When Is Fumigation Treatment Needed?

• A fumigation treatment is a major undertaking, and is generally used when infestations are so severe that spot treatment methods cannot be guaranteed to completely take care of pest infestations. Some homeowners and businesses will decide to fumigate a structure as a way to ensure that all pests are removed from the building.
  
  

Fumigation Treatment Process

• The process of fumigating a structure consists of sealing all of its openings and injecting a gas to permeate the interior environment. One of the methods used in the past, known as a "tape and seal" in the exterminating industry, involved taping plastic over doors and windows to create this seal. However, there are many other ways for interior air to escape, such as crevices between walls and attics and through foundations. A fumigation treatment, which consists of a tent that completely encompasses the structure, is a better way to ensure a proper seal of the building.
  
  

Preparing for a Fumigation

• The exterminator will discuss the fumigation preparation procedures with the occupants of the structure. These procedures include removing or sealing food and medicines with special plastic bags provided by the contractor. Sealed mattresses need to be removed as well. Outside perimeter soil is heavily watered to protect the soil and plants, and outside access, such as gates, is barricaded to prevent accidental entry into the building.
  
  

Day of Fumigation

• The structure must be vacated by all living creatures, including pets and plants. The structure will be sealed completely and the fumigants released under strict EPA and structural pest control guidelines pertaining to volume of gas versus volume of the structure's interior. Although fumigants begin to dissipate within a few hours after dispersal, the building will not be cleared for re-entry until at least 12 to 24 hours after the fumigation treatment. Exterminators will aerate the premises by removing the tent, opening doors and window, and placing fans inside the building. They will then measure the inside air with testing gauges until gas levels reach 3 parts per million (ppm), which is the level approved by EPA guidelines.
  
  

Gases Used for Fumigation

• Many chemical compounds have been developed over the years for use in a fumigation treatment. Methyl bromide is a gas that was used for many years until EPA mandates, under provisions of the Clean Air Act addressing ozone depletion, phased out the use of this gas in 2005. Vikane is another product that has been used for decades. The active ingredient in Vikane is sulfuryl fluoride, and this has also been studied for any dangers it may pose to the atmosphere. A newer fumigant for grain pest elimination mixes phosphine and carbon dioxide as the active ingredients. This product's manufacturer claims that there is less danger of ozone depletion, but further study is needed to verify this claim.