What describes the action of a fumigant?

A fumigant's effectiveness is primarily due to its ability to remain volatile, meaning it can easily transition from a liquid or solid state into a gas. This volatility allows the fumigant to penetrate adequately into the target area, including cracks and crevices where pests may hide, ensuring comprehensive exposure. The gaseous state of the fumigant is crucial because it disperses evenly throughout the environment, providing a uniform application that can effectively reach pests in areas that might be hard to treat with solid or liquid formulations.

For example, most common fumigants are designed to emit gas at ambient temperatures, which facilitates diffusion and helps in effectively eliminating a broad range of pests, including insects and their eggs. This mechanism of action underscores the importance of volatility in the function of fumigants, as it directly relates to their capability to eradicate pests effectively within a targeted area.