FUMIGATION
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dry wood termites and termite damage can threaten the integrity of your largest investment - your home. What do you do when your pest management professional tells you that your home needs o be fumigated for dry wood 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 with Vikane gas fumigant.
The following answers to common questions about structural fumigation will provide peace of mind as you prepare your home for fumigation with Vikane, the most effective way to eliminate dry wood termites.

 

What is the fumigation process?

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

 

 

What is chloroforming?

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

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 precautions are taken to ensure my family's safety?
Your fumigation 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.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
What do I need to do to prepare for the fumigation?

In addition to the work performed by your fumigation, it is your responsibility to help prepare your home for the fumigation. taking the following steps prior to fumigation. Taking the following steps prior to fumigation helps ensure its success, resulting in the elimination of drywood termites from your home. Check with your fumigation for additional home preparation information.

 
The day before the fumigation .... The day of the fumigation ... After fumigation ...
  • Water the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home to protect outdoor plants and shrubs.
  • Cut back foliage, shrubbery and landscaping at least 18 inches from the structure to allow room for the tarps.
  • Remember to make arrangements for overnight accommodations for you and your pets, as your home may be under fumigation for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Please keep in mind the fumigation may need to be rescheduled if the weather is uncooperative. High winds and rain may hinder a fumigation and cause potential danger to fumigators.

 
  • Remove all plants from your home, including those on outdoor patios.
  • Evacuate all people and pets from the structure
  • Remove mattresses completely enveloped in plastic, such as baby mattresses with water proof covers, or remove the cover themselves.
  • Remove or double-bag any food, feed, drugs and medicinals in special Nylofume* bags your fumigator in plastic, glass, or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacture's airtight seal intact (see sidebar)
  • Seal the Nylofume bags one at a time by twisting the tops, or folding down and sealing with tape, twisty ties, string or rubber bands. DO NOT TIE BAGS IN A KNOT. Your fumigator will provide special instructions on proper bagging procedures for you.
  • It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as Vikatine is a gas and will dissipate from the structure.
  • Remember, once your fumigation is complete, every termite in your structure should be eliminated.

Ask your fumigator to help you determine additional items that need to be double-bagged or removed prior to fumigation. A good rule of thumb is, "when in doubt, take it out". Here are some examples.

Double-bag or remove theses items:

  • Chips, pasta, rice and other foods packaged in plastic bags
  • Cereals, crackers and other foods packaged in cardboard boxes (even if the boxes have never been opened)
  • Spices, salt and pepper shakers, and other items where the seal has been broken
  • Eggs
  • Ice, opened bottled drinking water
  • Butter, cream cheese and any other items stored in a resealed container, including items stored in Tupperware containers
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bags of pet food and bird seed, as well as opened cans

You need not bag or remove these items:

  • Unopened cans (including home-canned goods)
  • Cosmetics, such as lipstick
  • Unopened soda cans and glass bottles
  • Shampoo, soaps and unopened toothpaste and mouthwash
  • Unopened bottles of liquor and wine (stored horizontally)