Abell Pest Control Conducts First Canadian Profume Fumigation

By Steven Graff
Quality Assurance Manager - Abell Pest Control Inc.

In early December 2004 Abell Pest Control Inc. conducted the first Canadian fumigation with ProFume Gas Fumigant in conjunction with Dow AgroSciences. The fumigation was performed at a flour mill located in Alberta, Canada in conjunction with a Research Permit. Already registered for use in the United States, the Research Permit was issued by the Canadian Pest Management Review Agency in order to assess the qualities of this fumigant as a potential alternative to Methyl Bromide fumigant. Methyl Bromide has been deemed a stratoshpheric ozone depleter and its use for structural pest control purposes is being phased out in 160 countries under the Montreal Protocol. As of January 1, 2005 it is only available for use for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes, emergency uses and where Critical Use Exemptions have been granted to food manufacturers.

The Methyl Bromide phase-out has sparked development of new fumigants and other technologies including heat treatment of facilities. Once again adversity is resulting in the invention of new methods and technology.

The Profume Gas Fumigant has an active ingredient of Sufuryl fluoride and is the same
fumigant in use for control of termites infesting homes, except it does not incorporate a warning gas. Dow AgroSciences has also developed new technology that improves fumigation safety and allows for continuous monitoring and introduction of fumigant gas as needed. Profume fumigant is introduced into the building to be fumigated using introduction lines from gas cylinders located outside the structure. This is an improvement over previous fumigation techniques where cylinders are placed throughout the structure and opened by the fumigator prior to exiting. The introduction lines are spaced throughout the structure, attached to dispersal fans, resulting in the same even distribution of fumigant while reducing the risk to the
fumigator. Gas monitoring lines are also set up throughout the structure allowing for gas level readings to be taken on a continuous basis. Fumigant gas readings are entered into the Profume Fumiguide computer software program that helps to determine whether control will be achieved within the specified time frame for the fumigation, based on current gas levels. Since the fumigant is introduced from the exterior of the structure, additional fumigant can be released to specific locations of the structure maintaining the levels required and ensuring insect control within the required time frame.

Results of the fumigation are very promising! The test insects placed throughout the structure resulted in 100% control of adult and larval red flour beetles. Control of the egg stage which represents 10% to 20% of the population, was limited but will be optimized during warmer months, July and August, which are typical time periods for conducting fumigations. Extending exposure times for the fumigation and maximizing gas containment within the structure also help to maximize egg stage control.
While the phase-out of Methyl Bromide is a concern for some industries, we will see that this can be overcome. A smooth transition to newer and better control products and methods will be possible sooner, rather than later. Abell Pest Control will also be adapting to these new methods so that we can provide the best service options available.