We hired Vino Vice to provide an overnight security guard during the tenting of our house for termite fumigation and are SO grateful they were available and provided such responsive service. Due to the increasing incidence of home robberies during fumigation, (I know -- unbelievably stupid people risking their lives...), the fumigation company strongly recommends onsite security guard, at least at night, of homes that are normally occupied and have all the contents still there. The homeowner preparation for a fumigation is extensive and VERY stressful in this situation -- not at all like fumigation of an empty house prior to occupancy by new owners. Even removing major valuables and storing securely elsewhere can prove challenging. The peace of mind Vino Vice provided was priceless. During and since our fumigation we have heard countless personal stories of homes burglarized during fumigation!
Finding a security company that provides a single guard for such limited time frame proved to be somewhat challenging until I was told about Vino Vice who provides "Event" security for weddings, parties, and other events. Their website was helpful and when I contacted the owner, Aaron Ulm, by phone, he explained that he gets many calls from homeowners about possibly hiring a guard during fumigation but so far they had been reluctant to pay the expense. We got a quote for having a guard from 9pm to 5am (just after last light after sundown to first light just before sun-up at time of our fumigation) for the 2 nights the tent would be on. After also getting a quote from MarBorg Industries Paso Robles office for a porta-potty rental for 2 nights that would be required for the guard, we decided to go ahead with contracting for both and welcomed Marie her 1st evening to orient her to the property and our expectations. Yes! A FEMALE highly experienced, very professional, personable, and detail-oriented guard who understood the assignment well and kept us informed throughout.
This was in addition to leaving our security alarm system on (but with the few necessary bypassed open windows of a fumigation), all our Ring camera surveillance still on under the tent, additional cameras inside the house, and additional camera from outside the tent facing back of house. The presence of a guard car parked in the driveway and guard patrolling the perimeter of our house about 2x/hour served as additional deterrent to any would-be thieves. Her response if discovering any intruders would be to call the sheriff and then us. Our alarm company also had specific instructions. Our neighbors were all aware and watching as well as monitoring their own surveillance cameras. We definitely covered all bases from a security standpoint! The additional onsite HUMAN presence of the Vino Vice guard and of her car, however, cannot be underestimated and we highly recommend Vino Vice if you are considering security during your house fumigation tenting! The additional expense is much less than cost of lost expensive and possibly irreplaceable belongings. read more