Additional Services
Fumigation & Treatments
Fumigation with vikane
Tent fumigation is the leading solution to Drywood Termite infestations. This treatment involves a carefully researched method of introducing Vikane Gas Fumigant (Sulphuryl Fluoride) into a structure. This effectively penetrates all wood timbers in sub areas, walls, attics, eaves, etc. to eliminate all the Drywood Termites within the structure.
Soil treatments with Termidor®
There are several methods available to treat subterranean termites. A chemical treatment is the most common treatment type available for subterranean termites. The goal of a subterranean termite chemical treatment is to establish a continuous termiticide barrier between the termite colony (usually in the soil) and wood in a building. Technicians trench the soil and/or inject termiticide beneath it at 12-inch intervals. They may also drill into hollow masonry block foundations and inject termiticide into the block voids. This creates a protective barrier around the property. Subterranean Termites can build tubes up to the foundation and into the footings of your home fairly easily (they don’t actually need a crack or void in the concrete) drilling and treating the slab floor this puts the material on both sides of the footing.
Local Drill & Treat with ProCitra-DL (Orange oil) or Premise®
This method involves drilling pin holes into Drywood Termite galleries and injecting termiticides into these galleries. Wood injection or “drill-and-treat” applications have been used since the 1920s to treat drywood termite infestations, which are accessible and detectable. An insecticide is injected into small holes drilled through any wood surface into termite galleries delivering the treatment directly to the pest population.
TERMIDOR - Soil Treatments
ABOUT TERMIDOR: TERMIDOR is manufactured and distributed by Aventis Environmental Science USA (the Manufacturer). The Manufacturer makes the following claims about TERMIDOR:
1) TERMIDOR is applied similar to and works like a traditional termite soil treatment and it also works like a termite baiting service, only faster, much faster (2-6 times faster than termite bait systems)! Since 1997 TERMIDOR has given 100% control of termites in their US test cases. The manufacturer claims this was verified in every case: 100% control within 3 months! In the past four (4) years in France, over 20,000 houses were treated with TERMIDOR and there has not been a single failure or callback. Not one. Period.
2) TERMIDOR is America’s first 100% termite solution. TERMIDOR has passed the stiffest tests that both US and foreign researchers could throw at it. TERMIDOR passed with flying colors. In fact, no other termiticide (termite product) in history has consistently returned ‘100% effective’ results whenever and wherever it was used.
3) TERMIDOR chemistry has what is referred to as ‘Transfer Effect’: it controls the whole termite colony. 100% control within three (3) months!
4) TERMIDOR works differently than other soil products. The termites don’t know they have been contaminated by TERMIDOR. The termites can’t smell it, it doesn’t repel them nor does it kill them instantly. Since they don’t know it’s there, they forage freely in the treated soil. TERMIDOR kills two (2) ways: 1) by ingestion and 2) by contact. TERMIDOR’S active ingredient fipronil is slow-acting and allows the foraging termites to continue their normal routine, long enough to contact other termites in the colony. Due to TERMIDOR’S ‘Transfer Effect,’ it provides 100% control within three (3) months.
5) TERMIDOR’S ‘Transfer Effect:’ how it works: Once a termite has ingested or contacted TERMIDOR treated material with its body, it becomes a ‘carrier’. Every other termite it contacts will be infected…which in turn infects every other termite it contacts. But TERMIDOR works slowly, letting the infected termites contact many others before dying themselves. Overall colony management is fast: significantly faster than bait systems.
6) TERMIDOR has no odor. Since 1995, fipronil (the active ingredient in TERMIDOR) has been used globally for flea and tick control on millions of cats and dogs. Fipronil is also used around the world to protect food supplies. And since TERMIDOR bonds to the soil, there’s no leaching through rainfall or irrigation.
Local Treatment
Fumigation vs. Local Treatment
It is next to impossible to locate every Drywood Termite colony in a structure. Wood frame construction in modern structures contains many voids that cannot be inspected for Drywood Termites. This is an important factor in why fumigation remains the leading treatment for Drywood Termites.
Alternative Drywood Termite treatments have been introduced to the pest control industry in recent years. While new technologies are exciting in termite elimination, the same local treatment issues exist with these methods.
Furthermore, even if all infestations are located, penetrating wood with conventional treatments is difficult and often damage cosmetic portions of the structure.
Orange Oil Local Treatment
ProCitra-DL orange oil is a naturally occurring essential oil containing the active ingredient d-limonene. This citrus oil is derived from the rind of the orange and is used in a variety of products from pet shampoos to household cleaners. This formula has made it possible to treat termites effectively without chemicals.
The reason ProCitra-DL orange oil and d-limonene are so devastating to termites is because of its exceptionally high citric acid content. This highly acidic pH level is of minimal consequence to humans, but to termites it is fatal.
Although ProCitra-DL will biodegrade in about four days, during that residual period, termites that eat treated wood through which d-Limonene travels will also be eradicated.
ProCitra-DL is a professional use contact aerosol that contains no synthetically engineered active ingredients. d-Limonene, ProCitra-DL’s active ingredient, comes directly from orange and other citrus peels making it useful for any sensitive account.
When injected directly into termite galleries, ProCitra-DL kills termites and their eggs on contact.
ProCitra-DL affects the exoskeletons and eggs of termites that come in contact with it, and should these pests be unfortunate enough to devour any wood that was recently treated, their stomachs will suffer a similar fate.
Another amazing property of ProCitra-DL is its ability to actually wick through wood, traveling through the porous cells in all direction and even defying gravity! Orange oil will not only treat the areas into which it is injected, but will soak into the surrounding areas as well.
ProCitra-DL, part of Whitmire Micro-Gen’s line of “green” pest management products, is a botanical-based insecticide ideal for Crack & Crevice and spot treatment in both food and nonfood handling areas. It kills a wide variety of pests including ants, cockroaches, fleas and spiders and may be used in sensitive accounts such as schools, nursing homes, food processing plants, hospitals and government buildings.
Premise® Local Treatment
Premise® is a non-repellent termite treatment. Premise® gets rid of termites in several ways. First, termites are eliminated as they ingest or contact Premise® in the Treated Zone™. Second, termites transfer Premise® through social interaction and cannibalism. Termites survive as a colony and are in constant contact with each other. Premise® uses this against them to protect your home!
Construction & Repair
Termite repair work is a generic term that refers to repairs done in a home to correct infestation or damage from wood pest organisms such as dry rot, fungus, termites, wood-boring beetles or Carpenter Ants.
Our highly experienced team of carpenters can take care of your structural repair needs. From minor wood repair to major replacement, NuCentury Inspections is dedicated to providing our clients with the highest standard of quality in workmanship and service. All work is guaranteed in writing and completed to your satisfaction.
For more information or to receive a free consultation, please contact us today.
Fumigation FAQ
Vikane is a colorless, odorless gas that quickly penetrates structural materials during whole-structure fumigation. Vikane, backed by nearly 50 years of university research, practical use and published reports is nonstaining, noncorrosive and nonflammable. Vikane quickly dissipates from the structure into the atmosphere and does not damage the ozone layer.
Many title companies require that a home is treated for termites before it can be purchased. Also, most buyers expect the home that they are purchasing is going to be treated.
Whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant meets all state and lender requirements for real estate transactions. Whole-structure fumigation is the best drywood termite treatment because it gives both the buyer and seller peace of mind that all of the drywood termite colonies have been eliminated.
Fumigation professionals calculate the fumigant dosage they use based on the target pest they are eliminating, such as drywood termites. If you would like to control other pests in your home, talk to your local fumigation professional about setting up a specific pest control plan for those pests. We only guarantee for the target pest we are fumigating for.
If you see a few live termites immediately after your home has been fumigated, don’t be alarmed. Sometimes it can take three to five days for all of the termites to die. Rest assured whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant will eliminate all of the drywood termites in the home.
Removing your fish aquarium from your home is the best possible option. If that cannot be done, it is important to work with your fumigation professional to determine the best way to protect aquarium organisms during the fumigation.
Vikane gas fumigant does not react with most materials and is unlikely to cause damage. Your licensed, trained fumigation professional will inspect your property to help ensure that your contents will not be affected.
No. Sulfuryl fluoride, the active ingredient in Vikane gas fumigant, is not an ozone-depleting chemical. Vikane contains no chlorine or bromine and, thus, does not deplete stratospheric ozone by the known mechanisms. When a structure is aerated, Vikane rapidly dissipates to non-detectable levels. In 2002 Dow AgroSciences was awarded the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This award recognizes extraordinary achievements, international leadership and innovation in preserving the ozone layer.
The fumigation process is a three day process for Drywood Termites and a four day process for Beetles.
It takes approximately two hours to put the tarps on depending on the size of the structure.
It takes approximately two hours to take the tarps down depending on the size of the structure.
We prefer antennas to be removed; however we can tape around the antenna if necessary.
Doors and windows are left open only when we are there to supervise the property. We never leave the doors and windows open unsupervised.
The gas dissipates on its own with the natural air circulation throughout the property.
Remove, trim, or rake back any plants, flower pots, bushes, rocks, branches, etc. that are up against the property at least twelve inches. Antennas need to be taken down and fence boards removed.
Any foods, medications, anything living: people, pets, and plants.
We recommend that all food be removed entirely from the property. If your primary contractor (termite company) provides you with Nylo Fume bags, you may double bag your food and put it back in your refrigerator, freezer, or store on kitchen if refrigeration is not necessary. If they do not provide bags, all food items must be REMOVED from the property. THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW.
Make-up, shampoo/conditioner, and lotions DO NOT need to be removed. The gas does not have an odor and does not leave any residue. The gas will not have any chemical reactions with these items.
The sprinkler system does not have to be turned off as long as the timer does not go off while we are tenting the property. Automatic light timers must be turned off if the lights are outside so that the tarps are not melted. Alarm systems may be left on but we do need the alarm code if you choose to do so.
Items do not have to be completely removed but access area to the crawl space or attic must be cleared.
If the safe is big enough to fit a human being inside, we are required to look inside the safe. The Safe may be locked after we do so.
The fumigators must go inside the property to insure no living beings remain inside, and that proper preparation has been done.
The soil must be watered in order to soak up the roots of the plants on the outside of the property and to help get a better seal when we tent the property.
Infant/baby, hospital, and any mattress with vinyl type of fabric covering must be removed from the property. If you have a sipped plastic/vinyl mattress cover, you only have to unzip the end of the cover. The same holds true for zippered clothing bags. They need to be unzipped.
The ice in the ice maker should be emptied out after the fumigation is completed.
The water softening system does not have to be removed or cleaned out during or after the fumigation.
Plants will not necessarily die under the tent but we cannot guarantee their survival. We recommend you water them well the night before or completely remove the plants from the property.
When performing fumigations it is necessary to walk and or work on roofs of structures. This obviously creates situations where damage to delicate or old roofs can be unavoidable. We do not wish to unnecessarily damage anyone’s floor and user our best care to insure minimal damage if any.
We will call to schedule the gas shut off. It is the responsibility of the homeowner/tenant to call PG&E to schedule the gas to be turned on.
The key will be secured during the fumigation process. Secondary locks will be used to prevent anyone other than our fumigators to enter the property.
The mail will be redelivered after the tents come off the property if the mailbox is connected to the structure.
The occupant may reenter their property anytime after 1pm on the final day of the fumigation.
NuCentury Inspections guarantees we have eliminated Beetles and / or drywood termites within the space fumigated for a period of (3) year from the date of completion.
Cars can be left inside the garage if we have access to the trunk and the doors are unlocked.
Yes, that is why all drawers, cupboards, trunks, vaults, doors & windows must be opened.
We use fans and open all drawers, cupboards, trunks, vaults, doors & windows.
The gas we use leaves no residue, so washing items is not necessary.
An infestation implies an established colony, and evidence of established colony usually takes three to five years to show, after they have established themselves in a property.
Depending on the type of tile and age, some tiles may be broken. We do however take every possible precaution to reduce the amount of tiles that will be broken.
Currently only as a matter of courtesy, however if we require access to any part of their property to be able to complete our work, then a neighbors release will be needed.
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