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fumigate

verb

/ˈfjuməˌɡeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fumigate

To use chemicals or gases to kill pests, such as insects or rodents, in a closed space.
"We need to fumigate the entire office after the pest infestation."

Detailed meaning of fumigate

Fumigate is a verb that refers to the process of The purpose of fumigation is to eliminate infestations of pests that cannot be removed by other means, such as by cleaning or sealing cracks and crevices. Fumigation is often used in homes, businesses, and warehouses, as well as in agricultural settings to protect crops from pests. The process typically involves covering the area to be treated with a tent or tarp, and then introducing a fumigant, such as methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride, into the enclosed space. The fumigant then permeates the area, killing the pests and their eggs. Fumigation can be dangerous if not done properly, so it is typically performed by trained professionals.

Example sentences containing fumigate

1. Every month, they fumigate the warehouse to kill all the lurking pests.
2. We should fumigate this place; the termite infestation is out of control.
3. Farmers often fumigate silos to ensure grain remains free from insects.
4. They'll fumigate the old building to eradicate the stubborn rat colony.
5. Before reopening, let's fumigate the shop to eliminate any lingering pests.
6. To save the harvest, fumigate the barns to rid them of destructive bugs.

History and etymology of fumigate

The verb 'fumigate' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'fumigare,' which is derived from 'fumus' (meaning 'smoke') and the verb 'agere' (meaning 'to drive' or 'to act upon'). Therefore, 'fumigate' essentially means 'to drive smoke' or 'to apply smoke.' In ancient times, smoke was often used as a method to disinfect or purify enclosed spaces, particularly to kill pests such as insects or rodents. Over time, as advances in chemistry and technology occurred, the term 'fumigate' came to encompass the use of chemicals or gases, rather than just smoke, to achieve pest control and disinfection in closed spaces. Its etymology reflects the historical practice of using smoke to drive away or kill pests, which has evolved into more sophisticated methods of pest control.

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Further usage examples of fumigate

1. Every summer, we fumigate the cabin to make it a bug-free zone for guests.
2. It’s crucial to fumigate greenhouses, protecting plants from harmful pests.
3. Health codes demand restaurants fumigate regularly to deter infestations.
4. In spring, they fumigate the basement to prevent a potential bug invasion.
5. She hired a team to fumigate the attic, ensuring it was free of vermin.
6. The exterminator will fumigate the house to eliminate pests.
7. The health department will fumigate the area to control the mosquito population.
8. The farmer had to fumigate the crops to protect them from insects.
9. They decided to fumigate the warehouse to get rid of the rats.
10. The hotel management will fumigate the rooms to prevent bed bug infestations.
11. The city council plans to fumigate the parks to control the spread of pests.
12. The cargo ship had to be fumigated before entering the port.
13. The government authorized the use of pesticides to fumigate the agricultural fields.
14. The school administration decided to fumigate the classrooms during the summer break.
15. The pest control company will fumigate the restaurant kitchen to eliminate cockroaches.
16. It is essential to fumigate the storage area to protect the goods from insect damage.
17. The health authorities recommended fumigating the public toilets regularly.
18. The homeowner hired professionals to fumigate the attic infested with termites.
19. The airline fumigated the airplane after discovering a pest problem.
20. The gardeners will fumigate the flowerbeds to control the spread of plant diseases.
21. The campsite manager instructed the staff to fumigate the cabins to prevent bed bug outbreaks.
22. The laboratory had to be fumigated before conducting experiments with sensitive materials.
23. The zookeepers decided to fumigate the animal enclosures to prevent the spread of parasites.
24. The authorities ordered residents to fumigate their homes to combat a mosquito-borne disease.