Fumigation treats an entire building at once. Tarps enclose the house and a gas spreads through walls, furniture and stored belongings. Because it is a major step, we only recommend it in Novato when bugs have reached most rooms of a detached home.
When Tenting Makes Sense
- Our inspection finds bugs in almost every room.
- An earlier heat or chemical treatment did not hold.
- Rooms are so full of belongings that room by room work is impractical.
- A detached house and its separate guest cottage both need treating together.
How Fumigation Works in California
- MeasureWe size the structure and give you a written list of items to bag or remove.
- TentTarps cover the building and warning signs go up.
- FumigateOur Branch 1 licensed fumigator introduces the gas and keeps it sealed in for the set exposure period.
- AerateTarps come off, air flows through and meter readings decide when you return.
Fumigation in Novato
Tenting suits detached single-family homes, such as 1960s ranch houses in San Marin or west Novato and newer homes in Hamilton. Attached condos, townhomes and apartments are rarely tented for bed bugs, so heat or a chemical plan usually fits them better. For a bayfront house in Bel Marin Keys, tell us about docks, boathouses or a moored boat with a cabin so we can plan around them.
Getting the House Ready
- Seal food, medicine and pet food in fumigation bags, or take them along.
- Arrange 2 to 3 nights away for everyone, pets included.
- Water the soil along the foundation and cut back plants touching the siding or eaves.
- Clear space around the house for the tarps.
Fumigation Questions
After the tarps come off in Novato, who decides it is safe to go home?
Our fumigator ventilates the house and takes gas readings in each room with a meter. You are cleared to return only after every reading is at a safe level.
Will tenting stop bed bugs from coming back?
No. The gas leaves no residue, so a bug brought in later on luggage or a used chair can start over. Some plans add a residual treatment after fumigation.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA handles bed bug work from the first inspection to the final check. Our team sets up your Novato inspection after the first call. You get a written quote before any treatment.