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 utilizes 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. We appreciate others seeing us as experts in our field. It also means we must stay ahead in the industry.
We focus on research and development, join professional forums and welcome new technology, and are open to learning new treatment methods.
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 the way we want others to treat us—by 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 look for signs of drywood termites or powderpost beetles. Each pest has different signs, and you need a keen eye to spot them.
If you see any of these signs, act quickly. Consult a pest control expert to check how bad the infestation is. They can also suggest the right treatment.
Step 2. Preparing Your Home or Business for Fumigation
Once we determine that the building needs fumigation, we must follow steps to prepare the home or business. We 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. You should also remove ice cubes and any open food items.
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
- Remove all mattresses covered in plastic or waterproof materials from the house. This includes baby mattresses, diaper-changing pads, and bean bags.
No Need to Worry About Dishes and Utensils
- You don’t need to remove dishes or utensils. The fumigation process uses clear and odorless gases. These gases do not leave any residue or harm 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
Getting your home or business ready for fumigation is important for a successful treatment. The Coastal Fumigators’ Landscaping Team will take care of all the 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 will also move decorative items like mulch, rocks, and gravel. We will cover drainage lines to keep fumigation gases inside. Also, we will move outdoor decorations like bird baths, potted plants, and patio furniture.
Workers will carefully remove any items attached to the building, such as antennae, satellite dishes, and fences. With Coastal Fumigators, you can relax knowing that they will thoroughly prepare your exterior for fumigation without any hassle.
Step 4. Fumigation Process
Once your home and yard are ready, the fumigation process starts. They place a large tent over the whole building. Workers seal this tent tightly with clamps and sandbags to contain the gas fumigant.
Once the tent is secure, our EPA-certified, state-licensed fumigation experts release 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 fumigation experts carefully monitor the gas levels to ensure effective treatment.
After the team completes the fumigation, they remove the tent, and you ventilate your home thoroughly. This allows the fumigant to dissipate safely, ensuring your home is ready for reentry. Using advanced equipment, our licensed team member will check the property. They will ensure that the gas had completely dissipated and the area 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. Inspectors conduct thorough exterior inspections to ensure a secure seal and post additional warning signs around the property. Our state-certified expert administers the fumigant while wearing protective gear.
Step 5. Welcome Home
Once our certified fumigation experts determine it’s safe, you can bring your pets, plants, and other items 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 any surfaces. The structural fumigants are colorless and odorless. They will not leave any residue behind.
- You may also notice that someone has left all your cupboards, drawers, trunks, and vaults open. We took this action to ensure that the fumigant gas dissipates quickly from your home during aeration.
- Our Landscaping Team will set up a time to help you move items that you moved or took away. This includes fences, bird baths, potted plants, and more.
Your Trusted Fumigation Experts in Pest Control
Coastal Fumigators ensures that every step is done carefully. This gives you peace of mind and a safe, pest-free space.
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.
