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What is Fumigation?

Termite fumigation, also called tenting, is one of the most effective ways to eliminate severe drywood termite infestations. For Termite Fumigation in Los Angeles, this method is ideal when termites have spread throughout an entire home, apartment building, or commercial property.


During the process, your structure is completely sealed with heavy-duty tarps for at least two nights. Inside, an odorless gas called Vikane® is released, allowing it to penetrate deep into the wood and reach hidden colonies that spot treatments cannot access.

We recommend fumigation only for widespread infestations, but when needed, it provides near-100% elimination and long-lasting results. To ensure your peace of mind, we also include a 2–3 year warranty with every fumigation service.

Termite Fumigation of a home in Los Angeles
Termite Fumigation of a home in Los Angeles

How does fumigation work?

If you’re wondering how does fumigation work, the process is simpler and safer than most people expect. During fumigation, we use Vikane®, an odorless and residue-free gas that reaches every air space inside your home or building—even deep inside wood where termites hide. Once the structure is sealed, the gas circulates for the first 24 hours, eliminating all drywood termites throughout the property.

After this phase, the tarps are opened and the building is thoroughly ventilated. Within another 24 hours, the gas completely dissipates into the air, leaving no smell, residue, or surface contamination. 

Before anyone enters the property, our licensed fumigation professionals test every room using advanced air-quality monitoring equipment to ensure it is 100% safe to re-enter.

We understand that allowing any chemical into your home can feel intimidating, but fumigation is one of the most researched and regulated treatments in Los Angeles. In addition, California created the Structural Pest Control Board  to regulate all fumigation companies operating in California.

Getting Ready

How to prepare before fumigation

Preparing properly is essential for a safe and successful fumigation. All food items must either be removed from the property or sealed in double Nylofume® bags, as required by California law.

Outside, make sure the structure is clear so the tent can seal tightly. Trim trees, bushes, and plants at least 2 feet away from the exterior, and remove mulch, gravel, or any items touching the walls. A clean, open perimeter ensures the fumigation tent stays secure and the treatment works effectively.

We understand fumigation can be a hassle. For this reason, we have developed a planning guide to make preparation easier for you.

This guide will provide steps how to prepare your home and family before the fumigation. It will also answer many frequently asked questions. 

We are different than other termite companies by offering extra services to make fumigation preparation easy. Request a free quote if you want us to take care of preparing your home before fumigation.

Notifying tenants

image: notifying tenants before fumigation
Tenant Meeting for Fumigation Preparation

Preparing a single-family home for fumigation is stressful enough—but managing dozens of tenants adds even more pressure. That’s why we step in and take charge. We personally coordinate with every tenant, provide information, and ensure they’re fully ready for the fumigation to prevent delays or last-minute issues.

At no additional cost, we schedule group meetings two weeks before the fumigation, and one-to-one meetings a day before the fumigation.

Bagging food

image: bagging food before fumigation
Food bagging for Fumigation Preparation

Our fumigation technicians carefully bag all the food, medications (including tobacco), and other perishables to ensure everything will be safe.

This guide will provide photos how to properly store your items in protective Nylofume® bags provided by My Termite Company. Also, it will list the items that need to be bagged and ones that don’t.

Trimming vegetation

image: trimming trees before fumigation

Plant Trimming for Fumigation Preparation

Our team trims only what’s necessary for fumigation, carefully protecting your trees, shrubs, hedges, and plants while ensuring the treatment is fully effective.

Faqs

Most common termite fumigation questions

Fumigation delivers the quickest and most effective solution for eliminating all drywood termites in a home. However, it isn’t always necessary—especially when the infestation is minimal or the affected areas are accessible for local treatment. To determine the best course of action, a licensed inspector must thoroughly examine the home and assess whether localized treatment will fully resolve the issue.

The state of California strictly regulates fumigations, and county inspectors conduct daily inspections at job sites to ensure compliance. Licensed professionals must meet multiple certification requirements to perform fumigations safely. At My Termite Company, we go a step further—we use only the best in the industry: Vikane® fumigant.

The fumigation crew will post a re-entry notice on the front door the day they remove the tent to confirm it’s safe to enter the home. In addition, the crew cannot legally leave the premises if the house is not safe to re-enter. This means if you see the tent removed from the house and the crew is not present, it is safe to re-enter.

Drywood termites can remain alive as long as 2 weeks after fumigation.

You may continue to notice some pellets or droppings for 2-4 weeks after the fumigation. This does not mean the fumigation failed. Some frass (pellets) may remain on the tunnels that the termites created and when doors or windows are open it may shake out.

Unfortunately, fumigation doesn’t affect all pests. Spiders, silverfish, and roaches often survive and may need separate treatment.

Alternatives to fumigation include liquid soil treatments, baiting systems, localized spot treatments, and heat/electric methods. These methods can be safer, less disruptive, and highly effective if applied correctly. The choice depends on termite type, infestation size, and home risk factors.

Termite fumigation provides fast, comprehensive, and highly effective elimination of severe termite infestations, particularly drywood termites, while preserving your home’s structure and giving you long-term protection when combined with preventive measures.

Preparing for termite fumigation involves vacating the home, removing food and medications, relocating pets and plants, securing sensitive items and following professional instructions. Proper preparation ensures safety, treatment effectiveness and peace of mind.

Los Angeles

Termite fumigation near you

My Termite Company provides termite fumigation (tenting) within a 30-mile radius of our Northeast Los Angeles office. To see if we service your location, enter the zip code of the place that requires fumigation.

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    Reviews

    See what our clients are saying

    The best company to hire for sure! They gave me an appointment within a week which was amazing, they worked with my busy schedule and was able to come out on a Sunday and were on time! They gave me the best pricing out of all the companies I called, the work was done in a great manor, I didn’t have to hover to keep an eye on anything, they made me trust their judgement and work. Wendy is just so sweet and easily reachable as well as Alissa who was so helpful every time I called and answered all my questions when I called the office. So I will be recommending their business to all my friends and business associates! Thank you so much!

    Robyn G.

    Highly recommend this company. They are a local neighborhood company that does amazing work and the prices are better than any other competitor I reached out to. I have used other companies in the past and this was by far the smoothest tenting process I’ve had. Brandon & Wendy were wonderful the entire process and always kept me up to speed on where we were in the process. The installation of the tent was seamless and the team that put up the tent were very professional and courteous from start to finish. I would definitely use them again!

    Jaqueline L.

    Wendy and her team at My Termite Company are awesome! We have treated two properties using their services. They always respond fast. They kept me updated about every stage of the fumigation and repairs process. They gave me a fair price and took into account all changes that happened during the process. We are very happy with their work and customer service!

    Nikolay B.