subject: Termite Fumigation Issues [print this page] Have you recently found out that you have a dangerous termite infestation? Have you recently been told that you will need to use gas on them because it is the fastest method of termite control and you do not have any time to lose? If so, toxic gas probably is the only answer.
However no one would blame you for being a bit concerned about having your house filled with poisonous gas. It does not sound a very healthy environment to have to live, eat and sleep in afterwards, does it? The good news is that there is little reason for concern, particularly if you use a reputable firm with a history of using gas on termites.
Vikane is one of the most frequently used gases for the gassing of termites. It is usually used with a procedure called tenting. Tenting means quite literally putting a tent over the whole structure concerned, say your home.
The tent is then sealed as much as feasible, the Vikane gas is pumped in and fans are used to make sure that it is dispersed throughout your house, including your attic and basement. The gas is left to do its deadly work for a day within the sealed up tent and within your house.
On the second day, the tent is removed and the house is aired making use of the fans again. Delicate instruments are used to determine the levels of gas in all parts of your home and when the pest controller is convinced that the levels of gas have dropped to where your house is safe for human occupancy, you will be allowed to move back in. That will usually be on the third day.
Vikane does not leave a sticky deposit, so it will not leave a coating on your furniture which you will have to wash off later. When the house has been thoroughly aired, all the gas will have gone, although there may still be a couple of harmless pockets left behind rafters and joists in the attic and basement.
Tenting your house may give you grounds to think that the gas must be dangerous for surrounding wildlife or your neighbours, but this is not the reason for tenting. The tent is put up in order to retain the gas against the outside of the exterior walls of your house as well, so that it is treated from inside and out, although it does help prevent wasting gas also.
This tenting system of fumigation with Vikane is a very successful method of getting rid of an infestation of termites from a building. In fact, it is so efficient that your contractor should issue you with a guarantee, although you may have to have the procedure repeated every year or two in order to maintain the guarantee.
Vikane is aimed solely at termites, so it will not kill any other eco-system that has established itself within your house. It will not kill spiders, ants, bed bugs or cockroaches. More's the pity, I can hear you saying.
