Fumigation treats an entire building in one go. A tent covers the house and a gas is released inside that passes through walls, furniture and everything stored within. It is the heaviest bed bug option, used when an infestation has reached nearly every part of the home.
When Tenting Makes Sense
- Bugs are in most bedrooms and pieces of furniture, not just one bed.
- Earlier heat or chemical work did not solve the problem.
- The home holds so many stored belongings that treating them piece by piece is impractical.
- A main house and an attached unit need to be cleared together.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- SurveyA fumigator inspects the home and provides a written prep checklist.
- TentThe building is covered and sealed, and warning signs go up.
- ReleaseThe gas is introduced and held at the level set by the label and state rules.
- AerateOnce the tent comes off, the house is aired out and air tests confirm it is safe.
Tenting in Occidental
Many homes here sit on sloped, wooded lots with decks, redwood trees and outbuildings close to the walls. The fumigator needs clear space to lay out and seal the tarps, so bring up slope, tree limbs and attached structures during the estimate. A solid quote also explains why tenting beats heat or chemicals for your particular house.
How to Prepare
- Seal food, medicine and pet food in approved bags, or remove them.
- Arrange 2 to 3 nights away for everyone, pets included, and cancel any guest dates.
- Water shrubs near the foundation and trim back limbs that touch the roof or siding.
- Unlock gates, sheds and crawlspace doors so the crew can reach every side.
Questions About Fumigation
How many nights will we spend away from home?
Plan for 2 to 3 days, until the house has been aired out and air readings clear it for everyone to move back in.
Will tenting stop bed bugs from ever coming back?
No. Fumigation leaves no lasting residue, so bugs brought in later by a visitor or a used item can start a new problem. 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 Occidental. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.