient time to diffuse through all the contents in the sealed structure and reach equilibrium. Rushing this risks uneven distribution and surviving termites.
– Aeration time – After fumigation is complete, the tent must be opened up and the home thoroughly aerated to dissipate any remaining gases. This make the home safe for re-entry. Aeration takes 8-12 hours minimum.
– Monitoring concentrations – Gas levels must be continually monitored until safe thresholds are reached. This ensures any pockets of gas have cleared.
– Size of home – Larger homes take more tarps, fumigant, and time to seal, fill, aerate, and clear. More time must be allocated for large structures.
– Safety factors – Extra time cushions are added to be absolutely certain the home is ready and risk-free for re-entry. No chances are taken when it comes to safety.
Safety Considerations
Vikane gas is highly toxic, so many precautions are taken when tenting a home. Here are some of the main safety considerations:
– Only certified professionals should perform fumigations.
– Everyone must vacate people, pets, and plants from the structure.
– The tent is continuously monitored for leaks and gas concentrations.
– Warning signs are posted around the home during the process.
– When clearing out a home, perishables, medicines, and more are removed.
– The structure cannot be cleared for re-entry until safe gas levels are verified.
– Gas masks and equipment are used when interacting with the tent.
– Locks and utilities are disabled during fumigation.
Following all safety procedures is critical. The benefit of tenting is eliminating termites from your home, but this must be weighed carefully against the risks of using dangerous gases. Trust only reputable licensed professionals to tent your home safely. Never attempt DIY fumigation.
General Timeline
While the exact tenting timeline can vary, here is a general overview of the stages and duration:
Pre-treatment preparations: 1 day
– Inspection, planning, and measurements
– Scheduling and arrangements
– Clearing out home of people, plants, pets, medicines, food, etc
Sealing the tent: 4-8 hours
– Tarping roof and exterior walls
– Sealing off all openings with adhesives and weights
– Inserting fumigant release tubes
Fumigation: 12-72 hours
– Releasing fumigant into sealed tent
– Monitoring gas concentrations continually
– Allowing full diffusion time based on cubic footage
Aeration: 8-12 hours
– Opening tarps and tents
– Using fans to actively ventilate
– Monitoring space until safe gas levels reached
Final clearance: 1-2 hours
– Checking gas detector readings
– Doing final walkthrough
– Removing warning signs
Re-entry and unpacking: 1-2 days
– Returning furnishings and belongings
– Putting home back in order
– Thorough airing out of space
So in total, expect the tent to stay on anywhere from 2-4 days depending on the size of the home. This ensures proper application and ventilation. Rushing the process risks safety and may allow some termites to survive. Patience is required to ensure successful eradication.
Conclusion
Tenting is an intensive process designed to completely eliminate termite infestations. While fumigating a home with tenting can take 2-4 days from start to finish, this provides the time needed to safely and effectively permeate all areas with lethal gas concentrations. By following proper procedures, sealing the structure tightly, allowing full diffusion and aeration, all termites can be eliminated without risking the safety of the homeowners. While disruptive, tenting is the best way to decisively rid your home of a serious termite problem.