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Most fumigations require two to three days from start to finish. The actual chemical application takes 24 to 48 hours, followed by six to 12 hours of ventilation to ensure safety. You and your pets must remain away from the property during this process. Various factors, including home size, pest type, and weather conditions, can affect the exact timeline.

When conducted by licensed professionals, fumigation is safe for your home's structure and contents. Today's fumigation methods are designed to dissipate completely after proper ventilation. However, you'll need to remove or specially package certain items before treatment begins, including food, medications, and plants. Your fumigation provider will supply detailed instructions for preparing your home.

Fumigation provides more comprehensive results than spot treatments for severe infestations. While spot treatments target visible pests in accessible areas, fumigation penetrates all spaces in your home, including hidden areas where pests breed and hide. Fumigation offers significantly higher success rates for major infestations of termites or bed bugs, though at a higher cost than localized treatments.

Most standard homeowners' insurance policies do not cover fumigation expenses or pest-related treatments. In some cases, if pests have caused structural damage, your policy might cover repairs after the fumigation is complete. Still, the fumigation itself is considered preventative maintenance and therefore not covered. Always check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.