Fumigation is a well-tested and effective method of killing termites. It uses specialized chemicals to fumigate an area.
For this process to work, the chemicals must reach every crack and crevice where termites live and eat. This requires tenting.
How It Works
Termite fumigation is a standard method pest professionals use to kill termites and prevent future infestations. This process involves a gas fumigant penetrating deep into the wood to kill termites.
A professional will erect a tent over the structure before fumigation to ensure the gas can reach every part of the building. This allows the pesticide to reach all areas where termites live and feed.
You and your family must stay out of the home during the fumigation. Also, pets and house plants will need to be removed. During this time, you may hire a sitter or keep a neighbour on the property to watch over your home and keep your property safe.
Tarps
Tarps cover a structure and create a seal that allows the fumigant to penetrate the wood and kill termites. They’re also an excellent way to contain the gas during fumigation and ensure it doesn’t escape into the air.
Before the fumigation begins, a pest control company will prepare your home by sealing up cracks and removing anything that can contaminate the fumigant. Then, the team will place fans in specific locations throughout your house to help circulate the fumigant and ensure it gets to all parts of the structure where it can do the most damage.
Once the tarps are ready, the fumigation process starts. The fumigator will release the proper amount of Vikane fumigant into your home, allowing it to seep deep into the wood and eradicate dry wood termites.
Fogging Devices
Foggers spray a fogging solution to kill pests and control mold, odors and bacteria in indoor spaces. Thermal foggers use heat to vaporize the fogging solution and then spray it out as fog.
Cold foggers, or ULV, do not use heat to vaporize the liquid. They are equipped with motors that produce a high-power, low-pressure air stream.
Thermal foggers have a heated barrel that gets preheated to high temperatures using propane gas or electricity.
The fogging solution is then stored in a tank, and when the fogger is in operation, it pumps the fogging liquid out of the tank. This creates a thick layer of fog sprayed out in the area. It is effective for treating a wide range of pest problems.
Tents
A tent helps keep toxic fumigants contained inside the home during fumigation. Pest control professionals will place a large tent over your home before they spray a termite fumigation chemical to kill all termites in the area.
During the tenting process, they will provide instructions for handling your family, pets, plants, and food. You should bag any perishable foods before they are left unattended or placed in the fridge.
The chemicals used in tent fumigation are highly toxic to people and pets. They will leave a residue on your clothes and utensils that must be washed.
Make re-entry arrangements before the fumigation day so your utility company will turn on the gas and let you back in when the pest experts finish the fumigation. It can take several hours to ventilate your house after the fumigation.
Chemicals
A fumigation specialist will use a range of pesticides to help destroy termites. Some are liquid and will be applied directly to woodwork; others are baits and must be placed strategically.
Several of these treatments are non-repellent and are designed to be transparent to subterranean termites, so they can’t detect the chemical. These chemicals include pyrethroids such as Imidacloprid (Premise), Hachikusan, Fipronyl, and Chlorfenapyr.
In addition to these chemical-based methods, there are also natural and less toxic options. One such option is to heat, which uses propane heaters to raise the temperature of the surrounding air to lethal levels for one to three hours.
