FUMIGATION
Fumigation has been used as a very effective control from time of immemorial it is known that the ancient Egyptians used mercury vapour to supplement other insect control measures including the use of inert dusts.
• INTRODUCTION TO FUMIGATION: fumigation is a hazardous operation, and generally it is a legal requirement that the operator carrying out the fumigation operation holds official certification to perform the fumigation. Fumigation usually involves the following phases.
- First the area to be fumigated is usually covered to create a sealed environment.
- Next the fumigant is released into the space to be fumigated.
- Then, the space is held for a set period while the fumigant gas percolates through the space and acts on and kills any infestation in the product.
- Next the space is ventilated so that the poisonous gases are allowed to escape from the space, and render it safe for humans to enter.
- The correct ventilation of the area is a critical safety aspect of fumigation. It is important to distinguish between the pack or source of the fumigant gas and the environment which has been fumigated.
- While the fumigant pack may be safe and spent, the space will still hold the fumigant gas until it has
The Exterminators (Private) Limited Fumigation Division
- Stack Fumigation
- Container Fumig0ation
- Ship Fumigation
- Training & Competence
- Fumigation Associations Standards
Container fumigation
Container fumigation will be carried out for Quarantine pests according to the NPQS Requirements, ISPN 15 & AQIS standards.
Stack fumigation
Stack fumigation will be carried out to control storage pest on mainly dry commodities. The types of packaging and method of stacking may effect the rate of penetration and hence the exposure times of the treatment, and therefore the success rate of the fumigation. A stack should be built at least 1 m from a wall or another stack, on pallets and not more than 3 pallets high.
Ship fumigation
Ship fumigation is usually carried out on dry commodities or empty vessels & may involve the control of pests in vessels constructed to carry people & goods. Exterminators Fumigaion Division will carry out Ship fumigation with according the international standards & requirements.
Why Exterminators for Fumigation?
- Exterminators staff has undergone intensive training in all aspects of fumigation in England, Malaysia, Australia & Singapore
- Director holds Fumigation Diploma awarded by the British Pest Control Association
- Accredited Fumigators: Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standards for AQIS Australia
• Fumigation Standards:
- ISPN 15 Standards
- NPQS Requirements
- AQIS Standards
• FUMIGANTS:
a fumigant has been defined as a chemical, which reacts in a gaseous state at given temperature & pressure at sufficient concentration & time to be lethal to given pest organism.
TYPE OF FUMIGANTS
- Methly Bromide
- Aluminium Phosphide
- Maganisium Phosphind
- Chloropicrin
- Sulfuryl fluoride
- Carbon Diaxide
- Vikane
In Sri Lanka we use Methyl Bromide + Chloropicrin & Aluminum Phosphide
Methyl Bromide
Methyl bromide was first used as a fumigant in France in 1932. Its convenience and absence of harmful residue lead to its wide use in the distribution of imported foodstuffs and by 1940 it was fully established fumigant.
Methyl bromide is the world most widely used fumigant. 70000 tonnes are manufactured worldwide & 95% is used for fumigation.
Methyl has been restricted to use as fumigant under the Montréal Protocol since it has been found has substance effecting the Ozone Layer. Exemptions are given only for quarantine purposes.
Symptoms of Methyl Bromide Poisoning Headache, Dizziness, Cough, Nausea, Loss of apatite, Abdominal pains, Staggering walk
Phosphine
Phosphine is used as fumigants since 1950s. It is mainly used fumigate dry grain. It is low reacting fumigant, the fumigation enclosure should covered for at least 72 hours.
Symptoms of Phosphine Poisoning Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Weakness, Faintness, Pain in the chest, Cough
