Which organisms are typically targeted during structural fumigation?

The focus of structural fumigation is primarily on controlling pests that can cause damage to buildings and stored goods. This practice is particularly effective against termites, which are known for their destructive feeding habits on wood and other cellulose-based materials. Additionally, pests found in stored products, such as grain weevils or pantry pests, can also be effectively managed through fumigation. Rodents, another common concern in structural settings, can bring diseases and cause physical damage, making them a target as well.

The nature of fumigation allows for a comprehensive approach to pest control, as the gaseous substances used can permeate every nook and cranny of the structure, ensuring that not only visible pests but also those hidden within walls or storage areas are addressed. This broad-spectrum effectiveness is why termite control, management of pests in stored products, and rodent elimination are typically the primary organisms targeted during structural fumigation.

Other options, such as birds and bats, are not typically impacted by fumigation due to their ability to fly and generally different habitats. Insects in gardens may require different management strategies entirely, as do soil-borne pathogens, which would be dealt with through soil treatments rather than structural fumigation.