The Fumigation Process in California: What to Expect (2026 Guide)

Structural fumigation — commonly called 'tenting' because tarps cover the entire structure — uses the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) to penetrate every area of a structure and kill wood-destroying organisms. In California, fumigation is the primary treatment for widespread drywood termite infestations that cannot be fully addressed with spot treatment.

Fumigation is used when:

• The drywood termite infestation is widespread (multiple areas of the structure)
• The full extent of the infestation cannot be determined (inaccessible attic areas, wall voids)
• Previous spot treatments have failed
• The structure is being prepared for sale and a clean section 1 clearance is required
• The homeowner wants the highest confidence of complete elimination in a single treatment

Fumigation is not effective for subterranean termites, which can escape into the soil during treatment and re-infest the structure. Subterranean termite infestations require liquid soil treatment or bait station programs.

Fumigation does not protect against future termite infestations — it eliminates only the insects present at the time of treatment.

Week before fumigation:

• Confirm the schedule and review the preparation checklist provided by your pest control company
• Arrange accommodations for yourself, family, and all pets for 2–4 days
• Purchase Nylofume bags (or use company-provided bags) for food and medications
• Notify neighbors that fumigation will occur (out of courtesy; no legal requirement)

Day of fumigation — Setup:

• The fumigation crew arrives to begin tent installation ('tarping') — covering the entire structure with gas-tight tarps secured to the ground
• Flags are placed on the structure indicating it is under fumigation — required by California law
• All people and pets must vacate before tarping begins
• The fumigant (sulfuryl fluoride) is introduced through hoses under the tent
• A secondary fumigant (chloropicrin, a tear gas component) is released first as a warning agent — if any fumigant leaks out, neighbors will detect the odor and know
• The structure must maintain the prescribed fumigant concentration for the required exposure period

During fumigation (24–48 hours):

• The structure remains tarped and off-limits to all people and animals
• Fumigation technicians may check fumigant levels to ensure adequate concentration throughout

Post-fumigation aeration:

• Tarps are removed and the structure is ventilated with fans
• Fumigant concentration is tested throughout the structure using calibrated equipment
• California requires that fumigant levels fall below clearance thresholds before the tarp removal can be certified
• A California-licensed fumigator must test and certify the clearance — this is a legal requirement

Re-entry:

• Once clearance is certified, you receive a signed clearance notice and can re-enter
• No residue from sulfuryl fluoride remains on surfaces, food, or clothing after proper aeration

Proper preparation is critical for both safety and treatment effectiveness. Your fumigation company provides a specific checklist — this is a general guide.

Remove from the structure:

• All people, including yourself, family members, and any house guests
• All pets and animals including birds, fish (aquariums), and reptiles — these are particularly sensitive to fumigant
• All live plants (indoor and attached outdoor areas that will be tented)

Food and medications:

• Unopened canned and sealed glass items can remain
• All opened, unsealed, or paper/cardboard-packaged food must be removed or placed in Nylofume bags
• Medications and vitamins should be removed or placed in Nylofume bags
• Anything you will consume directly after returning should be sealed or removed

Other items:

• Open all interior doors, cabinet doors, and closets to allow fumigant to penetrate fully
• Remove or disconnect battery-operated smoke alarms (the fumigant may trigger them)
• Turn off gas service — your fumigation company coordinates this with the utility
• Do not need to remove furniture, appliances, or clothing

What you do NOT need to do:

• Wash dishes or surfaces after returning (sulfuryl fluoride leaves no surface residue)
• Clean walls or floors
• Throw out sealed food in intact packaging (no penetration through sealed containers)

Fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride is safe when conducted according to California regulations and proper preparation is followed.

Sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) is a colorless, odorless gas. That is why chloropicrin (which causes tearing and coughing) is released as a warning agent — it alerts anyone approaching the structure that the fumigant is present.

Key safety facts:

• Sulfuryl fluoride dissipates completely during aeration. It does not persist on surfaces, in fabrics, or in food containers. Unlike older fumigants, it leaves no chemical residue.
• California law requires clearance testing before re-entry is permitted. You cannot return until fumigant levels are certified at safe thresholds by a licensed fumigator.
• The fumigant does not affect food in sealed, intact containers. Nylofume bags add an extra layer of protection for any items you are uncertain about.
• Sulfuryl fluoride is not effective as a fire extinguishant or explosive — it does not create any ignition risk.

What IS dangerous: Attempting to re-enter the structure before clearance is certified, or bringing pets into the structure before clearance. The California clearance process protects against this by law.

Immediately after returning:

• Open windows and run fans for a few hours to complete aeration
• Remove Nylofume bag seals from food and medications
• Reconnect smoke alarms
• Resume gas service (usually the gas company restores this; your fumigator coordinates)

Pest activity after fumigation:

• All drywood termite colonies present during fumigation are eliminated
• You may see a few dead termites or frass falling from galleries in the days after treatment as previously killed termites settle
• New termite infestations can occur in subsequent swarm seasons — annual inspection is recommended to detect new activity early

Documentation:

• California requires a Notice of Completion (NOC) documenting the fumigation. This document is important for real estate transactions and insurance purposes. Store it with your property documents.

If you suspect a widespread drywood termite infestation or have received a Section 1 termite report requiring whole-structure treatment, call (213) 691-0241 for a free consultation. LA Pest Pros covers 42 cities across Greater Los Angeles. We explain the full process, provide a written estimate, and coordinate the schedule around your timeline.

See also: Signs of Termites in Your Home and Termite Treatment Cost in Los Angeles.

Call (213) 691-0241 — we call back within 15 minutes. LA Pest Pros serves 42 cities across Greater Los Angeles with free termite inspections and all treatment options.