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Fumigation services

We have been providing fumigation services throughout the U.S. for decades. We provide on-going training to our pest control technicians enabling them to provide the most efficient fumigation and pest control service, whenever you need it.

Fumigation is recognized as an effective means of targeted control of Stored Product Insects (SPIs) such as beetles, weevils, mites, and moths. It can safeguard businesses such as shipping and cargo, manufacturing, warehousing, milling, and agriculture.

Shipping and cargo fumigation treatments can control infestations of bulk consignments at sea, and in port. This ensures that shipments are transported safely and without risk of contamination.

What are fumigation services?

Fumigation involves sealing a facility or part of a facility and introducing a gas to reduce the pest population. These gases, known as fumigants, penetrate deep into structures, furniture, or stored goods to reach pests that are hidden from sight. This method is effective for treating pests at all life stages, including eggs, larvae, and adults, making it one of the most thorough approaches in pest management. 

Fumigation is commonly used in homes, commercial buildings, and for protecting imported or exported goods. Ehrlich typically performs fumigation as an adjunct to regular pest control services when pest activity exceeds a customer’s threshold level. Some customers even request fumigation on a routine basis to help keep pest populations low. When fumigation is necessary, Ehrlich handles notifying your local authorities for permits.

Why choose professional fumigation?

Hiring professional fumigation services ensures the process is undertaken safely and effectively. Our trained fumigation experts understand how to assess the problem, select the right treatment, and follow strict safety protocols. Professional pest fumigation offers the following benefits:

Comprehensive treatment

Fumigation reaches pests in hidden areas that traditional methods might miss, such as inside walls, cracks, and crevices. This makes it highly effective against termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and other pests.

Targets all life stages

Unlike some pest control methods, fumigation targets all life stages of pests—eggs, larvae, and adults—helping to prevent reinfestation.

Reduces damage and contamination

Fumigation helps protect structures and stored products from severe pest damage, which is especially crucial in agriculture and food storage.

Suitable for large spaces

Fumigation is ideal for large spaces such as warehouses, silos, and shipping containers, ensuring pests are eliminated from every corner.

With access to a wide range of fumigation services, we can ensure the most suitable form of treatment for your pest control needs.

Call Ehrlich today at 800-837-5520 to benefit from fumigation for your business.

The fumigation process

Fumigation and pest control services start with a full inspection to identify the pest type and infestation level. We then seal the space to contain the fumigant and release the selected gas into the sealed space. The gas moves through the air into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide. After the required exposure time, the area is ventilated, or aerated, until it reaches safe levels per label for re-entry. We follow all regulatory guidelines and use state-of-the-art equipment to make sure the treatment is effective and responsible.

Which pests require fumigation?

Fumigation is an effective solution for eliminating pests that are difficult to control with traditional methods. It is often used for termite control, as these pests infest wood and structural elements, and bed bugs, which hide in tiny crevices and are resistant to surface treatments. Cockroaches often require fumigation to reach egg cases and hidden colonies.

For food storage areas, commercial commodity fumigation is crucial for eliminating stored product pests such as grain beetles, weevils, moth larvae, and flour beetles, preventing contamination and protecting inventory. 

Additionally, powderpost beetles and other wood-boring insects like carpenter ants and wood wasps can cause severe structural damage if not properly treated with fumigation, which penetrates deep into wood fibers.

Who is fumigation suitable for?

Fumigation is suitable for both residential and large-scale commercial applications. Homeowners benefit from fumigation to eliminate severe infestations of termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and wood-boring insects hidden deep within walls, attics, and furniture. For property managers handling multi-unit buildings, apartments, and rental properties, fumigation provides an efficient solution for widespread pest problems.  

In commercial facilities such as warehouses, food processing plants, restaurants, and hotels, commercial commodity fumigation can help maintain hygiene standards and prevent contamination from pests like stored product insects, rodents, and cockroaches. Fumigation is also used in agricultural operations, helping to protect grain silos, storage facilities, and crop processing plants from pests which can cause large-scale losses and compromise product quality. 

For importers and exporters, fumigation ensures ISPM 15 compliance by treating wood packaging materials like pallets and crates, preventing the spread of invasive species during international shipping. Additionally, shipping and logistics companies use fumigation to guarantee that cargo containers and ships are pest-free before transport. Even museums and historical sites rely on fumigation to protect valuable artifacts and wooden structures from termites and beetles without causing damage.

Commodity fumigation

A commodity can be described as anything from grain to personal effects imported or exported from one country or state to another. The commodity can be by itself (loose or LCL – loose container load), in container (FCL – full container load), silo or ship.

Silo fumigation

Silo fumigation is a cost-effective method to treat large amounts of grain product within its storage vessel (e.g. a silo). It is a viable alternative service to shipping or container fumigation. The use of Ehrlich’s silo fumigation service can help your business comply with strict food guidelines.

Most silo fumigations are done to save time and money due to the fact that large amounts of products can be treated in one hit for a relatively low cost compared to container or shipping fumigation.

Pressure testing silos: The silo must meet protocols for the product to be suitable for treatment within it. It is recommended that silos are inspected every time before use.

Call Ehrlich at 800-837-5520 or contact us online to arrange an appointment to discuss our full range of fumigation solutions.

Safety and preparations for fumigation

Fumigation requires careful preparation to keep people, animals, and property protected. Before the service begins, our team will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and when it’s safe to return. From sealing the property to post-treatment ventilation, every step is managed with your safety in mind.

Is fumigation safe for humans?

Ehrlich has very strict safety protocols to ensure that our fumigation operations meet the highest possible safety standards. We use state-of-the-art monitoring tools to measure gas levels and ensure spaces are cleared properly. Fumigants are toxic to pests, but strict safety protocols and re-entry testing ensure people and animals are not exposed to harmful levels. Your technician will give you clear information about safety precautions and answer any questions you may have. Always wait for professional clearance before re-entering your property.

What can be left in the property during fumigation?

Our technicians will give you a checklist of items that must be removed, sealed, or double-bagged. Things like food, tobacco, medicines, pets, and some electronics may need special handling. Each property is different, and we tailor instructions to your specific treatment.

Do you need to wipe everything down after fumigation?

Our team will advise you based on the chemicals used. In most cases, wiping everything down is not required, especially if sealed properly beforehand. However, you may choose to clean kitchen surfaces or certain items for peace of mind. Our technicians are happy to answer any questions you have.

Conventional pest control vs. fumigation: making the right choice

Pest control fumigation is often the best choice for tough, widespread infestations. While regular treatments like baiting and spraying can manage many pest problems, fumigation targets pests in hidden places and kills them in all life stages. If you're dealing with hard-to-reach pests or want to make sure no trace is left behind, fumigation may be the better option. Your Ehrlich technician will advise you on the pros and cons of the recommended treatment method.

Contact Ehrlich for expert fumigation services

With over 85 years of global experience, we have the specialist know-how and access to the latest technologies to offer you an efficient service, which can guarantee complete control of your pest or insect infestation.

Call Ehrlich at 800-837-5520 to find out more about the benefits of commodity fumigation for your business.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of pest fumigation?

The cost depends on the size of the area, type of pests, and treatment method. Contact us for a free quote based on your specific needs.

How long should you stay out of the house after fumigation?

Typically, you’ll need to remain out of your property for 24 to 72 hours. This gives the fumigant time to do its job and allows for thorough aeration before it’s safe to return. Our fumigators will provide a clear timeline based on the treatment and ensure your space meets safety standards before re-entry.

Is fumigation 100% effective?

Fumigation is one of the most thorough methods available for targeting pests at all life stages, especially those that hide deep inside walls, floors, or stored goods. While it's highly effective, no treatment offers permanent results without proper preventive treatments. Regular inspections and follow-up care are important to help avoid reinfestation.

What are the types of fumigation?

There are several methods of fumigation, including tenting for homes, silo fumigation for bulk grain, and commodity fumigation for goods in storage or transit. We also offer container fumigation services and shipping fumigation for businesses involved in global trade. Our team will recommend the most effective solution based on your needs.

Is house fumigation worth it?

Fumigation can be an effective pest control method for pests like drywood termites, bed bugs, or other widespread infestations. Your technician will always advise on the best treatment method for your property. Fumigation reaches pests that traditional methods can’t and helps provide peace of mind when other treatments have failed. It can be a powerful option for protecting your home when pests are deeply established.

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