Coastal Fumigators Team Experience
The team at Coastal Fumigators has over 100 years of combined experience in the fumigation industry. Our structural fumigation experts are both EPA-regulated and state-certified and have extensive experience in structural and commodity fumigation. As the leading experts in the industry, the Texas Department of Agriculture has utilized our expertise in training other pest control professionals and offering insight on challenging fumigation jobs.
Leadership at Coastal Fumigators
Lewis Herron, our Branch Manager, is an esteemed leader who heads the team at Coastal Fumigators. With a career that began in 1979, Lewis brings almost 20 years of invaluable experience to the company. Lewis is highly respected in the industry, holding numerous licenses and having served on multiple pest control association boards. He is recognized as the leading figure for the annual continuing education class hosted by Coastal Fumigators.
Our Lead Fumigation Supervisor, Denny Clifton, has been an invaluable member of Coastal Fumigators since 1995. With state certifications in Structural Fumigation, Commodity Fumigation, and Termite Control, Denny possesses extensive expertise in all facets of fumigation. Denny is a valuable asset to our team, upholds the highest standards, and prioritizes compliance with laws and regulations.
Carlos San Juan has been the Crew Leader for Fumigation at Coastal Fumigators since 1994. He has extensive experience in fumigation jobs, both big and small. As the team leader, Carlos is responsible for training Coastal Fumigators team members. He has full confidence in his team’s experience and expertise, making them the ideal choice for any fumigation job.
Expertise and Dedication in Fumigation
Coastal Fumigators has built a strong reputation by prioritizing the protection of our community from the damaging effects of drywood termites or powderpost beetles. Being recognized as industry experts is appreciated and comes with the responsibility to ensure we stay at the forefront of the industry. We continue to focus on research and development, participate in professional forums, embrace technological advances, and remain open to learning new treatment strategies.
Using Our Experience to Educate Our Customers
At Coastal Fumigators, we believe educating our customers and setting the proper expectations is critical. We treat you how we would want to be treated—empathizing with you during an overwhelming experience. From the first interaction, we outline the process, provide thorough documentation and guides, and maintain clear communication.
With our extensive knowledge, we proactively address many questions and concerns. Here, we’ve broken down our process into five clear steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience:
- Professional Pest Inspection
- Customer Preparation for Fumigation
- Exterior Preparation by Coastal Landscaping Services
- Fumigation Process by the Coastal Fumigators Crew
- Welcome Home!
Explore each step to understand how we make your home pest-free and safe again.
Step 1. The Importance of the Inspection
Identifying the need for fumigation starts with a state-certified Inspector. During the inspection process, they will look for signs of drywood termites or powderpost beetles. Signs for each pest differ, and a keen eye is needed to spot them. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly and consult a pest control professional to assess the extent of the infestation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Step 2. Preparing Your Home or Business for Fumigation
Once it’s determined that the structure must be fumigated, certain steps must be taken for the fumigation to take place within the home or business. We will provide a detailed consumer guide to help you prepare. Here is a brief overview of some of the most common items that will need to be addressed:
Vacate the Home
- Ensure all people, pets (including fish, birds, and reptiles), and plants are out of the house before fumigation. Arrange accommodations for your family and pets, as they must stay out of the home during the process. Some pets may require specialized boarding facilities.
Remove Food, Medications, and Beverages
- Remove all food, medications, and beverages not in factory-sealed glass or metal containers. Don’t forget to check the refrigerator, freezer, water coolers, and even pet food. Ice cubes and any open food items should also be removed.
Remove Alcohol and Tobacco Products
- Remove alcohol and tobacco products from your home, including wine bottles and cigars.
Take Out Personal Care Items
- Remove cosmetics, skincare products, dental hygiene items, and anything else that comes into contact with your skin or mouth.
Remove Waterproof-Covered Items
- Mattresses fully covered in plastic or waterproof materials, including baby mattresses, diaper-changing pads, and bean bags, should be removed from the house.
No Need to Worry About Dishes and Utensils
- You don’t need to remove dishes or utensils. The fumigation process uses colorless and odorless gasses that won’t leave any residue or affect paint, finishes, or fabrics.
Following these steps will ensure your home is ready for fumigation, protecting your belongings and loved ones.
Step 3. Exterior Preparation by Coastal Fumigators Landscaping
Preparing the exterior of your home or business for fumigation is essential for a successful treatment, and Coastal Fumigators’ Landscaping Team is here to handle all the necessary steps for you. Our team will ensure a 12-inch clearance around your structure, allowing the tent to fall evenly and maintain a secure seal. This may involve uprooting plants, trimming vines, and pruning shrubs.
We’ll also move decorative elements like mulch, rocks, and gravel and cover drainage lines to keep fumigation gases contained. Additionally, outdoor decorations such as bird baths, potted plants, and patio furniture will be relocated, and any items attached to the building—like antennae, satellite dishes, and fences—will be carefully removed. With Coastal Fumigators, you can rest assured that your exterior will be thoroughly prepared for fumigation without any hassle.
Step 4. Fumigation Process
Once your home and landscaping have been thoroughly prepared, the fumigation process begins with placing a large tent over the entire structure. This tent is sealed tightly using clamps and sandbags to contain the gas fumigant.
Once the tent is secure, our EPA-certified, state-licensed fumigator releases the fumigant. It penetrates deep into every corner of your home, reaching pests hidden in walls, floors, and furniture. The fumigant gas is odorless and colorless and doesn’t leave behind any residue or affect your belongings. During this phase, the fumigator carefully monitors the gas levels to ensure effective treatment.
After the fumigation is complete, the tent is removed, and your home undergoes a thorough ventilation process. This allows the fumigant to dissipate safely, ensuring your home is ready for reentry. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, our licensed crew member will inspect the property to confirm that all the gas has cleared and the environment is safe.
Safety Protocols During Fumigation
Special safety measures are implemented throughout the fumigation process to protect you, our team, and the public. We follow strict safety protocols and provide onsite 24-hour monitoring during the entire fumigation process.
We also use signs, lock boxes, and key blocks to prevent unauthorized entry for added security. Thorough exterior inspections are conducted to ensure a secure seal, with additional warning signs posted around the property. Our state-certified expert administers the fumigant while wearing protective gear.
Step 5. Welcome Home
Once our state-certified experts have given you the all-clear, you can bring your pets, plants, and other belongings back into your home or business! Here are a few key items to keep in mind as you head back to your PEST-FREE HOME or BUSINESS:
- You do not need to clean or wipe down any surfaces, as the structural fumigants are colorless and odorless and will not leave any residue behind.
- You may also notice that all your cupboards, drawers, trunks, and vaults have been left open. This was done to ensure that the fumigant gas dissipates quickly from your home during aeration.
- Our Landscaping Team will schedule an appointment with you to reposition items that were detached or moved away from the structure, such as fences, bird baths, potted plants, etc.
Your Trusted Experts in Pest Control
Coastal Fumigators ensures that every step of the process is handled with care, providing you with peace of mind and a secure, pest-free environment. Think you might have termites? Scheduling an appointment for an inspection is easy! Head to our “Schedule an Inspection” page or call (713) 862-8224.
