Why fumigation

A few situations in which fumigation might be a viable solution include:. In fact, experienced pest control companies like Harbor Pest Control have many options at their disposal, and we can identify the best plan of attack depending on the nature of the problem.

Contact Harbor Pest Control today to get a free quote. Pests That are Commonly Treated with Fumigation By far, the pest that is most commonly treated using fumigation is the drywall termite. When Does Fumigation Make Sense? A few situations in which fumigation might be a viable solution include: When Food Sources are Compromised — In commercial and industrial settings, fumigation is suitable and safe for situations in which food sources have been contaminated by pests.

Many pest control measures can some time to work, including baits and sprays. Fumigation is quick, often taking care of your pest problem overnight. It permeates a room, even if the room is filled with your belongings. Fumigation can reach where sprays, dusts, aerosols and other typical pest control materials cannot, ensuring complete pest eradication.

Fumigation is ideal in sensitive environments, including food processing and storage facilities. There are reduced residue problems in fumigated areas compared to typical pest control treatments. Fumigation is a great option for pest control and when performed by a trained professional, it can be completely safe and effective. This option is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial facilities facing pest problems. Their labels contain information on correct use, safe storage, and correct disposal of residues and empty containers.

Labels also give antidotes and first-aid treatment in case of exposure. People who handle fumigants must be thoroughly familiar with application procedures, safety equipment, first-aid treatment, and disposal procedures. At least two people must be present when using fumigants and both must have the proper respiratory equipment. The quantity of a fumigant to be applied in a sealed building, vacuum chamber, railcar, or to packed commodities under a tarpaulin is determined by the volume cubic feet of the space.

In most cases, there is no allowance for the space occupied by the commodity. Label instructions for each fumigant determines the basis for applying the fumigant. Proper sealing is most important step in a fumigation. The more tightly sealed the structure, the more efficient the fumigation. Wood and cement blocks are porous, so even well-sealed structures will not hold fumigant gases as well as those made of metal, plastic, masonry, or concrete.

Increased dosages and exposure times can compensate for the loss of gas through porous building materials. Inspect the structure to be fumigated to determine if it can be made sufficiently tight. This includes windows, doors, vents, chimneys, open pipes and structural flaws. Turn off all ventilation, supply air, air conditioning, and any other air moving systems that could negatively affect the fumigation.

Seal cracks, holes and openings. Sealing opening photo: Oklahoma State University. Sealing techniques can include polyethylene sheeting, adhesive tapes and adhesive sprays. Expandable foam or caulking material can work well on structural flaws.

Proper sealing will insure sufficient gas levels inside the fumigated structure and will reduce the chance of unwanted exposures outside of the fumigated area. Sealing seams with silicone caulk photo: factsheets. Susceptibility to fumigants depends on the pest species, its type and stage of development, and its behavior. Fumigant gases usually enter an insect through breathing openings called spiracles. The life stages of the insect that are least active metabolically e.

Stored grain insect life cycles Canada Grain Commission. Masses of insects generate large amounts of dust, damaged grain, webbing and cast skins that interfere with fumigant penetration and increase sorption. Some insects may be sensitive, weakly resistant, or strongly resistant to a specific insecticide. Frequent fumigation at dosages too low to kill all insects promotes problems with resistance.

Fumigant labels give dosages needed for different species of insects and different life stages of those species. For this reason, a fumigator must be familiar with pest biology.