At Rentokil, when we refer to fumigation, we are referring to a service where a fumigant gas is inserted into a closed or sealed structure or container and the pests or insects within are completely destroyed. The goods are then pest-free and safe for either consumption or export.
When exporting, fumigation is required to ensure that the vessel or container, as well as the commodity, is free from any insect or pest activity to ensure it is safe for consumption. It is also carried out to prevent the ingress of pests into another country.
Hitch-hiking pests
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is one such pest. In previous blog posts, we have highlighted the strict protocols that New Zealand and Australia have in place particularly for (but not limited to) carriers of vehicles and machinery, where Stink Bugs find harbourage.
The latest tips provided by the New Zealand Ministry is to:
- Reduce storage times, and
- Segregating goods either by physical distance or the application of chemicals.
One of the more closer to home and common issues we find in our industry is the infestation by Stored Product Insects. Some of our customers who produce commodities such as cereals, spices, coffee, rice, grains, animal feed, etc are prone to stored-product insects (SPI) like moths, mites, weevils, and beetles.
We provide regular expert fumigation services and our recommendation always includes, reducing storage times; and separating treated from untreated or finished product. This, for the very reason that pests can be transferred from the raw product into the completed product or from one product to another.
When exporting, the responsibility lies with the exporter who will need to make sure that the contents being exported have the necessary certification and have been adequately treated as per the receiving country’s requirements and regulations. For the logistics and shipping companies, or even freight forwarders, it is also important to note when specific ISPM15 certification is required.
As well as the commodity, all wooden dunnage, pallets, crating, drums, skids, load boards etc that support the commodity within a shipping container or vessel should also be treated using a fumigant like methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride (ProFume) or even possibly heat. Certified proof of fumigation of the commodity itself, and the container would need to be provided.
Our treatment options
At Rentokil, we are authorised to use different fumigants depending on the commodity being treated or the type of fumigation carried out. Find out more about our various treatment options on our website.
Our blog readers may be aware of the fact that the fumigant Methyl Bromide is being phased out internationally with the alternative for certain products being Sulfuryl Fluoride (ProFume) which many industries are introducing. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have around this.
Where is fumigation required?
If you are in one of the following industries using Methyl Bromide, it may be of interest to give us a call to discuss the switch to Sulfuryl Fluoride (ProFume):
- Food processors or manufacturers – especially those producing dry bulk foods like Cereals, Spices, Grains, Flours or Rice, etc
- Food manufacturing machinery is also prone to SPI – an accumulation or build-up of product particles could pose a pest problem and if required, the machinery can be fumigated too.
- Warehouses and storage facilities – where goods are prone to SPI
- Freight forwarders and Shipping companies – requiring certification of fumigation
- Exporters of wood logs, wooden items, etc – requiring ISPM15 certification
- Importers – where pest activity has been found in the commodity and fumigation is required
- Moving household contents in a container due to immigration – a fumigation certificate may be required.
Choosing a service provider for expert fumigation services
We know how daunting it can be when choosing a provider of expert fumigation services and how appealing a DIY solution may seem, but fumigation must be carried out by a specialist in this field.
For some companies Fumigation in transit (FIT) is commonly practised but we strongly advise that this is an extremely dangerous practise. Have all your questions answered in a previous blog.
If you are in one of the industries mentioned above, or are prone to SPI infestations, why not book a pest risk survey with us? Book a pest risk survey.
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