Are Termite Tenting and Fumigation Safe?

13 Apr Are Termite Tenting and Fumigation Safe?

Termite infestations can cause significant damage to woodworks. That is why if your house is predominantly made of wood, it is important to know proper approaches to counter and prevent termite problems. Otherwise, you would have to bear the expensive cost to repair or replace them.

A popular way to get rid of large colonies of termites completely is termite tenting and fumigation especially in Singpore. It is a popular solution majority of pest control companies offer to end termite problems, including those that infest in the most inconvenient areas like deck wood or walls. In layman’s term, fumigation is exposing the infested area, i.e. your home, office, or any other structure, to a large amount of pesticidal gas. On the other hand, termite tent treatment is a process where the entire structure is already being covered with a tent as the pesticidal gases are being aired out. This is to make sure the gases penetrate into the entire area.

Termite tenting and fumigation Singapore usually takes three to four days to complete. It involves sealing off the entire structure and for it to be successful, detailed preparation is important. The tent that is made out of tarpaulin should seal in the air within the structure in an airtight extent to make sure the gas does not get out. To hold the tent in place for the entire period, the structure has to be sealed completely with the help of stakes, large weights, or any weighted water containers. Once sealing is smoothened out, the pesticidal gas is then pumped inside the tent.

Unlike spot treatments like sprays, bug bombs, and traps that only target particular areas like the attics or the basement, termite tenting and fumigation is intended for the proofing of the entire structure. It has been used as a standard solution for over forty years. However, health issues and environmental concerns have emerged with regards to the treatment. For instance, the chemical or gas used in the treatment is methyl bromide, a colorless and odorless substance that is highly toxic for the termites and all living beings on the area but also has its bad effect to the ozone layer. This gas is said to evaporate fast in the air causing such environmental issues and human beings who happen to ingest or inhale such a chemical can suffer from nervous system and major organ failure such as the lungs, eyes, and the skin.

Because of the nature and hazard of the chemicals and the gas used in termite tenting and fumigation especially when inhaled or ingested, termite tenting and fumigation has been banned in many areas in United States. Also, the process requires to be carried out only by a certified, licensed and professional exterminator.

With methyl bromide gas making tenting and fumigation a potentially risky solution, a lot of professionals have advised using vikane gas instead for the termite fumigation treatments. This gas may be pretty much the same with methyl bromide. If inhaled too much, it can cause vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure, or worst, death. Nonetheless, it is considered a better version of the methyl bromide because it does not leave any residue on the fumigated area, making it way safer for those who would be returning to the structure. However, because it is highly likely that no residue is left, vikane gas is not considered a preventive substance against termites re-infesting. Therefore, applying preventive measures like treating the lumbers used and any woodworks inside the structure should be carried out.

Should you consider, after all, termite tenting and fumigation to eradicate your termite problems at home, bear these points below in mind:

• There is no such legit thing as “eco” fumigation as it still uses chemicals for the treatment.
• It would help if you know very well the chemicals used in the fumigation process to make sure you are well informed of the risks. Do not hesitate asking the pest control company about it.
• Make sure your home is fully ventilated for several days after the treatment just to make sure no gas residue is present when you return home.
• Think your options over. Do not rush it.