Fumigation treats a whole building at once. The structure is covered with a tent and filled with a gas that moves through walls, furniture and stored things. It is the most intensive bed bug option and is kept for problems that have spread through an entire home or small building.
When Tenting Makes Sense
- Bed bugs have reached living rooms, closets and hallways, not just where people sleep.
- Heat or chemical treatment has been tried and did not work.
- There is too much furniture and stored gear to treat item by item.
- A small lodging building needs every room treated together.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- SurveyThe fumigator measures the structure and hands you a written prep list.
- TentThe building is sealed under tarps and warning signs are posted.
- FumigateA licensed fumigator releases the gas and holds it for the set time.
- AerateThe tarps come off, the building airs out and the air is tested.
Fumigation in Julian
Tenting in Julian takes more planning than in town. Steep lots, tall pines close to the walls and narrow mountain roads can all affect how a tent crew works, and winter snow can push a date back. For a historic building, ask how the crew will protect old siding and trim. A good quote explains why tenting fits your property better than heat or chemicals.
Getting Ready
- Bag food, medicine and pet food in approved bags or take them out.
- Plan 2 to 3 nights away for everyone, pets included.
- Water plants near the walls and cut back branches touching the building.
- Clear decks, woodpiles and side paths so the crew can get all the way around.
Questions About Fumigation
How long does the household need to stay away?
Plan on 2 to 3 nights, until the structure is aired out and cleared by air testing.
Does fumigation keep bed bugs from coming back?
No. It leaves no residue, so a bug carried in later can start over. Many companies add a residual treatment afterward.
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 Julian. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.