What to do When You Need to Fumigate ~ Guest Blog Post
Fumigation. Now that is a word most homeowners hear and immediately get heart palpitations. Ok, maybe not literally, but fumigation is not a word that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It can be a scary process, especially if you have to fumigate your entire home. Before you start panicking, check out the tips below to help the process go along more smoothly.
Bag It
The fumigation is going to take care of the pests in your home, but you don’t want it to cause damage to food or medicine. Talk to your fumigator and ask what items you need to protect and how. Some items such as eggs, ice cream and butter should be double bagged for maximum protection. If you don’t know what foods need to be bagged or double-bagged talk to your fumigator for instructions.
Prepare the Outer Perimeter of Your Home
Clearing all items such as hanging plants at least five feet away from your home is a must. Tarps and ladders used by the fumigation company could trample the flowers around your home, so make sure it’s clear. The day or morning before the big day, make sure all your plants that couldn’t be moved are watered. Water actually acts as a barrier to the fumigant and will help protect your prized flowers.
Pet Preparation
No matter if you have a house full of cats or just a goldfish, you need to find safe accommodations for your pets. No pet can sustain (or should be exposed) to the fumigant. Make sure you find alternative housing during the fumigation process.
No Plastic Wrapped Mattresses
Mattresses wrapped in plastic such as water- proof covers need to be taken out of the home. If you can take the plastic wrap off, that is an option as well.
If in Doubt, Ask
You don’t want to risk damaging or having to throw away something because you weren’t sure if it could sustain the fumigant. Talk with your pest control company and make sure your 100 percent aware of all preparation needed on your end. They are there to help and should be more than happy to do so.
This guest post is courtesy of Frank Merryman and Houston pest control company Protex Pest Control, who provide pest control for Houston, Texas residents since 1978.
