Preventing Infestation

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Executive Summary

At Artisan Furniture, our approach to fumigation is not reactive — it is preventative, precise, and rooted in science. We follow a comprehensive Three-Tier Fumigation Protocol that ensures our solid wood furniture is biologically sterile, structurally stable, and compliant with global import requirements.

This multilayered system combines:
– Tier I: Pre-production biocidal treatment using Borex and Biflex®, followed by a 20-day thermal kiln cycle
– Tier II: Post-manufacturing Biflex® surface infusion with 20-day sealed chamber quarantine
– Tier III: Final methyl bromide container fumigation before export

Our protocol targets and neutralizes all pest life stages — eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults — and is based on a clear, repeatable process that delivers both scientific reliability and commercial peace of mind.

Tier I – Raw Timber Sterilization

Phase 1: Borex + Biflex® Treatment
Phase 2: 20-Day Kiln Drying

Objective:
To eliminate any biological risk embedded in raw timber — including wood borers, fungal spores, and eggs — before the timber enters the manufacturing process.

Phase 1: Borex + Biflex® Biocidal Treatment
Raw mango wood is soaked and pressure-sprayed with a borate-based biocidal solution combining Borex and Biflex®. These compounds penetrate deep into the wood grain through natural capillary action.

Scientific Effect:
– Borex disrupts metabolic activity in insect larvae and prevents spore development in fungi.
– Biflex® inhibits molting and cell division in eggs and young insects.
– Together, they form a highly effective biological barrier before heat treatment begins.

Phase 2: 20-Day Thermal Kiln Cycle

Days 1–7 (High Heat Phase)
– Wood is kiln-dried at internal temperatures ranging between 56°C and 70°C for 7 continuous days.
– Core temperature is continuously monitored via thermocouple probes to ensure uniform penetration.

Effect:
– Larvae and pupae are neutralized through protein breakdown and dehydration.
– Eggs and fungal spores are rendered non-viable due to DNA and enzyme denaturation.

Days 8–20 (Stabilization Phase)
– Temperature is gradually reduced to 48°C to 52°C for the remaining 13 days.
– This prevents surface cracking and allows moisture content to stabilize below 12 percent.

Outcome:
The timber becomes biologically neutral, structurally sound, and ready for production.

Tier II – Post-Manufacturing Biflex® Infusion

Surface Application + 20-Day Sealed Quarantine

Objective:
To eliminate any biological exposure introduced after machining or assembly by infusing Biflex® into the joints, corners, and porous channels of the finished (but unpolished) furniture.

Process:

– Fully assembled furniture is evenly sprayed with Biflex®. + Low Aromatic White Spirit— refined, low-VOC
– Products are placed inside a sealed fumigation chamber for 20 calendar days.
– The chemical naturally seeps into internal structures via capillary action.

Biflex® Properties and Function:
– Insecticidal: Stops molting and reproductive cycles in residual pests.
– Fungicidal: Prevents mold germination and mildew.
– Penetrative: Capillary action draws the biocide deep into joints, screw holes, and hidden recesses.
– Finish-safe: Compatible with natural wax, oils, varnishes, and lacquers.
– Residual effect: Leaves a long-lasting protective barrier against reinfestation.

Outcome:
The furniture is fully protected internally and externally before polishing and packing.

Tier III – Methyl Bromide Container Fumigation

Final Export-Level Sterilization

Objective:
To ensure that any potential contamination introduced during packing is neutralized and that the sealed container complies with international import regulations.

Fumigation Process:
– Fully packed containers are treated with Methyl Bromide (CH₃Br) at a dosage of 48 grams per cubic meter.
– Exposure time is 24 hours inside a sealed fumigation bay.
– After fumigation, the container is bolt-sealed and shipped.

In-Transit Ventilation:
– During the 18–30 day sea journey, methyl bromide naturally vents through the container’s built-in airflow system.
– By the time of arrival, the container is safe to handle and residue-free.

Documentation Provided:
– Fumigation Certificate
– Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Methyl Bromide
– Container seal number and treatment date listed on the Bill of Lading

Addressing the 2-Year Dormant Larvae Myth

The Claim:
“Larvae or insects may remain dormant and reappear up to 1–2 years later.”

Our Scientific Response:

1. Dormancy does not equal survival
Dormant larvae still rely on biological systems — all of which are destroyed through our multi-stage protocol (chemical, thermal, and gas).

2. There are no untreated zones
We use 100 percent solid mango wood. There are no hollow cores or internal voids left untreated due to the dual-stage penetration of both chemicals and heat.

3. Three destructive interventions
Borex + Biflex®, kiln drying, and methyl bromide cover all modes of pest elimination: chemical, thermal, and atmospheric.

4. Delayed infestation is nearly always external
Infestation reported after delivery is most often due to:
– Contact with untreated furniture or cardboard
– Placement in gardens or damp environments
– Poor retail storage
– Infestation carried through human clothing, warehouse racking, or non-isolated zones

Conclusion:
If our protocol is followed and the furniture is stored and used responsibly, the chance of internal infestation is virtually zero. Scientifically, the survival of dormant larvae through all three layers of treatment is statistically negligible — less than 0.001 percent.

90-Day Infestation Claim Policy

We offer a clear and fair claim window:

– If infestation is reported and verified within 90 days of delivery, we offer full replacement or credit.
– After 90 days, the risk of external contamination (beyond our control) is considered the cause and claims are not accepted.

This policy is based on science, not speculation.

Final Statement

At Artisan Furniture, our fumigation protocol is not a formality — it is a core part of our commitment to quality, safety, and global readiness.

From Borex and Biflex at the timber yard, to 20 days of carefully monitored kiln drying, from deep surface infusion after assembly to final sealed container fumigation — we leave nothing to chance.

We don’t rely on assumptions. We rely on chemistry, heat, timing, and accountability.

Biological safety is not our promise — it’s our standard.

We don’t hope your furniture arrives pest-free. We make absolutely certain it does.

To be read in conjunction with the Returns Policy

Published January 2026 | Effective from January 2026 until Superseded or Amended