Preparing for fumigation
Proper preparation ensures your treatment is safe, effective, and stress-free. Talos Pest Control is here to walk you through every step.
Your pre-fumigation checklist
Complete these steps before your scheduled termite fumigation date. Your Talos coordinator will review everything with you in advance.
Remove or double-bag (fumigation bags provided by Talos) all food, medicine, and consumables not in sealed, never-opened glass, metal, or hard plastic containers.
Plan to vacate the property with all family members and pets for 2 nights during the week or 3 nights over the weekend.
Open all interior doors, drawers, and cabinets to allow the fumigant to reach all areas.
Cut all plants back 12 inches from the home and foundation; water surrounding plants the night before service.
Remove or trim plants attached to the structure so the tent can be properly placed.
Leave garage doors unlocked and car windows rolled down if your vehicle stays on-site.
Remove all indoor plants, as they will not survive the fumigation process.
Know what needs to be bagged
Certain steps must be taken to keep food items and perishable goods protected during fumigation. Below are common items and whether they require double-bagging in special Nylofume bags. Do not forget items in refrigerators and freezers — they can stay on.
Does not require bagging
- Any food, feed, drugs, and medicinals sealed in glass, plastic, or metal bottles, jars, or cans with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact (factory sealed).
- Dental hygiene products: toothpaste, mouthwash, dental adhesives, and whitening products.
- Cosmetics, including lipstick, and all externally applied lotions and ointments.
- Ice and water in sealed receptacles.
Must be bagged or removed
- Any food, feed, drugs, and medicinals not sealed in glass, plastic, or metal with the manufacturer’s airtight seal intact.
- Chips, pasta, bread, cereals, rice, cookies, crackers, wine, alcohol, and items in plastic, paper, or cardboard — even if never opened.
- Beverages, snacks, sauces, drugs, or items in metallic foil-lined pouches, boxes, or blister packs.
- Anything in resealable containers — milk, butter, sour cream, cottage cheese.
- Medicine, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, and lozenges not in sealed glass, plastic, or metal.
- Eggs, fruits, vegetables, and any other produce. Pet food and animal feed in bags and boxes.
Fumigation resources
Your Talos coordinator will provide all of these materials before your service date. Have questions? Call us anytime.
Fumigation Planning Guide
A comprehensive checklist and calendar to prepare your family and home for your upcoming fumigation.
DownloadUsing Nylofume Bags
Learn which household items need to be double-bagged in special Nylofume bags to keep consumables safe.
DownloadState FAQ Brochure
The Structural Pest Control Board’s official FAQ brochure answers many common questions about fumigation.
Call for a copyServing San Diego County
Active across San Diego County — coastal communities, inland neighborhoods, North County, East County, and South Bay.
Get a free termite fumigation quote
If you suspect termite activity in your home, do not wait for the damage to get worse. Fill out the form and a member of our team will follow up within one business day with a personalized quote.
Take back your home with a pest control plan built around you.
Talos has pest control experts throughout San Diego County. Get a personalized quote and a tailored plan built around your home.