When a house is suffering from an infestation of drywood termites, which live inside wood, it may be necessary to fumigate the property in a process known as "termite tenting." A type of gas called sulfuryl fluoride is pumped into the house over several days, and the house needs to be evacuated and all plants and food have to be removed. The property is surrounded by a tarpaulin to contain the gas. Fumigation companies claim that the gas does not leave a residue, therefore items like clothing or plates do not need to be washed after the fumigation has taken place. However, if you're unsure, you can do some simple cleaning.
Step 1
Ask the fumigation company to hire a professional cleaning company to clean your house after they have finished their work. Alternatively, look through the telephone directory and hire one yourself. Check that they have experience with cleaning homes after termite tenting.
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Step 2
Leave windows open to aerate your house properly.
Step 3
Shampoo the carpets and wash bedding, curtains, table cloths and any other materials if you didn't remove them before fumigation took place. It's best to cover items such as mattresses and remove pillows from the property.
Step 4
Stay elsewhere for an extra couple of nights if you can smell anything unusual in your house after fumigation. Contact the company if you have any concerns.
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