Fumigation is a method of using a lethal gas to exterminate pests within an enclosed space. One is to seal the structure with plastic, tape or other sealing materials, and the other is by enclosing the structure in a “tent” of vinyl-coated nylon tarpaulins. Fumigation is the process where insects are eliminated from a structure with the use of lethal gas. Fumigations are carried out using essentia
lly two chemicals: Sulfuryl Fluoride and Methyl Bromide. These gases are odorless and colorless and leave no residue. Q:WHAT PREPARATIONS MUST BE TAKEN BEFORE A HOUSE IS FUMIGATED? All persons, pets and plants must be removed from the structure prior to fumigation. (This includes fish and seeds or bulbs intended for planting). Medicines, feed, and food not sealed in metal, glass or highly resistant containers must be removed from the structure or sealed in protective bags as recommended by the fumigant manufacturer. Ask your fumigator any questions you have regarding the fumigation. WILL FUMIGATION ELIMINATE ALL THE TERMITES AND PESTS IN THE STRUCTURE? No, subterranean termites require separate treatments to create a barrier between the structure and their nest in the ground. Under optimum conditions, the target pest will be dead or obviously dying by the end of the fumigation. Drywood termites can remain alive as long as a week after receiving a lethal dose of a fumigant. Lethal doses vary for different pests, depending on the type of fumigant used. It is entirely possible for household pests (such as spiders, cockroaches, etc.) to survive a fumigation with the dosage used for drywood termites. NOTE: Reinfestations of the target pest could occur following a fumigation. Drywood termites and some wood destroying beetles generate small pellets or dust that remains in the tunnels after the insects are killed. You may continue to notice these signs after a fumigation. This does not necessarily mean the fumigation failed. If you have any questions about the success of your treatment, contact your pest control company. Since fumigants have no residual effect, other household pests can reinfect after a fumigation.
