Termite Fumigation

Termites devastate through United States each year and they leave behind damages that are worth millions, if not billions, of dollars. There are many methods of killing these pests and one of the most powerful and proven technique is fumigation. Fumigation is the method of termite elimination from homes or buildings and this act is accomplished with the use of poisonous gas.

There are two types of chemicals that are being used in fumigations and they are Methyl Bromide and Vikane gas fumigant (which is also known as Sulfuryl Flouride). These two chemicals are colorless and odorless and they do not leave any residues-and they are also lethal. Since this is so, before fumigation, all individuals and even the surrounding areas should be prepared before the lethal gassing. Here are some ways to prepare for termite fumigation:

1. Before fumigation, the applicators should introduce small amounts of Chrlopicrin or tear gas. Tear gas is an eye irritant and it could also cause uneasiness on the respiratory system. The State of California has banned the use of Methyl Bromide as a gas fumigant because of the impracticality of its use and also its being expensive.
2. The average home can prepare for termite fumigation by letting inhabitants out (this includes pets such as dogs, cats, birds, even fishes). Anything that is alive and breathing should be taken out of the area that will be fumigated.
3. Seal all medicines and food in special bags (there are fume bags that contractors would be able to discuss with you).
4. Make sure that all plants that surround the area should also be protected. You could do this by heavily watering the surrounding soil. This will prevent the fumigants from affecting the nearby plants or trees.
5. Take down antennas, weather vanes, and chimney caps.
6. Remove all mattresses and pillows from the house. Be more wary with infant mattresses or any type of stuffed toy that you let your infant hold or sleep with. The only exceptions are waterbeds and pillows that are enveloped in waterproof pillow covers.
7. To ascertain that no one enters by accident while the fumigation is ongoing, secondary locks are placed by the fumigation company and they are the only ones who can open these locks.

The fumigation period for Vikane is approximately 16-30 hours. That is about 12-24 hours of waiting period and another 6 hours for aeration of the entire area. And during aeration, the fumigator fans the fumigated areas where all doors and windows should be opened. It will only be safe to enter your home once more when the licensee in-charge has certified that it is safe to go in.

The certification is always the final stage of the termite fumigation process. This means that a re-entry notice has been posted on the property. If, in case, any type of headache, dizziness, vomiting or coughing occurs even after aeration, make sure to contact your area’s local agricultural commissioner to make an incident report. After all the processes that you have undergone for fumigation, kick back and enjoy the fruits of your endurance. After all, there is yet another phase to go through to guard your home against termites for good, and that is the prevention of re-infestation.