Fumigation Services in Food and Agriculture Industries

Of the various pest control methods, the one that’s deemed the most effective for the thorough eradication of pests is fumigation. Fumigation is a process in which a chemical called fumigant, which can exist in a gaseous state at the right temperature and pressure, is used to eliminate pests. The fumigant gas can reach all the nooks and corners and cover every possible area of infestation, therefore the result of this disinfestation process is remarkable.

Fumigation is used across a wide variety of industries in the UAE for pest control. The types of fumigations that are widely implemented include food processing fumigation, date palm fumigation, agriculture fumigation, ship fumigation, cargo & container fumigation, tobacco fumigation, and granary fumigation, and animal feed fumigation. In the UAE, fumigation is mandatory in the export trade as a pest transmission prevention strategy.

How is Fumigation Done

Fumigation takes place in a sealed or airtight environment. A fumigation process involves the following steps:

• The area to be fumigated is covered or sealed to prepare for the process.
• The fumigant, which is the pesticide, is released into the area in gaseous form.
• The sealed space is left undisturbed for a set period of time for the fumigant to act on the pests and eliminate them.
• The space is aerated properly to ensure that no hazardous residues remain and it is safe for humans.

Fumigation must be carried out by licensed and trained professionals. Standard safety protocols must be followed to ensure the safety as well as the effectiveness of the treatment. In all industries, the fumigation process is the same; the type of fumigants used may vary depending on the purpose. 

Fumigation in Food Processing Plants

Pest problems in the food processing industry have catastrophic results. It can damage the products, sales, and reputation of the business. In the food processing industry, as the import rate is high, there are more chances of pest attacks – it could happen during processing, storage, and transport.

Food processing fumigation is one of the commonly deployed techniques in the industry for eliminating pests. Fumigants kill pests in all development stages like eggs, larvae, pupae, and full-grown pests. During the fumigation process, food is stored in airtight containers to eliminate contact with the fumigant. Thus, there are no risks involved. No pests will survive the fumigation process and once the area is aerated, all operations can be resumed as before. 

In the food processing industry, phosphine gas fumigation is commonly used. These fumigants are available in solid form as tablets, pellets, or granules. It leaves no pesticide residue and is capable of eliminating insect infestations on various items such as animal feed, tobacco, wheat, cotton, corn, rice, etc. Phosphine fumigation is a simple and cost-effective method and can work effectively on bulk commodities. 

Fumigation in Agriculture

Agriculture is a key practice in UAE with dates being the top agricultural crop produced. To ensure that pests don’t damage crop production and plant growth, agriculture fumigation is conducted. Here, soil fumigants are used, which when combined with soil form a gas to kill pests. They are effective on insects, weeds, bacteria, nematodes, and fungi. Soil fumigants are also combined with pesticides at reduced dosages to disinfect agricultural lands. 

Although fumigation is more time-consuming than other pest-proofing methods, owing to its efficiency, it is among the most preferred pest control methods in UAE. 

Armour Pest Control LLC provides professional fumigation and other pest control services in Dubai. Our fumigation process is carried out by well-trained fumigators and complies with all safety protocols. Want to know more about our services? Contact us now.