Fumigation treats a whole building at once. The structure is covered with a tent and filled with a gas that works its way through walls, furniture and everything stored inside. It is the heaviest bed bug option and is reserved for problems that have reached most of a home or small building.
When Tenting Is the Right Call
- Bed bugs are in most rooms, not only the bedrooms.
- Heat or chemical treatment was tried and did not work.
- There are too many belongings to treat item by item.
- A small multi-unit building needs every unit done together.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- SurveyThe fumigator measures the building and hands you a written prep list.
- TentTarps seal the whole structure, and warning signs go up around it.
- TreatThe licensed fumigator introduces the gas and keeps it in for the labeled period.
- ClearCrews pull the tarps, ventilate the building and test the air before reentry.
Fumigation in Sonoma
Tenting is less common than heat, but it fits some Sonoma properties, such as a house with a detached guest cottage or a small building with several units. Ask whether every structure where people sleep will go under the tent. For a historic building, ask how the fumigator will protect old siding, roofing and plantings.
How to Prepare
- Bag food, medicine and pet food in approved bags or take them away.
- Book 2 to 3 nights elsewhere for everyone, pets too.
- Water garden beds next to the walls and cut back any plants touching the house.
- Unlock gates and clear side paths so the crew can reach every wall.
Questions About Fumigation
How long are we out of the house?
Plan on 2 to 3 days away, since the house must ventilate and pass an air test before anyone returns.
Does fumigation prevent new bed bugs?
No. The gas is gone once the house airs out, so a bug carried in next month can start a fresh problem. Many companies follow up with a residual treatment.
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 Sonoma. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.