< Previous6FumigationFacts.comHOW TOBAGSUSE NYLOFUMEAll items such as food, feed, drugs (including tobacco) and medicines not adequately packaged (including those items in refrigerators and freezers) must either be removed from the structure being fumigated or sealed in protective Nylofume bags. The Nylofume bags should be “doubled-up” before you fill them with items that need protection. Please follow these instructions carefully While bags are still empty, place one inside another. Double-bagging helps ensure effective protection. Place items inside the inner bag. Do NOT overfill — leave clearance on top for adequate closure of the bags.Twist the top of the inner bag. Fold once and secure the fold in place by using tape or a twist tie. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the outer bag.Check the seal by pressing gently against the sides of the bag and listening for air leaks. No air should be able to escape.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7FumigationFacts.comHelpful tips• Try not to purchase extra food from the grocery store. The more food you have, the more you will need to bag or remove. • Cold and frozen foods in Nylofume bags can be left in the refrigerator and freezer. Remove shelves from the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack bags inside.• Do not use Nylofume bags to store clothing, toys or other nonedible items prior to fumigation. The fumigant completely aerates from these items, so it is unnecessary to place them in bags. IMPORTANT: Keep Nylofume and other such bags out of children’s reach. If you have any questions, make sure to contact your pest management professional.HOW TOBAGSUSE NYLOFUME8FumigationFacts.comADDITIONALEVERY HOME IS UNIQUEDETAILS Every home is different. Below are items that may need special attention. As always, check first with your pest management professional for confirmation and more information. AquariumsBe sure to check with your pest management professional on how to prepare aquariums for fumigation. AwningsRetract all awnings to protect them from the weight of the tarps used for tenting the home.Blinds and drapesYour windows may be opened to allow the fumigant gas to move freely. Raising blinds and opening drapes help the process go more quickly.Burglar alarmsIf any burglar alarms are to be left on, leave operational instructions and your contact information with your pest management professional.Connected structuresConstruction elements connecting buildings, such as conduits and drainage systems, may allow the passage of fumigant from the structure being fumigated to an adjacent structure. Identifying all possible connections between structures is an essential aspect of a fumigation treatment. Let your pest management professional know if you have:• Central vacuum lines• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or metal pipes that house electrical, telephone or cable lines above or below ground• French drains, gutter systems and landscape drains• Hollow block fences (may be covered with stucco), archways or breezewaysExterior doors without locksAll exterior doors to the building being fumigated (including the water heater cabinet) must be secured against unauthorized entry. If no clasp or other locking device exists, the law may require nailing or other methods to secure these doors. Keys for exterior door locks• The law requires all exterior doors, including garage doors, be locked and secured during fumigation. Fumigators use additional locking devices, called secondary locks, on exterior doors that cannot be secured by other means.9FumigationFacts.com• Because fumigators need access to the inside of your home for preparation, you are required to provide keys to the pest management professional for all exterior locked doors, including outdoor sheds within the fumigated space. • Keyless entryway locks can be temporarily recoded for the fumigation to meet security requirements. Outdoor gas grillsTurn off gas at the tank valve for outdoor grills that will be in the fumigated space (covered by tarps).Roof-mounted structuresTo be effective, tarps used for fumigation are heavy. During tenting, roof-mounted items (such as antenna guide wires, satellite dishes, security cameras, weather vanes, etc.) risk being damaged. These items may need to be removed, so check with your pest management professional before the fumigation. Swimming poolsThe gate to a pool area may need to be left open. If you wish to have the property guarded, check with your fumigator for more information.Tree limbs over roofTree limbs growing over the roof should be trimmed to allow room for workers to cover the roof with the tarp.ValuablesMost fumigation companies are not responsible for security against vandalism, theft or breaking and entering before or during the fumigation and aeration procedure or after the property is released for re-entry. It is recommended you remove any highly valuable items from the premises prior to the fumigation. Walk-in safes/security areasAll areas within the structure must be made accessible, including closets, garages and safes. If you have a walk-in or large safe, you may need to be present to open the safe for the fumigator’s inspection before fumigation and after aeration.Waterbed mattressesNo special preparation is needed for waterbed mattresses, and they can be left in the house as is.WeatherFumigation cannot be performed if there is severe weather that would affect fumigation worker safety and the successful completion of the fumigation. In these situations, the fumigation would need to be rescheduled.ADDITIONALEVERY HOME IS UNIQUEDETAILS10FumigationFacts.comFUMIGATIONFAQSWhen can I re-enter my home?The fumigated structures must not be re-entered until they have been tested and certified for re-entry by a licensed fumigator. Specialized equipment is used to test the air to ensure the fumigant has dissipated. In some states, such as California and Florida, a notice will be posted on the door when the building is certified for re-entry. Should I shut off my electricity or water service?No. Electricity and water must be available as it will be necessary to run fans during the fumigation process. Gas service, however, will need to be shut off prior to fumigation. In some areas, three to five days’ notice may be required to schedule this appointment, so leave enough time to make arrangements. Why does my fumigator need a key to my house and garage?The fumigator must have access to all rooms and compartments inside of the structure to perform fumigation services.Why do you recommend watering the soil around my home? Thoroughly watering the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home and the ground around shrubs and plants located adjacent to the structure can help protect them during the tenting process. Watering should be done the day before fumigation. Does a fumigation treatment leave any surface residues?The gas used to fumigate your home does not remain in the home after fumigation. It completely dissipates.Can the air conditioning be left running during fumigation?• Typically, air conditioning is not left on during the fumigation. If you have special circumstances, such as keeping a wine cellar cool, arrangements will need to be made with your pest management professional. • Window air conditioning units should not be left on as they will be covered by the tarps and unable to function.FumigationFacts.com11What precautions are taken to ensure my family’s safety?Your professional licensed fumigator will do four things:• Release a warning agent to deter entry to the home.• Secure doors on your home by using deadbolts or additional locking devices to prevent unauthorized entry.• Open all cupboards, drawers, trunks and vaults to ensure the fumigant gas quickly dissipates from your home.• Use specialized equipment to test the air to ensure the fumigant has dissipated so you may re-enter your home. The fumigant level must be below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirement (1 ppm or less) in all breathing zones. Therefore, as soon as the fumigator clears the structure, you may return to your home.Post-fumigation, my cupboards and drawers were left open. Why?All cupboards, drawers, trunks and vaults must be opened to ensure the fumigant gas quickly dissipates from your home during aeration.FUMIGATIONFAQS12FumigationFacts.com®Trademark of Douglas Products. Vikane is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.These materials have been created specifically for Vikane and no other structural fumigant. These materials may not be copied, whole or in part, or reproduced without the permission of Douglas Products.©2016 Douglas Products.U01-069-145 (09/16) BRFUMIGATIONFACTS1FumigationFacts.comFumigation Planning GuideFUMIGATIONFACTS Fumigation Prep Calendar & Checklist Food & Consumables Checklist How to Use Nylofume Bags Additional Details: Every Home Is Unique Fumigation FAQs Next >