How Long after Fumigation is it Safe for Pets and Babies?

pets after fumigation

Fumigation can be a sure-fire way to get rid of termites. 

The more effective it is; the more cost, time and energy is involved in this process.

If you have decided to go this far in your war against termites. It is certain that you have decided to get rid of this problem once and for all. 

But fumigation brings many concerns for parents and pet owners.. The fear of harming your loved ones in the process is always present. 

So should you be afraid of bringing pets and babies in the house after fumigation?

Do  you need to take precautions to better ensure their safety?

We discuss all these below. 

When is Fumigation Necessary?

Fumigation can become your last hope of getting rid of termites. If your house is being overrun by termites and you see infestation signs everyday. 

It is a good indication to at least start planning for fumigation for the worst case scenario. 

But why do you have to save Fumigation as a last resort? You may ask.

The answer lies in the preparation, procedure and post-fumigation timelines. 

Fumigation no doubt can be the best way to exterminate drywood termites with killer accuracy. 

But keep in mind the struggle you have to go through the entire process. 

It is never easy to relocate your family for days just to fumigate your home. Pest Control companies try to make this process as automated and stress-free as possible for homeowners. 

But it can still make you feel stressed sometimes. 

Although, all of this could be worth it. If you are serious about getting termites out of your home. 

Before attempting fumigation, you should definitely try out some on-spot liquid treatments, sprays or foams. 

Fumigation is only necessary for large out of control termite infestations. These cannot be controlled by on-spot treatments. 

Is Fumigation Safe for Humans

Any fumigants used in the extermination process are toxic for insects as well as humans. Any kind of exposure to fumigant before, during or after fumigation can have low-severe impacts on human health depending on the exposure. 

Therefore, it is important that any fumigation process you carry in your household is supervised by a professional that is able to educate you on all the ins and outs of the process. You need to have a basic understanding of the precautionary measures.

However, when conducted properly with the right precautions and supervision. Fumigation is no different than any other chemical process used in industries on a daily basis. 

The Most common type of exposure to fumigants is inhalation. All fumigants are toxic to human health. Any kind of exposure to these can cause severe illness or even death. 

babies after fumigation

How to Prepare for Fumigation

Fumigation requires a lot of planning before the process can be carried out. Unplanned fumigation can cause damage to the environment and to human and plant lives. This can be avoided by following the proper set of preparation that can help you make this treatment a success. 

Here are few of the things you need to prepare for fumigation: 

  1. The most important thing to remember is an alternate location where you should be able to relocate temporarily until fumigation is taking place 
  2. You need to make sure that you remove all pets and plants out of the home. Fumigation can be deadly for pets and animals. Make sure you relocate them with you to a safer area. 
  3. You also need to remove all eatables, dental and tobacco products and medicine from the house. Any eatables you decide to leave in the house are supposed to be bagged or else discarded. 
  4. When you are ready to move out of the house with all of your belongings taken care of. You need to provide the house keys to pest professionals. They would make sure that each door of your home is completely open so that the fumigant can travel through your home easily. Kitchen cabinets and cupboards also need to be opened for a full impact. 
  5. To help insulate the fumigant well. You can soak the dirt around your house. This acts as a barrier between the outdoor environment and the fumigation gases. 

Turn OFF

Before leaving your house. Make sure you turn off all the air conditioners and any electric devices including computers and fridges. Also, make sure to call your gas company and disconnect the supply. 

Because many of the fumigants used in treatment can be highly flammable. 

Post-Fumigation Precautions for Pets and Babies:

Once you move out of your house. The house is taken over by your exterminator and there isn’t much required on your end to complete the process. 

When fumigation has been completed. 

There are a few precautions you can take when you move back into your home.

Keep an Eye on Your Pets

You should keep a closer look on your pets post-fumigation. Any negative effects on their health, energy or mood can indicate exposure to fumigants in the house. In this case, you should immediately seek professional help and leave the house. 

Air Out The House

After the home has been cleared by professionals for rehabilitation. You should still try to make an attempt to clear out any existing gases in the house. You can do this by opening all doors, windows, drawers and  turning on the fans in your house.

How Long Does it Take to Fumigate

Fumigation duration can depend on a lot of factors including the amount of dose used, the temperature, and the size of the property. 

All of these factors can make the process to be 6 hours to 1 week long. However, the usual timeframe for fumigation within the US remains 1-3 days. 

Structural fumigants used by professional pest control experts are usually odorless. It is important to make sure your exterminator uses warning signs around the house. This keeps the neighbors informed, And can also prevent any damage to children sneaking around in the area. 

After the fumigation process has been completed. The tents are taken off the house and fresh air is allowed to enter the structure. This makes sure no fumigant is left in the property to cause any harm.

In most cases, 24 hours of getting the tents off is more than enough to make your home safe and liveable again. But just to be on the safe side, many owners prefer to give the fumigant 48-72 hours to vent off. 

Do I Need to Wash Dishes after Fumigation

Most pest control companies claim that fumigants are safe to use and leave no residue after they have been dissipated in the environment. This has also been proven in studies, where the fumigant is found to be dissipated.

The rate at which it dissipates varies depending on the temperature and humidity. Also, making sure that all parts of the house are open to clean air. 

However, if you like you can gently rinse the dishes with water or soap as you prefer. But this is not required by professional guidelines, only for personal satisfaction. 

Do I need to Wash Clothes after fumigation

Just like dishes, you don’t have to wash your clothes after fumigation. Because the fumigants do not stick to the surface of any element. They dissipate once exposed to fresh air. 

You can wash your clothes, if it gives mind peace and personal satisfaction. Although, this is not required by professional exterminators

How long after Fumigation is it Safe for Pets and Babies

Fumigants can be vented out from the house  in as little as 8 hours. This depends on how well the house is ventilated and it’s structure. 

To be on the safer side, you should wait 2-3 days before returning to your home with your pets and babies. Your exterminator would be able to check the house for fumigation levels, and would be able to guide if it is safe to return. 

Signs of Moving in Too Early After Fumigation

Fumigation is meant to kill insects and can negatively affect human health. It’s not just humans that can get affected. But your plants, seeds and pets can also take a negative toll when exposed to fumigation.

If you move in too early after fumigation.

The following signs can indicate exposure to fumigation in your pets:

  • Bleeding
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Passing out
  • Seizures
  • Tremors

If you see any of these signs in your pets. Or you see them behaving abnormally. You should definitely check with a vet. 

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