FUMIGATION

Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides-or fumigants-to suffocate or poison the pests within. It is utilized for control of pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain, and produce, and is also used during processing of goods to be imported or exported to prevent transfer of exotic organisms. This method also affects the structure itself, affecting pests that inhabit the physical structure, such as woodborers and drywood termites.

Fumigation usually involves the following phases: First the area to be fumigated is usually covered to create a sealed environment; next the fumigant is released into the space to be fumigated; then, the space is held for a set period while the fumigant gas percolates through the space and acts on and kills any infestation in the product, next the space is ventilated so that the poisonous gases are allowed to escape from the space, and render it safe for humans to enter.

Structural fumigating techniques differ from building to building, but in houses a rubber tent is often placed over the entire house while the pesticides are being released into the vacant residence. This process is called tent fumigation or "tenting". The sealed tent concentrates the poisonous gases and prevents them from escaping into the neighborhood. The process can take up to a week depending on the fumigant used, which in turn depend on the severity of infestation and size of the building.

Methyl bromide was among the most widely used fumigants until its production and use was restricted by the Montreal Protocol due to its role in ozone depletion.

Widely used fumigants include:

• phosphine
• 1,3-dichloropropene
• chloropicrin
• methyl isocyanate
• hydrogen cyanide
• sulfuryl fluoride
• formaldehyde
• Iodoform

Reasons to Consider Fumigation:

• If you have pests that are deep inside the walls of your structure, fumigation may be necessary to begin control measures. Fumigation will eradicate all pests that have invaded, and ensure that no pests will be sealed inside when ongoing exterior pest treatments are implemented.
• When pests get into food, fumigation is often the only way to eradicate them without destroying those goods. That is why fumigation is used in processing plants, warehouses, food plants, and other large facilities.
• In large pharmaceutical facilities, fumigation can be implemented in a way that is safe for all sensitive materials throughout the structure being treated.
• Fumigation is ideal when container type treatments can be done. If bugs are infesting individual items, those items can be removed, fumigated, and returned. An example of this would be termites infesting antique furniture, or bed bugs infesting household items. Tenting can even be done on site for those individual items. Your pest technician will advise you on the options available.
• When you need a treatment that doesn't leave any residual issues and will not damage sensitive materials in your business, fumigation is the right choice.
• When you need a one-time eradication of targeted pests, fumigation is the right choice. You're not going to get any long term protection with this treatment option. It is a one-time, quick fix for currently infesting pests.

Features on Fumigation Services:

Regulatory compliance and best practice: We unrivaled regulatory expertise ensures the fumigation chemicals and the services we provide are used safely and comply with necessary legislation and industry best practice in all business sectors and countries we operate in. We is accredited to operate fumigation services in countries where we operate. We also follow voluntary Codes of Best Practice for the safe and sustainable use of products determined by bodies such as RAMPS, the Register of Accredited Metallic Phosphide Standards (RAMPS) for safe fumigation.

Shipping fumigation:
Shipping fumigation involves the treatment of the hold of a ship, either full of a commodity or empty, or the treatment of certain areas within the superstructure of the ship itself. The majority of shipping fumigation is done while the vessel is in port. However, under certain government requirements and permits “fumigation in-transit” is permitted where the vessel’s holds are treated during the voyage.

Building and grain store fumigation:
We ProFume treatment has proved successful in cereal mills, bakeries, confectionery plants, animal feed mills, grain and seed storage facilities and for treating some museum artifacts.

Silo fumigation:
Silo fumigation is an effective method for treating large amounts of grain during storage in a silo. It is a viable, alternative service to shipping or container fumigation and can be done at a lower cost due to the volume of most silos.