When termites are widespread, inaccessible, or in multiple areas of your home, tent fumigation is the only treatment that guarantees 100% elimination. Here's everything Southern California homeowners need to know.
What Is Tent Fumigation?
Tent fumigation (also called structural fumigation) is the most thorough termite elimination method available. Your entire home is enclosed under a tent and filled with Vikane® (sulfuryl fluoride) gas, which penetrates every piece of wood, every wall void, and every cavity in the structure — killing 100% of drywood termites regardless of where they're hiding.
Unlike no-tent treatments that only address accessible, confirmed areas, fumigation treats the entire structure in a single treatment. It is the only method that can guarantee complete elimination when termites are widespread or in inaccessible locations.
View our tent fumigation photo gallery to see the process.
When Fumigation Is the Right Choice
Fumigation is the recommended treatment when:
- Multiple infestation areas are found — attic, walls, and living areas
- Inaccessible galleries exist inside walls, floors, or sealed structural members
- Extent of infestation is uncertain — fumigation removes all doubt
- Previous no-tent treatments failed or did not provide complete control
- Large home — fumigation is often more cost-effective than multiple localized treatments
- Real estate transaction — fumigation provides a clean WDO report
The 6-Step Fumigation Process
Step 1: Pre-Fumigation Inspection
Our licensed inspector confirms the extent of the infestation and determines if fumigation is the appropriate treatment. We'll explain exactly what we found and why fumigation is recommended — never as a upsell.
Step 2: Preparation
You'll receive a detailed preparation checklist. This includes:
- Remove or double-bag all food, beverages, and medications in Nylofume bags (provided)
- Remove all people and pets from the home
- Water plants within 18 inches of the structure and cover them
- Unlock or remove locks from all entry points
Step 3: Tenting
Our crew drapes a large tarpaulin tent over the entire structure and seals it at the ground level using sand snakes. All openings are sealed to contain the Vikane gas.
Step 4: Fumigation
Vikane gas is introduced at precisely calculated concentrations based on cubic footage, wood temperature, and infestation severity. The structure remains tented for 24–72 hours.
Step 5: Aeration
The tent is removed and the structure is ventilated with fans. Vikane dissipates completely — it does not leave chemical residue on surfaces, food, or furniture.
Step 6: Clearance Testing
A certified fumigator uses a Miran SappIR spectrophotometer to test gas concentrations in all areas of the home. When levels fall below the EPA-mandated safe limit (1 ppm), we issue a clearance certificate and you can re-enter.
What to Expect: Timeline
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Morning | Crew arrives, tent installed by midday |
| Day 1 Afternoon | Vikane introduced; tent sealed |
| Day 2–3 | Structure remains tented (48–72 hours typical) |
| Day 3–4 | Tent removed, aeration begins |
| Day 3–4 Evening | Clearance testing and re-entry authorized |
FAQ
Does Vikane leave residue? No. Vikane is a gas that dissipates completely upon aeration. It does not bond to surfaces, fabrics, or food items.
Is it safe for pets? Pets must be removed before tenting and cannot return until clearance is issued. There are no long-term concerns after clearance.
Does fumigation prevent future infestations? Fumigation eliminates all current termites but provides no residual prevention. We recommend annual inspections and, optionally, a borate preventive treatment after fumigation.
What's the cost? Fumigation is priced based on cubic footage. For most Southern California homes, it ranges from $1,200–$3,500. Contact us for a free quote.
Serving All of Southern California
Ultimate Termite performs tent fumigation throughout Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and Riverside County. CA License #PR7791.