Termite and bed bug fumigations are important services, and as with any service, there are a number of professional fumigators and pest control companies. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your fumigation professional. 

You can rest assured your home is in good hands with a Dow AgroSciences-trained fumigation professional.

Track records can be important. Entrepreneurial spirit keeps the economy alive and well. Still, it’s good to know that the pest control company with whom you will trust your home has a good track record. When calling fumigation companies, ask how long they’ve been in business and how many fumigations they’ve performed. And ask them if they can provide references or referrals from satisfied customers. You might also check with third parties, like your state’s Pest Control Board, Department of Agriculture, or the Better Business Bureau, to get a broader, more industry-wide perspective.

Is what you buy what you get?

When you call a pest control company for service, ask them to use Vikane^® gas fumigant to ensure you are getting the best product and most qualified specialist you can find.

Stewardship means taking care.

The fumigation process is complex and requires specialized training. Ask what training your fumigation specialist has received – as well as how recent it is. Dow AgroSciences requires all fumigators who use Vikane^® gas fumigant to comply with their stewardship policy and to undergo an extensive stewardship training program, including annual training, before they are allowed to buy and use the product.

Some things DO come with guarantees.

Companies who stand behind their work often offer a guarantee or warranty on their services. Ask what warrantees are available to you, and make sure you get them in writing so you can refer back to the specifics, should you have post-treatment questions.

Customer support is important.

Make sure your fumigation professional is ready to supply you with information and resources for preparing for your fumigation. They give you handouts, links to informational sites (like this one), and other resources to help you get ready. You want a professional who is ready and willing to help you through the process.

Insurance protects.

Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance are not only required by law but also demonstrate that the fumigation company you’re hiring and their sub-contractors care about both you and its workers. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance.

What’s in a brand?

Ask your fumigation company if they use Vikane^® gas fumigant.

Vikane^® gas fumigant is the original whole-structure fumigation product, trusted for over 50 years in over 2 million fumigations. Vikane can only be administered by highly trained, licensed fumigators who practice the highest standards demanded by Dow AgroSciences (the manufacturer of Vikane) and state authorities. These fumigators are backed by the support of Dow AgroSciences – a recognized leader in pest management solutions – and an extensive network of distributor partners who specialize in Vikane^® gas fumigant.

Vikane has a long history of eradicating drywood termites in all kinds of structures – and even an entire island. Over 50 years of use and committed product stewardship stands behind this 100% effective termite treatment.

Finally, Vikane is made and distributed right here in the United States, where U.S. regulatory agencies maintain strict health and safety standards. Substitutes are often manufactured in other countries, where those standards can be less stringent.

Want more information about selecting a fumigator?

The Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC) offer additional advice on selecting the right fumigation specialist: http://www.pcoc.org/hire/select/index.cfm.

The Hawaii Fumigation and Pest Control site offers Frequently Asked Questions about fumigation that can also prompt helpful questions to ask your fumigation specialist: http://www.hawaiifumigation.com/faqs.html.

Once you’ve chosen a fumigator, you’re ready to prepare for the fumigation.