First it was Boric Acid, now we're gassing the house

I'm having my house tented and gassed in about 2 weeks for termites.

I'll be living in a hotel for a few days, and I've already found (I think -I haven't ironed out the details) a local PD officer to guard the house who was recommended by the LGS.

My only question now is - should I be at all worried about whatever it is they'll be using being somehow damaging to my guns or ammo?

If I need to take it all out of the house, it would be a major pita, but I would if there is a possibility of damage. I've invested too much money into it to let them get messed up that easily.

Maybe somebody here knows a bit about this? I don't know what gases or chemicals they're supposed to use.

I was worried perhaps there might be ammonia in it or something that could corrode metal and/or metal finishes.

They should give you a list of what you need ot remove from the house before they tent it. If they don't ask for one. I don't think the stuff is corrosive enough to harm your firearms, especially if you leave them in a safe, but ask the contractor to be sure.

it's not an airtight safe by any means. It's a series of metal gun cabinets all enclosed in a wooden cabinet. Not at all airtight.

It's only meant to slow criminals down enough that the alarm system can get cops over here.

I can't get a "real" safe just yet because of logistic issues (although a solution is in the works).

In that case you might want to take the weapons out anyway. After all, you are going to turn your house over to a bunch of strangers. The contractor might be local and reputable, but what about the guys working for him. He might even use some day labor getting that tent up.

I could tell you horror stories about less than ethical people I've known who worked for carpet cleaners, and they only have free run of the house for a couple of hours.

I'd make sure the valuables are taken some place safe until it's time to bring them home.

I would have to think that if the chemicals could harm metal, wood, or plastic on guns, the it would be able to damage LOTS of things in peoples houses that may not be removeable, and so the chemical would just really be imprcticle to use, as no one would want a chemical used that will ruin all thier cabinets, fixtures, etc. Just my guess on it.

not much fun to read, here ya go.

http://www.epa.gov/spdpublc/mbr/casestudies/volume2/sulfury2.html

I have also been told they can use can use some version of halide that should not harm any non-organic, including firearms.

You might wanna take them with you. Children too.

nahh... I was just gonna leave the dog and let him ride out the high. :rolleyes:

Doggy is going to the kennel, I am going to a hotel.

As for children, I have none.

It's the other "kids" I'm worried about. The boom twins and their siblings.

Interesting situation. What does one do if they have a large fish aquarium? I have a large saltwater tank and it's pretty impossible to take it down and have all the stuff/fish in multiple buckets. Probably wouldn't even survive.

I checked today. I'm not allowed to bring guns into the hotel. :(

It would be pretty tough to be 100% discrete about it with my collection, not to mention I'd feel pretty stressed about leaving them there with me not in the room. The handguns wouldn't be a big deal as far as getting them in there discretely, it's the rifles that pose a problem. It would look pretty weird to walk in there even with a bunch of guitar cases.

My 10x10 self-storage facility is full, as it was really only meant to hold holiday decorations and its packed to the brim with fall and winter holiday decor (mainly Christmas decor).

I checked if my father would let me lock them in his medical office, but he would prefer I not, plus he isn't the only one with a key.

What other options are there that I'm not thinking of?

Trash bags and duct tape.

Its got the Presidential Seal of Endorsement.

that's what I was thinking about just now too.

If I do that, I could just bring a snubby with me to the hotel for daily carry, and leave it all here.

When they come to put the tent up, I plan to be on their butts like a piece of stuck TP - watching every move. I also plan to be here when they run the gas hoses, and I will leave only when they start the flow.

Maybe I'm being paranoid about this, but I don't trust people I've never met before to be around my guns. I had a $2,000 watch go missing a few months ago (it was either the maid or some workpeople for the alarm system), and that would be small potatoes compared to this.

Just in case though, I'm updating my list on S/Ns and bringing it with me. I should have that anyways for always.

Trash bags and duct tape for the aquarium? I wonder if the fish would suffocate over several days.

Buy some inexpensive plastic paint drop cloths and duck tape. Cover everythig that worries you and duck tape it shut. Case closed. I would be more concerned about someone breaking in more than anything else. You mentioned that there will be someone to watch the house. I would also make sure the alarm system is set when the bug guys go.

I don't think I can do that. I think they shut off the power. I could be wrong.

There should be a cop watching the house 24/7 though.

Why would they cut the power? It's not like the stuff is flammable...or is it?

Can you 'tent' the storage area with plastic drop cloths and apply positive-pressure ventilation via a very slightly opened compressed carbon dioxide cylinder? If you sealed it correctly, the positive pressure should displace the other gas away from the storage area. If you turned it on at the last minute and the house is being gassed anyway, there shouldn't be any concerns about anybody walking around inside and falling out, right?

Just an idea. Of course, it might be counterproductive to eliminating the termites...

I don't think I can do that. I think they shut off the power. I could be wrong.

Even with the power off, most all new systems can run off battery power as a back up in the event of a power out. Check to see if yours is battery capable.

don't you have any friends or family that you could store them at?

IMO, throw away some holiday decorations and put your guns in the self storage. They would be more important to me.

I have an idea! If you don't mind, get them all to FedEx and ship 'em to my house. I will take good care of all of your firearms and ammo. Then when you are ready and can afford it, send me the shipping fees and I'll get them back to you but they will need a good cleaning once you get them back.
I am sorry you have termites in the first place and then to have to worry about all this. I would leave them with a trusted friend or sibling, locked in a spare room but I don't know your situation. I just wanted to chime in. Good luck.

What about renting a storage unit or something? Only like 30 bucks for a month. Who gives a sheeyat if they have a "no firearms" policy. Just move them discreetly in and out.

What kind of HOTEL will not let you keep firearms in the room? I never heard of that before. Did they have a sign up stating this or did you ask them about their policy? It sounds like a NYC or Chicago law not in some of the states that I am thinking of! Wow... I thought that FL was gun friendly!

When I moved out west... I had my vehicle and my Coleman pop up camper. I kept my Coleman CLOSED/LOCKED UP with 95% of my ammunition packed up in 2 Rubbermaid brand large but flatter style tubs. Not like the BIG tubs that most of us use. I stored this under the table area and other items were on top of this... I had to watch the HEIGHT of everything so I could seal, close up the Coleman top/lid. In the back of my vehicle - Explorer... I had my firearms in another BIG TUB in their soft zippered cases, unloaded and locked. I put my cased up rifles flat down because they would not fit in the tub. They were left unloaded and locked up too. I kept 2 handguns apart from the tubs, UNLOCKED, UNLOADED and in cases behind me. Ammunition in another part of the car... just a couple of boxes since the OTHER ammo was in the Coleman and HEAVY. Since I was making 'time' cross country and going through some states that did not allow x, y or z like my formerly controlled RINO, lying, anti CCW Gov. state --- I did not keep a loaded gun because it MIGHT have gotten me into trouble going thousands of miles and right BELOW the Canadian border - USA side only. I did not want to go into IL or any big cities so I went another LONGER route. Every night when I checked into the hotel or motel (AAA book, maps and discounts.) I parked and took OUT my basic clothing and personal belongings, my coffee pot/mug because I usually use MY own pot and mug, tea, coffee, snacks... then I took in my 13 or so firearms from my vehicle. I kept the locks on the locked ones. I brought in the 2 unlocked ones for self defense along with my ammunition for those 2 guns. When I got INSIDE the room for the evening/night... the FIRST thing that I did was LOAD those 2 firearms and keep a box of ammo by EACH GUN! I made my calls back east and told L. that I was in such and such state/motel and SAFE. I would call my sister or brother but let L know FIRST. L = my late husband's and my best male friend back in my former state. I wanted PROTECTION and if anyone would dare question me, which NO one ever did, I would state that I did not want to leave my guns in the vehicle even if some were in a tub, the rifles were in their cases with blankets on top of the entire thing!

The LAST thing that I did in the morning right before I turned in my key and signed out was load UP the firearms. Same routine, same place in the vehicle, etc. I stayed at NICE/CLEAN places but one place was pretty crowded, I did not like the looks of a couple of people who I passed even though it was a brand name AAA rated place. I did NOT use the swimming pools ( I love to swim and should have fins!) and leave my guns unattended in my room. I ALWAYS put up a DO NOT DISTURB SIGN, double lock, put a chair and something else ON top of the chair in front of the door, double check my windows, etc. I call for a wake up call too.

Best wishes to you.

Sincerely,

Catherine

I would not leave them at your house no matter how you sealed the firearms or ammunition up. You mentioned that you already had one theft at your home.

I never had to have my former house bug/termite sprayed or anything along that line. I lived in a very cold climate.

If you can't or don't want a close, honest friend or relative to hold them for you... I would REMOVE the STUFF in your locked storage unit and put in your firearms. COVER up the firearms with STUFF! STORE the ammunition if you are concerned about damage no matter how you seal it and/or ammo THEFT!

Many good hotels have safes, no clue how big they are in the manager's office and some have SMALLER safes in a room. It is a shame that one hotel did not allow this. Can you call around and ask about this if you don't want to use your own storage unit or have a super close friend or relative that will hold them for you?

If I ever stay at a hotel while on vacation... I USUALLY do NOT want room service. Even if it is for one week. I put up a DO NOT DISTURB SIGN... I get my own fresh towels/sheets by asking for them. I have left two firearms in my room a few times... only took two with me in a vehicle if it was for a brief trip. I don't do that too often and usually take ALL 4 or 5 guns with us... my husband's and mine. TRAVEL guns - they differ. Plus he carries concealed and open. I open carry. Now that we have a different TRAVEL set up... we hardly ever use a hotel/motel no matter how nice it is.

Best wishes!

Sincerely,

Catherine

Dear Cheese,

I would cover up (Plastic and duct tape it.) and lock your file cabinet too. If you have any SUPER important papers, your bank statements, insurance papers, anything with your SS/ID numbers on it, recent tax returns, etc. - I would put them in a LOCKED case or locked briefcase and take them to a friend or family member or take them with you - secure them SOMEHOW to prevent ID THEFT. You want to be careful about that even if the sprayers are bonded/licensed/insured.

You can never be TOO careful. Sorry to be a pain in the butt here... I was thinking of how to protect your important items. Do you have firearm insurance or special coverage with a gun organization or on your home policy?

Take care.

Catherine

don't you have any friends or family that you could store them at?

Unfortunately, the only person I trust enough to do that with is one of my cousins - and his fiancée has laid down a strict rule of "no firearms in the house". She'd throw a fit if he held onto them for me.

I think that rule is unreasonable, but that's just me. Maybe I can work something out with him where she won't know though.

Even with the power off, most all new systems can run off battery power as a back up in the event of a power out. Check to see if yours is battery capable.

That's true. I'll have to check to see if the battery would run it for 48 hours or more.

gotta run to LSAT prep. When I get back I'll read the rest of the replies. Thanks guys for all the help! :)

I would check with your local gunshop and see if they can put them in their safe for you while your house is being gassed. I can't imagine they would charge much for this service and the peace of mind would be worth it.

Make sure you take pictures of your collections for insurance purpoases.

They're probably using Vikane. Vikane is a true gas not an aerosol. It will not harm your firearms. It will penetrate your safe (and everything else). Your pest control operators gave you a bunch of documentation about the material they're using including a label and MSDS. READ THEM!! Fumigation is serious business and you should be informed. If they did not give you these documents get them on the DowAgro website. There is also a fact sheet there as well. Vikane is good stuff and only is active for a short time but follow all instructions your PC professional gives you to the letter. Yes, I am a pest control professional.

I checked this morning Omaney. You are right. It is Vikane.

So I shouldn't be concerned with it harming my guns or ammo at all?

Would it be best to leave the ammo cans open or closed once they start the gas?

You are in FLORIDA!! The hotel can't prevent you from bringing them in. Only ask you to leave if found out. Keep them hidden.

In that case you might want to take the weapons out anyway. After all, you are going to turn your house over to a bunch of strangers. The contractor might be local and reputable, but what about the guys working for him. He might even use some day labor getting that tent up.

I could tell you horror stories about less than ethical people I've known who worked for carpet cleaners, and they only have free run of the house for a couple of hours.

I'd make sure the valuables are taken some place safe until it's time to bring them home.


+1 to this. I used to work remodeling houses, heard several tales of things gone missing when the home owners were away.

Rustynuts - true, legally they can't, but if I get asked to leave I won't really have a place to go (at least not easily).

The handguns I could sneak in, but the rifles are the problem as there is a bunch of them.

This might sound nuts to you, but have you thought of vacuum sealing your long guns? I have a vacuum sealer I use for ammo and powder and I know some guys who vacuum seal their long guns before cacheing them. Doesn't solve the theft problem but might put your mind at ease about the gases.

This might sound nuts to you, but have you thought of vacuum sealing your long guns?

not nuts at all. Where can I buy one of those vacuum sealers locally? Any big chains sell them? I don't have enough time to do mail-order unless I 2nd day air it. I only have slightly over 1 week left to prepare.

The tent people came by today to check the roof's structural integrity (or something technical sounding like that).

Now that I know it's Vikane, I'm not as worried, but it still wouldn't hurt to take extra precautions. Plus it's a really good excuse to buy fun new stuff.

To the one person who mentioned taking his firearms to a reputable, favorite, local gun store and having them store the firearms... I thought of that too. Get receipts, serial numbers, ask about the insurance coverage, etc. I thought that the 'storage price' might be a bit steep but you do NOT know unless you ASK around.

After all of this... I think that I would go with taking that extra STUFF out of his own storage locker, put the firearms inside, cover it up safely/properly and if that extra stuff would not fit in... I would ask a friend/relative to store that STUFF as a favor to me.

Good point about the gun store too... I meant to post that earlier in the morning. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Catherine