|
Home
Termites
Termite Picture
Inspection Request
Service Area
Fumigations
Treatments Structural Fumigations:
Call today for a free estimate 1 (888) 881-1191 - (909) 597-6953 or click here Inspection Request and send an email. Fumigation. Here is what you need to Know Drywood 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 to be fumigated 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 with Vikane* gas fumigant. The following answers to common questions about structural fumigations will provide peace of mind as you prepare your home for fumigation with Vikane, the most effective way to eliminate drywood termites. 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. 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 fumigator, it is your responsibility to help prepare your home for the 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 fumigator for additional home preparation information. What to bag or remove 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.
You need not bag or remove these items:
Days before the fumigation. 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 reschedule if the weather is uncooperative. High winds and rain may hinder a fumigation and cause potential damage to fumigators. Try not to purchase extra food from the groceries store, the more you have the more you will need to bag or remove. Call the gas company to arrange an appointment to restore gas service. The Gas Company is requiring that the homeowner or agent be present at the time of service restoration and that they show proof that the structure is safe for re-entry. The re-entry notice we post on the front door will suffice, so make sure you keep that notice to show to the Gas Company Representative. The day before the fumigation. Water the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home to protect outdoor plants and shrubs. Gas Company Representative shuts off gas service. Please make sure they have access to gas meter (no locked gates, dogs, etc.) You may stay the night however depending on your home you may loose hot water, heat and your stove. The day of the fumigation. 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 covers themselves. Remove or double-bag and food, feed, drugs and medicines in special Nylofume * bags your fumigator provides. You do not need to bag or remove items in plastic, glass or metal bottles, can or jars with the original manufacture’s airtight seal intact (see below) 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. Double-bag cold or frozen foods and leave them in the refrigerator and freezer. Remove shelves from the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack the bags inside. Be sure to remove or double-bag anything that will be ingested (medicine, spices, etc.). After the fumigation. Meet with Gas Company to restore service. It is not necessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as Vikane is a gas and will dissipate from the structure. Remember, once your fumigation is complete, every drywood termite should be eliminated. If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for a fumigation, please contact your fumigator. Need More Information? To watch the preparation Video, (Click) here Fumigation Preparation and your movie will play on your computer. To save the movie file to your computer for better viewing, (Right click) the movie link and select (Save Target As) and select (Save) when your are comfortable with the destination for your file, and the movie will be saved on your computer. For a detailed preparation list click here fume-notice to see a sample occupants fumigation notice. For details about the Gas Company and structural fumigations click here gas-company For Pesticide disclosure and related information click here occupants For information about Vikane gas fumigant click here vikane-facts Call today for a free estimate 1 (888) 881-1191 - (909) 597-6953 or click here Inspection Request and send an email.
©Copyright 1997-2007 Tiger Termite Control Inc. |
Fumigations are a safe and effective way to control drywood termites. They are cost effective, usually costing less than other treatment options. Fumigations do not have any residual. This means once you return to your home there is no need to wash dishes, furniture, clothing etc... Preparing is not that difficult, it includes carefully reading all documents provided by the termite company. All people, plants and pets must be removed from the structure. Trim plants away from the house and remove or bag up the food and medicines. Then you get a two-day vacation, and you’re done.