What is a benefit of using fumigants in pest control?

The use of fumigants in pest control offers the significant benefit of their ability to kill a wide range of pathogens. Fumigants are powerful pesticides that can penetrate plant tissues and soil, reaching pests and pathogens that might otherwise evade typical surface applications. This broad-spectrum efficacy makes them particularly valuable for controlling difficult issues, such as soilborne diseases, nematodes, and even stored product pests.

In contrast, while some may find fumigants to be cost-effective in certain situations, they are not universally inexpensive when considering application costs and the need for specialized equipment. Additionally, not all plant types can tolerate fumigants, as they can potentially harm sensitive species or varieties if not used carefully. Finally, the timing of fumigation is crucial, as specific growth stages of plants may be more susceptible to damage; thus, it is not accurate to say they can be applied at any growth stage without consideration of the risks involved.