Dave - Having been involved in the litigation arena in the structural pest control industry, I can tell you Vikane does not always aerate propertly; i.e. there have been deaths of residents occupying a home after a fumigation. And I'm talking about large, national pest control firms. A Vikane whole-building fumigation is not to be taken lightly.
Tom Parker -----Original Message----- From: David Harvey <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, May 20, 2010 2:25 pm Subject: Re: [pestlist] Drywood Termites Many years ago conservation scientist Jim Duizak at the Getty Conservation Institute did research on Vikane and found that the commercial formulation contained residual organic acids that would tarnish and etch metals and affect other acid sensitive materials. I talked to Jim about it and he told me that the lab-grade Vikane was free of the acids but was too expensive to use commercially. He recommended removing acid-sensitive collections before the fumigation of a whole historic house with a commercial Vikane treatment. I understand that Vikane is considered useful when a whole structure requires fumigation / eradication such as with a termite infestation in the structure. It does have deep penetration and once done and the tenting removed it does not leave toxic residues. I have not heard of an anoxic treatment for a whole building - is it even possible? What are the alternatives to the use of Vikane for a termite infested building? Cheers! Dave David Harvey Senior Conservator and Museum Consultant Los Angeles, CA On Thu, May 20, 2010 at 10:43 AM, <[email protected]> wrote: Kristen - Vikane gas, as it comes in its cylinder, has impurities in it, which may damage collection materials. It certainly will tarnish silver and certain other metals. It has amazing penetrating properties and therefore would not be able to be confined to the lobby area of the museum. I like the dog suggestion; however, if they're in the ceiling or walls, a dog would not be able to detect them. In California, with small infestations, a type of ray-emitting gun is used to fry 'em in their galleries. I don't know if anyone in Florida uses this device. I agree with Mr. Louche - research, research. A lot can go wrong with a Vikane fumigation. Thomas A. Parker, PhD President, Entomologist Pest Control Services, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: Kristen Zimmerman <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, May 20, 2010 9:48 am Subject: [pestlist] Drywood Termites Hi All, I am seeking advice on a termite problem we are having at my museum. We have determined that we have drywood termites infested in the front lobby of our museum. Our extermination company of course wants to fumigate the entire museum. We know that this not possible, so my questions are as follows: The exterminator wants to use Vikane Gas. Is this the correct gas to use? Will it harm artwork if the gas leaked into a gallery? Is t his the proper way to exterminate drywood termintes? This is definitely not something that we have ever had to deal with before, so any suggestions on how to fix this infestation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kristen Kristen Zimmerman Registrar The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens 829 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32204 direct: 904.899.6020 fax: 904.353.4101 To engage and inspire, through arts, gardens and education.
