Fumigation is a method of eliminating pests and insects from houses, buildings, and processed commodities by using various chemicals (fumigants). The operation is dangerous, as all fumigants are toxic to humans to some extent. When it comes to pest management, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, prevention is better than cure, and a combination of sanitation, mechanical controls, and the use of innocuous inert substances will offer safer and more effective alternatives to fumigation.
Before we dive into the types of fumigation, let’s review the advantages of fumigation in your home or place of business:
1) Quickly eradicate arthropod and/or rodent infestations in commodities and structures.
2) Fumigation penetrates fractures, crevices, and various packing materials, which may limit the effectiveness of insecticide sprays and specks of dust in controlling pests.
3) Leave no unsightly, odorous, or hazardous residue if the site is aerated properly.
The ideal fumigant should not change or harm the treated commodity in any way, nor should it leave any residue that could be hazardous during processing or harmful to the consumer. This is why you must contact professionals that use approved and safe fumigants to tackle different types of pests rather than tackle the problem yourself or call amateurs that can escalate the pest problem from bad to worse.
3 Types Of Fumigation
Gas Fumigation
Gas fumigation employs fumigants in their gaseous states for pest control. According to John Burke Sullivan and Gary R. Krieger in the book “Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures,” gas fumigation is performed within enclosed chambers or by enclosing a space with a gas-proof covering. This method of fumigation, called space fumigation, ensures toxic fumigants are not dispersed into the external environment. Methyl bromide is a gaseous fumigant that is used to control rodents, termites, insects, nematodes, and weeds. Sulfuryl fluoride, a gas fumigant, is used to manage pests in dry fruits, tree nuts, and cereal grains. Gas fumigation must only be attempted after an area is cleared of humans and animals.
Solid Fumigation
Solid fumigation systems and techniques employ solid fumigants for insect control. According to M.R. Ghosh in the book “Concepts of Insect Control,” solid fumigation is carried out by sprinkling tablets, powder, or pellets of measured quantities of fumigants. According to the Wood Center, solid fumigants are typically easier to use and safer than gaseous fumigants and are less harmful to the environment. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, solid fumigants are associated with numerous health concerns. Aluminium phosphide is a solid fumigant that eliminates pests and insects in all stages of development (eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults). It is typically used for pest control in flour, tea, doffer, cotton, and grain. Calcium cyanide is a solid fumigant that reacts with water vapour to form hydrogen cyanide. It effectively eliminates a wide range of pests and should be kept out of the reach of children.
Liquid Fumigation
Liquid fumigation makes use of liquid fumigants to kill mould, pests, and insects. Liquid fumigation is carried out by sprayers, which disperse large quantities of liquid over a desired area. Most liquid fumigants are toxic to humans, flammable, and volatile. According to Timothy J. Gibb and C. Y. Oseto in the book “Arthropod Collection and Identification,” liquid fumigation acts faster than solid fumigation. Liquid fumigation is safest when performed outdoors or within an enclosed fumigation chamber. Examples of liquid fumigants include carbon disulfide, ethyl acetate, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, sulfuryl fluoride, ethylene dichloride, and methyl bromide.
Why Should You Choose Green Safety Limited for Your Next Fumigation?
When you hire us, you are guaranteed professional pest control solutions. We are government-approved and certified. At Green Safety Limited’s fumigation service, we set the standard for modern pest control. We use only safe and approved products. Our licensed and highly trained professionals save you time and money with quick environmental audits and rapid service. Book with us today and say goodbye to recurring pest problems. Contact us today for your home fumigation, office fumigation, factory fumigation and warehouse fumigation.