Fumigation Safety Tips

by DoItYourself Staff

Homeowners preparing to remove insects such as spiders, ants, and termites, through fumigation must take precaution before introducing harmful chemicals into their homes. Take time to learn about the dangers of fumigating your home. Below, you'll find 3 basic fumigation safety tips, along with detailed steps you should take in preparing for fumigation.

1. Preparing

Because of the dangers associated with fumigation, preparation is one of the most important factors in guarding against potential health hazards related to exposure of fumigation chemicals and gases. Below, are some of the precautions for those planning to fumigate their homes:

Remove all people from the area to be fumigated
Remove all potted or hanging plants
Remove all dogs, cats, fish, birds, or other pets from the house and even from a yard close enough to the fumigated area that chemical fumes could be present
Remove, or seal in plastic bags, any food and medications that might be exposed to fumigation gases.
Open all plastic bags containing clothes.
Remove vehicles from garages that may be attached to a house that is to be fumigated
Remove mattresses inside plastic covers, including baby mattresses.
All foods, including candy and chewing gum, foods in refrigerators and freezers must be removed, or sealed with tape in Nylofume bags
All medicine not sealed in glass or metal containers must be removed
Dry dirt 12" or more from the house foundation should be watered.
Turn off air conditioning units
Open drawers, cupboards, and closet doors prior to fumigation
Remove all jewelry, furs, scuba wet suits
Remove or bag open soda bottles
Remove or bag alcoholic beverages with seals broken
Bag or remove open cans of pet food
Empty ice in icemakers
Safes, vaults, lockers, cabinets must be unlocked and opened

It will not be necessary to wash dishes or bedding exposed to fumigation gases. Nor will it be necessary to remove makeup, soaps, detergents, etc. These items, even when used after exposure to fumigation gasses, are not likely to cause you harm.

2. Re-Use of The Fumigated Area

When the fumigation period has passed, usually 15 to 30 hours, you should air out your house. This means all windows and doors should be opened. Fans should be used to exhaust chemical fumes that remain after initial fumigation. You should also take steps to ensure that a qualified person measures the levels of chemical fumes that may remain inside the house.

3. Fumigation Chemical Exposure Symptoms

Watch for symptoms of over-exposure to fumigation gases during and after fumigation, such as nausea, headaches, coughing, breathing difficulties, double vision, dizziness, and fatigue. People who have been exposed to these gases and who experience any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Whether you choose to fumigate your own home or hire professionals, take all the precautions mentioned above to protect your family, pets, and plants that might otherwise be harmed from fumigation gases.