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WHAT IS FUMIGATION?

Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides—or fumigants—to suffocate or poison the pests within. It is used to control pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain, and produce, and is also used during processing of goods to be imported or exported to prevent transfer of exotic organisms. This method also affects the structure itself, affecting pests that inhabit the physical structure, such as woodborers and drywood termites.

Structural fumigation techniques differ from building to building. In a residential setting, a "rubber" tent or tents, typically made of plastic/pvc coated canvas material, may be placed over the entire house while the pesticides are being released into the vacant residence. This process is called tent fumigation, or "tenting". The sealed tent concentrates the poisonous gases and prevents them from escaping into the neighborhood. The process can take up to a week depending on the fumigant used, which is in turn, dependent on the temperature and the pest.

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WHY FUMIGATE?

Imagine trying to find a needle in a haystack. For a spot treatment to be successful, it is necessary to find and thoroughly treat every drywood termite colony in a structure. An infested home may have multiple colonies in different areas. Finding colonies is not easy — it takes a lot of time, effort and expense.

 

Unfortunately, every home contains many areas that are inaccessible to inspection or treatment. Vikane ® gas fumigant penetrates the whole house, so it eliminates termite infestations in the structure — even those hidden in areas that are not possible to inspect or reach with a spot treatment.

 

Spot treatments are not always 100% effective. University research comparing the efficacy of various spot treatments to whole-house fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant documented that drywood termite activity often rebounded within one year after spot treatment. These researchers concluded, “Fumigation is a desirable treatment when total eradication must be ensured or when infestations are widespread or difficult to access for local treatment.”

Why Fumigate?
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WHOLE HOUSE FUMIGATION

Kills all termites, even hidden or inaccessible colonies

One treatment eliminates 100% of termites

No drilling necessary

Residents must prepare their home and leave it for a few days

Costs more than most spot treatments, requires leaving home for a few days and possible kennel costs

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SPOT TREATMENT

Colonies must be found to be treated

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Multiple treatments may be necessary if all termites are not eliminated

Requires drilling

Pest management professionals must inspect the home, and residents may have to leave until the chemical dries

Cost per treatment is less than fumigation, but multiple services are often needed

STRUCTURAL FUMIGATION IS ESSENTIAL

Whole-structure fumigation is the only termite treatment that can ensure 100 percent elimination of drywood termites. Any building with wood in the structure is susceptible to infestation.

A treatment with Vikane® gas fumigant penetrates all air spaces inside the structure, including inside the infested wood. It’s why structural fumigation is the only proven way to get 100 percent drywood termite elimination.

Visit FumigationFacts.com to learn more about the only termite treatment that will completely rid your home of pesky termites.

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Vikane® gas fumigant is the No. 1 brand in whole-structure termite fumigation. A proven drywood termite treatment option for more than 55 years, it has protected more than 2 million homes, historical landmarks, churches, museums, research facilities, colleges and hotels.

You may also download the Fumigation Planning Guide to help you prepare for your scheduled termite fumigation.

Don’t wait. Schedule your FREE Termite Inspection today.

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