Fumigation

Sulfuryl fluoride also known as Vikane™ was developed by Dow Chemical in the late 1950s as a structural fumigant. Vikane™ possesses characteristics for the eradication of structure-infesting insects and is used in for the control of drywood termites. Vikane™ is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and does not cause undesirable odors. Vikane™ quickly penetrates structural materials, is effective against a variety of structural pests, and dissipates rapidly during aeration. Since first marketed in the United States in 1961, it has been used to fumigate more than one million buildings, including museums and historic landmarks.

Fumigation Preparation Requirements

• It is the responsibility of the homeowner, occupant, or homeowners’ agent, to have all items on this list completed before the crew arrives; failure may postpone the fumigation.
• Remove all people from the property to be fumigated.
• Remove vehicles from garage/carport, if included.
• Remove all interior and exterior plants, whether potted or hanging in/on buildings(s).
• Remove all pets (including fish and birds). Animals must be removed from the yard – cats included.
• Notify neighbors with cats to keep pets away during fumigation.
• Remove all mattresses enveloped in plastic covers such as baby mattresses, etc. or remove covers (this excludes water beds).
• Open zipped plastic clothes bags.
• Food, feed, drugs and medicines (including those items in refrigerators and freezers) must be removed form fumigation site or sealed in highly resistant containers such as glass, metal or double-bagged in “Fume bags” or equivalent resistant bags. Place one fume bag inside another. Fill inner bag with food and medicines. Twist neck of inner bag tightly to approximately 3/8″ in diameter. Fold twisted neck back upon itself tightly and wrap with tape, twist-tie or equivalent, press bag to check for leaks, No air should be able to escape. Repeat with outer bag. Improperly bagged or un-bagged food will be bagged by the fumigator at a rate of $50 per bag.
• The occupant should soak the soil with water at least 12 inches from the foundation outward, This can be done the evening before and may help to protect plant root growth. Cut back plant growth where possible, 12 to 18 inches away form the exterior of building(s).
• The occupant must turn off any air conditioner unit, thermostat operated or otherwise. If any burglar alarms are to be left on, leave instructions on operation; movement alarms must be turned off.
• We must have access to all areas within the structure, including rooms or garages kept locked, so please make key arrangements before the day of the fumigation, this is required by law. Please indicate where the keys are to be left after the fumigation. If walk-in or large safes exist, you must be present to open safe for our inspection before relocking the safe.
• We request that homeowner or occupant remove antennas when possible: if we must remove them, we will assume no responsibility for any antenna damage or alignment.
• To ensure complete gas ventilation, the fumigator may sometimes have to open your drawers or cabinet work and closets; you may wish to do this prior to the fumigator’s arrival.
• For insurance purposes, we request you remove and take with you any valuables you deem necessary, such as jewelry, furs, etc.
• Electricity must be on in the structure being fumigated. If the electricity is turned off when the fumigation crew arrives, this may cause the fumigation to be postponed.
• Cars should be removed form the structure. In the event a car must remain, keys for the doors and trunk must be provided. A locked vehicle cannot be fumigated and this will cause a cancellation.
• The owner/occupant or agent shall notify that guy of any known construction elements or connections such as ducting, piping, drainage or central vacuum system, that would allow the fumigant to enter any adjacent and/or adjoining structure that is not under fumigation.

In California, as with almost all pest control companies, that guy offers fumigation services through a sub contract agreement with a local direct fumigation providers. In some cases that guy has a direct partnership with the company providing the fumigation. that guy as required by California law is not a branch 1 fumigation provider and does not provide fumigation services other than by sub contract agreements as stipulated by the Structural Pest Control Act.

The information provided above is for education of our consumers.