Pest Control Case Study: J.H. Steffenson Termite & Pest Control

Two years ago, J.H. Steffenson Termite & Pest Control a Campbell firm, began using a nonchemical alternative to fumigation - thermal eradication. The new heat treatment process, which has been 97% effective at eradicating cockroaches, termites, and carpenter ants, is being licensed to exterminators nation-wide by Isothermics Inc. in southern California.

Thermal eradication treats only the infested area(s) of a building. These areas are wrapped in tarps and "cooked" with hot air (heated to 150 degrees F) for 3 to 11 hours using propane-powered heaters. The heat does not damage structures, but can affect thermally sensitive items (e.g. CDs, candles, plants) which should be placed in the refrigerator or outdoors.

Compared to fumigation, heat treatment has several distinct advantages:

• It eliminates the use of toxic chemicals and potential exposure of workers and customers. This is particularly important for people sensitive to methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, or chloropicrin, the chemicals typically use during fumigation which can affect the human central nervous system. (During fumigation, an average 2,000 sq. ft. home is sprayed with 50 to 100 lbs. of methyl bromide and 25 to 500 lbs. of sulfuryl fluoride.)

• It's usually cheaper because the cost of expensive chemicals and special permits are avoided.

• It's more convenient for the customer. While residents must evacuate their home for at least 4 days after fumigation, they can remain in non-treated areas of a home during heat treatment (the temperature approximates a sauna).

These benefits are great marketing points in today's environmental and convenience-oriented marketplace!

For more information call
Santa Clara County Pollution Prevention Program
(408) 441-1195

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