Fumigation is one of the most effective techniques of pest control. In fumigation, an affected area is completely filled with fumigants (gaseous pesticides) to asphyxiate the pests. Although fumigation techniques are conventionally used for agrarian applications, they are now being used as a pest control measure in buildings, which is also called structural fumigation. It is aptly called structural fumigation because this method affects the ‘structure’, implying that the pests inhabiting the structure are suffocated to death. These pests typically include woodborers and drywood termites. Fumigants are gaseous pesticides that control pests in agricultural fields, structures like buildings and apartments, storage houses and various other sites. Fumigants are generally biocides—chemicals that can kill/injure living organisms with which they come in contact. Some fumigants also form parts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are dangerous compounds infamous for their contribution in the creation of smog. Sulfuryl fluoride, formaldehyde, methyl bromide, chloropicrin and iodoform are some of the most popular examples of fumigants. Let’s now take a look at some of the important chemical properties of fumigants and how they are relevant when deciding on the right fumigant.