Sulfur checkers for the cellar - reviews, rules of use and principle of operation

Sulfur bombs have been used for a very long time to treat premises for a variety of purposes.

Such devices are used in the following cases:

Disinfection of cellars or storage rooms. With the help of sulfur, fungal formations that affect various surfaces, as well as bacteria and spores contained in the air, are destroyed. This will prevent them from negatively affecting the stored supplies, and will also make the premises safe for human health.
Disinsection of premises that are not intended for human habitation. Most often, basements, as well as various warehouse complexes and industrial or manufacturing enterprises need such treatment. Such measures will allow you to effectively get rid of virtually all common types of parasites.
Disinsection of greenhouse buildings is usually carried out before planting any plants and crops that need to be grown in greenhouses or greenhouses. Sulfur will not only qualitatively destroy various bacteria and parasites that can cause soil disease, but it will not settle on the surface of the earth and will erode quickly enough.
The destruction of various types of rodents is possible due to the fact that the smoke released during the combustion process is able to penetrate into the most inaccessible places and crevices. Pests begin to leave the smoky shelters immediately after this, otherwise they die.

Operating principle

High efficiency and positive results when using smoke bombs are achieved thanks to the following processes:

The main component of the device is sulfur, its content is approximately 80%. When using a checker, active combustion of sulfuric anhydride occurs.
During combustion, the surrounding air is gradually heated and toxic smoke is intensely released.
Smoke has a number of features, for example, the ability to penetrate into all cracks and holes that cannot be reached by other methods.
The high content of sulfur combustion products in the smoke makes it possible to effectively destroy parasites and pests of virtually any type.

Purpose and application

The FAS sulfur bomb has a triangular or cylindrical shape and is similar in appearance to a smoke grenade (due to the casing material). The body is made of polycarbonate, which prevents complete combustion of the product. Total weight - 300 g. Sulfur is the main active ingredient, it makes up 80% of the total weight.

The FAS checker is designed for use outdoors and in non-residential premises. The length of the wick built into the checker is quite long. This allows the person using the product to move to a safe distance after setting the fire. The use of sulfur bombs in residential premises is strictly prohibited.

This video describes the use of sulfur bombs:

Is used for:

Pest control. Sulfur bomb is a good insect killer.
Disinfection. The product effectively rids the treated area of all types of fungi, mold and bacteria. Can be used in cellars, barns, greenhouses and other outbuildings. Smoke destroys any mold deposits in the most inaccessible places.
For removing small rodents. Sulfur bombs are widely used against mice, rats, moles and other pests. The smoke kills small animals, but it simply drives away larger creatures, making them feel very uncomfortable.

The smoke emanating from the sulfur bomb penetrates into all crevices and secluded places, which allows you to completely get rid of insects

You can buy the product at absolutely any hardware store or supermarket that specializes in selling summer goods. In such stores, you should look for a disinfectant in the pest and rodent control department. The average price of a FAS checker ranges from 50 to 70 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages of sulfur bombs

Products of this type have become widespread and are used in many places due to the following positive aspects:

Increased guarantees of yield and its volume when used in greenhouses and hotbeds.
A successful combination of low cost and significant efficiency.
Ease of use. You do not need to have any skills or specific knowledge; to use it, just read the instructions that are included with the purchase.
The wick burns out within a minute or even longer, which provides a sufficient level of safety. In the allotted time, a person will have time to leave the room being treated even before toxic smoke is released.
They can be assistants during repairs at the finishing stage , since this is a good preventive measure to minimize the further appearance of mold or other fungi.
A wide range allowing you to choose the most suitable products from already proven manufacturers.

However, despite such a wide range of advantages compared to many analogues, sulfur bombs also have certain disadvantages:

Possibility of poisoning by sulfur combustion products if you do not leave the treated room in a timely manner, as well as in cases where it borders living rooms. A person only needs to inhale a very small amount of volatile substances to cause harm to their health.
Impossibility of processing premises if they contain flammable materials or substances.
Impossibility of use in multi-storey residential buildings since toxic smoke can very quickly spread to places where people are located.
The need to comply with storage conditions , since the product is dangerous.

Sulfur block Fas - instructions

The volume of one bomb (three hundred grams) is enough to fumigate five cubic meters of basement or cellar volume, and ten cubic volumes of a greenhouse complex.

Instructions for using sulfur bombs in a basement or cellar

The basement should be inspected, and if there are food supplies in it, they should be removed:
vents, ventilation systems and windows (if any) must be tightly closed, and the cracks sealed with any material;
the door or hatch to the basement (or cellar) must also close well to prevent smoke from leaking from the basement between the door slope and the door itself;
Based on the cubic capacity of the basement, place the required number of checkers;
under the base of the “smoke stove” it is necessary to place any non-flammable object (brick is best);
the distance between flammable objects and the saber itself should not be less than fifty centimeters;
after lighting the wicks, the basement or cellar must be left (only two minutes are allocated for this process).

The smoldering time of the drug depends on the humidity and dampness of the room itself - if it is dry, then it will take half an hour to smolder. If the humidity is slightly increased, then a little more than an hour.

Let's celebrate! The so-called “fog” in the basement will fill the entire space within two days, then vents, ventilation systems or windows must be opened to ventilate the room, which will last a couple of days. After this, it will be possible to stay in the basement and carry out the necessary work.

Instructions for using sulfur bombs in a greenhouse

inspecting the greenhouse and removing all plant debris and weeds from it;
inspection of the greenhouse frame;
the metal frame of the greenhouse must be treated with grease or painted;
remove all metal products from the greenhouse;

The anhydride released by the checker can react with the metal, which will lead to corrosion!

it is necessary to check the integrity of the covering material and if there is damage, they should be repaired;
vents and windows must be tightly closed;
to achieve the best effect, the walls and soil in the greenhouse must be moistened with a spray bottle;
based on the volume of the greenhouse, “smoke vents” are placed in it;
under the base of the checker you must place any non-flammable object (brick or stone is best);
after lighting the wick, you will need to leave the greenhouse, tightly closing the door behind you;

The smoldering and release of anhydride will continue for about two hours, during which the “fog” will fill all corners of the greenhouse and settle on the walls.

Note! It will be possible to open the greenhouse for ventilation only after three days. It will be possible to carry out further work in the greenhouse only after the pungent odor has disappeared. When processing a basement, cellar or greenhouse, you must observe all personal safety measures!

Terms of use

In order to achieve maximum effect and at the same time avoid any negative consequences, you must adhere to the following rules when using sulfur bombs:

When baiting moles and most rodents, it is recommended to place the product directly inside the hole.
It can be used in premises intended for keeping livestock, but all animals must first be removed from there.
After treating the room, you should not enter it for several hours.
If even after two days even the slightest burning smell remains in the treated room, it will need to be additionally ventilated.
It is recommended to treat greenhouses and greenhouses at least several weeks before sowing any crops, since during this time absolutely all toxic substances will have time to disappear.
The use of such means in city apartments is prohibited ; for such a violation, the current legislation of the Russian Federation provides for criminal liability.
The combined use of checkers and other chemicals is not allowed , since it is unknown what combined effect they will produce indoors.

Step-by-step instruction

When using sulfur bombs, you must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

Initially, you need to check and make sure that all through cracks have been plugged and the windows are closed.
Place a smoke bomb in the center of the room being treated. In this case, it should be placed on a surface made of non-combustible material; ceramic tiles, bulk dishes or brickwork are best suited.
Pour plain water into the jar in which the checker is placed. In fact, all models have a special mark that shows how much liquid it needs to be filled.
The jar itself must also be immersed in a container of water.
Depending on the type of product, a chemical reaction will begin after contact with water or you will need to light the wick using a previously prepared reliable lighter.
Immediately leave the area being treated.
After at least three hours, the room must be opened, go inside only wearing a respiratory mask and rubber gloves on your hands. Wet cleaning will be required, as well as high-quality ventilation to get rid of the smell of sulfur burning.

Preparation

The use of sulfur bombs is preceded by a preparatory process, which is as follows:

Seal all through cracks by any means to prevent toxic smoke from entering the environment. Felt material or specially moistened waste rags are most suitable for these purposes.
If possible, remove from the room being treated all objects made of any metals, otherwise corrosion may occur.
If it is not possible to remove all metal objects, then they must first be treated with oil products or special protective antiseptics.
Remove all food products from the premises, including canned ones, since after treatment with sulfur dioxide they will be consigned and unsuitable for consumption.

Instructions for use

In order for the room to be processed safely, you must correctly follow the instructions for use of the product.

The estimated consumption of the product is 1 checker per 5-10 “cubes” of space. If the room is large, and several checkers are used to process it, they need to be placed and set on fire in such a sequence that the person moves in the direction of the exit.

Step-by-step instructions for use:

Remove all items that can be removed from the area being treated. Be sure to remove food (including canned food) and plants.
We treat metal surfaces with anti-corrosion agents. Sulfur dioxide released during combustion accelerates the corrosion of metals. To avoid this, you need to coat the metal surface with paint or coat it with grease.
In the room being treated, all cracks and openings should be tightly closed: windows, ventilation ducts, any leaks. You also need to prepare in advance for sealing door cracks - you can use tape for this purpose.
We place a pedestal on the floor (50-100 cm from flammable objects or substances) on which the checker will stand. For these purposes, you can use several bricks, forming a kind of “foundation”. It should be wide enough - approximately 30x30 cm. If the floor is wooden, you should use a metal basin instead of a brick pedestal.
We place the checker on the “foundation” and remove the protective film.
Insert a wick into the checker and light it with matches/lighter.
Wait for a small amount of smoke to appear and leave the room immediately. The wick burns (smolders) for a little longer than 30 seconds.
We close the front door and seal all the cracks on the outside.

The combustion process itself takes from half an hour to 80 minutes (depending on the humidity in the room).

You cannot enter the premises for 36-48 hours; this time is just enough for processing. After this period, the room must be ventilated for two days. If this is not enough (the smell of sulfur is felt), we extend the ventilation for another 1-2 days.

Example of greenhouse processing (video)

Safety precautions for use

During the manufacturing process (production) or storage at home, the checker is not dangerous (neither for humans, nor for animals, nor for plants), and belongs to the fourth hazard class (low-hazardous compound).

During the combustion process, the substance released belongs to the second hazard class. Therefore, you need to use personal protective equipment to process the premises:

Respirator (ideally a gas mask).
Latex gloves.
You can use a protective apron or boots - but this is not necessary, as long as you have just a change of clothes (not used anywhere in everyday life).

Please note: gauze bandages, homemade respirators with cotton wool filters - all this will not protect against the combustion of sulfur and the formation of sulfur dioxide. In this case, only professional personal protective equipment has protective functions.

Ideally, the work should be done by two people. Both people can lay out checkers, seal cracks and close holes. After which one leaves the room, and the second sets it on fire. The first one in this case plays the role of a belayer - in case of danger, he helps the one who sets the fire to get out. Therefore, both need to use protective equipment.

Smoldering Checker

After treating the room, wash your clothes thoroughly, change the filters on your respirator or gas mask, and take a shower (be sure to use soap). It is advisable to rinse your mouth (immediately after treatment) and drip a saline solution into your nose (for rinsing).

Call an ambulance immediately if the following symptoms occur (during treatment, when you left the premises, or after it):

headache and/or dizziness;
attacks of nausea, vomiting;
pain in the chest, shortness of breath;
nose bleed;
difficulty breathing (inability to inhale or exhale normally), wheezing, cough without relief.

Such symptoms indicate poisoning by combustion products. Delayed medical care can lead to serious consequences and even death.

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Safety regulations

When using sulfur bombs, you must remember the following safety measures:

You must first carefully read the operating instructions.
When using the product, you must take care of protective equipment , which includes disposable gloves, a respiratory mask and special glasses.
After using a smoke bomb, you must wash your hands thoroughly.
During preparation for use and direct use of the checker, it is forbidden to drink water , eat food or smoke.
If any side effects occur after using the product : persistent cough, pain in the chest or severe dizziness, you should immediately seek medical help, as these indicate poisoning of the body.
To ensure the required level of safety, all work must be carried out by at least two people. All persons who are not involved in the process of processing the premises must leave it.
Combustion residues must not be left on the surface of the earth or thrown away with regular garbage ; they must be burned in a place that is located away from residential areas.
As a safety measure, warn neighbors in advance that it is planned to use a highly toxic product on the site.
Checkers must be stored in places that are inaccessible to children or pets , and also where there is no risk of accidental fire.

Review of checkers on the market

To make it easier to navigate the wide range of similar products on the market, below are the most popular models from different manufacturers, which have proven themselves on the positive side and have collected many good reviews:

Climate is one of the most popular varieties, having a standard design with a wick that needs to be lit. It is most often used for treating storerooms, cellars and greenhouses, as well as various premises on livestock farms, since it very effectively destroys lice and fleas. The cost is only 65 rubles.
FAS is another domestic product that is actually a complete analogue of Climate. Such checkers are no less effective, but they are not recommended to be used for treating premises where animals are kept or, at least, to ventilate them for a longer period, which is 2-3 weeks. This is due to the fact that FAS emits smoke with a much more pungent and toxic odor. The approximate cost is 50 rubles.
CITY is one of the most popular insecticidal pyrotechnics, the main component of which is not sulfur, but permethrin 13%. This makes it most effective at killing most types of insects, including cockroaches, ants and woodlice. The average price is 250-280 rubles.
Vulcan is capable of treating fairly large spaces with sulfur smoke, so it is most often used for large office premises, for example, logistics centers or various enterprises. The price is 40-50 rubles.

Reviews

Many people have already tried using similar checkers and formed their opinions about them, which they share below:

Edward: “For more than three years we have been using sulfur bombs to fumigate granaries; they not only effectively remove all insects and rodents, but also help get rid of fungus on the walls. We chose them because this method is the easiest to process large rooms, and the checkers have never failed. One caveat: you need to worry about safety in advance and leave the premises as quickly as possible. The smoke is really very caustic, it seriously corrodes the eyes and lungs; the first time, due to inexperience, we almost got poisoned by it.”
Vyacheslav: “Ticks multiplied in the old village chicken coop, a neighbor shared sulfur bombs, after which not a single parasite remained. True, before this I also treated the room with insecticides about three weeks before using the checkers, so it’s difficult to say what exactly killed them, but I think the combined use enhanced the effect.”
Anna: “At the dacha near Taldom there are two main troubles - mole crickets and moles, they spoil everything they can, and it is very difficult to get rid of these pests. Sulfur bombs became a real salvation, as stated in the instructions, I placed them directly in the holes that I could find. True, the smoke from them is very toxic, the smell has not gone away for several days, but there is still enough time before planting vegetables, I hope that everything will fizzle out.”
Alexander: “I started using such checkers not only in greenhouses and barns, but in living quarters on a summer cottage, since it was possible not to go there for almost a week. I really liked both the result and the application process itself. The insects were gone immediately, there is no need to wait for the product to start working, and there are no problems or additional waste of time and effort, as with other drugs that need to be diluted or a place to be found for treatment. If you follow all the safety rules and do everything in accordance with the instructions, then no problems arise, there is nothing complicated here, I succeeded the first time and without any side effects. A good remedy for those who want to get rid of all kinds of parasites in the shortest possible time.”

Using sulfur bombs in a greenhouse

Fumigation of greenhouses, greenhouses and greenhouses is often carried out in the fall, when the crops have already been harvested and the premises have been cleared of plant debris. Such actions are repeated in the spring, before planting, or when the seeds have already been sown. But processing is possible only as long as there are no green shoots. After this operation, it is advisable to water the soil with phytosporin so that the necessary microflora is restored.

Important: in order not to destroy beneficial microorganisms in the soil, it is forbidden to use more checker tablets than indicated in the instructions.

It has been noticed that low-temperature soil absorbs sulfuric acid more efficiently. This means that when the soil cools down to 10 degrees, the maximum impact occurs.

Getting started involves several sequential steps, according to the developed instructions:

Get rid of plant debris. It is recommended to burn them to prevent the spread of diseases settled in the stems and leaves.
Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, raincoat).
Make the room as airtight as possible in order for the smoke to work better, and in order to protect the surrounding area: you may need to coat the joints with sealant.
Wash all surfaces with soapy water, saturate them and the ground with water. Metal ceilings should be primed or painted to avoid oxidation.
Before starting treatment, it is recommended to dig up the soil, since larvae and mold particles can lie in deep layers.
The required number of checkers must be placed on iron sheets measuring at least 70*70 cm, or on bricks. If there is a dry island of soil left, you can install the tablets directly on it. Lastly, press the wick so that it protrudes to the side by about 3 centimeters.
Light the wick and note whether smoldering has begun.
The wick burns for about 2 minutes, giving the person the opportunity to leave the room and close the door as tightly as possible. If cracks are found, they should be sealed with tape.

To combat moles, checkers are usually placed in holes so that smoke fills the passages and smokes the animal away from the area.

For polycarbonate greenhouse

A smoke bomb for a polycarbonate greenhouse covered with film or glass is used when its frame is made of wooden beams and beams. When it is made of metal, the sulfur smoke will oxidize it, and the greenhouse will be damaged.

Polycarbonate does not visually deteriorate from exposure to smoke. Climatic factors such as sun rays and low temperatures bring much more harm to it. But before fumigation, all polymer surfaces should at least be wiped dry.

Now the industry produces bulk sulfur block for a greenhouse made of polycarbonate. It operates on the principle of an aerosol and almost does not damage the surface of the structure.

Important: in case of urgent need, metal structures are sometimes treated with special protective compounds. But these are very labor-intensive actions.

Sulfur bomb for the cellar

In cellars there is often high humidity, as a result of which mold grows rapidly. It appears due to insufficient ventilation or frequent flooding. In such conditions, it is impossible to get rid of perennial mold and fungi, even with repeated treatment. Therefore, the sulfur bomb is used as a temporary salvation.

And if the basement is located under a residential building, then the treatment is very dangerous. Once smoke enters the room, the acrid smell will permeate everything, and you will have to clear out the stench for at least a week and a half.

Therefore, before fumigating the cellar, you need to weigh the pros and cons. If moisture stagnation occurs once, then it is better to dry the room naturally. In case of regular flooding, it is advisable to equip the cellar with forced ventilation and replace rotten boards. Before these measures, it makes no sense to treat it with sulfur smoke.