What is Vikane gas fumigant?
Vikane is a colorless, odorless gas that quickly penetrates structural materials during whole-structure fumigation. Vikane, backed by nearly 50 years of university research, practical use, and published reports is nonstaining, noncorrosive and nonflammable. Vikane quickly dissipates from the structure into the atmosphere and does not damage the ozone layer.
Is whole-structure fumigation with Vikane a good choice for real estate transactions?
Many title companies require that a home is treated for termites before it can be purchased. Also, most buyers expect the home that they are purchasing is going to be treated.
Whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant meets all state and lender requirements for real estate transactions. Whole-structure fumigation is the best dry wood termite treatment because it gives both the buyer and seller peace of mind that all of the dry wood termite colonies have been eliminated.
Does whole-structure fumigation kill other pests in my home, such as spiders, ants, and lizards?
Fumigation professionals calculate the fumigant dosage they use based on the target pest they are eliminating, such as dry wood termites. If you would like to control other pests in your home, talk to your local fumigation professional about setting up a specific pest control plan for those pests. We only guarantee for the target pest we are fumigating for.
Will there be any live termites in my home after whole-structure fumigation?
If you see a few live termites immediately after your home has been fumigated, don't be alarmed. Sometimes it can take three to five days for all of the termites to die. Rest assured whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant will eliminate all of the dry wood termites in the home.
How do I prepare my fish aquarium for fumigation?
Removing your fish aquarium from your home is the best possible option.
If that cannot be done, it is important to work with your fumigation professional to determine the best way to protect aquarium organisms during the fumigation.
Will Vikane gas fumigant cause damage to my home?
Vikane gas fumigant does not react with most materials and is unlikely to cause damage. Your licensed, trained fumigation professional will inspect your property to help ensure that your contents will not be affected.
Does Vikane gas fumigant negatively affect the ozone layer?
No. Sulfuryl fluoride, the active ingredient in Vikane gas fumigant, is not an ozone-depleting chemical. Vikane contains no chlorine or bromine and, thus, does not deplete stratospheric ozone by the known mechanisms. When a structure is aerated, Vikane rapidly dissipates to non-detectable levels.
In 2002 Dow AgroSciences was awarded the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This award recognizes extraordinary achievements, international leadership, and innovation in preserving the ozone layer.
How long is the fumigation process?
The fumigation process is a three-day process for Drywood Termites and a four-day process for Beetles.
How long does it take to put the tarps on?
It takes approximately two hours to put the tarps on depending on the size of the structure.
How long does it take to remove the tarps?
It takes approximately two hours to take the tarps down depending on the size of the structure.
Do antennas have to be removed?
We prefer antennas to be removed, however, we can tape around the antenna if necessary.
Are doors and windows left open?
Doors and windows are left open only when we are there to supervise the property. We never leave the doors and windows open unsupervised.
Wheres does the gas air out if my doors and windows are closed?
The gas dissipates on its own with the natural air circulation throughout the property.
What preparation work is required outside?
Remove, trim, or rake back any plants, flower pots, bushes, rocks, branches, etc. that are up against the property atleast twelve inches. Antennas need to be taken down and fence boards removed.
What items do I need to remove from the property?
Any foods, medications, anything living: people, pets, and plants.
What food items do I need to bag up?
We recommend that all food be removed entirely from the property. If your primary contractor (termite company)provides you with Nylo Fume bags, you may double bag your food and put it back in your refrigerator, freezer , or store on kitchenif refrigeration is not necessary. If they do not provide bags, all food items must be REMOVED from the property. THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Does makeup, shampoo/conditioner, and lotions need to be removed?
Make-up, shampoo/conditioner, and lotions DO NOT need to be removed. The gas does not have an odor and does not leave any residue.The gas will not have any chemical reactions with these items.
Do sprinkler system, automatic light timers, and alarm need to be turned off?
The sprinkler system does not have to be turned off as long as the timer does not go off while we are tenting the property.Automatic light timers must be turned off if the lights are outside so that the tarps are not melted. Alarm systems may be left onbut we do need the alarm code if you choose to do so.
Do items around the crawl space, attic area have to be emptied out?
Items do not have to be completely removed but access area to the crawl space or attic must be cleared.
Do safes need to be left unlocked?
If the safe is big enough to fit a human being inside, we are required to look inside the safe. The Safe may be lockedafter we do so.
Why do the fumigators have to go inside the property?
The fumigators must go inside the property to ensure no living beings remain inside, and that proper preparation has been done.
Why does the soil around the house have to be watered?
The soil must be watered in order to soak up the roots of the plants on the outside of the property and to helpget a better seal when we tent the property.
Do all mattresses have to be removed?
Infant/baby, hospital, and any mattress with a vinyl type of fabric covering must be removed from the property. If you have a sipped plastic/vinyl mattress cover, you only have to unzip the end of the cover. The same holds true forzippered clothing bags. They need to be unzipped.
Does ice in the ice maker have to be emptied out when the fumigation is completed?
The ice in the ice maker should be emptied out after the fumigation is completed.
Does water softening system have to removed or cleaned out during and after the fumigation?
The water softening system does not have to be removed or cleaned out during or after the fumigation.
Will plants die under the tent?
Plants will not necessarily die under the tent but we can not guarantee their survival. We recommend you water them wellthe night before or completely remove the plants from the property.
Why is a roof release necessary?
When performing fumigations it is necessary to walk and or work on roofs of structures. This obviously creates situations wheredamage to delicate or old roofs can be unavoidable. We do not wish to unnecessarily damage anyone's floor and use our best care toensure minimal damage if any.
Who calls SoCalGas/PG&E?
We will call to schedule the gas shut off. It is the responsibility of the homeowner/tenant to call SoCalGas/PG&E to schedule the gas to be turned on.
Where is the key left during the fumigation?
The key will be secured during the fumigation process. Secondary locks will be used to prevent anyone other thanour fumigators to enter the property.
What happens to the mail during the fumigation?
The mail will be redelivered after the tents come off the property if the mailbox is connected to the structure.
What time can occupants reenter property?
The occupant may reenter their property anytime after 1pm on the final day of the fumigation.
How long is the warranty?
The warranty for the fumigation varies depending on the inspection company. The inspection company will haveto be contacted in order to receive this information.
Can cars be left inside the garage?
Cars can be left inside the garage if we have access to the trunk and the doors are unlocked.
Does the gas pocket?
Yes, that is why all drawers, cupboards, trunks, vaults, doors & windows must be opened.
What do you do to prevent pocketing?
We use fans and open all drawers, cupboards, trunks, vaults, doors & windows
Is there a need to wash items following a fumigation?
The gas we use leaves no residue, so washing items is not necessary.
How long does it usually take for a new infestation to appear?
An infestation implies an established colony, and evidence of established colony usually takes three to five years to show, after they have established themselves in a property.
I have a tile roof, do expect to break some of them during the fumigation?
Depending on the type of tile and age, some tiles may be broken. We do however take every possible precaution to reduce the amount of tiles that will be broken.
Do I have to notify my neighbors?
Currently only as a matter of courtesy, however, if we require access to any part of their property to be able to complete our work, then a neighbors release will be needed.
