PROVEN SOLUTIONS. GUARANTEED RESULTS.
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.
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. Sulfuryl fluoride gas fumigant penetrates the entire structure, eliminating termite infestations — even in areas that cannot be directly inspected or reached 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 sulfuryl fluoride gas fumigant documented that drywood termite activity can rebound 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.”
Proven Termite Solutions performs fumigations using sulfuryl fluoride products, including Vikane® and Zythor®, applied in accordance with all label requirements and California regulations.
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
SPOT TREATMENT
Colonies must be found to be treated
VS
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 most comprehensive termite treatment for eliminating drywood termites and wood boring beetles throughout a structure. Any building with wood in the structure is susceptible to infestation.
A sulfuryl fluoride gas fumigant penetrates all air spaces inside the structure, including inside infested wood. This is why structural fumigation is widely considered the most effective method for addressing drywood termite infestations throughout the entire structure.
Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, including products such as Vikane® and Zythor®, has been used for decades in whole-structure termite treatment and remains a trusted solution for protecting homes and commercial properties.
Visit FumigationFacts.com to learn more about structural fumigation and how it works.
You may also download the Fumigation Planning Guide to help you prepare for your scheduled fumigation.