Fumigation Safety & Pre-Treatment Checklist
General guidance on preparing a property for fumigation or pest control treatment. This page covers principles that apply broadly — always follow the specific instructions your technician gives you for the product used on the day.
This is general guidance, not product-specific instructions.
Re-entry times, ventilation requirements and specific precautions vary by the product and method used. Your technician will confirm exact requirements for your treatment before they leave.
Vacating the premises
Everyone — including household members not normally present during the day — should leave the property for the period specified by the technician. Don't return early "just to check," even briefly, before the confirmed re-entry time.
Food preparation & storage
Seal dry food in airtight containers or remove it from the property. Clear countertops and food-preparation surfaces. Confirm with your technician whether fridges and freezers need to be emptied or unplugged for your specific treatment.
Pets and animals
Pets must be removed from the property for the full vacating period, including fish tanks in some cases — ask your technician whether aquariums need to be covered or have air pumps switched off.
Access
Unlock all rooms, storage areas and outbuildings that need treatment before you leave. Let the technician know about any areas that should be avoided (electronics, sensitive documents, valuables).
Ventilation & re-entry
Follow the exact re-entry and ventilation time given by your technician for the product used — this is not the same for every treatment. Once cleared to re-enter, open windows and doors to ventilate before spending extended time inside.
After treatment
Wipe down surfaces that will have direct food contact, such as countertops and dining tables, before use. Continue following any additional precautions your technician noted for the first few days after treatment.
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