Preparing for termite tenting in Florida is the single biggest variable in whether the fumigation finishes on time without re-do work. A Polk County homeowner who follows the standard prep checklist (food bagging, pet removal, gas coordination, landscaping trim) has a smooth 48–72 hour cycle. A homeowner who skips prep can lose a half-day to gas-leak fixes or have food contamination issues. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed Category 8E fumigator for site-specific prep guidance.
Step-by-step prep workflow
- Bag or remove food. Use Nylofume bags (provided by the fumigator) or remove food entirely. Sealed factory cans, sealed glass jars with screw lids, and sealed mylar/foil pouches are safe in place.
- Pets, plants, aquariums. Everything living goes off-site. Fish tanks, reptiles, houseplants, pet food — off-site.
- Coordinate gas shutoff. The fumigator submits the shutoff request to your utility 5–10 days in advance.
- Open interior. Unlock doors, open cabinets and drawers, remove mattress covers. Roll back rugs.
- Landscaping. Cut back foliage touching the foundation 18 inches. Tarp must seal at grade.
- Lodging. 48–72 hours off-site. Confirm timing with the operator.
- Clearance. Don't re-enter until the fumigator's clearance device signs off.
What can NOT be left in the structure
- Open or partially-used food packages.
- Medications not in original sealed packaging.
- Pets of any kind (mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects).
- Houseplants.
- Tobacco products.
- Refrigerated foods that haven't been bagged.
What's safe to leave
Sealed factory-canned foods, sealed glass jars with screw-on metal lids, and sealed mylar/foil/polyethylene pouches that have not been opened. Most household items including clothing, books, electronics, furniture, and standard construction materials are unaffected by Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride) since the gas leaves no residue.
Related Lakeland Exterminators pages
- Drywood Termite Tenting in Lakeland — service page
- Cost of Termite Tenting in Florida — cost overview
- How Long Does Termite Treatment Take — duration overview
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wash all my dishes after fumigation?
No. Vikane leaves no residue on surfaces that were sealed during exposure. Counters, dishes, and tableware are safe to use after clearance.
Will fumigation damage my refrigerator or electronics?
No. Vikane does not damage refrigerators, electronics, or appliances when the standard prep is followed (open doors and drawers, no aerosol cans inside, food bagged or removed).
Can I leave my houseplants in the garage?
No. The garage is part of the fumigated structure. Plants must be off-site at a separate location.
What if I forget to remove a food item?
If the food was not in factory-sealed packaging, dispose of it. Vikane can affect open food.
How do I find a Lakeland fumigator who provides prep guidance?
Call the number on this page. Operators routed through this line provide written prep checklists and walk through the prep with the homeowner before service.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX — routed to FDACS-licensed pest control operators serving Polk County, FL.