Fumigation
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Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides to suffocate or poison the pests within. It is utilized for control of pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain, and produce, and is also used during processing of goods to be imported or exported to prevent transfer of exotic organisms.
Structural fumigating techniques differ from building to building, but in houses a rubber tent is often placed over the entire house while the pesticides are being released into the residence. This concentrates the gases as well as keeps them from escaping and doing harm to people in the neighbourhood. During this time the residents of the house must find an alternate residence for up to a week depending on the fumigmant used, which in turn depend on the severity of infestation and size of the house.
Most fumigants are highly toxic to people, and there are many deaths each year.
Methyl bromide was among the most widely used fumigants until its production and use was restricted by the Montreal Protocol due to its role in ozone depletion.
Widely used fumigants include: