A Deep Dive Into Structural Fumigation and Commodity Fumigation

Fumigation is a beneficial, effective method of pest control that targets pests at every stage in the life cycle. Through fumigation, homeowners, property owners, operational managers, or any other client can eliminate pests from the fumigated area thoroughly and completely.

Several types of fumigation services are available, depending on the pest you are targeting and the area that requires pest control. Today, we’re diving deep into two distinct types of fumigation services: structural fumigation and commodity fumigation.

What Is Structural Fumigation?

Most people picture structural fumigation when they hear the term “fumigation.” It requires homes or structures to be completely sealed, usually by a large tarp or tent, so that the airspace inside can be filled with an insect-destroying toxic gas. The technique of filling an enclosed space with this gas is highly effective at targeting hard-to-reach areas normal pesticides cannot easily reach, such as tiny crevices or pores within wood or bedding materials.

What Chemical Is Used for Structural Fumigation?

The main ingredient in the toxic gas applied during a structural fumigation service is sulfuryl fluoride. This is a restricted-use pesticide (RUP), meaning it is not readily available to the public or even the average pest exterminator. Companies that offer fumigation must become certified applicators and train in the proper handling and application procedures.

What Insects Can Structural Fumigation Treat?

Structural fumigation is a viable option for a number of pests inside a home, including:

Bed bugs
Beetles
Ladybugs
Roaches
Termites

In fact, fumigation is such a powerful solution that any creature, including insects, spiders, or rodents, enclosed within the tent will be targeted and eliminated, whether there is an infestation or a small number of certain critters or crawlers present.

What Are the Steps to Receiving Structural Fumigation Service?

Homeowners or property owners who undergo structural fumigation service will need to prepare their home or building and make lodging accommodations for 24-72 hours or longer, depending on the size of the treatment area and the extent of the service.

Step 1: Prepare the House or Building

Clear the house of all family members or residents, along with any pets. Once the service starts, any living creature trapped inside the tarp or tent is likely to be eliminated once exposed to sulfuryl fluoride.

Before exiting for the 24-72+hour period, it’s important to open all dresser drawers, cabinet doors, rooms, and closets so that the gas can reach every nook and cranny inside the home. Place all opened foods and medications, even those in the fridge or freezer, in an air-tight bag (your service provider may provide specialty bags for your convenience). Food items or medication bottles that have not been opened and/or still have an air-tight seal intact can be left out.

Unplug heaters and other electrical heating devices, and turn off any automatic switch controls for your appliances. Anything with a pilot light or anything that can produce an open flame must be turned off completely.

Step 2: Leave the Area for the Designated Period of Time

Once everyone in the home has left the home or building, your team will begin fumigation:

The team will enclose the building with a tarp or tent that will hold the sulfuryl fluoride gas.
The team will secure the area with tape and/or warning signs, preventing others from approaching the area.
The team will strategically and safely pump the chemical gas into your home, monitoring the amount of sulfuryl fluoride—measured in parts per million (ppm)—entering the home.
Once the fumigation period is over, the team will remove the tarp and aerate the building, monitoring levels to ensure that they eventually reach 1 ppm or less.
Once all checks are complete, the team will inform you that you and your family or occupants may reenter.

What Is Commodity/Container Fumigation?

Commodity fumigation, sometimes called container fumigation, is a service that fumigates insect-attracting products and the containers they are stored in to prevent a product-destroying infestation. While structural fumigation is more of a reactive service, commodity fumigation is proactive and secures the products being treated.

Just like structural fumigation, commodity fumigation requires service from a certified and licensed team that is trained to handle the chemicals, equipment, and procedures of proper fumigation per chemical and application method.

What Chemical Is Used for Commodity Fumigation?

Several types of chemicals can be used for commodity fumigation. Your fumigation company will evaluate the product to be treated and choose the right chemical and fumigation method. It’s important to receive service from a team trained to know the correct chemicals to use so that your shipment does not suffer from product condemnation.

Some of the more common chemicals used in commodity fumigation include:

Chlorine dioxide
Ethylene oxide
Formaldehyde
Hydrogen cyanide
Methyl bromide
Naphthalene
Nicotine
Phosphine

What Products Can Be Treated With Commodity or Container Fumigation?

Some of the most common products that require commodity fumigation include:

Animal food products
Bulk food products (rice, nuts, grains, etc.)
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Raw wood and plant products

What Containers Can Be Treated With Commodity or Container Fumigation?

Products can be treated in a variety of containers or storage units, including:

Truck trailers
Box and hopper cars
Shipping containers
Pallets
Food processing storage facilities
Warehouses and other storage areas

What Insects Are Commonly Treated by Commodity Fumigation?

Commodity and container fumigation is most effective at targeting insects that are drawn to food products, or stored product insects (SPIs). These include:

Beetles
Weevils
Moths
Mites

Some providers, like Bizzy Bee Exterminators, are also able to offer offshore brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) treatment for products that are shipped to Australia or New Zealand.

What Are the Benefits of Fumigation?

No matter which type of fumigation service you require, the benefits are significant:

Eliminates pests at all stages in the life cycle
Eliminates pests thoroughly and quickly
Efficiently treats large areas that require pest control
Targets pests in hard-to-reach areas that other pest control methods cannot reach
Protects products without risking contamination or product condemnation
Allows zero insect tolerance in products or structural environments

If you need structural fumigation or commodity fumigation services, call the experts at Bizzy Bee Exterminators!

Our team is licensed and certified to provide fumigation services in the Atlanta Metro Area and surrounding communities.

Call us for a fumigation quote today: 1-800-273-4958

Recent Articles