Fumigation in Termites Extermination

Termite fumigation is quite effective in ridding eliminating home of termites. By using termite fumigation, the termites are exterminated through the use of a gas that is lethal to them. Typically, Vikane gas or sulfuryl fluoride, used during the fumigation process. Vikane has been commercialized by Dow Chemical Corporation is one of the most popular.  Neither gases have an odor, a color, or leave a residue behind on objects in the home. In addition, chloropicrin, a form of tear gas, is also added to the termite fumigation chemicals as a warning to those entering the premises that fumigation is in process.


By hiring a licensed, professional fumigator or termites exterminator steps should be taken to ensure the safety of the occupants of the home. This includes using chloropicrin, the tear gas mentioned above, to warn anyone attempting to enter the home. In addition, the outer doors to the home will have an additional locking mechanism attached to them; thereby allowing only the fumigator the opportunity to enter the home. Lastly, the fumigator should have equipment to detect when the gases are gone and the home can be re-inhabited.

In preparation for termite fumigation, a few things below need to be done.

• Everything living, including people, pets, and plants, must be removed from the house.

• Any food, medicines, mattresses, box springs, and pillows should be removed or placed in a fume-bag that can be provided by the fumigator.

• Any plants near the exterior of the home should be trimmed so that the fumigators can maneuver near the walls and that area should be watered to prevent the fumigant from absorbing into the soil and killing the plants.

• External devices, such as antennas, satellite dishes, and weather vanes, should be taken off of the home

• Some fencing may need to be removed so that the tarps can completely cover the home.

The termite fumigation period will last from 24 to 48 hours. When the appropriate time period has passed, the fumigator will aerate the home with the help of the fan for another six to eight hours. Once the aeration period is over, the fumigator must certify that the home is ready for re-entry. After certification is complete, the home owner must be aware of side effects, such as headaches, nausea, coughing, or tearing. If any symptoms are experienced, residents must leave the home, contact a physician and report the occurrence to both the company and to any local agencies that record such incidents.