Termites, ants, creepy crawlers, and flying whatchamacallits – there are literally numerous reasons to fumigate your house, and the closer you do it to moving day- the better. Fumigating your house before you move in is the best way to go, but that isn’t always possible. So what do you do with all your stuff before the gasman comes? Follow these 9 simple tips to prepare your home for fumigation.
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Double-bag it
Most of the contents of your cupboards need to be double-bagged in special nylon bags which will be provided by your fumigator. The only consumable goods you can leave in their original package are food (for people or for pets), tobacco products and medicines which are stored in plastic, metal or glass bottles, cans or jars. They must be sealed with the original manufacturer’s air-tight seal. If the seal is not intact, they need to be removed or double bagged as well. Dry goods stored in bags or cardboard boxes also need to be removed or double-bagged.
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Remove plastic covers
If you have mattresses, sofas or other pieces of furniture with waterproof covers, you need to remove them prior to fumigation. The reason is that the plastic covers can slow the aeration process and cause toxins to linger longer in your home.
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Plants
Houseplants, like all living things, are sensitive to the fumes. Remove whatever plants you have indoors and also in the areas outside the house that will be covered by the fumigation tent.
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Shrubbery
Trim the shrubbery around the house to make room for the fumigation tent and remove mulch or gravel wherever possible. The tent should be secured between the house and the shrubbery around it.
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Cut the gas
Contact your gas provider and arrange for someone to turn off the gas line to your home the day before fumigation.
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Water your garden
Moist soil will help protect plants outside the fumigation tent, so make sure to water the yard the day before fumigation, at a depth of about six inches around the perimeter. This will also help prevent the fumes from leaking at the base of the tent.
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Get out
Your home will not be inhabitable for at least two or three days, so make plans to sleep elsewhere until your house is cleared for reentry.
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If it has a door, open it
Good air circulation allows the fumigant to pass between rooms and get into every nook and cranny. It also helps the fumigant to aerate more quickly and easily. To improve circulation make sure you leave every door in the house open- this includes doors between rooms, cabinets, drawers, closets, appliances, and safes. If you have blinds or drapes on your windows, raise them.
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Fire safety
To avoid a fire hazard make sure you turn off and unplug all heat sources, pilot lights, and appliances. This includes your refrigerator, washer, dryer, oven, and water heating devices.
Now all you need to do is say a little prayer for the bugs about to go bye-bye and leave a key for your fumigation professional. To learn about more tips on setting up your new home, check out this blog. Good luck!
