Tent Fumigation for Drywood Termites

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Structural fumigation, often called tenting, treats an entire house at once by sealing it under tarps and introducing a fumigant gas that reaches termites deep inside the wood. In Palm Beach County it’s mainly used for drywood termites when activity is widespread or hidden in walls and attics. It isn’t always necessary, so we inspect first and recommend tenting only when it’s the right fit for your home.

Drywood termites live inside the wood they eat and don’t need contact with soil. That’s why they can show up in second-floor trim, attic framing or furniture, and why one colony found in a window frame may not be the only one. Fumigation is the one method that treats the whole structure at the same time.

When tenting makes sense for a home

• Drywood activity in several rooms or areas of the house.
• Activity in places that are hard to reach, such as inside walls or ceiling framing.
• Repeated swarms or frass after earlier spot treatments.

When the activity is small and easy to reach, a spot treatment or another termite method may be enough. We’ll tell you honestly which one fits.

How residential fumigation works

Inspection and recommendation

We confirm the termite species and the extent of the activity, then walk you through the options.

Preparing your home

Before the date you’ll get a written prep list. It covers what to remove or seal in special bags, such as food, medicines and some household items, and what to do with pets, houseplants and anything in the yard against the house. Follow it closely and ask us about anything that isn’t clear.

Tenting day and the waiting period

The house is covered and the fumigant is introduced. Everyone, including pets, stays out until the house has been aired out and tested.

Clearance and re-entry

The home is cleared for re-entry only after testing shows it’s ready. We’ll go over anything to check when you return.

Related services and reading

• Termite fumigation for businesses
• Termite fumigation for HOAs and property managers
• What happens when a neighbor tents for termites

Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties

We provide termite fumigation in West Palm Beach, termite fumigation in Lake Clarke Shores and termite fumigation in Tamarac. From our base in Lantana we also serve Lantana, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, plus dozens of other communities in Palm Beach and Broward counties. See all 49 service areas.

Termite tenting FAQ

How long will I be out of my house?

Usually a few days, depending on the size of the house and conditions. We’ll give you the schedule for your home before you book.

Does fumigation prevent future termites?

Fumigation removes the drywood termites inside the structure at the time of treatment, but it doesn’t leave protection behind. New swarms can arrive later, so periodic inspections still matter.

Does tenting treat subterranean termites?

No. Fumigation targets drywood termites in the structure. Subterranean termites come from the soil, so we treat them with Liquid Subterranean Termite Treatment or the Termite Baiting System (BASF Trelona) instead. See termite control for homes.

Do you fumigate condos and commercial buildings?

Yes. See commercial fumigation and fumigation for associations and property managers, where coordinating residents and units is a big part of the job.