Asthma and allergies: is Vikane termite spraying right for you?
Termite spraying can cause serious problems for some people with asthma and allergies. Vikane is the usual chemical treatment method for drywood termite problems. It is a gas that is used in connection with tempting homes for termites. What this means is that your entire home will be sealed under a cover that looks like a tent. They then pump Vikane Gas, also known as sulfuryl fluoride, and circulate it with fans for a day. The next day, the tent is removed and the house is ventilated until the Vikane Gas is at safe levels to enter. It is safe to re-enter on the third day. Generally people worry about termite fumigation and think that the gas will stick to furniture and countertops, but the truth is that none of this happens with Sulfuryl Fluoride Gas and it has been proven that after the house is ventilated, the little amount of gas that remains is completely safe for human respiration.
The above statement is what the termite industry would have you believe to be the complete truth. I have had several clients with severe allergies who were unable to enter a home fumigated with sulfuryl fluoride gas for over two months because they started having allergy problems as soon as they entered the home. Most people with allergies are very sensitive to this gas and must be very careful to avoid it until it completely dissipates in the home. Two months is the longest I’ve seen in 15 years, but I’m sure there is one exception.
Is there any way to rid your house of drywood termites other than fumigation? There are safer methods of killing termites than using sulfuryl fluoride gas. The methodology is the same, they put up tents in the house and then pump heat instead of Vikane. This is a much safer alternative and you can enter the house the same day the tent is removed from the house. This heat treatment works well, it has its problems, but it is safer than sulfuryl fluoride gas, which is toxic to people. The good thing is that the cost is almost the same.
In conclusion, termite spraying has serious problems for some people with asthma and allergies. I have personally known several people who were allergic to Vikane Gas residue in their homes for up to two months after fumigation. There are safer alternatives such as Thermal Treatments for Termites. The cost is similar in both cases. It is important that you consult all the alternatives before deciding. Talk to the Professionals of both types of treatments and get the right answers for your case. If you feel that you have been affected by Vikane Gas, consult your doctor immediately.
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