Over the last 30 years Pest Control Orange County .com has strived to provide homeowners, property management, and real estate professionals with the highest quality of service, at the most competitive pricing. Pest Control Orange County will inspect your home for termites and/or pests at no charge and we have a low price guarantee.

Pest Protection Program Guarantees your satisfaction between regular scheduled maintenance with unlimited free re-services! Schedule service or a free inspection today. CONTACT US! (949) 616-5582 Ask For Richie

REVIEW 1:

As a Realtor, I want to say a few words about Richie Perez with Suncrest Exterminating. I have known Richie for some time and have been very pleased with his knowledge, professionalism and superb service. Selling or buying a home in today's market can be a very stressful situation. I know that when Richie is on the job I won't have to worry about termites and other pests. I strongly recommend him to all my friends and associates.

John B. "Black Hat" Tarbell Realtors

REVIEW 2:

It was our pleasure to have Suncrest come out to inspect and to take care of the pesky little critters when we called you on a moments notice. It's always nice to know there are still companies that care enough of the consumer in this day and time. You not only came out to inspect right away but we were very pleased with the work that was done. I hope that we don't have that problem again, but will call you in a couple of years to do the inspection again just to make sure. Thank you again for your wonderful service.

Tony P.

REVIEW 3:

" I cannot say enough wonderful things about the honesty and integrity of Ritchie Perez at Suncrest Exterminating. He is the only Termite inspector that I would highly recommend with confidence. Thanks Ritchie & Michelle for providing excellent service and with a smile. How rare is that!"

Lydia K. - Tarbell Realtors

REVIEW 4:

I just wanted to let you know that, as always, we can count on you and your company to come through with not only superior service, but value as well. As you remember, my buyer was in contract on a home that had another termite company give an estimate of the cost of tenting and repairs. We thought the amount was too high and we had you do an inspection. Not only were you able to beat their pricing for the same work, but for the same amount as the prior estimate, you were also able to replace the water heater and the heater base. My buyers obviously wanted you and your company to do the work which resulted in a significant savings to them for not having to buy a new water heater and replace the heater base once escrow closed. We highly recommend you to all our clients and to fellow agents for their clients.

Kelly N. Tarbell, Realtors

REVIEW 5:

I'm a professional Realtor with Tarbell Realtors. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Suncrest Exterminating now for the last two years. I've found this company to be professional, competent, honest and fair.. I recommend them to anyone looking to have their home inspected for termites etc.. Richie Perez is an honest man and his company reflects his values. I've always had a good experience using this company. Also, they do their own fumigating, saving my clients a substantial amount of money Again, Suncrest Exterminating has my two big thumbs up.

Doc

TOP 12 SERVICES WE PROVIDE:

1) FULLY LICENSED, INSURED AND BONDED
2) KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CURTEOUS STAFF
3) FREE (NO OBLIGATION) INSPECTIONS - NO COST PEST INSPECTION
4) QUALITY STRUCTURAL REPAIR OF TERMITE DAMAGE AND/OR DRYROT. ALL NEW WOOD IS TREATED, PRIMED, AND PAINTED TO MATCH.
5) WHOLESALE FUMIGATIONS ( NO SUB-CONTRACTORS )
6) TILE ROOF REPAIRS
7) PLANT SPECIALIST ( MOST PLANTS CAN BE SAVED WITH A LITTLE CARE )
8) GUARANTEES FROM ONE TO TEN YEARS ( NUMBER OF YEARS DEPENDS ON THE TYPE OF TREATMENT )
9) ALTERNATIVE PEST CONTROL TREATMENTS
10) ONE TIME SERVICE AND RETURNING PHONE CALLS
11) SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PEST CONTROL TREATMENTS
12) LOWEST COST…GUARANTEED ( WE GUARANTEE TO BEAT ANY WRITTEN ESTIMATE PROVIDING FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATION, AND GUARANTEES ARE THE SAME)

• 56% of homeowners surveyed said they have had a problem with ants in the past year..
• American cockroaches can produce 6-14 egg capsules, each containing 14-16 eggs each, in one mating season.
  
• Not all crickets have wings.
• More than 500,000 people seek emergency medical help each year as a result of insect stings.
• Flea eggs will hatch on the ground, in nests, carpet, bedding, upholstery or cracks in the floor.
• Only 12% of homeowners surveyed say they are concerned about bed bugs.
• The use of DDT nearly wiped out bed bugs at the end of WW II but experts believe that the ban of DDT in 1972 has contributed to the resurgance of bed bugs.
• Formosan termites are the most destructive termite in the world.
• More than 2 million people in the United States are allergic to insect stings.
• The largest Formosan termite colony found in America had infested a public library in Algiers, La. It weighed 600 pounds and contained 70 million termites.
• There are about 500,000 species of beetles.
• Approximately 25% of homeowners surveyed perceived ants, termites, and ticks as difficult to control.
• Termites are sometimes treated with bait traps, cylinders containing wood and slow-acting poison that are buried in the ground around the perimiter of a home.
• Drywood termites feed only on dry wood, including wooden doors, porches, cupboards, and entertainment centers.
• Kissing bugs are not as romantic as their name implies. Rather, they bite and suck blood while their human or animal host is sleeping. Crickets are active at night and are attracted to light. More than 500,000 people seek emergency medical help each year as a result of insect stings. Bed bugs grow up to Ľ inch
  

Insects, rodents and wood destroying organisms such as termites disrupt the enjoyment of your home and also threaten your safety and your investment in your home. Instead of trying to identity small crawling, flying or web-spinning pests, and self-applying chemical products, you may decide to call a professional pest control service. Pest Control Orange County .com has been providing such services for over 30 years. The first step in eliminating pests from your environment is a thorough pest control inspection by a licensed inspector. The inspector will perform a thorough interior inspection including all rooms of the home, plus attics and garages. Exterior inspection is equally complete, including, not only the perimeter but also eaves, door jambs, planters, the trash disposal location, pools and spas. We inspect for a wide variety of pests, including ants, earwigs, silverfish, sow bugs, spiders, roaches, crickets, rats and mice, gophers and ground squirrels. We provide a complete inspection report and discuss your options to eliminate the pests, including one-time treatment and regular maintenance service.

PEST SERVICE

PEST CONTROL- ONE TIME SERVICE

A complete pest inspection is the first step in eliminating all of your pest problems.

Pest control treatment (cost and quality) varies widely from company to company. Pest Control Orange County .com is licensed to treat all of your pest and wood destroying organisms (termites and fungus).

Rest assured that Pest Control Orange County .com will eliminate all of you pest problems with the most effective products (Termidor/Talstar One) on the market. We will apply the products using equipment that delivers precise application to the infested areas, and guarantee our treatments with a no hassle 60-day guarantee against re-infestation. After application of the one-time treatment, you may wish to begin a regular pest control maintenance program.

PEST CONTROL MAINTENANCE

Do you want to live in a pest-free home?  Our low-cost pest control maintenance service ensures that you have professionals treating your home interior and exterior on a regular basis with our precise application of high quality treatment products.

Maintenance service is performed regularly on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis depending on your specific pest problems.  Service is performed on regularly scheduled days.  We will give you a phone reminder the day before service, giving you an approximate time we will be at your home. 

Pest Control Orange County .com, as a locally owned and operated service, offers many customer-friendly terms not found with the big national chains.  In addition to more favorable pricing, we also do not lock you in with long contracts.  All our customers are month-to-month, so you are under no obligation to continue service if you feel it is no longer necessary.

You will love our fully licensed and friendly technicians.  We have very low staff turnover, and assign the same service technician to you for every service.  Our customers enjoy the personal care that they receive;  our current clients are our best source of referrals.

PEST CONTROL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

People and pets must vacate the treated area for two hours after treatment.  Birds must vacate for 24 hours.  Fish tanks must be covered and have the filtration system unplugged for two hours.

There will be a slight odor that will last a couple of days after treatment.  The odor is not harmful to people or pets!!!

Yards must be mowed and watered prior to service.  Then wait two days after service before re-watering.  Pick up pet toys and water/food bowls prior to our treatment.

ANTS, PANTRY PESTS & SILVERFISH

All infested cabinets in the kitchen AND bathrooms MUST BE EMPTIED AND CLEANED PRIOR TO SEVICE.  Place dishes, pots & pans, etc. on the kitchen table or in the center of the floor in another room and cover with a sheet or newspaper.

Move items such as furniture away from walls.  EMPTY ALL CLOSETS that are infested so a chemical application can be made.

ORIENTAL, AMERICAN & GERMAN ROACHES

All cabinets in the kitchen AND bathrooms which are infested (especially those directly below kitchen and bathroom sinks) MUST BE EMPTIED AND CLEANED PRIOR TO SERVICE.  Place dishes, pots & pans, etc. on the kitchen table or in the center of the floor in another room and cover with a sheet or newspaper.

EARWIGS, SOWBUGS & PILLBUGS

Perimeter walls in the garage should be accessible for treatment.  Move items such as furniture away from walls.  EMPTY ALL CLOSETS that are infested so a chemical application can be made. 

FLEAS, CARPET BEETLES

All carpeting must be clean, freshly vacuumed and free of shoes, clothes, child or pet toys, newspapers, etc.  It is critical that we be able to treat as much carpet surface as possible.  Pet bedding, throw rugs, bedspreads where the pet is allowed to lay should be washed in hot soapy water prior to treatment.

PEST CONTROL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Why do I need a maintenance service instead of just a one-time treatment?

Pests are constantly breeding and pests also change with the season and the      
out side conditions.  Controlling pests is a never-ending job.  We employ
professionals trained in the correct application of pesticides and with the
proper safety equipment.

How frequent is the service?

Monthly, Bi-monthly, or quarterly, based on the need of the client.

How long is the service contract?

You may cancel at any time, it’s non-binding.

What guarantee do you offer?

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee – we will return and re-treat the area if you find insects within 60 days.  We suggest you wait two weeks after treatment to give the chemicals time to work.

Do you tell me a service window?

Yes, a two hour window.  You don't even need to be home for an external treatment.

Is there an extra charge for controlling more than one type of pest?

No—All insects listed on the service agreement are covered.  If our regular
maintenance clients have a rodent problem, we charge a one-time baiting fee.
We have a separate fee for bee treatment and removal.

Do you charge extra for work inside the house?

No.  This is covered on the initial treatment and then as required or requested.

How long and how often do we and our pets need to be out of the house?

Two hours for work inside th4 house (four hours if infants are present and 24 hours for birds).

How safe are your chemicals for pets and infants?

They are regulated by the State of California for consumer protection.

Why do you use backpack applicators instead of power hoses?

Safety, for one thing.  The backpack applicator can get a narrower spray that uses less chemical and is more precise.  Also, there’s no damage;  we’re not dragging a big hose with residual pesticide over your plants, pots and through your swimming pool.

Is there an odor?

Very slight, less than if you did your own spraying.

What about impact on fruit trees and vegetables?

There is no impact on edibles.  We spray only the trunks of the trees and we avoid any contact with fruit and vegetable plants.   We have a granular product we can apply to the ground for orchards.

Can you quote a price over the phone?

Yes.  Just tell us the square feet of your house and the size of your yard and we’ll give you a price over the phone.  In very rare situations after viewing the property the price may be slightly modified.

I have ants and spiders in my home.  How long after your treat before the pests are gone?

We use sprays that are very long lasting, but they can take up to three days to kill the pests.

Is there an extra charge for Termidor, the long-lasting chemical by BASF?

No, the top-of-the-line Termidor product is applied semi-annually as part of our regular maintenance service.  Termidor is available at an additional charge for one-time service.

If you have any other questions please call us at: (949) 616-5582

Few homes or businesses are free of termites. Termites infest nearly 4 million U.S. homes each year. Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, and unless there are obvious signs of infestation, a termite colony can go undiscovered until serious damage is done. They feed on cellulose-based material that include wood, books, boxes, furniture and drywall.

What you can expect from us:

1. Our licensed inspectors conduct a thorough inspection of your home or business. Thorough inspections are key to any successful solution for eliminating termite problems. We will review and recommend the best solution for your problems.

2. Our inspectors will assess the problems, discuss treatments that will be a solution, and provide you with options that best fit your budget.

3. We will provide you with a report with a diagram of your home or business that indicates any areas where infestation and/or damage may exist. We will recommend a type/method of treatment including traditional methods if that is what will solve your termite problem and protect your home or business. Additionally, if infestations are found, our inspector will give you an estimate for the cost of the treatment, and if there is repair work recommended, then a separate estimate for the repairs will be given.

4. Our inspectors will discuss which treatment presents the best solution, what long-term prevention plans are available, and provide options that will best accommodate your budget.

Inspection Report:

This report contains findings and recommendations related to the following adverse conditions that may be found in your home:

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES usually live underground because they require moisture. They can enter your home through the smallest cracks in your homes' foundations. They travel through mud tubes to reach food sources (the wood in your home) above ground.
DRYWOOD TERMITES live above ground and are usually hidden inside the wood they infest. Since thy don't require any contact with the soil they can be found in furniture, window frames, and doors, and many other areas of your home.
FUNGUS/DRY ROT grows on wood that is exposed to moisture. It reduces the strength of the wood and can be as destructive as termites.
DAMPWOOD TERMITES occur most commonly in cool and humid coastal areas.
EARTH TO WOOD CONTACT provides moisture and promotes the growth of fungus, which entices termites to the fungus-infested wood.
FAULTY GRADE levels can result in excessive moisture conditions, which damage the exterior of your home and provide access for termites.

Termites feed on CELLULOSE DEBRIS and turn it into organic matter. Wood or paper under a foundation or in other accessible areas is an invitation to termites.

Heavy rains, serious plumbing leaks, broken pipes and poor ventilation in crawl spaces- all contribute to EXCESSIVE MOISTURE CONDITIONS and attract termites and fungus. Termites also invest IN ACCESSIBLE AREAS of your home. A qualified Suncrest inspector can identify areas for treatment.

Preparing for your inspection: In addition to termites, the inspector will also be looking for other issues like fungus and/or dry rot, and conductive conditions that can lead to potential problems. Some of the most common problems are plumbing leaks, cellulose debris and earth to wood.

For the most through inspection, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the inspector:

1) Make sure areas under sinks in bathrooms and kitchens are accessible to the inspector.
2) Make areas on the interior of the garage accessible two feet away from the walls.
3) Trim back any bushes or ground cover that hides walls or your foundation.
4) If your home is built on a raised foundation, the inspector will go under the house. Make sure the access opening to the sub area is accessible. If the access open is located in the floor of a closet, please clear out the closet and pull back the carpet.
5) If you are not going to be home, be sure to unlock any gates and let us know of any pets.


Please call us if you have any questions, as we are always here to help.

TERMITE TREATMENTS

Termite Control:

No home or business is safe from termite infestations. Termite cause more damage to buildings in the United States than fires, storms and floods combined. The main problem with termites is most property owners don't see them or the damage the cause until the damage is done.

Termites are well organized and can find a way inside any structure, regardless of the construction type. That is why at Suncrest Fumigation we provide a thorough inspection and the most advanced treatments available.

Spot Treatments, also known as drill and treats, is the simplest and most direct tool used to treat termites. A termicide is injected into small holes drilled into the termite galleries delivering the treatment material directly to the colony. A local treatment may or may not be recommended for your structure depending on the inspection results and determination of the location and extent of the termite infestation.

Foam Treatment offers effective, long lasting residual protection. By mixing a long-term soluble borate solution into an exceptional foam solution, we can then reach inaccessible areas, using a high pressure injection system, creating a barrier between termites and your most valuable assets. The foam contains a surfactant that allows the chemical to slowly absorb into the wood, eliminating any active infestation as well as creating a chemical barrier against future infestation.

Foam concentrates fill in where termicides cannot reach. Adding foam to our products, Timbor, Bora-Care, and Termidor enhance the coverage capabilities over conventional treatment methods. The security is in knowing that blind spots within your wall voids and slab floors are thoroughly protected.
The way the foam enhances our treatments is by holding the chemical concentrates in a suspended encapsulating state. It lasts for hours and breaks down leaving termicide residue on contact with wood surfaces and/or soil instead of running off unevenly as conventional sprays often do.

Fumigation is an all-encompassing treatment for drywood termites and the best way to ensure that all drywood termites are eliminated from your building. We complete all our fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride, known as Vikane. Vikane is a non-flammable, non-corrosive and does not cause undesirable odors. It quickly penetrates structural materials, is effective against a variety of structural pests, and dissipates rapidly during aeration.

Subterranean Termite Infestations are only eradicated by injecting chemical directly into the soil under or around your home. Sometimes this requires drilling holes thru the concrete foundation of your home. Then chemical is injected through the holes and into the soil below. The holes are sealed with a concrete patch. 

Termidor is the #1 termite control product for many reasons. No other termite control system of any type hasever achieved such a high level of effectiveness.

Simply put: Termidor is the most effective and fasted at completely eliminating termite populations. So it’s not surprising that millions of homeowners like you have made Termidor- the #1 termite defense product in America. When it comes to termite protection for your home, demand the product that's #1 in termite pest control. Demand Termidor Termite Defense.

Annual Control service is a valuable investment to protect you home or business. Our Annual Control Service allows you to extend the length of your guarantee for as long as you choose to continue the service. For a nominal yearly fee, you will receive annual inspections and treatment for drywood and subterranean termites. Also, if you see termites at any time during the year just call us and we will take care of them at no additional charge.

Pre-Treatments protect your home from unwanted invaders. Put a halt on termites with Bora-Care/ Timbor. Spraying your framing before you cover your walls will provide years of unseen protection against termites.

STRUCTURAL REPAIRS

Pest Control Orange County .com has its own repair and construction division. Our technicians are highly trained and skilled to perform quality, structural repairs.

Repairs are an important part of the termite industry. Most termite companies use technicians that are not trained or skilled to perform quality, structural repairs, or they simply refer you to a general contractor.

We use no sub contractors; our employees complete all of our construction repairs. When you allow Pest Control Orange County .com to be your termite company you can be assured that a qualified technician, well trained in all aspects of our industry and general construction, will complete the work in a professional and timely manner.

SCOPE OF SERVICE

• Termite Repairs
• Dry Rot and Fungus repairs
• Bathroom floors
• Shower pans
• Roof repairs
• Patio and deck repairs
• Concrete and foundation repairs
• Drywall texture
• Door and window replacement
• Painting
• Stucco repair

TERMITE Questons and Anwers

Information regarding termite inspections

Q: I am selling my home, why do I need a termite inspection?
A: Many lenders require it so that they can be sure there are no active infestations in the home before financing the property. If you are the buyer of the home, this is to your benefit as well. You would not want to purchase a home that has an active termite problem or termite damage.

Q: What does the inspector look for during a termite inspection?
A: During a termite inspection, the inspector will be looking for active infestations of drywood and/or subterranean termites and additional findings might include fungus, dry rot, cellulose debris, water damage, earth to wood contact and plumbing leaks.

Q: Can I use a do-it-yourself method to treat termites?
A: It is best to use a trained and experienced professional that utilizes special equipment and application techniques required to do the job properly. Chemicals used to effectively treat termites are not available to the public because they require a licensed to acquire and handle.

Q:  My house is only 2 years old. Can I still have termites?
A: It is a possibility; any structure containing wood can be a potential target for termites.

Q: How long should the inspection take?
A: A typical inspection should be completed within one hour.

Q: What if the inspection shows termites being present? What does that mean?
A: A written report should be available within 1 business day and will include a written estimate and recommendations to address active termite infestations.

Q: What are the most common types of termites in Southern California?
A: Western Drywood Termites and Western Subterranean Termites.

Q: What is the cost of a treatment?
A: No accurate estimate can be given until the inspection and target pest is determined. There are many factors that could cause the price to vary but remember the cost of termite treatment is an important part of home maintenance.

Q: What if my home already has extensive damage, do I need to hire a contractor for repairs?
A: Damage not repaired is more vulnerable to the weather and further damage will occur. Structural repairs are specialized type of work and are not recommended for the typical handyman.

Q: Can my family be home when the treatment id done?
A: Local treatments for drywood termites can be done with occupants in the home as well as treatments for subterranean termites. If your home requires fumigation, only then will your family be required to leave the structure. People with respiratory problems MUST vacate for 3-4 hours.

If you have any other questions please call us at: (949) 616-5582

FUMIGATION OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS WITH VIKANE*

You have a superior protection option.

Protect your home and eliminate drywood termite colonies by choosing whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant. Only whole-structure fumigation ensures the elimination of drywood termites.  And Vikane has been trusted for over 40 years for treatment of more than 2 million structures.  It’s your best option for total home drywood termite protection.

Eliminate drywood termites with Vikane - While many spot treatments only reach accessible areas in your home for partial or temporary results.  Vikane gas fumigation penetrates every inch of your home where termites hide.Unlike other treatments available, only whole structure fumigation is proven to eliminate drywood termite colonies.  It spreads into every nook and cranny of your home penetrating into the pores of wood to reach the air that termites breathe so termites can't survive.

Depend on a proven process for success - Fumigating with Vikane means following an established 24 to 48 hour treatment process.  Your professional fumigator uses this proven process to help ensure effective elimination of drywood termites and effective aeration of your home. It includes:

Covering your home with tarps and Tenting - After your home has been prepared for fumigation, your professional fumigator tents it with large tarps, gets the interior ready and seals all tarps.

Releasing a warning agent - Once your home has been tented, the warning agent (Chloropicrin) is released into the structure.  Chloropicrin helps ensure the home is vacated of people and pets prior to fumigation with Vikane.

Lock Down - All the doors to your home are secured with additional locking devices designed to prevent entry by anyone except the licensed fumigator.  

Fumigation with Vikane - Next, Vikane is introduced into the home.  The fumigant penetrates deep into wood to eliminate the drywood termites. 

Aeration and Certification - When the fumigation is complete, your fumigator aerates your home and uses sophisticated detection equipment to verify that your home has been effectively aerated.  Once your home is clear, your fumigator certifies it so your family can re-enter with confidence. 

Why buildings are fumigated - Insects that feed or tunnel into wood can seriously damage houses, apartments and other dwellings or structures.  Each year termites or other wood destroying insects damage approximately two million homes.  Depending on the extent or location of the infestation. Fumigation is the only total control method proven to eliminate certain infestations of wood destroying insects.

How buildings are fumigated - Since Vikane is a gas, prior to fumigation the structure is completely sealed.  This serves to contain Vikane in the building so it can penetrate wood thoroughly and eliminate the pest.   Depending on the construction of the building, the doors and windows may be sealed with tape and plastic sheet, or the structure may be covered with a tarp.  The building will remain sealed 4 to 72 hours depending on the specifics of the job (a typical home will be covered 16 to 24 hours then aerated 6 to 24 hours).  Warning signs are posted around the building, notifying people to keep out. 

After the tarp or tape is removed, a professional fumigator will aerate the structure by opening the doors and windows.  Fans may also be used to clear out the building.  Once the dwelling has been thoroughly aerated, the fumigator is required to measure the level of any fumigant remaining in the living spaces to ensure it is below the EPA approved concentration for re-entry by the occupant.  Extremely low levels of fumigant can remain for a short period of time in dead air spaces between walls and inside cabinets as well as porous materials such as furniture.  The small amount of fumigant in these areas will continue to dissipate for a few hours after the fumigation; at levels well below the established safe for re-entry concentration.  Your building should not be cleared for re-0occupancy until it is safe to re-enter.  The fumigator will post a notice on your building indicating the day and time for re-entry.  Because Vikane is a true gas and not a vapor, aeration is rapid.  Recent studies demonstrate that in most structures levels are less than 1 part per million within 6 hours of clearing and have no detectable levels of Vikane within 24 hours after the start of aeration.

Safety precautions by homeowners - Discuss the treatment program with your inspector in advance so you fully understand what will be done and what you need to do.  Carefully follow the instructions you are given about the items you are to remove from your building.  Stay out of the treated building until it is cleared for re-entry. 

Here is what you need to do.

What do I need to do to prepare for the fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant?

In addition to the work performed by your fumigator, it is your responsibility to help prepare your home for the fumigation.  Taking the following steps prior to fumigation helps ensure its success, resulting in the elimination of dry wood termites from your home.  Check with your fumigator for additional home preparation information.

The day before the fumigation:

• Water the soil up to 18 inches from the outer walls of your home to protect outdoor plants and shrubs.

• Cut back foliage, shrubbery and landscaping at least 18 inches from the structure to allow room for the tarps..

• Remember to make arrangements for overnight accommodations for you and your pets as your home may be under fumigation for 24 to 48 hours.

• Please keep in mind the fumigation may need to be rescheduled if the weather is uncooperative. High winds and rain may hinder  a fumigation and  potential danger to fumigators.
  

The day of the fumigation:

• Remove all plants from your home, including those on outdoor patios.
  
  
• Evacuate all people and pets from structure.
  
  
•  Remove mattresses completely enveloped in plastic, such as baby mattresses with water- proof covers or remove the covers themselves.

• Remove or double bag any food, feed, drugs and medicinals in special Nylofume bags your fumigator provides.  You do not need to bag or remove items in plastic, glass or metal bottles, cans or jars with the original manufacture’s airtight seal intact.

• Seal the Nylofume bags one at a 6time by twisting the tops or folding down and sealing with tape, twisty ties, string  or rubber bands.  DO NOT TIE BAGS IN A KNOT.  Your fumigator can provide special instructions on proper bagging procedures for you.
  
  
• Double bag cold and frozen foods and leave them in the refrigerator and freezer to make it easier to stack the bags inside.
  
  
• Be sure to remove or double bag anything that will be ingested (medicine, spices, etc.)

After the fumigation:

• It is unnecessary to wash dishes, linens, clothing etc, as Vikane is a gas and will dissipate from the structure.

• Remember, once your fumigation is complete all drywood  termites in your structure  should be eliminated.

Ask your fumigator to help you determine additional items that need to be double bagged or removed prior to fumigation.  A good rule of thumb is “when in doubt – take it  out”. Here some examples.

Double bag or remove these items:

• Chips, pasta, rice and other foods packaged in plastic bags.
• Cereals, crackers and other foods packaged in cardboard boxes (even if the boxes have never been opened.)
• Spices, salt and pepper shakers and other items where the seal has been broken.
• Eggs
• Ice, opened bottled drinking water.
• Butter, cream cheese and any other items stored in resealed containers, including items stored in Tupperware containers.
• Fruits and vegetables
• Bags of pet food and bird seed as well as opened cans.

You need not bag or remove these items:

• Unopened cans (including home canned goods)
• Cosmetics, such as lipstick
• Unopened soda cans and glass bottles
• Shampoo, soaps
• Unopened bottles of liquor and wine (stored horizontally).

If you have any questions about how to prepare your home for fumigation, please don't hesitate to call us.
(949) 616-5582

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON CHLOROPICRIN

The pest control industry in the United States relies on fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant to eliminate drywood termites and other wood-destroying insects in homes, warehouses and other types of structures.  Vikane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas and is non-detectable by people during fumigation.  As such, as an extra measure of safety, a warning agent, Chloropicrin is released within the structure to ensure that it is free of people prior to introducing the fumigant, as well as to prevent entry prior to the fumigator certifying the structure for re-occupancy.

As a homeowner, you may have questions related to the use of chloropicrin in your home.  The following will help answer those questions and help you become better informed about chloropicrin’s use and it’s role in the fumigation process.

What is chloropicrin?  Chloropicrin is a colorless liquid with a very strong odor that causes eye irritation and tearing when used in small quantities.  It is used as a warning agent to help ensure a structure is free of people prior to fumigating with Vikane.  Chloropicrin also serves as a deterrent from early or accidental entry into a structure under fumigation. 

Why is chloropicrin used?  As previously mentioned, Vikane gas fumigant is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas.  In this form it cannot be detected by people during fumigation.  Therefore, your fumigator will release chloropicrin within the structure at least five to ten minutes prior to introducing Vikane in order to ensure it is clear of occupants.  Dow AgroSciences has mandated the use of chloropicrin with fumigation since Vikane was first marketed in 1961 to help safeguard homeowners and others involved in the fumigation process.

How is chloropicrin used?  Extremely small quantities are used as part of the fumigation process, at concentrations that provide adequate warning without causing lingering odors or other adverse effects for home owners or the environment.

How is chloropicrin released into my home?  The fumigator carefully measures and pours the chloropicrin onto an absorbent material in one or more shallow pans.  The pans are then placed near fans in the area where Vikane will be released.  Air movement from the fans helps evaporate the chloropicrin and distribute it throughout the structure.  Chloropicrin is released at least five to ten minutes before introducing Vikane to make sure is has sufficient time to act as a warning agent within the structure.

Does my fumigator do anything else to ensure that everyone has left the structure besides releasing chloropicrin? Yes.  Your fumigator will conduct a walk-through inspection to help confirm everyone is out of the structure prior to releasing chloropicrin.  Your fumigator will also post warning signs around the structure to help prevent early or accidental re-entry.  In addition, your fumigator will use secondary locks on the entrances of your home that requires a special key to gain access to help ensure the structure remains free of people throughout the fumigation process.

Is the amount of chloropicrin used during the fumigation harmful to people? Should I be concerned about it affecting my health?  According to the product label, chloropicrin is used at very low application rate of 1 fluid ounce for every 10,000 to 15,000 cubic feet of fumigation space.  This results in a controlled concentration of chloropicrin within the structure during the fumigation.  After the fumigation period, your fumigator will aerate the Vikane and chloropicrin down to DPR accepted levels acceptable for you to re-enter your home.  Once clearance has taken place, the amount of chloropicrin remaining in the home is at such a low level that homeowners need not to be concerned with any toxicological effects.

What should I do if I sense chloropicrin or experience symptoms after the fumigation? Minute amounts of chloropicrin remaining in the structure may cause tearing, a scratchy throat or coughing.  Although every effort is made to clear chloropicrin from you home, it may still be detectable at extremely low concentrations.  Even if you sense chloropicrin immediately following the fumigation of your home, a small amount of chloropicrin does not mean Vikane is still present.  Vikane aerates from structures more rapidly, and fumigators use sensitive detection equipment to ensure that Vikane is cleared from you home prior to allowing re-occupancy.

A few simple steps can assist in clearing any remaining chloropicrin from your home.  If, you sense chloropicrin immediately following the fumigation of your home, leave the home and call the fumigator to inform him of what you are experiencing.  A small amount of chloropicrin does not mean Vikane is present.

It is recommended that the fumigator complete the next steps:  Retest to confirm is cleared from your home.  Open windows.  Operate fans of air-handling systems such as heat or air conditioning.  Place additional fans near windows to create a directed air flow through the structure for efficient aeration.  Increase the temperature within the structure by turning off the air cooling compressors of air conditioners in the warmer months (operating the fan only) and using the central heating system in the cooler months.

The above steps may require a few hours for the fumigator to complete.  Leave the structure during this time if you continue to experience irritation from chloropicrin.  Contact the fumigator again for further assistance if the above actions do no remedy the problem.

Does chloropicrin harm the environment?  When released into the atmosphere, chloropicrin breaks down in sunlight in less than a day.  According to the chloropicrin Manufacturers Task Force, there is no significant ozone depletion potential associated with the quantities of chloropicrin used with fumigation.

Is chloropicrin used for anything else besides a warning agent? Yes, chloropicrin is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a fumigant insecticide for soil and stored grains.  As a registered insecticide, chloropicrin has undergone significant scientific review for its effects on health, safety and the environment.

If you have additional questions about chloropicrin or its proper application, please contact our office at: (949) 616-5582 Ask For Richie