🔐 Securing Your Home During Fumigation:

Understanding California Laws (Updated 2025)

1. Natural Gas Safety & Coordination

Before tenting begins, California mandates utility shutoff of natural gas lines. Only certified utility personnel—such as SoCalGas or SDG&E teams—may perform this shutdown, usually requiring two business days’ notice.

Once fumigation is complete and the tent removed, gas is safely restored only with a “Certification for Re-entry” from your fumigator.

2. Fumigant Use, Monitoring & Protection

California regulators are assessing fumigant risks, particularly sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide. Sulfuryl fluoride proves safe post-tenting, but methyl bromide still raises concerns, prompting extra safety measures near neighborhoods and schools. To safeguard during fumigation, provide your address to the service provider and ask for carbon scrubbers or sensors for additional protection. Your safety is paramount.

3. Value Protection During Vacancies

When a home is undergoing fumigation, it is typically unoccupied for 2 to 3 days, making it highly vulnerable to burglary or vandalism. Criminals often recognize the telltale signs of fumigation tents and may target these properties knowing no one will be present. To reduce the risk of theft, it’s strongly recommended that homeowners remove all valuables—including electronics, important documents, firearms, jewelry, and prescription medications—or secure them in a trusted off-site location such as a safety deposit box or storage facility. Additionally, homeowners should consider implementing temporary security measures during the fumigation period. Options include hiring licensed security guards for routine property patrols, installing portable surveillance cameras with remote monitoring, or using motion-activated lighting and alarm systems. These proactive steps not only deter potential intruders but also provide peace of mind while your home is being treated.

4. Ingredient Transparency & Cleaner Practices

California’s Cleaning Product Right-to-Know Act (SB 258) requires full disclosure of chemicals used in fumigation-related products—especially cleaning agents—starting in 2025

Look for SDS sheets or QR codes detailing active ingredients, and opt for formulations with lower environmental and health risks.

✅ Your Secure Fumigation Checklist

Before Fumigation

📞 Schedule gas shut-off & tenting

🧪 Share location details for monitoring

During Tent Period

📦 Remove or secure valuables

👷 Arrange security patrols or cameras

After Re-Entry

✅ Provide certification & schedule gas restoration

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Ensure safe return post-ventilation

Talk to the Experts

Excell Security partners with licensed fumigators and utilities to offer gas shutoff/turn-on coordination, temporary security detail, and consultation on safer pest management options. Interested? Contact us to explore customized fumigation/security packages! 619-579-0442

By staying informed on evolving laws—from utility coordination to pesticide disclosure—you protect your home, the environment, and your loved ones during fumigation. Did you recently fumigate or consider new security measures? Share your experience below!