Fumigation

Fumigation Process

Preparation
Preparation of the treatment site is done at a time to not interfere with normal business operations. A preparation strategy is developed during our assessment of the fumigation work to ensure optimal safety, positive results, with strict adherence to both state and federal requirements. Remaining preparations are finalized after the plant has formally ceased all normal business activities. We perform all building preparations, including the development of a site-specific safety plan to eliminate the risk of unauthorized entry into the plant, while under treatment.

Exterior Insect Management Treatments
When appropriate and to protect the fumigated site, an exterior barrier treatment will be conducted to protect the integrity of the fumigation. This material is applied with power spray or backpack-type application equipment to assist in the prevention of insects from entering the recently fumigated site.

Monitoring
Our group of highly trained fumigation specialists will monitor gas levels to ensure required concentrations are present. These measurements allow the fumigation team to make strategic decisions on whether additional gas is needed to hit user identified target concentrations. When performing general fumigations, concentrations are measured hourly to establish data points confirming real time success.

Clearing and Aeration
All fumigated spaces must be cleared to a level at, or below the established threshold limit value (TLV). An aeration and clearing plan is formulated prior to the fumigation and included within the fumigation management plan. These plans are intended to meet pre-established timelines for reentry while utilizing the most efficient methods of evacuating the gas.

Fumigants

PROFUME ®
ProFume offers effective and reliable stored product pest control that fits with operational needs, managed through precision fumigation principles. It penetrates quickly, offers broad labeling, and dissipates quickly during aeration. ProFume fumigation delivers customized application providing added flexibility to the end user.

ECO2FUME® (Cylinderized Phosphine)
Eco2Fume fumigant is a non-flammable, pre-mixed, cylinderized mixture of phosphine and carbon dioxide that provides highly effective fumigation under a wide array of applications. The CO2 proves to be an excellent carrier for phosphine while contributing to the non-flammable characteristics of the gas. Eco2Fume provides broad labeling which includes agricultural commodities, processed foods, non-food items, transport containers, including railcars in transit.

Fumigation Alternatives

McCloud Services offers several alternatives to fumigation. We are proud to provide pest management solutions that are highly effective, environmentally friendly and in line with our Environmental Statement.

Temperature Modifications
Heat treatments are a viable non-chemical solution when looking to control stored product insects from within a structure or the equipment inside. Heat treatments are not recommended for commodity or product fumigation because the required temperatures may alter product quality and insulate pests from lethal temperatures. Temperature modification is also not well suited for highly mobile pests, like cockroaches, which may escape heat treated areas. Target temperatures of 120°F or greater will be required for site control. Inspection of the site is required prior to applying heat to ensure suitability.

ULV Treatment & National Organic Program Products
Repeated applications of non-residual insecticides can be helpful in reducing certain types of pests. However, these treatments have no penetration capabilities and are not considered stand-alone strategies for insect management. ULV space treatments may be used in conjunction with other methods to remove inaccessible stages. Products listed under the National Organic Program, such as non-synergized pyrethrins, are available and are helpful in reducing pest populations where fumigants are not an option under organic inspection programs. A variety of other materials, such as synergized insect growth regulators and Vapona, can be used in non-organic certified sites.

Pheromone Mating Disruption Programs
Mating disruption products work by saturating an environment in species specific pheromones to confuse insects and prevent successful mating. Currently, this strategy is available for Indianmeal Moths. With these products, the adult males expend their energy seeking artificial pheromones, reducing the chance of successful mating. Pheromone monitors are installed along with mating disruption dispensers. This product is particularly well suited for sensitive sites where pesticide use may be objectionable, and has proven to be very effective in a wide variety of sites including food protection facilities, warehouses and retail stores.

Sanitation Auditing
Some food processing establishments have supplemented the need for fumigation through strong sanitation, process and a current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) evaluation. By locating areas considered problematic or conducive to pest pressures, often permanent solutions can be found. In some cases adjusting a master sanitation schedule (MSS) or an equipment redesign can prove essential in eliminating root cause.