How to Prepare a Checklist for Termite Tenting

Major termite infestations often require "tenting," a word used to describe the method of lethal gas fumigation whereby an entire house is covered by a tent. Homeowners must prepare for termite tenting to ensure that their families' safety and belongings are protected. Preparing a checklist is an effective, organized way to ensure that your termite tenting will commence smoothly. There are several factors to consider: the home's occupants, pets, houseplants, food, medications and utilities, among others. Fumigators will need access to normally locked areas and to electricity. Homeowners must shut off the gas supply. Create a checklist as soon as possible and note what supplies, such as boxes, you'll need alongside each entry.

Notepad
Pen
Storage boxes
Plastic bags

Instructions

- 1
  Make note of all the food and beverages in the house, including any food stored in unopened paper or plastic containers. Create a plan for removing the food from the home, such as storing it in a car or in a neighbor's freezer. Unopened jarred and canned food do not need to be removed, although unopened corked wine does. Plan to remove all food the night before tenting.
- 2
  Take inventory of all medications in your household. Make note of which medications are taken regularly, such as prescriptions or vitamins. Pack those separately for easy access. Put the rest of the medications in separate storage boxes and remove them from the house. Do this several days before tenting if you will not need any of the medication.
- 3
  Walk through your home, making note of houseplants, which must be removed during tenting. Make a plan to take them with you or house them at a neighbor's home. Wrap the bottom of the plant containers in plastic bags for easy transport.
- 4
  Make preparations for your pets, including fish and birds, to stay elsewhere during tenting. Arrange for them to stay at a kennel, with a friend or with you at a separate location during tenting. Next to each pet's name, write down the supplies it will need while away, including food, medication, toys, a leash and so on. Pack your pet supplies in bags labeled with the pets' names for easy identification.
- 5
  Plan to notify your neighbors at least several days, but preferably a week, before the tenting process begins. Advise them to keep pets and children away from the home during tenting.
- 6
  Survey your home for areas or rooms that are normally locked, such as garages, safes, storage areas, fence gates and so on. Fumigators must have access to all of these areas. Unlock every area on the day of tenting. Empty safes and remove valuables for peace of mind, if desired.
- 7
  Write down any external preparations that must be completed, using information from your fumigator. This often includes cutting back plants at least 1 foot from the home or removing satellite dishes, for example. Do this several days before tenting to get it out of the way.
- 8
  Call your gas company one week before tenting to advise them of the process. Request that your gas supply be shut off during tenting and confirm the time and date with the company. Check to ensure that the request was carried out on the morning of tenting.

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