Fumigation is a method of pest control that uses gas to exterminate pests in an enclosed space. It involves the treatment of the hold of a ship, either full of a commodity or empty. The holds of the ship must be inspected for cleanliness and insect activity prior to loading. If any pest activity is found, fumigation treatment may be required. Additionally, the product going into the hold may be infected and could potentially require fumigation treatment.
The majority of shipping fumigation is done while the vessel is in port. However, under certain government requirements and permits, “fumigation in-transit” is permitted whereby the vessel’s holds are treated during the voyage. The methods and the gases used for fumigation are selected based on the type of fumigation required and local legislation controlling which products can be used in each country.