Fumigation

Fumigation controls pests by exposing an enclosed space or material to a toxic gas or vapor. It can penetrate places that sprays and solid treatments may not reach.

Fumigant: A chemical that acts as a pest-control agent in the form of a gas or vapor. Fumigation depends on fumigants reaching target pests at an effective concentration.
Structural fumigation: Fumigation of an entire building to control pests within its structure. This method applies fumigation to buildings, commonly using a sealed enclosure or tent.
Toxicity: The capacity of a substance to cause harm to living organisms. The same toxicity that kills pests can seriously harm people and animals.
Residual insecticide: An insecticide that remains active on a surface after application. Unlike fumigants, residual insecticides act mainly where treated surfaces contact pests.
Methyl bromide: A volatile chemical formerly used widely as a fumigant and restricted under the Montreal Protocol. Its ozone-depleting effects led to major international limits on fumigation use.
Gas concentration-time product: A measure combining a gas concentration with the duration of exposure. Fumigation efficacy depends on both fumigant concentration and exposure time.
Commodity fumigation: Fumigation of stored or transported goods to control pests within or on them. Fumigants can penetrate bulk commodities where surface treatments may be inadequate.
Occupational exposure limit: A regulatory or advisory limit on a worker's exposure to a hazardous substance. Exposure limits help define safe conditions for handling fumigants.
Contact insecticide: An insecticide that harms pests through direct contact with the chemical. Fumigants can reach concealed pests without direct application to each pest.
Phosphine: A highly toxic gas used to fumigate stored commodities and other materials. Its use illustrates both the value and acute hazards of commodity fumigation.

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