All About Fumigation

Fumigation involves covering the residence with a tent and pumping Vikane Gas into the property. The complete fumigation process takes up to three days and occupants must be vacated from the premises. Although more expensive and troublesome to occupants, Fumigation is the #1 method of eliminating drywood termite infestations. However fumigation will not eliminate future infestations and at Revolex, half the battle is getting rid of the termites the other half is keeping them form coming back. Revolex, Inc. will treat targeted areas of your home to help prevent future infestations with our Boron Mineral Process, which is included with all fume estimates. It is important to note all fumigation services (traditional tenting) are not performed by Revolex, Inc. but sub-contracted to a reputable Branch I, fumigation company, to perform the fumigation process. Drywood treatments and subterranean treatments, and new construction treatment are all performed by Revolex, Inc.

Fumigation is the process where insects are eliminated from a structure with the use of lethal gas. Fumigations are carried out using Vikane Gas Fumigant (Sulfuryl Fluoride) This gas is odorless and colorless and leaves no residue. Therefore, prior to the fumigation, applicators introduce trace amounts of Chloropicrin. Chloropicrin (Tear gas) has a strong odor and will cause respiratory and eye irritation.

Roofing Material Damage?
In regards to roof damage, some roofs are more fragile than others although care and good judgment is practiced roofing damage can occur. Roof insurance options are available and can be discussed at time of an inspection.

Preparation?

1. All people, pets, (including fish and/or fish tanks), and plants must be removed from the home. All food and medicines should be removed or sealed in special bags (we will provide for you )
2. Outside plants close to the structure should be cut back from the house to allow workers access to the walls of the building. The perimeter of the structure should be heavily watered to help prevent the fumigant from moving into the soil and affecting the plants.
3. Antennas, chimney caps, and weather vanes should be removed.
4. Fences without gates attached to the house may need to have some boards removed to allow the tarps to reach the ground.
5. The Vikane label states, "Remove mattresses (except waterbeds) and pillows which are completely enveloped in waterproof covers or remove covers."
6. The gas service to the structure must be turned off by the gas company prior to the fumigation.

Fumigant Dosage Determination:
Because of a multitude of structural, environmental, and fumigation variations, there are no two fumigation jobs that are identical. The required dosage of Vikane is influenced by the temperature at the site, the length of exposure period, and the susceptibility of the pest to be controlled. The typical single family home fumigation involves the use of a 16-18 ounces/1000 cubic foot.

Fumigation period:
Vikane is usually held in the structure for approximately 16-20 hours. Fumigation time is depending upon the factors mentioned previously.

Aeration:
The aeration period is usually 8-10hours. During the aeration, the fumigator aerates the structure with operable doors and windows open and with the aid of a fan for a full hour before securing the structure and allowing a total of six to eight hours of additional aeration.

Entering the structure:
Absolutely no one can enter a structure until it has been certified safe for re-entry by the licensee in-charge of the fumigation. To ensure that even the owner or tenant cannot reenter a structure, the company is required to put a secondary lock on all outside doors that only the company can open.