A fumigant is a gaseous pesticide used to kill pests by filling an enclosed area with the gas. Fumigants are used to control pests in buildings, soil, grain, and produce.
They are also used during the processing of goods for import or export to prevent the transfer of exotic organisms.
Some examples of fumigants:
- Methyl bromide: A colorless, odorless gas that is highly effective against a wide range of pests. It is a restricted substance under the Montreal Protocol and is being phased out in many countries.
- Ethylene dibromide: A colorless, flammable gas that is effective against a wide range of pests. It is a hazardous substance and can cause health problems if inhaled.
- Phosphine: A colorless, flammable gas that is effective against a wide range of pests, including insects, rodents, and nematodes. It is a hazardous substance and can cause health problems if inhaled.
- Sulfuryl fluoride: A colorless, odorless gas that is effective against a wide range of pests. It is a relatively safe substance and is not considered to be a hazardous material.
Uses:
- Fumigants are used in a variety of ways, depending on the pest that is being targeted.
- For example, methyl bromide is often used to fumigate buildings that have been infested with termites.
- Ethylene dibromide is often used to fumigate grain that has been infested with insects. Phosphine is often used to fumigate soil that has been infested with nematodes.
- Fumigation is a highly effective method of pest control, but it is also a hazardous process.