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| The fumigation will begin as early as 8:00 a.m. or possibly as late as 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon (sometimes even later!). The exposure period is determined by the fumigator. The average exposure is approximately 24 hours. The fumigators may return to take down the fumigation later in the afternoon even if it was done early the previous day. This is usually due to the fumigators shedule of jobs to perform that day. The approximate time of arrival on either day may be obtained that morning by calling our office. These times are approximate and do not constitute an appointment time, as each job the fumigator performs may take more ot less time than expected.
Each fumigation process is as unique as the shape of each house. It is much like wrapping a very large christmas present with vinyl coated tarps. The purpose of the tarps is to stop air movement between the air inside the tarp and the natural air movement outside. Once the Vikane* gas is dispensed inside the structure, the tarps preserve the proper concentration needed to eliminate the Drywood Termite or Wood Boring Beetle infestations. Each fumigation performed by our company is tested or "monitored" at the beginning and at the end of the gas exposure period to ensure that the proper concentration levels were obtained and maintained. This is why we offer a no excuses "5 YEAR GUARANTEE". In fumigations performed by other companies, the gas levels are estimated based upon the measured size of the structure and the estimated rate of gas loss which will occur during the fumigation. Either of these "estimates" could be inaccurate. If the building is undermeasured, the initial concentration will be too low. This error combined with an accelerated gas loss may lead to a failed fumigation. In our initial monitoring procedures, we found that the occurrance of under exposed structures happened more often than expected. With our monitoring process employed, when accelerated gas loss is detected, adjustments in gas concentration and extended exposure are used to ensure the process is effective. In most cases, we will be able to keep you on schedule. However, this may require that you spend an extra night away from the structure. Upon your return to the structure, all of the fumigant will have been ventilated from the structure and the interior tested with an accurate testing device to ensure that the structure is safe for reoccupancy. However, in rare circumstances, the warning agent Chlorpicrin may still be present in very small amounts. The fumigant is odorless and that is the reason for the use of the Chlorpicrin. Without the warning agent present, a person would not know that they were in the presence fo the fumigant. If you detect a slight burning in your eyes or irritaion of your nose and throat, you are detecting the Chlorpicrin warning agent. Although the effects of Chlorpicrin are irritating, there is little risk of any long term effect. This is the same material that soldiers in boot camp are exposed to during their training. So if you do notice this condition upon return, you do not need fear that you are being posioned, but we suggest that you stay out of the structure for an extra night to avoid unnecessary irritation. In most fumigations there will not be any noticeble traces of Chlorpicrin left in the building when you return. The fumigation will NOT leave any film or residue so there is no need to wash or clean dishes or other articles.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our office or any of the state agencies listed on the "Occupants Fumigation Notice." |
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