Structural Fumigation for Stored Product Pests
Target Pests (5)
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Meal Moth | Plodia interpunctella | Stored Product Pests |
| Confused Flour Beetle | Tribolium confusum | Stored Product Pests |
| Red Flour Beetle | Tribolium castaneum | Stored Product Pests |
| Cigarette Beetle | Lasioderma serricorne | Stored Product Pests |
| Drugstore Beetle | Stegobium paniceum | Stored Product Pests |
Application Method
Fumigate entire food processing facility, warehouse, or mill to eliminate all life stages of stored product pests. Seal building gastight using plastic sheeting over doors, windows, vents, and penetrations. Introduce fumigant (methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, or phosphine) via distribution system throughout structure. Calculate dosage based on building volume, temperature, pest species, and commodity present. Maintain lethal gas concentration for 24-72 hours. Monitor gas levels throughout treatment. Requires complete shutdown of facility operations, removal of all personnel, and restricted area protocols. Most thorough method to sanitize food facility when infestation severe and conventional treatments ineffective.
Timing
Schedule during facility shutdown when production can halt for 3-7 days. Warm weather preferred for better gas efficacy.
Frequency
Rare use - typically once every 5-10 years or when severe infestation cannot be controlled by other methods. Prevents no re-infestation - requires ongoing IPM program.
Preparation Required
Calculate building volume. Inspect sealing requirements. Plan gas distribution. Coordinate facility shutdown schedule. Remove or protect items that cannot be fumigated. Obtain permits. Notify employees and neighbors.
Follow-up Required
Aerate completely and test air quality. Remove sealing materials and warning signs. Inspect facility and equipment. Provide fumigation certificate. Implement IPM program to prevent reinfestation. Schedule regular monitoring.
Safety Precautions
- Requires fumigation license and specialized training
- Lethal gas - complete evacuation required
- Extensive sealing and gas monitoring required
- Post warning signs at all entrances
- Notify authorities per regulations
- Emergency response plan required
- Complete aeration before reoccupancy
- May affect some food products and equipment