In Florida, termites are serious pests that can cause immeasurable damage to your property and belongings.
This is why it’s so important to know how to properly inspect them, and the most effective means of treating their colonies.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to detect and treat termites, or if you simply want to see what methods work best, this post will be a great resource.
Termites are a serious problem, which is why it’s important to know what to do if you think that they’ve infested your house.
This article will give you some simple tips on the process of tenting your house, and what you need to do in order to make sure that there aren’t any termites lurking beneath your house.
How to Tent Your House For Termites
Termites are a problem in Georgia and many other states, but luckily there is a way to protect your house from them. To tent your house for termites, you need to buy or borrow a tenter frame.
You need to put plastic over the frame and then pull it tight. There are special straps that create even tension on the frame so that it doesn’t sag.
You then cut slits in the plastic for doors and windows. This makes the house airtight, keeping out the termites.
Cut the plastic sheeting to fit around your house. Make sure you have enough left over to cover any windows or doors.
You may want to put a gallon of water on the tenter frame at each corner and then pull the plastic down as tightly as possible with a rope through several eyelets in the frame so that it is tight all over.
Put anchors around all of the edges of your house where there are openings such as doors and windows.
Make sure that all of the anchors are in place and tightened before you start filling up the house with foam, otherwise, your foam will move.
If you anchor it snugly enough, you can go back and remove them by pulling on a rope after your house is finished.
Have some additional plastic sheeting on hand to cover any holes or tears that may happen during the process.
When you get to the point where there is no room for air to get in anymore, start spraying the fumigation chemicals.
To fill in small gaps, use a piece of loose foam that you can place into the gap. Spray foam sticks to itself well, so you don’t need to worry about backing it with more spray later on.
If you have major air leaks that require more traditional repair techniques, then you may want to get some help from a professional for those areas.
When Can I Get My House Tented?
To find out if you will need to get your house tented for termites, contact a termite inspector. You should also check your yard for tell-tale signs of the insects such as dead trees, or those with wood that appears to be moving when touched.
Termites live in soil and will often burrow up through a home’s foundation where they are difficult to detect.
When Should I Have my Home Tented?
Termites typically come out at night to feast on wood. The best time to have your home tented is usually between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM when termites are most active.
Make sure you call a professional who can do the job right because improper tenting could make your situation worse.
ALSO SEE: Does Petrol Kill Termites?
What Equipment is Needed for Tenting?
Garbage bags, duct tape, tarpaulin, ladder, and stakes
What are the Benefits of Tenting a House for Termites?
Termites are a common pest that can cause a lot of damage to a home. Tenting a house is the process of covering it with plastic which prevents termites from getting in and also eliminates moisture.
This makes the house much less attractive to these pests. It’s important to do this before you find termites in your home because it will be more difficult if they have already infested your house.
What Happens if My Home Gets Termite Damage?
Termite damage typically starts in the walls and can be difficult to notice at first. One of the telltale signs is damaged wood trim or wallpaper.
These pests also chew through beams and support posts. Over time, they can cause structural damage to your home.
If you suspect that your home has termite damage, it should be inspected by a professional with experience in identifying these pests.
How do I Prepare for a Termite Treatment?
It’s not unusual to see debris, wood scraps, or other things that termites want to eat in your home.
You’ll also probably find some termite droppings. The most important thing to do is to get rid of these items before you call a professional.
If you notice anything that looks like it might be damaged by moisture, get rid of it right away.
There are also certain things that you should never do when preparing for a treatment: Don’t cover the soil around your house with a tarp, don’t put chemicals in any openings in your house, and don’t use any type of paint on any areas where a chemical has been applied.
What to be removed when Tenting for Termites?
Tenting for termites is a common pest control procedure. Termite tenting starts with removing any plaster, lead paint, wallpaper, or insulation that is tainted with termite droppings.
Next, all the doors and windows are sealed shut, and a thick plastic tarp is draped over the house to keep the tenting materials from being blown around by the wind.
The building is then gas-proofed to prevent rodent odors from entering the structure. Finally, soil that contains nematodes isn’t used for this type of tenting, since nematodes can harm humans and animals.
How Does Fumigation Work?
Fumigation is when a place is treated with a special gas that kills any termites inside. The most common type of fumigation is called phosphine gas, which has an orange color.
It is odorless and sometimes released in a liquid form that can be sprayed into areas such as the walls or cracks in floors.
When the gas comes into contact with the termites, it fills up their stomachs, eventually suffocating them.
Fumigating and Tenting for Drywood Termites
The most common type of termite found in California are dry wood termites. They can penetrate wooden structures, walls, and furniture.
To avoid these little pests, you need to fumigate the structure with a chemical that will kill them on contact.
If fumigating isn’t an option, you can tent the house or furniture that they’re currently living in by using a tarp or other materials to seal it off from the outside.
You’ll then create a vacuum inside to suck up any remaining termites.
Is Termite Fumigation Efficient?
Termites can be a major problem to homeowners, which is why termite fumigation is so popular.
However, it’s not an easy job and there are many potential pitfalls. For starters, the fumes from the chemical used for insecticide can cause respiratory problems for anyone in the house or close by.
There is also the risk of fire if not done properly.
This is why DIY termiticide kits are gaining popularity because they are less expensive and easier to use.
Is Fumigation and Termite Tenting Safe?
The answer is a qualified “yes.” Fumigations have been used for decades and have very few incidents when handled properly by professionals.
Termite tents usually take under two hours and may only need to be done once every five years or so depending on how often your home faces an infestation risk due to soil conditions.
Both options are better than having termites in your home, which can lead to structural damage over time as well as headaches with pests like ants or cockroaches that love to find homes near your kitchen or bathroom!
Fumigation and termite tenting are two commonly used methods for treating termites. They are generally safe, but improperly executed fumigation or termite tenting can be a dangerous situation.
Fumigation is typically performed in the home’s interior, which means that all people and pets need to leave the home for 12-24 hours. In addition, you should never use gas appliances during this time since they could cause a fire.
Termite tents are typically installed around the perimeter of the home and require little to no disruption to your life – especially if you’re not in the house during treatment.
Tenting for Termites Cost
Tenting a house for termites is not something that you should do on a DIY budget. Prices vary depending on the size of the house, but it usually costs around $1,000-$4,000 to tent a house.
So, how much does tenting for termites cost? it usually costs around $1,000-$4,000 to tent a house for termites.
Pros and Cons of Tenting for Termites
Tenting for termites is a preventive measure that can save you from the cost and hassle of having termites infest your house.
It’s important to evaluate the pros and cons of tenting for termites before deciding to do it. Some things to consider are how much time it will take, what type of weather is local during that time period, and the level of difficulty in getting into some crawl spaces that may be too small.
Pros:
- It can save you a lot of money on repairs
- Companies usually offer discounts if you’re a repeat customer
- Usually takes less than 7 days
- Tenting in the wintertime is safer than summertime
Cons:
- Providing access to this many areas requires large vehicles that can obstruct traffic lanes
- You must have good air flow through your home as the tents allow moisture in
Tenting for Termites Preparation
Termites are known for chewing through wood and weakening structures. These pests can be eliminated by treating the house with chemicals and a tenting system.
First, get your family and pets out. Make sure that foods and toys are stored in tightly closed containers.
Once this is done, cover remaining holes with wood so that no termite entry points are left uncovered.
The process of tenting involves sealing all openings in the house, including windows and doors.
Afterward, the chemicals are applied to kill any remaining termites.
Finally, once the chemicals have dried, a tarp is used to cover all entrances to get rid of any fumes.
Cleaning after Tenting for Termites
This process can take up to two weeks. Here are the best ways to clean up after tenting.
Freshen the Air. The chemicals that have been used to kill termites can leave a foul odor in the house.
After all, they work by killing bugs and insects. If you do not have time to close off all rooms and freshen the air, open windows as much as possible when airing out your home. Also, you can use a fan to help circulate fresh air through the house.
Vacuum and Sweep. Once the tenting process is over, you want to vacuum and sweep up all dead termites, dead roaches, and dead insects.
This will make your home look fresh while also removing all unnecessary pests
How Long does Tenting for Termites Last?
It is important to tent a house for termites for the necessary time, which can be from a few days to a month. If you are unsure of the timeframe, consult your pest control company.
The tenting process involves setting up a tarp over the house and covering it with insecticide. This will help prevent any termites from entering the house and infesting your property.
Tenting vs Injection for Termites
One of the most important things to do when it comes to termites is to have your home inspected for infestations.
If you do find an infestation, one method of extermination that many homeowners use is tenting.
This means that a tent will be placed over the house and chemical pesticides will be sprayed into the tent.
While this can be effective in killing termites, some people prefer using injection for termites instead because it’s a more permanent solution.
There are pros and cons to both methods, but ultimately, it becomes a personal decision based on what homeowners want out of the treatment and how much they’re willing to pay.
Is Tenting for Termites Necessary?
If a homeowner is in doubt about whether or not to tent their home, they can contact a professional who will examine the property and offer advice.
Tenting vs Spraying for Termites
Tenting is the process of putting a tent over an infested house and sealing all openings with heavy-gauge plastic.
Once the tent is erected, it is pumped full of poison gas. The gas curls around corners and into every crevice in the house.
There are two types of termite treatment: spraying and tenting. Spraying for termites involves using a pesticide that can be applied to all wood surfaces and ground outside a building.
Spraying does not work on soil or trees because termites don’t actually eat these things. What they do eat is wood and the liquid that comes out of trees.
All termites need is a damp area and they can construct tunnels throughout an entire foundation and create nests for up to 2,000 or more termites. After spraying, the wood of your home needs time to dry out.
Tenting a Boat for Termites
Method One:
Mix green ethylene glcol anti-freeze with hot boric acid roach powder and then begin to spray the wood on the inside until you cover all.
What that does is to poison the wood so they die if they eat it. Plus, it prevents them from ever coming back.
Or You can just buy and apply Boracare. But they have to eat the wood to be killed. It also works for the control of wood decaying fungus but you need to apply boracare to bare, unpainted, untreated wood.
I also recommend applying boracare to any wood before painting, staining etc. It is much better as a preventative product than as a curative.
Method Two:
1. Soak the boat in a solution of hot water and soap for 30 minutes to loosen the old paint on the boat.
2. Scrape off all of the loosened paint and throw it away in a closed container.
3. Wash or rinse off any loose bits of soap or oil leftover from cleaning with water and detergent (not dish washing liquid).
4. When you place your tent, pull it tight but don’t stretch it too tight as this can lead to ripping of seams or fabric. Tie it tightly with ropes or stakes so that no bugs can enter through any gaps in the fabric at ground level.
5. Apply silicone sealant around all edges of the tent before pulling them up to form a seal.
6. Then buy and apply aerosol from the local store.
Method Three:
Call in a Pro. They will sed tape on all opening and hatches, then pump gas in and came back a day or two later. That will kill everything but it will cost you around $500.
Alternatives to Tenting for Termites
Some people may not be able to afford the cost of tenting their house for termites. This is understandable because there are other alternatives to doing so.
One alternative is spraying your attic and foundation with an organic insecticide called Demand CS.
The product kills the eggs, larvae, and adults before they can infest your house. Another alternative is to use a wetting agent on your home’s surface as this helps break down the protective waxy layer that covers termite colonies.
Another alternative is:
Step 1: Make sure all the doors and windows are closed
Step 2: Place a ladder underneath the house, then use a broom to sweep any dirt up from the floorboards
Step 3: Pour 1 gallon of chemical into a bucket
Step 4: Wet down the perimeter of the foundation with water
Step 5: Pour chemical on any cracks in the foundation or roof
Conclusion
To sum everything up, if you have a termite infestation in your home, then it is best to call an exterminator. If you still have questions about the process or are looking for more information, visit the Center of Urban Entomology’s website.
