Tent Fumigation: What You Need To Know

The shocking discovery of pests, followed by the idea of your home or business in a big fumigation tent, can bring up a lot of questions. 

We’ve got you covered with a short overview of tent fumigation, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about how it works and when it is necessary.

A bit about us: Natural Science Exterminating is a residential and commercial termite & pest control company in Orange County with over 35 years of experience. We consider tent fumigation a last resort and we are experts at inspecting and determining whether it is truly necessary. Understanding the concerns around chemical pesticides, we specialize in natural and effective pest control treatments. We use environmentally safe, scientifically-proven ingredients such as borates and orange oil instead of chemicals whenever an infestation is localized and can be treated with a less invasive, targeted method.

How Does Tent Fumigation Work?

All people and pets must vacate the premises, and all plants, medicine, food, and liquids must be removed, before and during tent fumigation. They may only re-enter after a pest control safety test confirms it is no longer hazardous. 

Tent fumigation is performed by sealing the entire property into a tent, followed by the controlled release of a fumigant, a gaseous pesticide that fills every nook and cranny. 

Termites feed on cellulose, primarily found in wood. The fumigant penetrates the wood, killing the termites and their eggs, even in the cracks and tunnels created by termites living inside. 

Is Tent Fumigation Necessary?

Tent fumigation is not always necessary, but in extreme infestations, there may be no other way to remove certain pests that have spread extensively.

Tent fumigation is necessary when pests—rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, and particularly termites—have deeply infiltrated the structure of a property in areas that cannot be accessed with spot treatments or eco-friendly solutions. Common scenarios include extensive drywood termite infestations, large-scale subterranean termite invasions that have escalated to above-ground damage, or when an infestation has spread through inaccessible parts of the home.

Are There Alternatives To Tent Fumigation?

There is no substitute for tent fumigation. It is the most thorough method of complete pest removal. Other companies who do not correctly identify cases that require tent fumigation will perform spot treatments that only end up failing, leading to recurring infestations that will cost you time and money and cause frustration and fear. 

Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction, which means that we will always be realistic and transparent about the nature of your pest problem, even if that means recommending tent fumigation. Termites are destructive pests that cause billions of dollars of damage across the United States every year. Termite colonies must be removed entirely, as any small number of survivors or eggs that still remain on site after an extermination gives them the chance to resurface and destroy again.

How Long Do The Results Last? 

Tent fumigation removes all existing pests, however it does not prevent new pests from re-entering. For long lasting pest-proofing, we recommend annual inspections and BoraCare treatment during construction, remodeling, or immediately following extermination. BoraCare is an eco-conscious borate salt solution that protects wood for its lifetime, the industry gold standard for preventing wood from being a pest food source.

The damage caused by pests like termites leaves wood hollow and weak, compromising structural integrity and household safety. We follow pest removal with expert carpentry and repairs, ensuring your home is safe and pest-free.

When Should I Call A Local Pest Company?

Mud tubes, discarded wings, and warped or hollow-sounding wood are all signs of termites. If you think you might have a pest problem, call a professional exterminator immediately to inspect and remove the colony before it expands and causes further damage. 

Natural Science Exterminating is available within 24 hours for bee, termite and wasp infestations. Call us today for a free inspection.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com 

Book Termite Inspections Early To Save Thousands: Avoid Tenting & Prevent Wood Damage In Dove Canyon

Dove Canyon is “one of Orange County's best kept secrets” and among Southern California’s finest areas to live. Residents of this unique and exclusive gated community serenely enjoy many of the most desirable elements of real estate, all in one place: luxurious homes, refined facilities and infrastructure, and breathtaking natural splendor. 

Sometimes, however, paradise comes with a few pests. Natural Science Exterminating received a call from one Dove Canyon homeowner requesting us to inspect what we then discovered to be a serious pest infestation. Unfortunately, a substantial colony of drywood termites had spread throughout the home and hollowed out numerous structures of wood. 

By the time we received their call, the infestation had spread beyond a specific area that could have been isolated and thus spot treated. Localized treatments would not be effective in this state, which could have been avoided with regular inspections by a professional exterminator. 

The goal of termite treatments is to remove the entirety of the colony in the safest and most effective way, considering the uniqueness of the infestation and property. Extermination may be a localized application of a chemical or natural solution, or the entire property will be treated with a gaseous chemical treatment, tent fumigation.

As exterminators specializing in natural pest control and management, we absolutely prioritize and prefer environmentally friendly spot treatments. However, natural solutions are not suitable in every case, especially when a termite colony has gone unnoticed long enough to grow and multiply in size while creating vast networks of tunnels throughout the home. These severe cases of large, stubborn colonies require tent fumigation to reach every nook and cranny where termites exist and are otherwise inaccessible.

For our Dove Canyon client, neither natural nor spot treatment would be sufficient. We tented and fumigated the property and repaired the damaged and rotted wood, removing all termites and restoring the structural integrity that had been previously compromised.

Rotten wood

Avoid Tent Fumigation With Regular Pest Inspections

The truth is that the time and money that tent fumigation and wood repair had cost the homeowner could have been avoided with regular termite inspections. If caught early, termites can be eliminated with localized, chemical-free spot treatments using plant based ingredients such as orange oil. 

We get it. Until you’ve experienced a termite infestation, scheduling inspections can seem like an unnecessary expense. But in the most biodiverse state in America and prime breeding ground for many pests, California homes need pest control and management all year round

Termites are among the most detrimental species of pests, causing billions of dollars of structural damage and property devaluation across the country every year. Regular pest inspections protect what many consider to be their most cherished asset, their home. Anyone who has had to resort to tent fumigation will tell you that prevention is well worth peace of mind and avoiding the cost, headache, and time of a full-blown termite invasion. For health and safety, tent fumigation requires you to vacate your home for several days with your family, pets, medication, food, and any forms of life.

We understand that nobody wants to always worry about pests, which is why we make pest control and maintenance as hassle-free as possible. Just a few visits per year from your local professional exterminator can save your home from tent fumigation and wood damage. If you have questions about pest control, management, and maintenance, give us a call today for a free consultation.

Call Us Today: (714) 386-1998
E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Apartment Termite Treatment Keeps HOA & Residents Happy At Huntington Beach Complex

Living in an apartment complex certainly has its perks. Each household enjoys the privacy of their own unit while still being part of a collective. This typically means that residents have access to shared amenities, a luxury they might not have in other living arrangements. People who choose apartment living often do so for professional, financial, or personal reasons, particularly the peace of mind in knowing that management takes care of all property and maintenance affairs.

The greatest aspect of apartment living is, ultimately, the sense of community. And you know who else loves community? Pests! They live in colonies.

Apartment Termite Treatment

While most online resources discuss pest control in the context of homeowners and residents of single-family homes, in Natural Science Exterminating success stories, we encompass all property types, from businesses and government buildings to mansions, detached houses, townhouses, and, of course, apartments.

To preface, any property can potentially be infiltrated by pests, especially in a bio-diverse state like California. What makes apartment extermination unique from treating houses? At Natural Science Exterminating, we're experts at pest extermination for HOAs and apartment complexes. We understand the impact termites have on conjoined residential units, affecting operations and the comfort of residents. The removal of termites is crucial for the safety and hygiene of individuals and families, as well as to protect property owners from costly termite damages that amount to billions of dollars across the United States.

Tent fumigation, the release of gaseous termiticide enveloping the entire property, results in the thorough eradication of termites. However, this method requires humans, pets, and other forms of life to vacate the premises for the duration of the treatment, as well as a designated post-treatment waiting period. Thus, Natural Science Exterminating considers this method a last resort, especially when localized spot treatments and organic solutions are specialties we are known for.

Does Apartment Extermination Require Residents To Vacate? 

The management of this particular Huntington Beach apartment complex wished to ensure the extermination of all termites without pursuing tent fumigation, allowing everyone to stay in place without having to vacate. When pests have infiltrated a property or living arrangement where tent fumigation might not be feasible, you can count on Natural Science Exterminating to perform safe and effective localized spot treatments, removing the termite colony swiftly and effectively while causing minimal disruption to residents' lives.

This targeted approach allowed residents to continue with their daily lives (while the termites did not!). 

As always, we recommend annual pest inspections for the early detection of unwanted invasions, which can save time, money, and a headache down the road. We closely examine and inspect the property and its perimeter to ensure that we capture the full scope of the issue before commencing any work.

Communication is key, especially when multiple parties are involved. Our exterminators communicate the treatment plan to the property owners prior to commencing work. We also ensure that management is updated on the progress of the treatment throughout its duration so they can communicate with residents.

Natural Science Extermination has safely and successfully fumigated many properties for our clients. Tent fumigation and spot treatment are different techniques that are best suited for different types of  properties and infestations. Call Natural Science Exterminating for a free termite assessment of the best solution for you.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Anaheim Hills Remodel & Termite Treatment Success Story

Change can be both exciting and scary, especially given the preparation and uncertainty involved making the right decision. Many people do not like change. Others tolerate change by taking small steps. And then there are the bold ones—people who like to say: “Go big or go home!”

Even bolder are those who have the appetite to go big and go home

We are proud to share the success story of our work in the remodeling project of a client who expanded their house by adding a new kitchen and new bedroom and repurposing the existing kitchen and bedroom into additional living space.

When we received the call to work for a client who was significantly expanding their home, we were excited to be a part of their big change. 

As professionals in pest control and prevention, we consider it an honor to be hired to make it so that your house is home only to you and yours—not home to pests. 

The Perfect Time For Pest Prevention

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes every year in the United States. Their target? Wood cellulose. 

Remodeling is the perfect opportunity to pest-proof your home from the inside out. Under construction or remodeling are some of the only times walls and floors will be demolished and opened, providing access to the interior wooden structures of the home. 

Bora-Care is a low-toxicity solution of a borate salt that, when directly applied, prevents wood from becoming a termite food source. Professionally applying Bora-Care to exposed wood prevents termite damage, fungi, and rot throughout the life of the wood.

Click here to read about professional BoraCare treatments to pest-proof your remodel

Pest Pre-Treatment & Inspection

Remodeling is often confused with renovating. While both projects aim to upgrade space, a remodel is ultimately a reconfiguration that involves extensive structural changes. 

Remodeling is indeed hard work. In the midst of budgets and timelines, you may be eager to finish the project and hang your hardhat up. But keep in mind that remodeling is a big change that allows for an in-depth look at what you would otherwise not have access to. It is important for a remodeling project to be used as an opportunity to ensure that all of the hard work you invest into the space will hold its integrity and value over time. The “extra” work of pre-treatment during remodeling can actually save you a significant amount of stress and money that untreated wood could otherwise cost you. 

We conduct thorough inspections in multiple areas for pre-treatment. We will inspect the exposed wood for any signs of existing infestation. If found, we will determine the extent of the colony and the severity of any damage. Natural Science Exterminating prioritizes natural spot treatments, considering tent fumigation as a last resort. In addition to inspections of the wood, the soil, foundation, and areas of wood-to-soil contact may be inspected if structurally accessible.

We work with your remodeling contractors to achieve maximum results with Bora-Care so that you can enjoy your transformation with peace of mind.

Call Us Today: 1-714-451-2890

E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

Traditional Chemicals vs Natural Termite Treatment

Chances are that you failed to notice the first attack of small insects inside of your home. They usually appear in the spring season and crawl through crevices and openings while leaving behind their discarded wings. As time goes on, termites can cause serious destruction to your property and the damage may be financially burdensome. Therefore, it is necessary to be informed about termites and what to do upon their infestation.

What type of damage do termites cause?

If termite infestation is left unnoticed or untreated, it can pose serious damage to your house. Certain types of termites need more moisture; therefore, they prefer to stay close to the soil. They usually start eating away at foundational wood; these areas will need to be repaired or replaced entirely. In addition, they can attack the attic, wood inside drywall, and wood around windows and doors as well. Termites will eat away at any wood or cellulose material. There is nothing more upsetting than finding damage to your house. Like any big problem, the sooner termite damage is caught, the easier it is to remedy.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) extermination: is it effective?

In today’s digital world, many people turn to the internet to search for DIY tutorials. Some may even stumble upon and attempt a DIY termite treatment. But these creatures are not that easy to eliminate from your home. Experts reveal that termites cause almost $5 billion property damage in the United States annually; the most troublesome fact is that this cost is not covered by insurance plans. These DIY procedures are not always safe and effective against termites as most of them involve use of chemicals, poisons, and baits that can be misused if applied without experience. This can be highly dangerous if you have children or pets at home. An inexperienced or unqualified person wouldn’t know exactly how to apply these solutions safely and effectively. Therefore, instead of following DIY methods from tutorials on the internet, it is better to hire professionals for termite extermination.
Natural Science Exterminating has over 35 years of experience in termite and pest control. We use proven and effective treatments such as Bora-Care® and naturally-derived orange oil, with tent fumigation as the last resort.

Bora-Care® termiticide: a proven industry solution

Bora-Care® Termiticide is one of the most trusted and long-term effective solutions for eliminating termites. This treatment can be used for interiors and exteriors to get rid of termites fast. This product is odorless and promises low-toxicity treatment. As it is an EPA-registered solution, you can trust it to protect all types of wood at your home. It does not just stop termites; rather at the same time, it can treat other insects and pests. It can also destroy any existing decay fungi in your premises to protect against reinfestation. This is why Natural Science Exterminating uses Bora-Care® for natural and untreated wood.

Orange oil: incredible benefits of this natural treatment

Essential oils are derived from plants and they are available with different potencies; orange oil is one of the most commonly used organic solutions for treatment extermination. D-limonene is an active ingredient of orange oil and it kills termites in direct contact by breaking down their exoskeleton. At the same time, these oils also destroy their eggs so that new generations cannot attack your home again. As an alternative to traditional extermination methods, this organic and eco-friendly solution is widely recommended for termite treatment. It is effective against drywood termites, wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants. The only downside to Orange oil and eco-friendly treatments is that they can require multiple treatments to eradicate the entire infestation compared to traditional treatments that rarely require followup applications.

Both traditional termite removal methods and natural treatments are effective at stopping termite damage before it spreads but it takes an expert to identify the best solution. Before tenting your house, call Natural Science Exterminating and one of our trained inspectors can give you a free assessment of all the possible options. We only use termite tenting as a last resort. 

Call Us Today: (800) 246-7378 E-mail: info@naturalscienceexterminating.com

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