BED BUGS CHECK OUT OF 4.5 MILLION- CUBIC-FOOT HAWAIIAN HOTEL

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1 volume BED BUGS CHECK OUT OF 4.5 MILLION- CUBIC-FOOT HAWAIIAN HOTEL Proven Performance. Superior Support. Hawaii is an island paradise with many beautiful hotels and resorts where tourists flock year-round to enjoy sun and surf. With travelers from all over the world coming and going from the island, some bring more with them than just swimsuits and suntan lotion: bed bugs. For several months, these unwelcome travelers have plagued a hotel in the tourist hub of Kona, Hawaii. After attempts to alleviate the problem by using targeted residual insecticide applications in various rooms throughout the hotel proved unsuccessful, hotel personnel turned to Kama aina Termite & Pest Control, Honolulu. Kama aina conducted a whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant to eliminate the bed bug infestation. Huge undertaking The 75-foot-tall hotel has an interior space of 4.5 million cubic feet, making it the largest structure ever fumigated for bed bugs. Extensive planning, coordination and preparation were required before even one tarp was secured to the structure. To prepare for this massive fumigation, Kama aina invested more than $100,000 for new tarps, clamps and other equipment. Kama aina flew three safety monitors to Kona to survey the property and draw up a comprehensive safety plan. Daily safety meetings were conducted during the week leading up to the fumigation. In addition, Kama aina held weekly meetings with all members of the hotel staff to prepare them for the fumigation. It was very important that each hotel staff member knew what to expect and what his or her responsibilities were in relation to preparing for the fumigation, said Mike Miske, president of Kama aina Termite & Pest Control. With a fumigation as large and complex as this one, everyone needs to be on the same page. Kama aina flew a crew of 16 from Honolulu to Kona, along with by-75-foot tarps, 12 rolls of water snakes, more than 5,000 clamps, secondary locks, warning signs and other equipment for the seven-day fumigation. Because we had to fly staff and equipment to the hotel for the fumigation, we had to make sure we had enough equipment to meet our tight timelines, Miske added. We had to tarp the hotel, fumigate for a maximum exposure period of three days, remove tarps and properly aerate so staff could re-enter the hotel in seven days. During tarping of the hotel, safety officers were positioned around the structure to ensure worker safety. In addition, any. continued on Page 2

2 2 Bed Bugs Check Out of 4.5 Million-Cubic-Foot Hawaiian Hotel continued from Page 1 fumigator going more than 10 feet above ground to lay a tarp was required to wear a safety harness and a retractable lanyard. Anyone not adhering to the safety protocol was not permitted on the job site, Miske added. To ensure that no one entered the structure after Vikane had been introduced, Kama aina hired a security company to post guards on all sides of the structure during the fumigation, as well as during the use of chloropicrin and proper securing of entrances. Warning tape and warning signs were used to notify unauthorized persons against entering the structure. Ongoing pest management Hotel management remained on site while fumigators tented the hotel for fumigation and was extremely impressed with not only a successful fumigation, but with the professionalism and quality of work shown by Kama aina. The hotel manager said we could use him as a reference any time, Miske added. Kama aina also recommended a comprehensive pest management program to help the hotel control Courtesy of Harold Harlan bed bugs on an ongoing basis. It s important to have a program in place that can be implemented quickly and efficiently, Miske said. TIPS FOR SELLING BED BUG FUMIGATION JOBS Whole-structure fumigation with Vikane gas fumigant to eliminate bed bug infestations is a good business opportunity. Here are some points to remember when discussing fumigation for bed bugs with your customers. Vikane eliminates all pest life stages, including eggs. The recommended dosage for eliminating bed bugs is three times the drywood termite rate. Vikane provides reliable, immediate control with one application, as opposed to repeated visits to apply spot treatments. Bed bugs are not resistant to sulfuryl fluoride, the active ingredient in Vikane. Vikane is a nonresidual insecticide, so customers won t have to launder linens, bedding, clothing and other fabrics before or after the fumigation. (Note: Customers do need to launder items they will take with them when they leave their residences for the fumigation to leave the bed bugs behind. ) Vikane gas fumigant does not damage household items, including electronics, antiques and sensitive fabrics when properly applied. Heat treatments have been known to do this. Vikane penetrates cracks and crevices, even those inaccessible to spot treatments or inspection. Customers will not have to discard mattresses, sofas or other expensive furniture that is not effectively treated by using other control methods. By using the electronic Fumiguide calculator in conjunction with monitoring, fumigators can ensure the necessary dosage accumulated to deliver a lethal exposure level. Contact your local Dow AgroSciences account representative or distributor representative for additional information on preparing for bed bug fumigations to help you and your customers successfully control bed bugs.

3 3 Procedures for Application of Vikane Gas Fumigant in trailers Sealing Methods 1. Various sealing methods can effectively confine Vikane gas fumigant in trailers. Listed below are sealing methods in order of general decreasing confinement capabilities (based on research by Dow AgroSciences): a. Tarp entire trailer by driving the trailer on top of the tarp and then wrapping it. b. Tarp entire trailer and seal to the ground with sand and/or water snakes. c. Tape openings and seal trailer doors using polyethylene and tape (see photo at right). d. Tape gaps on trailer doors and other openings (see photo below). 2. Tips on sealing (based on research by Dow AgroSciences): a. Trailers with wood flooring generally have waterproofing material applied to the underside, which limits fumigant penetration through the flooring. b. A truck trailer connected to a cab, compared with one separate from the cab, can have extensive fumigant loss into the cab if the trailer is taped and sealed after it is loaded (e.g., sealed from the cab). c. Taping all trailer door seams may be as effective as using polyethylene and tape for confining Vikane. d. Confinement is more variable when using tape-and-seal procedures rather than tarping, even when repeatedly refumigating the same trailer. The exception would be for trailers that have been modified to be permanently sealed for fumigation. e. For tape-and-seal fumigation, fumigant leak testing after fumigant introduction can identify areas requiring additional sealing and significantly improve fumigant confinement. Security 1. The fumigator should use his or her padlock (not one provided by the customer) to secure the trailer from unauthorized entry during fumigation. 2. In addition to the label requirement to post all trailer doors with warning signs during the fumigation, many states require warning signs be placed on all sides of a fumigated structure (which are visible at ground level). 3. Since most trailers and containers are less than 4,400 cubic feet, only a fraction of an ounce of chloropicrin will need to be applied per label-required rates. continued on Page 7

4 4 Best Practices for Handling Cylinders By Gary Bishop, The Dow Chemical Company The safe handling and transportation of cylinders is an important and federally regulated part of fumigating with Vikane gas fumigant. Recently, Dow AgroSciences received several cylinders that had bonnets apparently altered with metal attachments for transportation. For compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the integrity of the cylinder system including the bonnet cannot be compromised. In addition, 49CFR178.35(d)(2) states that metal attachments to cylinders must be rounded or must be protected in such a manner as to prevent the likelihood of causing puncture or damage to other hazardous materials packages. Dow AgroSciences is committed to product stewardship and ensuring that fumigators have the latest information to ensure they properly manage cylinders of Vikane. Any modifications to bonnets, such as the ones shown in these photos, could result in a citation by state regulatory agencies. Following is a list of common issues noted when empty cylinders are returned to Dow AgroSciences. 4. Writing on labels Defacing a label can result in a citation by your state regulatory official during inspection 5. Returning cylinders with valves open Because a small amount of Vikane can still be in the cylinder, an open valve could cause injury and is a label violation 6. Modified bonnet caps Modifying the bonnet cap in any way (see photos) affects how the valve is protected and can be a DOT violation 7. Attaching company (or any other) stickers to bonnet caps 8. Writing on the cylinder neck (the portion of the cylinder between the bonnet cap threads) Please do your part in proper cylinder handling to prevent creating the issues listed above. These actions will protect you and others from potential injury and from possible fines by regulatory agencies. Contact your Dow AgroSciences account representative with any questions regarding the modification and handling of cylinders of Vikane. 1. Tape on the cylinder This is a common problem that causes difficulties when cylinders are repainted 2. Shipping/load lists taped on cylinders The use of tape causes problems as described above 3. Missing safety caps or shooting connectors attached in place of the valve safety cap These are violations of DOT and label requirements

5 5 BACK TO THE BASICS The Big four key safety elements By Ellen Thoms, Technical Expert, Dow AgroSciences When it comes to stewardship, Dow AgroSciences offers unmatched support. The Big Four key safety elements are fundamental for good stewardship when fumigating with Vikane gas fumigant. Below is a brief review of each of the Big Four. 1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) An SCBA must be used when entering a fumigated area where the level of fumigant is greater than 1 ppm or is unknown. SCBA units also must be worn during the initial one-hour active aeration period. Personnel donning SCBA must be properly trained and fit-tested to use this equipment. 2. Chloropicrin During structural fumigation with Vikane, chloropicrin acts as a deterrent against unauthorized entry before clearance. Introduce chloropicrin in a shallow container or pic pan containing wicking material five to 10 minutes prior to fumigant introduction. The most effective placement for the chloropicrin release container is about 1 foot behind the fan with the fan positioned upward at a 45-degree angle. It s also important to remember that one chloropicrin pan is required for every 45,000 cubic feet of a structure being fumigated. A recent label change now allows fumigators to use an upgraded electronic Fumiguide calculator to calculate a more prescriptive chloropicrin dosage based on the size and underseal. As a result, reduced chloropicrin dosages can be applied in large slab structures, based on extensive research by Dow AgroSciences and university collaborators. In addition, fumigators can continue to use the previous label dosage of 1 ounce per 10,000 to 15,000 cubic feet. 3. Clearance Devices An approved clearance device, such as an Interscan gas analyzer, MIRAN-specific vapor analyzer or the SF-ExplorIR, must be used to measure concentrations of Vikane to 1 ppm or less to confirm clearance. Concentrations must be monitored in breathing zones (e.g., where individuals typically stand, sit or lie down) in each room in the structure. 4. Secondary Locks/Barricades The label for Vikane requires that a locking device or barricade must be used on all exterior doors or doorways during the fumigation exposure period and Step 2 of aeration. Regulators report that improper securing of entrances into fumigated structures is one of the most common label violations. Devices that fit different types of door locks and use of barricades help prevent entry into a fumigated structure by residents or other unauthorized personnel before the structure has been cleared for occupancy. Existing locks can be used as barricades (such as security pins and bars for sliding glass doors) as long as they cannot be unlocked from outside the building. ELLEN THOMS Ellen Thoms has been with The Dow Chemical Company and Dow AgroSciences since She serves as a technical expert for Vikane gas fumigant in North and South America. Thoms was a founder in 1988 of the Florida School of Structural Fumigation, now hosted by the University of Florida. She is a former president of the Florida Entomological Society and is co-author of the chapter on fumigation in the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control.

6 6 REGRESANDO A LOS FUNDAMENTOS BÁSICOS: Los cuatro grandes elementos claves de seguridad Por Ellen Thoms, Experta Técnica, Dow AgroSciences Cuando se trata de administración responsable, Dow AgroSciences ofrece apoyo incomparable. Los Cuatro grandes elementos claves de seguridad son fundamentales para una buena administración responsable al fumigar con el gas fumigante Vikane. A continuación se encuentra un breve resumen de cada uno de los Cuatro grandes. 1. Equipo de Respiración Autónomo SCBA (por sus siglas en inglés) Se debe utilizar un SCBA al ingresar a un área fumigada donde el nivel de fumigante es mayor a 1 ppm o si se desconoce este nivel. Las unidades de SCBA también deben utilizarse durante el período inicial de una hora de ventilación activa. El personal que use un SCBA debe estar debidamente capacitado y debe probarse el equipo antes de usarlo. 2. Cloropicrina Durante la fumigación estructural con Vikane, la cloropicrina actúa como elemento preventivo contra la entrada de personas no autorizada antes de que se haya despejado el fumigante. Vierta la cloropicrina en un contenedor poco profundo o pic pan que contenga materal absorbente cinco a 10 minutos antes de la introducción del fumigante. La forma más efectiva de colocar el dispensador de cloropicrina es aproximadamente 1 pie detrás del ventilador. El ventilador debe colocarse hacía arriba en un ángulo de 45 grados. También es importante recordar que se necesita una bandeja de cloropicrina por cada 45,000 pies cúbicos de espacio. Un cambio reciente en la etiqueta permite a los fumigadores utilizar el calculador electrónico Fumiguide mejorado para calcular una dosis más exacta de cloropicrina basada en el tamaño y el tipo de subsuelo de la estructura. Como resultado, se pueden aplicar dosis más pequeñas de cloropicrina en estructuras grandes con subsuelo de concreto. Esto está basado en una exhaustiva investigación realizada por Dow AgroSciences y colaboradores universitarios. Además, los fumigadores pueden continuar utilizando la dosis de 1 onza por 10,000 a 15,000 pies cúbicos, indicada anteriormente en la etiqueta. 3. Instrumentos de Despeje Se debe utilizar un instrumento aprobado de despeje, como ser un verificador de gas Interscan, un verificador de vapor específico MIRAN o el SF-ExplorIR, para comprobar que la concentracion de Vikane es 1 ppm o menos y confirmar el despeje. Se deben comprobar estas concentraciones en todas las zonas de respiración (por ejemplo, en lugares donde personas pasan tiempo paradas, sentadas o acostadas) en todas las habitaciones de la estructura. 4. Cerraduras secundarias/barricadas La etiqueta de Vikane indica que durante el período de exposición de fumigación y el Paso 2 de la ventilación se debe utilizar un dispositivo de cierre o barricada en todas las puertas exteriores o entradas. Las agencias de regulación reportan que una de las violaciones más comunes de la etiqueta es no proteger adecuadamente las entradas durante la fumigación. Los dispositivos que se ajustan a diferentes tipos de cerraduras de puertas y el uso de barricadas ayudan a prevenir que los residentes u otro personal no autorizado ingrese al área fumigada antes de que se haya autorizado el ingreso. Las cerraduras existentes se pueden utilizar como barricadas (tales como pasadores y barras para puertas corredizas de vidrio) siempre y cuando no puedan ser abiertas desde afuera del edificio. ELLEN THOMS Ellen Thoms es empleada de The Dow Chemical Company y Dow AgroSciences desde Trabaja como experta técnica para el gas fumigante Vikane en América del Norte y del Sur. Thoms fue fundadora en 1988 de la Florida School of Structural Fumigation (Escuela de Fumigación Estructural de Florida), ahora con sede en la Universidad de Florida. Es la primera presidenta de la Florida Entomological Society (Sociedad Entomológica de Florida) y coautora del capítulo sobre fumigación en el Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. Marca registrada de Dow AgroSciences LLC Vikane es un pesticida de uso restringido a nivel federal. Siempre lea y observe las instrucciones consignadas en la etiqueta.

7 Procedures for Application of Vikane Gas Fumigant in Trailers continued from Page 3 7 Fumigant Introduction 1. Calculate the required dosage (total pounds to introduce) and introduction rate (pounds per minute) using the electronic Fumiguide calculator. 2. Fan use and placement: a. A single fan should be sufficient for introduction. Use a fan of appropriate capacity based on the pounds of Vikane introduced per minute. b. Place the fan so the fumigant is dispersed into an open area of the trailer. c. Fans do not need to be operated throughout the fumigant exposure period. The fan can be operated during and for about 10 minutes following fumigant introduction, then turned off remotely by unplugging the fan. 3. Introduction hose: a. Based on average temperature and humidity conditions, it is recommended to introduce the fumigant through at least 100 feet of 1/8-inch ID hose. b. In conditions of high temperature and humidity, an introduction hose longer than 100 feet may be necessary to achieve the label-required introduction rate. 4. It is recommended to use plastic sheeting or tarps when needed to protect trailer contents from contact with the liquid fumigant during introduction. 5. Measure the pounds of Vikane introduced, by using equipment such as weighing scales, to obtain the required dose. Monitoring 1. Monitoring is the only way to confirm that sufficient dosage was accumulated to control the target pest(s). 2. When monitoring, measure fumigant concentrations remotely, by using a Fumiscope or similar device, after fumigant introduction and at appropriate time intervals to determine the actual half-loss time (HLT). 3. Use the electronic Fumiguide calculator to calculate the actual HLT and dosage accumulation and, if less than planned, to determine the amount of fumigant to add or time to extend the exposure to obtain the required dosage. Aeration 1. Once the required dosage has been obtained, aeration can be initiated. Follow label aeration procedures. 2. Repositioning the fan inside the trailer and/or using an additional fan can enhance initial aeration. Introducing Elisha Priebe and Mike Birtsas Elisha Priebe has been named marketing specialist for Vikane gas fumigant. She succeeds Jason Nelson, who has accepted another position within Dow AgroSciences. After graduating from Purdue University in 2001 with a bachelor s degree in agricultural education, Priebe began her career with Dow AgroSciences as a sales representative in northeastern and east-central Indiana. Priebe also has held several positions at Dow AgroSciences, including serving as the communications manager for the Pest Management business. In her new role, she will manage the marketing activities for Vikane, including product positioning, pricing and channel strategies. In addition, Mike Birtsas has been named the product communications manager for Vikane. He succeeds Nikki Hall, who accepted another position within Dow AgroSciences. Birtsas began his career with The Dow Chemical Company in 2003 as a production engineer at the Pittsburg, Calif., manufacturing site before joining Dow AgroSciences in He most recently served as a pest management sales representative in northern Florida. Birtsas is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor s degree in chemical engineering. In his new role, Birtsas will oversee product communications for all Dow AgroSciences pest management brands, including Vikane.

8 These materials have been created specifically for Vikane gas fumigant and no other structural fumigant. The information contained in these materials is based upon the product label and use instructions for Vikane and are not intended for use with other structural fumigants, which will have different product label requirements. These materials may not be copied or reproduced, in whole or in part, without the permission of Dow AgroSciences.. DAPMVIKA8026 U (12/08) BR Fumigation Update is offered free of charge to qualified readers courtesy of Dow AgroSciences Pest Management Group Dow AgroSciences LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is strictly forbidden without written consent of publisher. Address all correspondence to: Lisa Frymark, Fumigation Update, Bishop s Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin Phone (262) This information is presented in good faith but no warranty, expressed or implied, is given nor is freedom from any patent owned by Dow AgroSciences or by others to be inferred. Dow AgroSciences assumes no obligation or liability for use of the information provided within.