Key Takeaways
- Fumigation uses a gas called sulfuryl fluoride, originally marketed as Vikane®, pumped into a sealed space containing household items.
- The gas replaces the oxygen and penetrates bed bugs and their eggs, which suffocate and die.
- Fumigation can treat anything from a few pieces of furniture or bedding to an entire home or building with its contents in place.
- Treatment generally takes 18 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the structure, container or vehicle.
- Once released, the gas quickly breaks down into its naturally occurring ingredients.
What Is Fumigation?
Let’s start with: Fumigation occurs when an inorganic gas called sulfuryl fluoride (originally marketed under the name Vikane®) is pumped into an enclosed, sealed space stuffed with your household items. In a controlled environment, the gas replaces the oxygen, and penetrates into bed bugs and their eggs which suffocate and die. Used by qualified professionals, Vikane® bed bugs—from just a few pieces of furniture, bedding or other household goods, to an entire home or building with its contents in place.
How Long Does Fumigation Take?
Depending on size of the structure, container or vehicle being fumigated, the treatment times can range from several hours (generally from 18-48 hours total treatment time). Once released with outside air the Vikane quickly breaks down to its naturally- occurring ingredients and floats harmlessly away.
FAQ
What gas is used in fumigation?
Sulfuryl fluoride, originally marketed under the name Vikane®.
Does fumigation kill bed bug eggs?
Yes. The gas replaces the oxygen and penetrates into bed bugs and their eggs, which suffocate and die.
What can be fumigated?
Anything from a few pieces of furniture, bedding or other household goods to an entire home or building with its contents in place.
How long does fumigation take?
Generally 18 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the structure, container or vehicle being fumigated.
What happens to the gas after fumigation?
Once released with outside air, Vikane® quickly breaks down to its naturally occurring ingredients.
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