Termite fumigation, or tenting, covers the whole house and fills it with a gas fumigant to eliminate drywood termites in widespread or hidden infestations. In California only Branch 1 licensed companies may fumigate, and the decision follows an inspection.
Whole-structure fumigation, often called tenting, is used against drywood termites when an infestation is widespread or cannot be reached for local treatment. The building is covered with tarps and filled with a gas fumigant; companies serving San Jose describe using sulfuryl fluoride (sold as Vikane). Fumigation is not a treatment for subterranean termites, which live in the soil.
In California, fumigation is regulated as its own branch of pest control: only companies licensed for Branch 1 by the Structural Pest Control Board may fumigate. Inspection and other termite work fall under Branch 3. Some local companies hold both licenses; others partner with a fumigator. You can check which branches a company holds at pestboard.ca.gov/license.
Fumigation follows an inspection. Local providers describe basing the recommendation on Section 1 findings in the WDO report, then planning preparation, the tenting itself, and aeration with clearance testing before the home is reoccupied. The licensed company will give you its own written preparation instructions; follow those rather than any general guide.
Tenting is not always necessary. UC IPM notes that localized treatments can work when an infestation is accessible and well defined. Through this site you can request an inspection and be matched with a licensed local termite company that can explain whether fumigation or a local treatment fits your home.
What it costs
Prices are not published on this site. Cost depends on the factors in our termite treatment cost guide; a licensed company gives you a free written estimate after inspecting.
How the process works
Send your request
Fill in the form with your address, what you have noticed and what you need (for example a WDO report for a sale). It is a free estimate request.
Branch 3 inspection
A licensed local termite company contacts you to schedule an inspection by a Branch 3 licensed field representative or operator. Under BPC 8516, your written WDO report must arrive within 10 business days of the inspection and before any work begins.
Written proposal
The company explains the Section 1 and Section 2 findings and gives you a written proposal and estimate. You can verify its license at pestboard.ca.gov/license and compare before deciding.
Treatment and repairs
If you go ahead, the licensed company carries out the agreed work: local treatment, soil treatment or baits, or fumigation by a Branch 1 licensee, plus any wood repairs.
Follow-up
Ask the company about any follow-up inspection, bait monitoring or completion documentation. Warranty terms vary by company, so get them in writing.
Related services
Request a Free Estimate
Please note: This website is an independent referral service. It does not perform pest control, inspections, fumigation or repairs. All work is performed by independent companies licensed by the California Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB). Verify any company's license at pestboard.ca.gov/license.