Fumigation handles a whole structure at once. The building goes under a tent and is filled with a gas that works its way through walls, furniture and stored belongings. It is the most intensive bed bug method and is reserved for problems spread across a home or small building.
When Tenting Is Worth It
- Bugs are showing up in most rooms, not only the bedrooms.
- Heat or chemical treatment was already tried without success.
- The home holds too many belongings to treat one by one.
- A small building needs every unit treated together.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- SurveySomeone from the company sizes up the house and leaves a written prep sheet.
- TentTarps go over the whole house and posted warnings keep people away.
- FumigateThe licensed fumigator introduces the gas and keeps it sealed in for the set exposure period.
- AerateThe tent comes off, the building airs out and the air is tested.
Fumigation for Brentwood Homes
Tenting a large two-story house is a big job, so get a clear written explanation of why it beats heat or chemicals for your home. On rural parcels outside the city limits, ask whether any separate cottage or bunkhouse where people sleep should be covered too. In attached homes, ask the association early, since a shared roof can complicate tenting.
How to Prepare
- Pack groceries, medications and pet food into the special fumigation bags, or load them in the car.
- Line up a hotel or a relative's place in Antioch, Oakley or beyond for 2 to 3 nights, pets included.
- Water plants along the foundation and trim back anything touching the walls.
- Open side gates and move items out of side yards so the crew can reach every wall.
Questions About Fumigation
How many nights away should we plan for?
Plan on 2 to 3, until the house is aired out and air testing clears it for reentry.
Does tenting prevent bed bugs later?
No. The gas leaves no residue, so bugs brought in afterward can start a new infestation. Many companies add a residual treatment when the tent comes off.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Brentwood. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.