Fumigation in South Africa
Fumigation in South Africa
Fumigation in South Africa is an industry experiencing a shift towards sustainable practices with the phase-out of methyl bromide, a substance known for its ozone-depleting potential. Alternatives like ProFume (Sulfuryl Fluoride) are being introduced and registered for use in commodity and structural fumigation. This shift is driven by international agreements like the Montreal Protocol. Companies like Service Master and Pestop are providing fumigation services across various sectors, including logistics, shipping, manufacturing, and food processing with the sustainably preferred ProFume fumigant.
Here’s a more detailed look at fumigation in South Africa:
1. Phasing out Methyl Bromide:
South Africa is in the final stages of phasing out methyl bromide for fumigation. This is due to its impact on the ozone layer, as outlined by the Montreal Protocol. The registration for its use in structural and commodity fumigation was scheduled to be cancelled by the end of 2022.
2. ProFume as an Alternative:
ProFume (Sulfuryl Fluoride) was introduced in 2019 as a sustainable alternative to methyl bromide. It is a gas fumigant that penetrates enclosed spaces and commodities to eliminate pests. ProFume is considered a non-flammable, odorless, and colorless alternative. Fumico facilitated the very first sulfuryl fluoride fumigation in South Africa and is a national distributor of ProFume.
Fumigation for export
Fumigation with ProFume
3. Fumigation Services:
Companies like Service Master, Lamineno Fumigation and Pestop offer fumigation services for various applications. Fumigation is used for pest control in residential and commercial settings.
It can be used to disinfect or eliminate pests, especially for infestations that are difficult to address with traditional methods.
Pest control specialists also provide fumigation servicess for container fumigation and export cargo fumigation. Fumigation is used to control pests in silos, wood, and shipping containers.
4. Regulation and Certification:
There are requirements for gaining practical experience under the supervision of a registered operator before applying for registration with the Department of Agriculture. Fumico offers ProFume Stewarsdship Training for our clients.
Companies like SAPCA and PCITA play a role in regulating the industry.
Companies like The Specialists can assist with ISPM-15 certification, a standard for export cargo fumigation.
5. Economic Impact:
While specific economic data for the fumigation sub-sector is limited, the overall pest control industry in South Africa is estimated to be worth R3.3 billion per annum.
The fumigation sector is a potential area for business and career opportunities.
