Everything North Bay homeowners need to know about the structural fumigation timeline — preparation, the fumigation process itself, aeration, clearance, and safe re-entry.
Structural tent fumigation for a typical North Bay single-family home takes 24–72 hours from the time the structure is sealed and tarped to the time it can be safely re-entered. Most homeowners are out of their home for 2–3 nights. The variation depends primarily on the size of the structure, the concentration of drywood termite infestation, and weather conditions during the fumigation period.
The Fumigation Timeline — Step by Step
Day 1 — Preparation: occupants, pets, and plants vacate; food and medications must be removed or sealed in approved bags; gas must be shut off at the meter; the fumigation crew tents the structure with gas-tight tarps and introduces the fumigant (sulfuryl fluoride)
During fumigation — 16–24 hours minimum exposure: the gas penetrates all wood in the structure, reaching galleries inaccessible to other treatment methods; periodic gas concentration monitoring ensures adequate dosage throughout the structure
Aeration: the tarps are removed and the structure is ventilated; gas concentration is monitored until it drops to safe levels for re-entry (below 1 ppm)
Clearance: a licensed fumigator uses a gas monitor to certify safe re-entry levels throughout the structure
Re-entry: occupants, pets, and plants can return; no residual gas remains after proper aeration
Preparation Requirements
Before fumigation, homeowners must:
Remove or seal all food, beverages, medications, vitamins, and items that may be ingested (Nylofume bags are provided by the fumigation company for non-removable items)
Remove all people and pets — no exceptions
Remove or seal plants (sulfuryl fluoride can damage plants)
Ensure all gas appliances are off and the meter is turned off by the gas company
Unlock all interior doors and access panels for the fumigation crew
Arrange 2–3 nights of alternate accommodations
Leave one set of keys with the fumigation crew for monitoring access
After Fumigation — What Has and Has Not Changed
After successful fumigation: all drywood termites present in the structure at the time of treatment are dead. However, fumigation does not: leave any residual protection against future termite infestation; treat subterranean termites (which live in soil, not in structural wood); address dry rot or other wood-destroying organisms; or prevent new drywood termite colonies from establishing in the future. Annual inspection after fumigation remains as important as before, since new infestations can establish in previously treated wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — all occupants (people, pets, and plants) must vacate for the entire fumigation period. No exceptions. Re-entry is only permitted after a licensed fumigator confirms that gas levels are below 1 ppm throughout the structure.
Sulfuryl fluoride is a highly effective fumigant that clears completely from the structure during proper aeration. After the licensed fumigator issues clearance, no residual gas remains and the structure is safe for occupancy. All food and medications must be removed or properly sealed before fumigation.
Sulfuryl fluoride will damage or kill plants. All plants must be removed from the structure before fumigation. Plants in attached garages must also be removed.
Fumigation eliminates all drywood termites present at the time of treatment. It does not provide ongoing protection against new infestations. New drywood termites can swarm into the structure and begin new colonies in treated wood. Annual inspection remains important after fumigation.
Structural fumigation for a typical North Bay single-family home ranges from $2,000–$6,000+ depending on the size of the structure. Redwood Empire provides written estimates after inspection. The cost reflects the comprehensive nature of the treatment — eliminating all drywood termites throughout the structure in a single treatment event.