Fumigation. Here is what you need to Know

Drywood termites and termite damage can threaten the integrity of you largest investment - your home. What do you do when your pest management professional tells you that your home needs to be fumigate for drywood termites? Do not worry you are not alone.

Millions of homeowners battle termite infestations every year and many of their homes are treated by whole-structure fumigation. The following answers to common questions about structural fumigations will provide peace of mind as you prepare your home for fumigation, the most effective way to eliminate drywood termites.

When should I fumigate?

• If a pest management professional finds any one of the following conditions and your home is infested with drywood termites, whole-structure fumigation is the best treatment option to completely eradicate the infestation.
• Home is 5 to 10 years old and has never been fumigated.
• Home has been previously spot-treated for drywood termites, and the spot treatment(s) failed.
• Home was fumigated 5 to 10 years ago.
• Evidence of multiple infestation locations.
• Infestations are in inaccessible areas.
• Home has extensive, visible drywood termite damage, making it difficult to identify active from inactive infestations.
• Drywood termites have swarmed inside the home.
• Other homes in the neighborhood have drywood termites.
• It is a real estate transaction. 

What is the fumigation process?

The fumigation process usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Your professional fumigator tents your home with large tarps, prepares the interior, seals the tarps, and releases the warning agent. (chloropicrin) into the structure. Then, your fumigator introduces Vikane through a special hose attached to a fumigant cylinder located outside your home.

Contained in the structure for a predetermined time, the fumigant penetrates deep into wood to eliminate drywood termites. After the fumigation is complete, your fumigator aerates and certifies the fumigant from your home, allowing you and your family to re-enter.

What is Vikane gas Fumigant?

Vikane is a colorless, odorless gas that is non-detectable by people during fumigation, as well as non-staining, non-corrosive and non-flammable. As a gas Vikane dissipates into the atmosphere and does not deplete the ozone.

What is chloropicrin?

Chloropicrin, a warning agent, is a colorless liquid with a strong odor, causing tearing of the eyes and throat when used at low concentrations, Chloropicrin helps ensure a structure is vacated of people and pets prior to fumigation with Vikane. It also serves as a deterrent from early or accidental entry into a structure under fumigation. At the end of the fumigation, your fumigator aerates both chloropicrin and Vikane from the structure before allowing you to re-enter your home.

What precautions are taken to ensure my family’s safety?

You fumigator takes many precautions to ensure the safety of you, your family, your pets and property before during and after the fumigation process/ For example, your licensed fumigator will:

• Release chloropicrin, the warning agent used with Vikane, to warn anyone against entry into the structure.
• Secure the doors on your home with additional locking devices designed to prevent entry by anyone except the licensed fumigator
• Use sophisticated equipment to detect when Vikane has dissipated and ensure your home is clear for re-entry.

Call today for a free estimate 1-877-858-FUME (3863)