Pre-Fumigation Checklist

A clear, printable checklist that walks homeowners through every step to prepare before tenting — including how to bag food and medications, protect plants, arrange pet accommodations, secure personal items, and ensure the entire home is accessible for the fumigation crew.

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1. Food, Drink & Consumables

• Remove or double-bag all food, drinks, snacks, and spices using Nylofume bags (or approved fumigation bags).

• Double-bag and seal:

  • Open food items

  • All food in refrigerator and freezer

  • Medicine & vitamins

  • Pet food & treats

  • Coffee, tea, sugar, flour, powders

  • ANYTHING in a box, bag, or non-airtight container

• Safe to leave UNBAGGED:

  • Canned goods

  • Factory-sealed jars (unopened)

  • Factory-sealed soda/water bottles

• Remove:

  • Baby formula

  • Cigarettes, loose tobacco

  • Alcohol bottles that have been opened

• Empty or seal:

  • Bread boxes

  • Toasters or storage compartments with food crumbs

2. Plants (Indoor & Outdoor)

• Move all indoor plants off the property (friends, neighbors, porch away from tent).

• Water outdoor plants thoroughly the day before.

• Remove outdoor hanging plants near the structure.

• Trim back vegetation touching the house where the tent will fall.

• Move potted plants 3–5 feet away from exterior walls.

3. Pets & Animals

• Arrange off-site care for:

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Birds

  • Fish tanks (turn off systems and cover aquarium tightly OR relocate if recommended)

  • Reptiles

  • Rodents

• Remove all pet food and treats or double-bag in Nylofume bags.

• Ensure all animals are off the property from start to finish until cleared for re-entry.

4. Personal Items & Access

• Unlock ALL gates, side yards, garages, sheds, and exterior storage areas.

• Provide access to:

  • Attic

  • Detached garages

  • Sub-areas

  • Locked rooms

  • Crawl spaces

• Remove or unlock safes if required by your fumigator.

• Leave one key or lockbox code for fumigation crew entry.

• Disable home alarms or alert alarm company.

5. Home Interior Preparation

• Open:

  • All interior doors

  • Cabinets

  • Drawers

  • Closets

  • Dishwasher and washing machine

• Raise all blinds and open curtains.

• Turn off A/C and heating units.

• Remove plastic mattress covers (if used) to allow proper aeration.

• Protect valuable or fragile items.

6. Exterior Home Preparation

• Remove or secure:

  • Antennas

  • Weather vanes

  • String lights

  • Hanging decorations

  • Wind chimes

  • Patio umbrellas

  • BBQ covers

• Move:

  • Patio furniture away from walls

  • Cars out of driveway

  • Boats, trailers, RVs if near the fumigation zone

• Clean up excessive debris around house perimeter.

7. Plumbing & Utility Prep

• Turn off gas service if required (your fumigation company will tell you).

• Ensure water lines are secure.

• Turn off sprinklers during service days.

• If you have solar, notify fumigator of any fragile mounts or wiring.

8. People / Household Arrangements

• Make arrangements to be out of the home for 48–72 hours depending on your structure and schedule.

• Bring:

  • Medications

  • Toiletries

  • Chargers

  • Children’s essentials

• Plan for hotel or family stay.

• Confirm return date and time with team.

9. Final Morning-Of Checklist

• Remove the final trash.

• Ensure ALL people and pets are out.

• Confirm all windows and doors are closed except where requested (fumigation crew will manage venting).

• Leave keys in designated location.

• Take one last walkthrough for any food or unbagged items.

• Meet the fumigator before leaving, if required.

10. After Fumigation (Re-Entry)

• Wait until a licensed professional clears the home and removes the tent.

• Open windows for ventilation if recommended.

• Dispose of Nylofume bags properly.

• Wipe down surfaces if desired (not required — fumigant leaves no residue).

• Return plants, pets, and belongings.