








































Residential and Commercial Tent Fumigation


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Misener Marine Tugboat // Tampa, Florida



Proven Performance. Superior Support.
| |
Vikane® gas fumigant |
Chemical liquids, dusts, aerosols and foams |
Electrocution (Electro-Gun) |
Microwaves |
Heat (Thermal Pest Eradication) |
| Methodology |
Whole-structure treatment: The entire structure is tarped and thoroughly fumigated with Vikane, killing all detected and undetected termites. |
Spot treatment: Detected, accessible colonies are treated by drilling small holes into which chemicals are injected. |
Spot treatment: Detected, accessible colonies are treated with high-voltage, low current, which kills termites in a localized area. |
Spot treatment: Detected, accessible colonies are treated. Reflective material is placed on outside walls to contain microwaves. Microwave energy heats and kills termites in a localized area. |
Spot/localized treatment: The temperature inside the structure is raised with propane heaters to 140 to 150°F for several hours to one day. Internal wood temperatures must be raised to 120°F for at least 33 minutes to kill termites. (This method requires tarping to treat the entire structure.) |
| Third-Party Validation of Efficacy |
Most thorough, consistent and efficacious treatment of infested structures were evaluated in more than 20 years of university research and nearly 50 years of commercial use. Researchers and pest control operators acknowledge that whole-house fumigation, compared to spot treatments, penetrates better into concealed locations and large volumes of wood are treated more efficiently. |
Research indicates surface treatment alone is inadequate to control existing infestations. The efficacy is highly variable based on active ingredient and formulation. Research documents that surface treatment or gallery injections of liquid borate formulations did not provide adequate control of drywood termites. There is no published, peer-reviewed research on efficacy of many active ingredients and formulations when applied in infested structures. |
Efficacy in limited field trials is highly variable and dependent upon the drill-and-pin method (drill holes to insert copper wire into the termite galleries to direct current). |
Efficacy in limited field trials is highly variable and dependent on treatment time and wattage. |
Efficacy in limited field trials is variable and dependent upon the lethal temperatures achieved in the cores of all infested wood. |
| Limitations on Treatment Application by Termite Location in Structure |
There are no limitations. Vikane penetrates all airspaces in termite galleries within the tarped structure to kill termites. |
Termite colony galleries must be accessible to the applicator. |
Termite colonies must be accessible to the applicator. Common building materials, such as metal, concrete and glass, and depth of termites in wood can interfere with application and limit control. |
Termite colonies must be accessible to the applicator. Metal in walls and heat sinks can interfere with application and limit control. |
Termite colonies must be accessible to the applicator for localized treatment. Large, structural beams and wood in contact with heat sinks, such as concrete and tile, can retard heat distribution. |
| Limitations on Efficacy by Applicator Ability to Detect Termites |
There are no limitations. Vikane penetrates all airspaces in termite galleries to control detected and undetected termites. |
Detecting live termites is critical for treatment efficacy of spot and localized treatments. Undetected colonies will not be treated or controlled. Besides visual inspection, other detection methods include dogs, odor detectors, fiber optics, movement-sensitive devices and feeding sensitive devices. These devices are infrequently used and, except for feeding-sensitive devices, adequate research has not been conducted to confirm their reliability to detect drywood termites. With the uncertainty of current detection methods, the secretive behavior of drywood termites and building construction (drywall or other wall coverings) concealing infestations, there is always doubt as to the location and extent of all drywood termite colonies in buildings that restrict accessibility and limit treatment. |
| Possibility of Damage by Treatment Application |
The possibility of damage is low whether Vikane is used according to the label. Improper tarping may cause damage. |
Injection holes in walls may need repair. |
Up to 80% of treated wood in field trials had visible damage, including burn marks. Holes from the drill-and-pin method damage wall coverings, walls and wood members. Electronic equipment may be damaged. |
Microwave treatment is a potential fire hazard, and the heat generated may severely char wood surfaces or interiors. |
Heat treatment is a potential fire hazard. Heat may irreversibly damage heat-sensitive contents, including paint, plumbing, electronic devices and applicances, cable wiring, plastic blinds, photo materials, audiotapes, videotapes, CDs, plants, batteries, food, cosmetics, spray cans, ammunition, Plexiglas, and wooden artwork. |
Methods to Control Existing Drywood Termite Infestations 
The Value of Vikane® Gas Fumigant Trust the leader in whole-structure fumigation — Vikane® gas fumigant from Dow AgroSciences LLC, the No. 1 whole-structure treatment for drywood termites.
EXPERIENCE
Vikane is a cornerstone of the fumigation industry.
- It is backed by more than 50 years of fumigation experience.
- It has support from a reliable sales and technical team as well as experienced distributor support.
- It is a proven product from the same manufacturer for almost five decades.
- Expertise, support and stewardship help preserve the industry.
QUALITY
Fumigators can rely on Vikane because it is a high-quality product that is made in the United States.
- An efficient manufacturing process is in place to ensure that packaging and cylinders work as they should.
- Dow AgroSciences is a globally recognized leading manufacturer in the pest management industry.
- Adherence to the strictest manufacturing standards ensures product quality and integrity.
- Vikane is specifically designed for whole-structure fumigation for drywood termites.
RELIABILITY
Used for more than 2 million fumigations, Vikane is a proven, trusted product.
- Reputable supplier and established channel partnerships ensure a dependable suply of product.
- This high-quality product provides 100% elimination of drywood termites.
SUPPORT
No one offers more trusted and convenient support than Dow AgroSciences and its distribution partners.
- Service and product support are unparalleled in the industry.
- IN-depth training programs help ensure proper application and safe handling.
- Highly experienced, knowledgeable field representatives provide local support.
- Extensive distribution support includes warehousing, training, product stewardship, DOT-compliant storage, handling of inventory, line of credit that may be available, and more.
- Distribution channel offers a purchasing choice and convenience.
- Technical or claim investigation support is available as well as the industry's cornerstone emergency support.


Preparing for Whole-Structure Fumigation with Vikane® Gas Fumigant Congratulations — you have made the responsible decision to eliminate all of the drywood termites in your home by choosing whole-structure fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant. You can feel pride that you have chosen the No. 1 whole-structure treatment for drywood termites, backed by nearly 50 years of proven performance. There are some preparations that you will need to complete prior to your fumigation, including bagging food and other items, removing pets and plants, and arranging for lodging. Discuss what exact preparations will be expected of you with your fumigation professional.

Trust your decision to treat your home with Vikane® gas fumigant.
• 100 percent elimination of drywood termites
• Proven effective in more than 2 million structures
• Nearly 50 years of trusted fumigation expertise
• Administered by trained, knowledgeable fumigation experts
• Backed by service and support unparalleled in the industry

Make the best out of your decision to eliminate your
drywood termite problem with Vikane gas fumigant.
The peace of mind that comes from knowing a home will be free of drywood termites requires preparing it for whole-structure fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant. Preparation involves bagging food, removing pets and plants, and arranging for lodging. Many homeowners take this opportunity to clean out clutter and get away or visit family. Here are some ideas to consider as part of the preparation process.
Bagging food and other items
Bagging food and other items in special Nylofume® bags, as directed by your fumigation professional, is an essential step when preparing for whole-structure fumigation with Vikane. Here are some suggestions for making bagging fun, easy and rewarding.
- Throw a party to get rid of extra food and any beverages in opened bottles.
- Search the Internet for recipes for creative dishes you can make with the food you have.
- Use this event as an opportunity to clean out your cupboards and refrigerator.
- Donate any unneeded/unwanted food to charity.
Lodging/relocation
While your home is being treated for drywood termites through whole-structure fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant, you will need to find somewhere else to stay. Being away from your home doesn’t have to be an inconvenience — here are some ways to make the best out of your time away.
- Use this event as an opportunity to visit relatives you haven’t seen for awhile.
- Plan a vacation around your fumigation.
- Take advantage of the time away from home to visit local events or attractions.
Removing pets and plants
All pets and plants will need to be removed from your home while the fumigation is taking place. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when making arrangements for your pets and plants.
- Arrange to take your plants to a neighbor’s house or designate an area outside where they will be out of the way of the fumigation crew and tarps.
- Arrange a "play date" for your pets or take them to an animal spa.
- Discuss with your fumigator preparations for large fish tanks and terrariums that cannot be removed during the fumigation.
Security and safety
While you are away from your home, it is normal to be concerned about your personal belongings and valuables. Here are some things you can do to keep your mind at ease during your fumigation.
- For extra security, inform your neighbors that your house is going to be fumigated and ask them to keep an eye out for any strangers or unusual activity.
- Take all your valuables with you, when possible. Create a "valuables checklist" so you can easily make sure everything is in place when you return home.
- Ask your neighbors to pay extra attention to their pets and children to ensure they stay away from the fumigation site.


Know What Needs to Be Bagged Thank you for choosing Vikane® gas fumigant, the treatment that is proven to rid your home of drywood termites. Now that you have chosen whole-structure fumigation with Vikane, certain steps must be taken to keep food items and other perishable goods protected during the fumigation process. It is important to know exactly which household items need to be double-bagged in special Nylofume® bags.
Sample items that will NOT require bagging:
- Any food, feed, drugs (including tobacco products) and medicinals in glass, plastic or metal bottles, jars or cans with the original manufacturer’s airtight seal intact
- Any shampoo and soaps
- Cosmetics, lotions, and any other topical creams, oils and ointments that are nonmedicinal
Sample items that must be bagged or removed from the structure being fumigated: 
Any food, feed, drugs and medicinals in glass, plastic or metal bottles, jars or cans where the original manufacturer’s airtight seal has been broken
Chips, pasta, bread, cereals, rice, cookies, crackers and any other items packaged in plastic, paper or cardboard bags or boxes, even if they have never been opened
Beverages, snacks, sauces, drugs, medicinals or other items in metallic foil-lined containers such as pouches, boxes or blister packs
Anything in resealable containers, including plastic containers, such as milk, butter, sour cream and cottage cheese
Eggs, fruits, vegetables and any other forms of produce
Medicine, tobacco, vitamins and other ingestible pills, supplements and lozenges
Pet food and animal feed in bags and boxes
Ice cubes should be discarded and the icemaker turned off
Do not forget those items in refrigerators and freezers.
When in doubt, take it out.
Any products not listed above that may require protection should be bagged or removed from the structure being fumigated. If you have any questions about what should be bagged, please contact Bay Area Termite & Pest Control.
Nylofume® bags: The trusted way to protect food, feed,
drugs and medicinals from fumigations with Vikane®.
Nylofume bags are made from a special nylon polymer film. Research has shown that these nylon polymer bags are very effective for protecting a wide variety of commodities from Vikane fumigations when used one inside the other. The Nylofume bags should be “doubled-up” before you fill them with items that need protection. All items such as food, feed, drugs and medicinals not adequately packaged (including those items in refrigerators and freezers) must either be removed from the structure being fumigated or sealed in the protective Nylofume bags.
To ensure a tight seal, please follow these instructions carefully:

1. While bags are still empty, place
one inside another.
2. Place items inside the inner bag.
Do NOT overfill — leave clearance
on top for closure of the bags.
3. Twist the top of the inner bag,
fold once and secure the fold in
place using tape or a twist tie.

4. Repeat Step 3 with the outer bag.
5. Check the seal by pressing gently
against the sides of the bag and
listening for air leaks. No air should
be able to escape.
Important: Keep these and other such bags out of the reach of children.

GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT
Vikane® Won't Let the Bed Bugs Bite Once upon a time in Jacksonville, Fla., a family began developing unusual skin rashes. Doctors prescribed treatment, but the problem persisted and their symptoms gradually became more severe. That summer, the family went on vacation and all of their symptoms magically disappeared. Yet, after returning home, the symptoms reappeared. The family was puzzled until the mother awoke in the middle of the night and found bed bugs on her daughter's nightgown and bed. She searched the rest of the family's home and found a massive infestation of bed bugs.
The bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) were collected and quickly identified by an entomologist. The family moved out of the house and the home's interior was sprayed twice with liquid insecticide without successful control. Later, they began to disassemble furniture, remove flooring, wallpaper, baseboards and trim, only to find live bed bugs everywhere. Shocked and at their wit's end, they contacted Dr. Phil Koehler, urban extension specialist at the University of Florida, Gainesville, for help with this problem.
Based on the extent of the infestation and the abundance of small, isolated areas in the home, Dr. Koehler recommended structural fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant to control the bed bugs. The homeowners contacted Hugh Littlefield at Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co. to conduct the fumigation.
"I had never fumigated for bed bugs before," said Littlefield. "I wanted to assemble a team with as much expertise as possible to ensure we achieved control of the bed bugs so this family could get back into their home."
Bruce McCown, technical director for Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co., as well as Dr. Ellen Thomas, senior research biologist for Dow AgroSciences LLC, were both actively involved with this job to offer their knowledge and ensure the fumigation's success.
IT'S SHOW TIME
On Friday, the crew began preparing the structure for fumigation, rearranging items in the structure to set up three introduction sites to allow proper distribution of the fumigant as well as three monitoring lines. It is especially important to follow label directions for preparing a structure for fumigation, including removing plastic covers from any mattresses. The 34,000 cubic foot home was then tarped and sealed.
"We monitored the job to ensure that we were successful in achieving control," explained Littlefield.
Bioassays — test specimens — were used as an additional means to help measure success. A fitted bed sheet infested with live bed bug adults and nymphs was placed in a partially open plastic bag and left inside the structure during fumigation.
At approximately 1:20PM, 2.5 ounces of chloropicrin was released into the structure. Fifteen minutes later, just over 40 pounds of Vikane gas fumigant was introduced at three locations. In accordance with the Vikane product label, three times the drywood termite dosage was used to fumigate the house during the 19-hour exposure period.
Using the Fumiguide™ electronic calculator, the half loss time (HLT) was estimated at 28.9 hours. After fumigant introduction was completed, the crew used a TIF detector to locate any leaks, which were resealed to minimize fumigant loss.
Equilibrium between the three monitoring locations was achieved approximately 45 minutes after fumigant introduction. The equilibrium concentration of Vikane, 33.3 oz / MCF, was greater than the calculated target concentration of 19 oz / MCF, and the actual HLT was 39.3 hours. As a result of the better-than-estimated HLT, a greater equilibrium concentration than calculated, and use of the non-monitored rate, the dosage accumulated in the residence was 496 ounce hours.
A HAPPY ENDING
On Saturday, the tarps were opened and the structure was aerated. An Interscan gas analyzer was used to confirm clearance. With fumigant levels measuring below 5 parts per million, the structure was posted for reentry.
The team removed the fitted bed sheet from the plastic bag and carefully inspected the bioassay unit, and found all the bed bugs were dead. Finally, the terrible infestation was eliminated and the family could return to their home to live "happily ever after." Littlefield and his team were pleased that they completed another successful job.
"Communication amongst the team was truly the backbone of this job's success," explained Littlefield. "With everyone working together and sharing their knowledge, we were able to control the bed bugs and bring a positive fumigation experience to the homeowners."
| Structure size |
34,000 ft³ |
| Slab temperature |
80°F |
| Tarp condition |
Good |
| Seal condition |
Good |
| Underseal |
Slab |
| Wind |
5 mph |
| Hours exposure |
19 |
| Estimated HLT |
28.9 |
| Calculated oz Vikane / 1000 ft³ |
19 |
| Pounds of Vikane introduced |
40.4 |
| Ounces of chloropicrin introduced |
2.5 |
Calculations using the Fumiguide calculator for control of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius)