What is Vikane gas Fumigant?
Vikane is a colorless,
odorless gas that is non-detectable by people during fumigation, as well as non-staining, non-corrosive and non-flammable.
As a gas Vikane dissipates into the atmosphere and does not deplete the ozone.
What is chloropicrin?
Chloropicrin, a warning agent,
is a colorless liquid with a strong odor, causing tearing of the eyes and throat when used at low concentrations, Chloropicrin
helps ensure a structure is vacated of people and pets prior to fumigation with Vikane. It also serves as a deterrent from
early or accidental entry into a structure under fumigation. At the end of the fumigation, your fumigator aerates both chloropicrin
and Vikane from the structure before allowing you to re-enter your home.
What precautions are taken to ensure my family’s safety?
Your
fumigator takes many precautions to ensure the safety of you, your family, your pets and property before, during and after
the fumigation process. For example, your licensed fumigator will:
- Release chloropicrin, the warning agent used with Vikane, to warn anyone
against entry into the structure.
- Secure the doors on your home with additional locking devices designed to
prevent entry by anyone except the licensed fumigator.
- Post a guard on your property for the full length of the fumigation.
- Use sophisticated equipment to detect when Vikane has dissipated and ensure
your home is clear for re-entry.
What do I need to remove?
Ask your fumigator
to help you determine additional items that need to be removed prior to fumigation. A good rule of thumb is, "when in doubt,
take it out." Here are some examples.
Remove these items:
- Chips, pasta, rice, and other foods packaged in plastic bags
- Cereals, crackers and other foods packaged in cardboard boxes (even if the
boxes have never been opened)
- Spices, salts and pepper shakers, and other items where the seal has been
broken.
- Eggs
- Ice, opened bottled drinking water
- Butter, cream cheese and any other items stored in a resealed container,
including items stored in Tupperware containers
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Bags of pet food and bird seed, as well as opened cans
- Edible frozen contents
You need not remove these items:
- Unopened cans (including home-canned goods)
- Cosmetics, such as lipstick
- Unopened soda cans and glass bottles
- Shampoo, soaps and unopened toothpaste and mouthwash
- Unopened bottles of liquor and wine (stored horizontally)
What do I need to do before fumigation day?
Cut
back foliage, shrubbery and landscaping at least 18 inches from the structure to allow room for the tarps.
Remember to make arrangements for overnight accommodations for you and your
pets, as your home may be under fumigation for at least 3 nights up to 4 days.
Please keep in mind the fumigation may need to be rescheduled if the weather
is uncooperative. High winds and rain may hinder a fumigation and cause potential damage to fumigators.
Try not to purchase extra food from the grocery store. The more you
have, the more you may need to remove.
Call the gas company to arrange an appointment to restore gas service after
the fumigation is complete.
The day of the fumigation.
Remove all plants from
your home, including those on outdoor patios
Evacuate all people and pets from the structure the day fumigation begins.
Remove mattresses completely enveloped in plastic, such as baby mattresses
with water proof covers, or remove the covers themselves, remove any vinyl or leather furniture.
After the fumigation.
It is unnecessary to wash
dishes, linens, clothing, etc., as Vikane is a gas and will dissipate from the structure.
If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for a fumigation,
please contact your fumigator.
