Here are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked recently:

Why do I need to have the gas turned off when I fumigate for termites?

There are two key reasons:

1. Pilot lights react with the fumigant. The flame from any gas appliance can cause a chemical reaction with the fumigant, which is dangerous.

    

2. Risk of explosion. If there’s a gas leak during fumigation, gas could accumulate inside the sealed tent. That buildup poses a serious explosion hazard. This is why gas providers like SDG&E require their own technicians—not the homeowner—to turn off the gas before fumigation begins.

    

Should I repair termite-damaged wood before or after treatment?

It depends on the type of treatment:

• If you’re fumigating, it’s usually better to repair the wood before the tent goes up. That way, if the new wood is infested (which does happen), it will be treated along with the rest of the home.

   

• If you’re spot treating, it’s better to treat before you replace the wood. For example, if you’re replacing a section of fascia, treating first ensures the colony doesn’t extend into a neighboring piece of wood. It’s also important to give the termiticide time to circulate through the existing colony.

   

Do I need to treat if I’m replacing the wood anyway?

Yes. Just because you’re removing damaged wood doesn’t mean the problem is gone. Termites may have spread to adjacent areas that look fine but are actually infested. For example, replacing a fascia board without treating the area could trap an active colony inside a nearby rafter tail.

My neighbor has termites—does that mean I have them too?

Not necessarily. Even if your home is attached to your neighbor’s, termite activity isn’t guaranteed to spread. I’ve inspected many townhome pairs where one has termites and the other doesn’t.

Moisture plays a bigger role than proximity. Termites could be coming from nearby fences, stacked firewood, trees, stumps, or sheds. There are dozens of sources that have nothing to do with your neighbor.

Do I really need to tent my home?

I say “no” to fumigation more often than most inspectors—not because I’m reckless, but because I do thorough inspections and have a lot of experience with non-fumigation treatments.

Some inspectors default to tenting simply because it’s easier. If you’re tired, have a packed schedule, or don’t want to crawl through a dusty attic or tight crawlspace, it’s tempting to take a quick look and just recommend fumigation. But a more detailed inspection can uncover situations where local treatments are just as effective.

Have more questions about termites or fungus?

Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer every single one.