FUMIGATION DEFINITION
Fumigation is a process of exposing insects or material infested by insects to the fumes of a chemical at a lethal strength in an enclosed space for a given period of time. Fumigant is a chemical, which at a required temperature and pressure can exist in the gaseous state in sufficient concentration to be lethal to a given pest organism. Fumigation is the introduction of the toxic gas in high concentration so that the gas pervades the entire area and kills the insects existence and thus preserves the precious cargo of the customer.
Treatment Methods:
- Godowns/ Warehouses/Silos/ Flour mills/Empty ship holds Fumigation
- Stuffed & Empty containers of Export/Import at port/Inland Container Depot (ICD)/Container Freight Stations (CFS) and at House stuffing points.
- In-transit Fumigation-Commodities Onboard, Barges etc.,
- Termite Control Treatment during Pre & Post Construction Stage as per PSI standards with Guarantee.
- Rodent control 7 De ratting of Ships.
- Dis-infestation of Warehouses, Food plants and residential premises.
- General Pest control services.
Fumigation is the process where a highly toxic fumigant such as Methyl Bromide or Phosphine is used to eradicate pests from products, produce or a location (ships, containers, wood, agriculture land, food stuff, aircraft etc).
The process involves the complete covering or sealing of the product or item to be fumigated with canvas, plastic sheets or taping to make it as airtight as possible. Then fumigant is released into the sealed area of compartment. The duration of exposure varies from 4 hours to 24 hours, depending on the product to be fumigated and the type of fumigant used.
Fumigation is a quarantine requirement for countries such as Australia, New Zealand and China before goods are admitted into the country.
Items we fumigate include:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Maize
- Wooden Pallets
- Wooden Furniture
- Tobacco
- Special artifacts & ship
- All kind of food stuff.
Tahir Fumigation Experts is fully licensed to carry out all quarantine requirements regarding fumigation and our license are recognized and accepted worldwide. We specialize in wood, ships, golf ground, agriculture land and foodstuff fumigation.
ALUMINIUM PHOSPHIDE FUMIGATION
Aluminium Phosphide is in the form of tablets and pouches. It is used worldwide for fumigation of raw and processed commodities including grains, tobacco, cocoa beans, nuts seeds, animal feeds, tea, coffee leaf, wheat flour, processed spices, and dried fruits. It can also be used for fumigating storage structures like silos warehouses, flour mills ship holds, railcars etc
METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION
Methyl Bromide is most widely used fumigant for quarantine purposes. It is a preferred fumigant for most of the quarantine authorities around the world, because of its good penetrating ability, rapid action, high toxicity to a broad spectrum of insects and pests.
The effectiveness of methyl bromide is based on the following:
- Dosage of the fumigant
- Duration of exposure
- Temperature
Methyl bromide is frequently used for fumigating timber, agricultural products, empty containers, food stuffs, and other agricultural produce. When fumigation is carried out with Methyl Bromide fumigant, there will not be any residual issues as aeration can be carried out easily. It is very effective in controlling insects at all stages; from egg to the adult stage.
As per International Plant Protection Convention Methyl bromide is an approved fumigant which can be used for treating export cargo containing wooden packing materials.
Fumigants only control existing infestations in the cargo they do not provide any residual protection against subsequent re-infestation. Consequently timber treated by Fumigation must be packed in container or shipped within 21 days of treatment. During this 21 day period it should be stored safely or cross infestation may occur. After completion of Methyl Bromide Fumigation when Agri products are taken for repacking care should be taken to maintain the repacking area pest free and good hygiene practices should be followed in order to avoid cross infestation between fumigated and un fumigated cargo.
Methyl bromide is absorbed by oils, fats and finely ground materials. It is also known to react with materials containing Sulphur, including food stuffs and proteins to produce objectionable discoloration and odors which may persist even after prolonged aeration. When there is concern about possible deleterious effects of methyl bromide, an alternative treatment may be sought.
FUMIGATION OF WOODEN CRATES:
Fumigation of wooden crates should be carried out with methyl bromide at the dosage of 48 grams per meter cube. In this process the wooden packing crates are placed in the fumigation covers under a smooth floor and then it covered completely. The gas monitoring lines for measuring gas concentration during the exposure period is placed at different locations as per requirements. The fumigation covers are sealed with the help of sand snakes and an airtight enclosure is made. The total cubic area of the enclosure is measured and the required dosage of methyl bromide is administrated. Gas monitoring is carried out during the exposure period. After the exposure period of 24 hours the fumigation covers are removed and the empty wooden crates are aerated.
In Pakistan most of the exporters are using rubber wood for packing purpose. The ideal wood would be Kiln dried pine wood.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation should be carried for packing materials such as wood crates, skids and other packing materials. Plant material such as straw, rice hulls and similar plant material used as packing material can carry exotic insect pest and diseases. The wooden crates have to be treated prior to shipment by carrying out fumigation with methyl bromide. The maximum thickness of the packing wood must not exceed 200 mm.
SHIP FUMIGATION
The fumigation and pest control operations staff of Fumigation Services are well versed in carrying out ship fumigation with Methyl Bromide and Aluminium Phosphide. Fumigation Services have fumigated huge volumes of export cargo ranging more than 25 million tons which comprises of wheat, maize, rice, and other agricultural commodities by carrying out Hot gas procedures.
Tahir Fumigation Experts are well experienced in carrying out vessel fumigation in mid-sea operations and when the ship is anchored in the port. All safety procedures will be followed during the vessel fumigation.