Homeowner's Guide · Vol. 03
Under
The
Tent
Tent fumigation explained — the Vikane gas we use, how to get ready, and what it costs.
Inside this guide
When termites are everywhere, treat everything.
Some drywood termite colonies are too widespread or too hidden to reach with a drill. Fumigation fills the whole structure so no board is missed.
- 03What is fumigation?
- 05Meet Vikane
- 07Getting ready
- 09What it costs
- 11Contact Exxel
Chapter 01
What is tent fumigation?
The home is covered with heavy tarps, sealed, and filled with a gas fumigant. The gas moves through walls, attics, framing and furniture — anywhere air can go.
Because it reaches wood no inspector can see or drill, it's the go-to treatment for widespread drywood termite infestations.
How it's done
Four steps.
Inspect & quote
A licensed inspector confirms drywood termite activity and gives you a written price.
Prepare
You bag food and medicine, plan for pets and plants, and the gas service is shut off.
Tent & release
The home is covered with tarps and Vikane is released to reach every board.
Aerate & clear
Tarps come off, the home airs out and is tested before you move back in.
Chapter 02
Meet
Vikane
Vikane is the brand name for sulfuryl fluoride, a gas fumigant used to treat homes for drywood termites. It's a gas — not a spray or a liquid — so it travels deep into the wood where colonies live.
It's odorless and doesn't leave a residue on furniture, clothes or dishes. Once the home is aired out, the gas is gone.
05 · Exxel Termite Co.
How Vikane works
Every board.
Fills
Under the tent, the gas spreads through the whole structure — walls, attic, framing and furniture.
Penetrates
It moves into the wood itself, reaching termites deep in their galleries.
Clears
Afterward it airs out completely. The home is tested before anyone goes back in.
No residual protection is left behind, so fixing damaged wood and keeping up inspections still matter.
Chapter 03
Getting ready
We give you a full checklist ahead of time. Most homes need:
- Food, medicine and pet food bagged in special fumigation bags or removed
- People, pets and indoor plants out of the home
- Gas service shut off before tenting
- Plants next to the house watered well, and access cleared around the walls
- Plans for 2–3 days away from home
At a glance
Fumigation vs. local
| Fumigation | Local | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Whole structure | Targeted areas |
| Move out? | 2–3 days | No |
| Bag food? | Yes | No |
| Best for | Widespread or hidden drywood | Accessible, defined activity |
| Reaches | Every board | Treated spots |
An inspection tells you which one your home actually needs.
Chapter 04
What it costs
Most single-family homes
$1,500–$3,000
Your price depends on things like:
- Size of the home
- Roof type and height
- Access around the house
- Number of structures being tented
Quick answers
Good to know
What gas is used for termite fumigation?
Vikane, a sulfuryl fluoride gas fumigant. It is odorless and leaves no residue on surfaces.
How much does termite fumigation cost?
For most single-family homes, tent fumigation costs about $1,500 to $3,000. Size, roof type and access affect the final price.
How long will I be out of my home?
Plan on about 2 to 3 days. You return only after the home is cleared with a gas detector.
Do I need to bag my food?
Yes. Food, medicine and pet food that isn't factory-sealed goes into special fumigation bags or leaves the house.
Chapter 05
Get an exact price.
Book a free inspection and we'll tell you if fumigation is needed — and what it will cost for your home.
11 · Exxel Termite Co.
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