Fumigation treats a whole house at one time. The house goes under tarps, and a gas spreads through wall cavities, furniture and stored boxes. It is the most complete method, and we use it when bugs have reached nearly every room.
When Tenting Fits
- Signs turn up in almost every room.
- Earlier heat or chemical work did not last.
- A garage or storage room is too full to treat item by item.
- Used furniture from a move is spread through the whole house.
How Tenting Works in California
- WalkthroughWe measure your San Pedro house and give you a written list of what to bag or take with you.
- TarpsThe house is covered and warning signs go up.
- GasOur fumigator, licensed under Branch 1, releases the fumigant and keeps it at the concentration and time California rules set.
- Air outThe tarps come down, the house is ventilated and a gas meter has to show clear before anyone goes back in.
Fumigation in San Pedro
Tented houses are common in coastal Los Angeles because of drywood termites, and bed bug fumigation uses the same setup. In San Pedro it fits detached houses best, such as the 1960s homes on the western hillside. Attached condos and apartment buildings usually get heat or chemical work instead.
Getting the House Ready
- Seal food, medicine and pet food in the bags we give you, or take them along.
- Book 2 to 3 nights away for the whole household, pets too.
- Water the soil next to the foundation and trim plants back about a foot.
- Clear space around the house so the tarps can go on.
Fumigation Questions
Can a whole apartment building be tented for bed bugs?
It is possible, but every unit has to be empty for 2 to 3 days, so it is rare. For buildings with shared walls we usually plan heat or chemical work unit by unit instead.
Will fumigation keep bed bugs away for good?
No. The gas kills what is inside but leaves nothing behind, so bugs carried in later on luggage or furniture can start again. Some plans add a residual treatment afterward.
How it works: Bed Bug Control CA inspects and treats homes for bed bugs in California. We book an inspection at your San Pedro home at a time that suits you. The written quote comes first, and treatment follows on your go-ahead.