Frequently Asked Questions

Discuss any questions you may have with your
fumigation professional.

As a property owner, you may have many questions regarding whole-structure fumigation with Vikane^® gas fumigant. Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about whole-structure fumigation and the fumigation process.

What is Vikane^® gas fumigant?
When should I fumigate with Vikane?
Is whole-structure fumigation with Vikane a good choice for real estate transactions?
Does whole-structure fumigation kill other pests in my home, such as spiders, ants and lizards?
Will there be any live termites in my home after whole-structure fumigation?
What do I need to do to prepare for whole-structure fumigation with Vikane?
How do I prepare my fish aquarium for fumigation?
Will Vikane^® gas fumigant cause damage to my home?
Does Vikane^® gas fumigant negatively affect the ozone layer?

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.

When should I fumigate with Vikane?

If a pest management professional finds any one of the following conditions and your home is infested with drywood termites, whole-structure fumigation with Vikane^® gas fumigant is the best treatment option to completely eradicate the infestation.

Home is 5 to 10 years old and has never been fumigated.
Home has been previously spot-treated for drywood termites, and the spot treatment(s) failed.
Home was fumigated 5 to 10 years ago.
Evidence of multiple infestation locations.
Infestations are in inaccessible areas.
Home has extensive, visible drywood termite damage, making it difficult to identify active from inactive infestations.
Drywood termites have swarmed inside the home.
Other homes in the neighborhood have drywood termites.
It is a real estate transaction.

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 drywood termite treatment because it gives both the buyer and seller peace of mind that all of the drywood 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 drywood 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.

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 drywood termites in the home.

What do I need to do to prepare for whole-structure fumigation with Vikane?

In order to prepare your home for fumigation, there are a few steps you will need to take. To view some of the preparations you may need to complete prior to the fumigation watch the Preparing Your Home for Fumigation video.

For more information on what will need to be removed or double-bagged in special Nylofume^® bags before your house is fumigated, consult the "To Bag or Not to Bag" literature piece available in both English and Spanish. Remember – check with your fumigation professional for local policies, procedures, services and advice.

These preparations and being displaced from your home for a short period of time are minor inconveniences considering the peace of mind that comes with knowing all of the drywood termites in the home have been eliminated through whole-structure fumigation with Vikane^® gas fumigant. Download the “Fumigation Tips for the Homeowner” Sell Sheet (202KB PDF) for some creative ways to ease your fumigation concerns.

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’s 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.

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