Fumigation treats the whole structure at once. A tent goes over the house and a fumigant gas spreads into wall cavities, furniture and everything stored inside. It is the heaviest bed bug option and is kept for infestations that have spread through most of a home.
When Tenting Makes Sense
- The infestation has reached living areas and closets, not just bedrooms.
- Heat or chemical treatment was tried and did not work.
- Belongings are too many to treat one by one.
- A main house and an attached guest wing are both involved.
How Structural Fumigation Works in California
- SurveyA fumigator walks the property, sizes the house and gives you a prep sheet in writing.
- SealThe house goes under a tent and warning signs are posted.
- FumigateThe gas is released under the tent and kept at the required level for the exposure period.
- ClearCrews pull the tarps, ventilate every room and run air tests before anyone returns.
Tenting on an Alamo Lot
Large homes, mature oaks near the roofline and landscaped yards all affect how a tent goes on. Ask whether trees or plantings need trimming back from the walls, and whether a detached guest cottage will be tented separately or treated another way. In a neighborhood with an HOA, such as a gated community, check the rules and gate access first.
Getting the House Ready
- Bag food, medicine and pet food in approved bags or take them out.
- Book 2 to 3 nights elsewhere for everyone, pets included.
- Soak the soil in beds along the foundation and trim shrubs away from the siding.
- Open gates and clear side yards so the crew can reach every side.
Questions About Fumigation
How many nights away should we plan for?
Figure on 2 to 3, which covers the treatment, the airing out and the final air check.
Does tenting keep bed bugs away afterward?
No. Fumigant gas protects nothing once it clears, so a suitcase carrying new bugs next month could restart the cycle. Some companies follow up with a residual product.
How your call is handled: Bed Bug Control CA is a free referral service. When you call or send the form, you are connected with an independent, licensed pest control company that serves Alamo. That company inspects, quotes and does the work.