Molly Ayala
Termite treatment is an essential process to get rid of termite infestations in homes or businesses. While electricity is not turned off during fumigation, it is recommended to unplug all electrical appliances and disconnect electronic devices during treatment to avoid damaging circuits. This is because fumigation involves filling the infested area with gas and using tarps to enclose the space, creating a potential safety hazard if electricity is not cut off. Additionally, with the use of specialized equipment like Electro-Guns, technicians can harness high-voltage electricity to zap and kill termites, making it crucial to take necessary precautions with electrical systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity turned off during termite treatment | No, electricity is not turned off during termite treatment. However, all electronic devices should be disconnected before the treatment to avoid damaging the circuits. |
| Types of termite treatment | Fumigation, Electro-Gun treatment, pesticide treatment |
| Fumigation preparation | Remove all food, medicines, and valuables from the property, unplug all electrical appliances, trim and water plants, open all doors and cabinets, pack away clothing and bedding |
| Fumigation duration | 3–4 days |
| Electro-Gun treatment | A non-chemical electronic system for killing drywood termites in a localized part of a home or business. It uses 90,000+ volts of high-frequency electricity to kill termites by electrical shock |
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What You'll Learn
Electricity is not turned off during termite treatment
There are several termite treatment options, including Electro-Guns, fumigation, and pesticides. While electricity is used in some treatments, it is not necessary to turn off the electricity during the process.
Electro-Guns are a non-chemical electronic system for killing drywood termites in a localized part of a home or business. They shoot out 90,000 volts of high-frequency electricity into wood, zapping and killing the termites nesting inside. While this method does not require electricity to be turned off, it is recommended that all electronic devices be disconnected before treatment to avoid damaging circuits.
Fumigation is another effective termite treatment, particularly for severe infestations in multiple places. This method involves filling the infested property with fumigants, which consist of harmful chemicals. Before fumigation, it is recommended to unplug all electrical appliances and have the gas company cut the gas supply until the treatment is over. However, the electricity supply is typically left on to prevent any safety issues, such as leaks, that may arise from a complete shutdown.
Pesticides are also used to treat termite infestations, but it is unclear whether electricity needs to be turned off during this process. Overall, while electricity may be used or impacted by certain termite treatment methods, it is generally not required to be turned off during the process.
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Gas is turned off during termite treatment
When it comes to termite treatment, it is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. One critical aspect is addressing the gas supply in the property undergoing treatment.
Before initiating termite treatment, it is crucial to contact your gas company and request that they cut off the gas supply until the fumigation is completed. This step is essential for two primary reasons. Firstly, the gas used for fumigation is harmful to humans, pets, and even houseplants, so it is imperative to eliminate any potential ignition sources. Secondly, the gas fumigant needs to spread throughout the property to effectively reach and eradicate termites in all affected areas.
Fumigation companies typically advise homeowners to contact their gas company well in advance of the scheduled fumigation. By doing so, homeowners can ensure that the gas supply is shut off before the treatment begins, and they can also make the necessary arrangements for alternative accommodations during the treatment process. It is worth noting that some fumigation companies offer warranties against new infestations for a specified period after treatment.
After the fumigation treatment is completed, it is essential to ensure that your home is safe to re-enter. Reputable termite treatment companies will take precautions, such as pulling the gas out of the property using fans and waiting for an extra day to ensure the complete removal of the fumigant. Air samples are then taken to measure the concentration of the gas, and only when it reaches a safe level, typically 5 parts per million or lower, is the property certified as safe for re-entry.
To restore the gas supply after fumigation, homeowners should keep the “clear to enter” sign intact, as it may be required by the utility company representative before turning on the gas supply. It is important to note that gas companies may have specific requirements for scheduling a gas supply restoration, such as providing advance notice of at least one business day. In some cases, larger meters or multiple meters in a single location may necessitate additional time for restoration.
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Electricity-based termite treatment methods
The Electro-Gun is positioned a few inches away from the wood surface or wall where the termite colony is nesting. It then sends electricity through the wood into the galleries, zapping and killing the termites. The gun's effectiveness is due to its ability to safely convert standard 120v, 60 cycle house current into 90,000 volts at 60,000 cycles per second, but at a very low current. This high voltage overcomes the natural resistance of the wood to electrical current flow, allowing the current to penetrate the wood and flow into the galleries and nests of drywood termites, killing them by electrical shock.
The Electro-Gun is a non-chemical electronic system that is safe for both operators and occupants. The very low current levels and the pulsing action prevent an undue rise in temperature, avoiding any scorching or burning of the wood. There is no residual danger to pets or humans, and there is no need to move out of the home or remove food, plants, clothing, or furniture during treatment.
However, it is important to note that the Electro-Gun is only meant for treating localized infestations. If the termite infestation is widespread or the technician is unsure of the extent of the tunnels, pesticides may be a more effective option. Additionally, all electronic devices should be disconnected before treatment to avoid damaging the circuits.
While the Electro-Gun is a highly effective method for treating termites, it is not a foolproof solution. A follow-up treatment, such as injecting borate into wall cavities, may be necessary to ensure the complete elimination of termites.
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Fumigation preparation
Fumigation is an effective termite treatment against drywood termites. It is a common method used to control drywood termites in residential structures. It is often recommended when the infestation is severe and present in multiple places. Here are some essential fumigation preparation tips:
Prepare your home
Fumigation treatment involves the use of fumigants, which consist of harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to prepare your house before the treatment. Your fumigator will provide you with a comprehensive list of preparation instructions. Some common tips include:
- Trimming the plants and shrubbery and leaving a gap of at least 18 inches from the outer wall of your house so that the tent can be erected.
- Watering the plants to keep them moist and safe from the chemicals.
- Removing all plants present in your home.
- Opening all doors between the rooms to ensure that the chemical spreads through the house.
- Opening all cabinets, cupboards, drawers and drapes.
Pack away items
- Pack away all clothing and bedding. Double bag and store them in the appropriate place for effective protection from the fumigants.
- Porous items absorb gas and should be stored away.
- Take your valuables with you.
- Remove all edible items like food and medicines or double bag them. Food for people, animals and pets, as well as tobacco products and medicines can remain in your home if they are in plastic, glass or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact.
Unplug electrical appliances
- Unplug all electrical appliances.
- Talk to the gas company and have them cut the supply until the fumigation is over.
- If you are using an Electro-Gun for termite treatment, all electronic devices should be disconnected before the treatment to avoid damaging the circuits.
Make arrangements for accommodation
- Make arrangements for your family and pets to stay away from the house for several days. The fumigation preparation, treatment and aeration can take up to 72 hours.
- The fumigator might supply additional home preparation instructions and documents for your signature.
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Electro-Gun termite treatment
Termites can cause significant damage to your home by eating away at the wood used in construction. Since the wood they feed on is often out of sight, you must be proactive in your efforts to protect your home. One effective and non-invasive treatment option is the Electro-Gun.
The Electro-Gun is a non-chemical electronic system for killing drywood termites in a localized part of your home or business. It combines high-frequency and high voltage to overcome wood’s natural resistance to electrical current flow. The gun shoots 90,000 volts of high-frequency electricity into the wood, zapping the termites nesting inside. The electricity is pulsed on and off at a rate of 60 times per second, with each pulse having a frequency of 60,000 Hz. The very low current levels and the pulsing action, together with the “skin effect”, provide operator and occupant safety by preventing an undue rise in temperature, thus preventing scorching or burning of the wood.
The Electro-Gun is positioned a few inches away from the wood surface or wall where the colony is nesting. By slowly “scanning” the surface of the wood, a technician can usually tell by listening to the Electro-Gun’s sound and observing the pattern of the electrical current flow that they have found a termite gallery. Since electricity will always follow the path of least resistance, when the termites or galleries (tunnels) are encountered, the current will flow into the gallery and to the termites, killing them.
While Electro-Guns are highly effective, they are not foolproof. All electronic devices should be disconnected before the treatment to avoid damaging the circuits. The only way to guarantee all the termites are gone for good is with a follow-up termite treatment. Technicians can inject a treatment like borate into the wall cavities to coat the tunnels and any survivors.
The Electro-Gun is not always a viable option. If the termite infestation is widespread or the technician is unsure of the tunnels' exact locations and reach, pesticides must be used.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the electricity can be kept on during termite treatment. However, all electronic devices should be disconnected before the treatment to avoid damaging the circuits.
The Electro-Gun is a non-chemical system for killing drywood termites in a localized part of your home or business. It shoots out 90,000 volts of high-frequency electricity into wood, zapping and killing the termites nesting inside.
Preparation for termite treatment involves removing all consumables, pets, and clothing from the home. It is also important to unplug all electrical appliances and turn off the gas supply.
