Fumigation

[Wojo]

HI All,

Does anyone know what is the average cost for fumigating a boat in Australia, primarily in Brisbane.


Cheers.

[Wojo]

OK....the boat had to get fumigated, not a biggy. The process was to take 24hrs. According to the fumigation company the tarps moved overnight due to a bit of wind on the wharf....dirrrrrr...and the fumigant escaped. Now they have to fumigate again. Oh did I mention they have a monopoly on the wharf.

Now they are saying I am up for two fumigations.....tell me that's not right?

[Pblais]

Oh did I mention they have a monopoly on the wharf.

One of those nasty jobs you never want to do but sure as anything it needs to be done right. There are darn few things worse at sea thanh what you are leaving behind.

[Stillraining]

As a self employed person I can positively tell you thats not right...you paid for a job done its their responsibility to get it done...if you pulled the tarp different deal if mother nature pulled the tarps bad preperation on their part...I would have to eat it.
Things like that happened all the time when I had employees ..rarely happens now.

Please enlighten this northern climate sailor that dosent really know what your talking about...nasty critter infestation?...could you not bomb it yourself with off the shelf bombs and a few of your own tarps?

Asking out of ignorance.

[AnchorageGuy]

It would seem to me that they were responsible for securing the tarp unless you installed them. If they did they need to redo it on their dime. Just my opinion.

[Wojo]

Hi Stillraining,
It's a Ranger 33 and they have teak around the cockpit. Apparently quarantine inspectors found some tell tail signs of borers in the timber.

You have no choice in the matter I'm afraid and I'm not allowed on the wharf ...so an approved fumigator has to do it....

cheers

George

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by Chuck Baier

It would seem to me that they were responsible for securing the tarp unless you installed them. If they did they need to redo it on their dime. Just my opinion.

That's my thoughts too....we'll see when I get the bill..lol

Cheers

George

[Pelagic]

I had my boat done a few months ago. Because of high winds and leaks they had to do 3 x 24 hr gassing and on the 3rd try they doubled the amount of gas.

Contractor apologized for the delay and only charged for the single fumigation.

I paid him a bit extra for his professionalism.

[Wojo]

Originally Posted by Pelagic

I had my boat done a few months ago. Because of high winds and leaks they had to do 3 x 24 hr gassing and on the 3rd try they doubled the amount of gas.

Contractor apologized for the delay and only charged for the single fumigation.

I paid him a bit extra for his professionalism.

Can I ask what it cost?. I have been quoted AUD$1300 but I have a feeling it is going to be much more than that.

Regards,


George

[mikereed100]

The contractor doesn't have any relatives in the quarantine inspection biz? Just checking.

[Brent Swain]

If I run my two kerosene lamps without opening the vents enough, I can feel the skin on my forehead tightening. The lamps go dim, regardless of their being full of fuel. Turning the wicks up does nothing. There is no smoke.
Carbon monoxide!
If I suspected any kind of bugs or other unwelcome critters aboard, I'd simply light the lamps, seal the boat , put a warning note on the door, and leave for several hours or several days. Nothing in the boat would survive. Then I'd open her up , turn the blowers on , and leave her to vent for a while . Problem solved.
Brent

[stuartcnz]

I hope they weren't fumigating with methyl bromide! That is the made fumigant for border crossing and in the case of logs, is often done under tarps.
Methyl bromide is a colourless, odorless gas, which has been linked to neurological disease. Post Nelson in New Zealand has had health problems with their staff, and it is believed that local residents there have also been effected.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Wojo

Can I ask what it cost?. I have been quoted AUD$1300 but I have a feeling it is going to be much more than that.

Regards,George

I was charged USD 212.00 using a specific form of Methol Bromide that kills all wood borers.

Important thing is to remove all materials that can absorb it like Pillows/Mattresses/Clothes/Food/carpets/rags etc……

And after forced airing a complete interior wipe down with fresh water (including bilges).

In the tropics we do this every 2nd year and plan to stay off the boat for 2 nights. Usually do it following a shipyard period and with a certified fumigator, he provides you with a De-ratting certificate.

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/MBtech.pdf

[Martinini]

Retired exterminator here. The Company doing the fumigation are responsible for securing the area or vessel in the approiate manner. On a boat or ship at dock wind is to be taken into consideration and everything is to be secured accordingly. This is thier job!!! I have done this type of job many times. If the gas escaped someone screwed up period. If this was done in the USA contact the approiate Structural Pest Control Board and file a complaint. Just this threat is enough to make most companies do the job right without any more expense on your part. If not go to small claims court. The Judges there will almost always find in your favor because the Fumigator is a professional and should have secured everything properly because wind happens on the coast! In any case complain to approiate regulatory agency, it's your right.