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Pests aren’t just an eyesore—they can be downright dangerous. Because so many pests use faecal matter and trash as a food source, they can bring disease into your home. So, if you have an insect infestation, it’s important to deal with it as soon as possible, otherwise, you might be left wondering why you and your family feel so ill all the time.

One popular way to control the pests in your home or office is to make use of fumigant gas—also known as using fumigation, which is a professional service typically offered by a pest control company. This is a method that uses toxic chemicals that can kill pests wholesale, targeting multiple types and species in one fell swoop.

But not all fumigation methods are the same. Let’s take a look at the three types and their benefits in pest control.

Gas Fumigation

This is one of the most popular methods of fumigation, and you can even do it yourself if you want to. Although we wouldn’t recommend this as it’s not as effective as when a professional pest control service does it. It’s also safer to get professionals to work with poisons and ensure the safety of your loved ones, pets, and plants.

Different gases will be used for different applications. If it’s agricultural, sulfuryl fluoride is likely to be used. If it’s residential, vikane gas and methyl bromide will likely be used to kill pests and rodents. It can kill all stages of pests, making it a popular way to get rid of all sorts of critters in your home or workplace.

An important warning: make sure you, your family and pets are out of the house when fumigating. The gases are dangerous to other living beings too, not just pests.

Some gas fumigators will contain a warning agent—a gas with a smell that makes it difficult for people to be around. This gives the person setting off the gas enough time to vacate the premises if you’re doing it yourself. Fumigation chemicals are nothing to mess around with, but they are very effective.

The benefits of gas fumigation are that it eliminates pests everywhere—floors, walls, ceilings, dark places, crevices, cracks, and more. Plus, it generally only takes one fumigation session to clear your house of all the nasty bugs that live there (providing, of course, that you keep a tidy and clean home). In addition, it also works on the entire life cycle of the pest, as it kills adults and eggs alike.

Liquid Fumigation

Like gas fumigation, liquid fumigation also targets pests; however, it can even kill mould. A sprayer is needed to apply this type of fumigator, but again, we strongly recommend you call in professional pest controllers to apply this for you, as it’s hazardous to the health of people and pets. They’re also highly flammable, making them doubly dangerous.

Professionals will wear the appropriate protective gear to keep them safe while applying the toxic chemicals. Usually, liquid fumigators are used indoors, because if used outside, the liquid can dissipate quickly and easily, which makes them less effective.

The benefits of liquid fumigation are that they can kill pests on contact. Usually using a chemical called chloropicrin, liquid fumigators are highly toxic and can cause instant irritation to the eyes (in fact, it’s used in tear gas). It can even cause severe injury upon skin contact. Suffice to say, bugs don’t stand a chance against it.

Solid Fumigation

Solid fumigants come in three forms—powder, pellets, and tablets. They are used in specific cases, such as for rodents. Typically, the chemicals used in solid fumigants are aluminium phosphide and magnesium phosphide, which can be placed in wider open spaces or even in rodent burrows.

You’re unlikely to find solid fumigants in the shops, as it’s usually only for professionals to use. This is because a very specific amount is needed over an area. Use too much and it becomes highly dangerous. Having said that, solid fumigants are often thought of as safer than their gaseous and liquid counterparts. However, proper protective gear is still necessary when dealing with this type of fumigation.

The benefit of solid fumigation is that it’s a highly targeted way to rid a home or business of rodents and other specific pests.

Get Help with Fumigation from Professional Pest Control Experts

Fumigation as a method of pest control has multiple benefits, and if you’re sick of having numerous pest infestations in your home or office, then fumigation may very well be the best option for you. As mentioned, we do caution you to use a professional pest control service, such as us at Mostert’s. We have years of experience in fumigating homes and businesses and know exactly what chemicals to use for any application.

We have branches in every province in South Africa, so if you’re interested in maintaining a bug-free home, you can get a free quote for fumigation services from us today!