Post by HappybattlesVikane is a great fumigant.
Chloropictrin is not for killing termites... it's a clearing agent.
They release it into homes and other structures just before it's
completely sealed to make sure no people or pets are inside. They
also release some during fumigation because Vikane has no odor and the
crew needs to know if their "bag" over the structure is leaking. You
can think of it as a VERY powerful tear-gas.
If it's in Hawaii it's probably Formosan termites. Those require that
the home be fumigated AND have a chemical barrier applied to the dirt
around and hopefully under the structure. For that I recommend
Premise.
This posted reply is intended to educate the consumer and clarify the
purpose of Chloropicrin and to confirm that Chloropicrin does not
eradicate termites, whereas Vikane does.
The use of Chloropicrin is REQUIRED for all structural fumigations
that involve Vikane (Sulfuryl Fluoride) fumigant gas. Chloropicrin is
not designed to act as a "clearing" agent. Instead, Chloropicrin
which is SIMILAR to a tear gas and is used as a warning agent to deter
and prevent unauthorized entry by PEOPLE.
Granted that if a person was in the structure during Chloropicrin
introduction, the warning agent would cause that individual to vacate.
This is NOT always the case with pets. With that said, Chloropicrin
should never be used as a vehicle to ensure that the structure has
been vacated by people and pets. In fact, it is specifically stated
by the DowAgro (manufacturer of Vikane) Fumigation Manual that the
fumigator, as a human individual, is responsible to ensure that the
structure has been vacated by all people and pets.
Since Vikane gas is colorless and odorless, the purpose of
Chloropicrin (as it pertains to structural fumigation) is to prevent
and deter unauthorized entry into the structure. This product serves
this purpose in addition to the posting of warning signs and the
application of REQUIRED secondary locks on the primary doors/entryways
of the structure being fumigated.
Chloropicrin should be released into the structure approximately 5-10
minutes prior to sealing the final tarp and introducing Vikane.
The detection of Chloropicrin odor WOULD give the fumigator an
indication that his tarps are inadequately sealed. However, the lack
of Chloropicrin odor does not necessarily mean that a leak does not
exist. Therefore, properly trained fumigators utilize Drager Tubes to
measure the concentration of Chloropicrin in the area (whether inside
or outside of the intended space), and they will use the Fumiscope to
monitor the levels of Vikane fumigant within the structure. The
readings/results of these monitors will dictate whether a leak is
occurring regardless of whether there is or is not a detection of
odor.
While Hawaii does have a very significant problem with Formosan
termites, Drywood (West Indian specie) infestations are extremely
common in Hawaii as well.
It is untrue that Formosan infestations REQUIRE fumigation as well
barrier treatment at the ground level. Very rarely will we ever
recommend tent fumigation as a treatment method for Formosan termites,
UNLESS aerial nests are present and cannot be otherwise addressed.
Fumigation with Vikane when targeting Formosans requires at least 6
times the amount of gas as compared to Drywood termites. While this
may be economocially attractive to a fumigation company, it is not
always economical or necessary for the consumer.
Should you require additional information regarding the structural
fumigation process, proper pre-fumigation preparation tasks, etc.
please do not hesitate to contact us via email or phone. We will
gladly provide you with factual information without any obligation,
even if you reside outside of the Big Island.
Aloha!
Claudine Plasman
Hawaii Fumigation & Pest Control
"Educate your consumer and you empower them to make comprehensive
choices to meet their individual needs."