When it comes to fumigating your home, one of the biggest questions that comes up is whether you need to remove all the food from your refrigerator and freezer or if it’s safe to leave it inside. The short answer is that most foods can remain in the fridge and freezer during fumigation, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Why Fumigate a Home?
Fumigation is the process of filling a space with gaseous pesticides in order to eliminate pests like termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and rodents. Licensed professionals use specialized fumigants and techniques to permeate the entire structure with the gas, getting into cracks, crevices, and spaces where pests like to hide.
While powders, traps, sprays, and other methods can help control some pests, fumigation is the most thorough treatment and is sometimes required in severe infestations. Tenting the house helps contain the gases so they can work effectively.
Some key reasons you may need to fumigate your home include:
- Severe termite, roach, or bed bug infestation
- Preparing to sell a home in an area where fumigation certificates are required
- Fulfilling contractual obligations for structural pest control in a new home purchase
- Eradicating pests after renovations or repairs
- Treating an entire apartment building or complex for widespread pests
Is Fumigation Safe for Food?
The fumigants used for homes are highly toxic and designed to kill living pests. However, when done by licensed professionals following all safety guidelines, home fumigation does not pose a significant risk for food contamination.
Here are some tips to ensure your food stays safe if it remains in the refrigerator and freezer during fumigation:
- Double wrap foods in plastic bags and containers with tight seals. This creates a physical barrier preventing gases from getting in.
- Use aluminum foil as an additional wrap for extra protection.
- Tape down any openings in refrigerator and freezer doors.
- Remove any fruits and vegetables that are not in tightly sealed packaging, as gases can be absorbed through produce skins.
- Wipe down the exterior of packaged foods and clean shelves after fumigation is complete.
Fumigant Types and Food Safety
There are a few different types of fumigants used in home and building fumigation, with varying levels of toxicity:
| Fumigant | Toxicity Level |
|---|---|
| Methyl bromide | Highly toxic |
| Sulfuryl fluoride | Moderately toxic |
| Vikane gas | Moderately toxic |
Methyl bromide is being phased out worldwide under the Montreal Protocol due to ozone depletion. Sulfuryl fluoride and Vikane gas have largely replaced it as safer alternatives. While still moderately toxic, they do not pose substantial risks for sealed foods as long as proper precautions are taken.
Which Foods Should You Remove?
To be extra safe, you may want to take out certain foods from the kitchen prior to fumigating. Foods you should throw out or avoid exposing to fumigants include:
- Fresh produce – Fruits, vegetables, herbs
- Baked goods – Bread, pastries, pies
- Open containers – Cereal, pasta, rice, spices
- Liquid foods – Beverages, oils, condiments
- Prepared foods – Leftovers, deli meats, takeout
Packaged foods like canned goods, bottled drinks, and frozen foods are generally safe if surfaces are washed after fumigation. If in doubt, throw it out.
Should You Remove These Foods Before Fumigation?
| Food Item | Remove Before Fumigation? |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruits and vegetables | Yes |
| Milk, yogurt, cheese | Yes |
| Meat, poultry, fish | Yes |
| Baked goods, breads | Yes |
| Canned goods | No |
| Bottled condiments | No |
| Bottled drinks | No |
| Frozen foods | No |
Special Considerations for Appliances
In addition to food, you also need to think about any appliances that connect to water lines and could be contaminated. These include:
- Ice makers – Shut off and empty ice maker
- Water dispensers – Disconnect water lines
- Coffee machine – Remove water reservoir
- Refrigerator water filter – Remove and replace after
Wash out the inside and wipe down the externals of appliances after fumigation. Run ice makers and dispensers for several minutes to flush the lines. Replace water filters as gases can get trapped in the porous materials.
Preparing Kitchen Appliances for Fumigation
| Appliance | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator w/ ice maker | Turn off ice maker, empty bin |
| Sink water filter | Remove filter cartridge |
| Coffee machine | Empty water reservoir |
| Standalone ice machine | Turn off, empty bin |
| Refrigerator water dispenser | Disconnect water line |
Steps after Fumigation is Complete
Once the fumigation process is complete and your home is cleared for re-entry, follow these steps:
- Open windows and use fans to air out any residual gases.
- Wipe down exterior surfaces of packaged foods.
- Clean shelves, drawers, appliances with hot soapy water.
- Run ice makers and dispensers for 5-10 minutes before reconnecting water.
- Replace water filters.
- Throw away any unpackaged foods like fresh produce.
- Enjoy your pest-free kitchen!
Conclusion
While fumigating a home introduces toxic gases, sealed and packaged foods in the refrigerator and freezer are generally safe to leave in place. Double wrapping foods and disconnecting appliances provides additional protection. Open produce and prepared foods should be removed and discarded. With proper precautions, you can keep foods protected and avoid unnecessary waste and spoilage. Follow all recommendations from fumigation technicians to keep your family safe.