Fumigation is method of pest control that completely fills 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 these 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.
Fumigation generally involves the following phases: First the area intended to be fumigated is usually covered to create a sealed environment; next the fumigant is released into the space to be fumigated; then, the space is held for a set period while these fumigant gas percolates through the space and acts on and kills any infestation in the product, next the space is ventilated at poisonous gases are allowed to escape from space, and render it safe for humans to enter. If successful, the fumigated area is now safe and pest free.
Structural fumigation techniques differ for building to building, but in houses a rubber tent is often placed over the entire house while the pesticides are being released in 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 severity of infestation and size of the building.
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