Where is the use of fumigants limited to?

The use of fumigants is primarily limited to soil, enclosed structures, and containers due to the specific nature of how these chemicals function. Fumigants are gases that penetrate materials to eliminate pests, and their effectiveness is maximized in controlled environments where they can disperse evenly and achieve the necessary concentration to eradicate pests.

In soil applications, fumigants can effectively target soil-dwelling pests and pathogens, preventing crop damage. In enclosed structures, such as warehouses, storage facilities, and homes, fumigants can be used to treat infestations without the risk of drifting to non-target areas, thereby ensuring a more targeted and safer application. Similarly, fumigants in containers help protect stored goods from pests.

The other options, such as open fields, airborne applications, and water bodies, pose challenges due to potential off-target effects and environmental regulations. For instance, applying fumigants in open fields could lead to exposure beyond the intended area, which can be harmful to non-target organisms and pose risks to human health.