Termite fumigation prep checklist

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A week before

• Schedule the gas shut-offCall SoCalGas (or your gas provider) to set up the shut-off before the tarps go up and the relight after clearance. We confirm the dates with you.
• Book a place to stayPlan on two to three nights away for most homes. Bring medications, chargers and anything you will need while you are out.
• Arrange for petsDogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles: every animal has to leave the house, including aquariums and terrariums.
• Move house plants outIndoor plants come out of the house. Outdoor plants against the walls should be trimmed back or moved so the tarps can seal to the ground.

A day or two before

• Bag or remove food and medicineAnything you eat, drink or take that is not in a factory-sealed glass, metal or plastic container goes into the special fumigation bags we provide, or leaves the house.
• Bag the refrigerator and freezer contentsOpen containers in the fridge and freezer get bagged or removed the same as the pantry.
• Water the soil around the houseWet soil next to the foundation helps keep the fumigant inside the tarps and protects nearby plants.
• Clear a path around the houseMove bikes, furniture, planters and trash cans away from the walls. Trim branches and vines touching the roof or siding.
• Open interior doors, drawers and cabinetsOpen closets, cabinets, drawers, appliance doors and attic or crawlspace access so the gas reaches everywhere.

Tarp day

• Make sure everyone is outWalk the house once more: people, pets, plants. Nobody goes back in until the house is cleared.
• Hand over keys and secure entriesWe need access to every door. Secondary locks are placed on the entries for the duration of the fumigation.
• Move cars out of the garageVehicles and anything you need during the stay should be out of the garage before the tarps go up.

After clearance

• Wait for the all-clearWe test the air inside before anyone goes back in. Do not re-enter until you are told the house is cleared.
• Get the gas turned back onThe gas company relights pilots and appliances at the scheduled time. Do not try to relight anything yourself if you are unsure.
• Unbag and open windowsTake food and medicine out of the bags, open windows for fresh air and sweep up any dead insects you find.