Just some of the side effects documented by humans who have been exposed to termite control agents in their environment include headaches, neuropathy, asthma and allergies. The dangers of termite control are higher for household pets and small children.
Full Answer
What are the side effects of termite treatment?
Just some of the side effects documented by humans who have been exposed to termite control agents in their environment include headaches, neuropathy, asthma and allergies. Danger to Pets and Small Children The dangers of termite control are higher for household pets and small children.
How do termites affect human health?
Termites represent a hidden danger to our houses: they are able to destroy all wooden structures and furniture in 3-5 years, making a house unfit for human habitation. Of no less importance is the fact that termites can affect human health that makes a fight against infestation equally significant.
What are the risks of termite fumigation?
The biggest risk is inhaling the gas. Also, fumigation isn’t the most eco-friendly choice of all termite treatments. Furthermore, leaks from the tent can kill beneficial insects and plants in the surrounding areas. Bait systems are probably the least risky way to get rid of termites.
What are the signs of termites in your home?
One of the most visible signs of termites in your home (besides damage to the wood, of course) is discarded wings during the spring mating season. Ants never shed their wings.
Can you get sick from termite fumigation?
The good news is that our pest control treatments will not make you sick.
Is it safe to stay in house after termite treatment?
The answer is 24-72 hours. You'd need to stay out of your home for 24 to 72 hours after fumigation.
Is termiticide harmful to humans?
You can use today's liquid termiticide treatments just about anywhere on your property without worrying about yourself, your children or your pets being exposed to it. That is because the termiticides that are used today are odorless and are also non-threatening to humans.
What are the side effects of fumigation?
Headache, concentration and memory disorders, dizziness and nausea, skin irritation, respiratory distress, and muscle cramps - isolated or in various combinations - may be the result of acute or chronic intoxication by fumigants.
How toxic is termite treatment?
Many methods used to eliminate termites involve chemicals that could be dangerous when not handled properly. If applied correctly by a professional, termite control products are quite safe and people do not typically suffer from any residual effects.
Can I sleep in my house after fumigation?
You cannot stay in your home during structural fumigation and neither can your pets or plants. You need to remove any living thing from your property for the duration of the treatment. You also need to pack your food and medicine in special bags designed for this process.
Is termite spray smell harmful to humans?
However, they are not lethal to humans, at least not based on the quantity used during pest control treatment. However, if you are sensitive to or have allergies pertaining to fumes and chemicals, it will be a good idea to stay outdoors during the pest control process.
Is termite Foam safe for humans?
Once the Termidor Foam has dried on the surfaces behind the wall it will only be toxic to something the size of an insect or termite. Once the product has dried completely, it is safe for pets to return to the area… We would not recommend applying this product while pets and/or children are indoors.
Are household pesticides harmful to humans?
The exposure to pesticides may result in irritation to eye, nose, and throat; damage to central nervous system and kidney; and increased risk of cancer. Symptoms due to pesticides exposure may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea.
What happens if you eat food exposed to Vikane gas?
Will that cause me harm? No adverse health effects would be expected from consumption of some food items inadvertently fumigated with Vikane. The residue that can form in unprotected food items exposed to Vikane is fluoride, which naturally occurs in food and water.
What can be left in house during fumigation?
These items can include drinks, pantry items like soup, and medicines. Dry goods packaged in bags and/or cardboard boxes need to be removed or double bagged even if they haven't been opened. These items include cereal, chips, rice, etc.
Is Vikane gas harmful to humans?
Vikane® specialty gas fumigant is odorless. Exposure to toxic levels may occur without warning or detection by the user. In all cases of overexposure, such as nausea, difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, slowing of movements and speech, numbness in extremities, get medical attention immediately.
First, What Are Termites?
Termites are wood-eating insects that can seriously damage homes and any other structures made of wood. They are similar to ants in size and appear...
Why Is Termite Tenting A Cause For Concern?
When the tent is removed, the poison escapes into the atmosphere. The chemicals used in this fumigation process, and other termite treatments, caus...
Alternatives to Termite Tenting
Researchers and healthcare providers encourage using less toxic and harmful pesticides to eradicate termites. According to the University of Kentuc...
If Tenting Is Your only Option
While there are several options available to eradicate termites, tenting is often recommended when there is widespread infestation. If tenting is y...
What are the dangers of termite control?
Danger to the Environment. Pesticides that are sprayed around a structure or placed into baits near it contain chemicals that can pollute the surrounding soil, water and air 1. Termite control chemicals can also harm or kill birds or other wildlife that the homeowner may not consider “pests.”.
How does termite control affect the body?
The dangers that termite control agents pose for adults primarily center on absorption of the insecticide through skin or by inhaling. Prolonged exposure has been correlated to an increase in pancreatic and liver problems, the development of certain types of cancers, including leukemia, and an increase in spontaneous abortions and stillbirths as well as other fertility issues such as decreased sperm count.
Is it illegal to use pesticides on termites?
Under federal law, it is illegal to state that the use of any pesticide is safe. While many of the most harmful termite control agents have been removed from the market, consumers should be aware that any treatment designed to kill or remove termites could have a negative impact on the health of other living creatures as well.
Is termite control illegal?
Danger to Adults. Written by Janice Fahy. 27 July, 2017. The dangers of termite control agents--most often used in the form of baits or liquid sprays--are similar to the dangers inherent in the use of insecticides in general. Under federal law, it is illegal to state that the use ...
What is the best way to treat termites in a tent?
According to the University of Kentucky Entomology Department, there are two other options to tent treatment for termites: baiting and liquid soil application.
What is termite baiting?
Baiting. The termite baiting process is complicated and, as with other termite treatments, should be handled by professionals only. Basically, the process involves placing paper or cardboard treated with a slow-acting poison. Termites are attracted to the bait, eat it, and eventually die.
What is the name of the drug that kills termites?
Premise® (imidacloprid -- implicated in the death of honeybees around the world), Termidor® (fipronil ), and Phantom® (chlorfenapyr), are non-repellent and kill termites tunneling into the treatment zone.
What happens when a tent is removed?
When the tent is removed, the poison escapes into the atmosphere. The chemicals used in this fumigation process, and other termite treatments, cause many experts to worry about environmental and physical health.
How long did it take for a couple to die from having their home tented?
The Center for Disease Control reported that a Virginia couple died within seven days of having their home tented and fumigated. According to the CDC, the exterminators "failed to measure the air concentration of SF inside the home.".
Is termite protection important?
If you’re like most people, your home is the single largest financial investment of your life. Protecting that investment from threats such as termites is a high priority. On the other hand, you don’t want to take pest control measures that may be potentially harmful to human beings.
Do termites have antennae?
They are similar to ants in size and appearance. However, termites do not have the pinched-in waist and bent antennae that distinguish ants. One of the most visible signs of termites in your home (besides damage to the wood, of course) is discarded wings during the spring mating season. Ants never shed their wings.
How to protect against termites?
There are several measures that can protect you against health risks that could be caused by termites: Ventilation and airing. Pay a close attention to the ventilation system of your house, air wells should always be passable for air, air grids should always be clean.
What to do if you have a termite allergy?
Allergies – increased sensitivity to certain substances (allergens) that cause a painful condition (tearing, red spots, coughing, sneezing and so on.) Advice: in case of allergy reaction on mold or termites’ frass take decongestant medicine according to the instruction. Wash itching skin areas with cold water and soap.
What are termites' waste products?
When your house is infested by termites, they are able to cause various side effects that are represented in form of mold and termites’ waste products (frass). Termites frass (pellets). These pellets also called frass or poop, are wooden colored. Termite pellets are harmful to humans.
What to do if a termite stings your dog?
If a termite stings your pet, before going to a vet, give it human decongestant medicine in half dose (depends on a size of a pet). Besides, if stung area is swelling and causes pain to your pet, make a cold compress soaked in saline with household soda. Do not let your pet lick the compress away.
What does it mean when you see termite droppings?
The existence of termite droppings indicates that there is a sound termite activity in the surrounding area. Such droppings can be found on a bed (the sign of “roof” activity), on window sills, carpet, floor. Termites dust can cause rather serious health problems.
How to get rid of termites on wood?
Cool shower with soap and water will help to remove or inactivate most of the offending substance. In the formation of blisters, apply cold wet compresses for 30 minutes 3 times a day . Mold. Termites decompose wooden structures that can cause the appearance of mold.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
What are the effects of termite droppings?
There is a wide range of symptoms that could result from this allergic reaction. Inflammation, coughing, and sneezing are the most common symptoms.
How long does it take for termite droppings to heal?
All you need to do is stay away from all termite droppings for a couple of weeks and then your skin should heal up on its own. Try not to scratch or irritate it further in the meantime.
What do termite droppings look like?
Their feces do not look like the brown droppings of a mammal. Instead, you can expect termite droppings to look like tiny particles of sawdust.
Can termites spread through air conditioning?
These particles can easily spread into the air of your home through your heating and air conditioning system. If you have termites nesting in your air ducts, then the problem could potentially get worse. You won’t notice it until you or someone else in your home starts feeling the negative health effects of the droppings.
Do termites have long term effects?
Fortunately, the wounds they would inflict on your skin do not have long-term effects. You’ll just feel a temporary stinging sensation or itchiness, but it should clear away fast. Termites do not contain any diseases, toxins, or poisons that can harm you.
Is termite bad for your house?
Termites are an annoying best to have in any home. Not only are they ugly to look at, but they can compromise the wooden structure of your home too. But what many people do not think about are the health effects of termites.
Do termites attack humans?
First, you should know that termites do not purposely set out to attack human beings or cause them harm. However, there are ways in which termites can unintentionally impact your health. You should understand what they are just in case you experience these health symptoms while dealing with termite infestations.
How long do termites stay in a tent?
During termite tenting, the occupants of the home, including plants and pets, must find somewhere else to live for two to three days due to fumigation dangers. Pest control professionals drape the house in heavy sheets of vinyl-coated nylon tarps, then secure these with tape and plastic sheeting to form a tent around the home.
What is termite tenting?
House tenting, otherwise known as "structural fumigation," is a localized method of pest control that is commonly used when other forms of pest removal would be untenable.
How effective is sulfuryl fluoride for termites?
Advertisement. Despite the environmental risks, sulfuryl fluoride is one of the most effective ways to kill termites that could otherwise destroy your home.
What is the PPM level for termite tenting?
When termite tenting is performed properly, occupants are not cleared to re-enter the home until levels have reached below 1 ppm , a level set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement.
What is the chemical used to kill termites?
While methyl bromide once served as the primary chemical for termite tenting, it has been phased out in favor of odorless, colorless sulfuryl fluoride. The sulfuryl fluoride is mixed with chloropicrin, a form of tear gas, which helps warn anyone who comes near the house that a dangerous chemical is present.
Can you use tenting to kill termites?
In some instances, tenting can be used in homes, businesses and other structures to remove beetles, bed bugs and termites. Before choosing to use tenting in your home or office, there are some things that should be considered, however, as this method of pest control can prove fatal to humans, pets or plants if proper precautions are not taken.
Is sulfuryl fluoride harmful to the environment?
Though this gas no longer poses an immediate threat to the home's occupants, it does pose certain dangers to the environment. Sulfuryl fluoride is a potent greenhouse gas, and contributes to global warming.
What are the two types of termites that are dangerous to homes in the US?
To begin with, there are two main types of termites that are dangerous to houses in US: Subterranean. Drywood.
What do termites need to form a colony?
To form colony subterranean termites need two things: the soil and good source of water. The main nest will be located underground and the termite workers (the ones that are the main consumers of cellulose) are normally only visiting the building through their mud tubes.
What is the name of the termite gas?
The general name for the termite gas is sulfuryl fluoride. The use of the other fumigating gas – methyl bromide was banned in the US because of its negative impact on the ozone layer. For now exists three brands of sulfuryl fluoride: Vikane (by AgroSciences). Zythor (by Ensytex II).
What are the drawbacks of no residual?
The only drawback of no residual is that fumigation on its own does not protect the household from future infestation and for this has to be combined with further preventive measures. Learn more about subterranean termites: signs of their activity; best methods of treatment and DIY methods.
How long do you have to leave a house for fumigation?
Consider that you will need to leave the house for around 72 hours, and prepare your bag accordingly. Important! The time needed for the fumigation depends on the outside weather conditions and can vary. Don’t leave any pets inside, the concentration of the gas inside the house will be dangerous for their health.
How to keep gas from under a tent?
Leave inside only the food that is still in untouched sealed package or double seal the open ones in plastic. Water the soil between the house and shrubs for preventing the escape of the gas from under the tent. Make sure you have the gas supply cut off for the days of tenting.
Why do you need to bring the collected clues to the pest control specialists in your region?
The collected clues you better bring to the pest control specialists in your region, because the identification requires some special knowledge and magnifying equipment. If you don’t have the winged individuals, but you sure that the house is infested, check for the frass.
How to get rid of fumigants in house?
All the windows should be opened and fans should be used to get rid of any traces of fumigants in the house. Keep the home ventilated for a few days to remove all the chemical fumes left inside. Next, you should wash all the dishes and utensils left inside the house during the treatment.
How long should you keep pets away from a fumigator?
While the pest control experts give the exact answer, you should keep the pets away for at least 24 hours to allow complete dissipation of fumigants.
How long does sulphur fluoride stay in the atmosphere?
One of these gases, sulphur fluoride contributes to global warming. It can stay in the atmosphere for as long as a century. This gas can trap heat up to 4000 times more than carbon dioxide and is a powerful pollutant.
Can fumigation cause neurological damage?
Chemicals released during fumigation can cause neurological damage. Fumigation experts always warn the homeowners about these dangers and advise them on safety precautions. If you experience any symptoms of chemical exposure, you should need medical attention immediately.
Is fumigation gas dangerous?
Inhaling Fumigation Gas. The most common dangers associated with fumigation is the risk of exposure to the gas. While this is something that can be prevented by following the professionals’ advice, inhaling fumigation gas can be really dangerous.
Can fumigation gas kill you?
While these effects are treatable, full exposure to fumigation gas can prove to be fatal and lead to death. Sometimes, inhaling fumigation gas might not show instant side effects and the person thinks nothing has happened. However, the chemicals can enter the body and show adverse health effects in the long run.
Can fumigation gas cause nausea?
Inhaling the concentrated fumes after the process can cause instant effects like nausea, vomiting, coughing, red eyes, sweating, itchy skin, excessive saliva secretion, running stomach and difficulty breathing. While these effects are treatable, full exposure to fumigation gas can prove to be fatal and lead to death.
What are the side effects of fumigation gas?
Short term and long term exposure to these gases can result in health issues including: Respiratory irritation and breathing problems. Nausea with or without vomiting. Itching/burning of the eyes.
Why is fumigation used in termites?
It is mainly because the gas or fumigants used in the process are poisonous and toxic to humans and other life forms. Fumigation is one of the many methods used to control pests, including termites.
How long should you wait to bring a pet to a fumigated house?
Therefore, it is recommended that you wait at least 24 hours before you bring your pet to a recently fumigated home.
How to get rid of sulfuryl fluoride in a home?
Open all windows, doors, and ventilators for fresh air to circulate inside and let out any remaining gas from the fumigation. Research has shown that increased aeration time before occupying the fumigated home reduces the chances of sulfuryl fluoride poisoning.
How long does sulfuryl fluoride last in the air?
But the consequences can be no less devastating, as sulfuryl fluoride has a lifetime of 36 years after it is aerated and gets released into the atmosphere.
What is the name of the chemical used in fumigation?
An estimated 95% of fumigation in the United States uses sulfuryl fluoride, which is sold under the trade names Vikane and Termafume. Sulfuryl fluoride is an inorganic compound that is colorless and odorless, which is lethal for all life forms.
How to get rid of fumigation gas inhalation?
In the case of fumigation gas inhalation, you can do one of the following: If the inhalation is mild, make it a point to go away from the fumigated area. Breathing fresh air for a few minutes is usually enough to remedy this type of inhalation.