My House Was Tented Five Years Ago. Do I Need Another Termite Inspection?
A home tented years ago is not automatically due for another fumigation, but previous treatment does not guarantee termites can never return. Here is how to think about it.
A home that was tented years ago isn't automatically due for another fumigation, but previous treatment doesn't guarantee that termites can never return.
Treatment versus ongoing prevention
Fumigation treats the drywood termite colonies inside a structure at the time of treatment. It does not leave lasting protection behind. New colonies can be started later by swarmers from elsewhere in the neighborhood.
There is no fixed re-tenting schedule
You may hear that tenting lasts a set number of years. There is no single number that applies to every home. Whether more treatment is ever needed depends on what an inspection finds, not on the calendar.
Why your records matter
Keep the paperwork from past inspections and treatments: dates, what was found, what was treated and any areas that couldn't be inspected. It helps the next inspector understand your home's history.
Signs worth watching
- Wings near windows, doors or lights
- Fresh pellets on sills or below wood trim
- Mud tubes on the foundation or garage walls
- Blistered, hollow or crumbling wood
When to get a professional reassessment
Consider an inspection if you notice any of these signs, if you're planning remodeling or a sale, or if it has simply been several years and you want peace of mind. UC IPM notes that judging the extent of a drywood infestation requires experience and is best done by a professional.
Treasure Pest offers a FREE termite inspection for Orange County homeowners, with no obligation. See how our inspection works or request your free inspection.
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