Redlands Masonic Lodge, Next to Fox Theatre, to be Fumigated for Termites

The Masonic Lodge near downtown Redlands is going to be tarped and fumigated with Vikane gas, also known as sulfuryl fluoride, to stop drywood termite damage, lodge officials and businessmen involved in the fumigation said Thursday.

Tarping of the 103-year-old building, next to Hobo's Vintage and the Fox Theatre on Cajon Street, is expected to begin around 9 a.m. Friday July 27, Brian Swanston, president of in Redlands, said in a phone interview.

"This historic downtown landmark, built in 1909, features unique and ornate wood throughout its interior," a statement says. "The structure has come under heavy attack by drywood termites in multiple locations.

"To eradicate the termites, Beneficial Exterminating will tarp and fumigate the building using Vikane gas fumigant and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment," the statement says.

Swanston is working with Craig Flagtwet of the Masonic Lodge, and Lee Whitmore, vice president of Beneficial Exterminating, Hawthorne.

Vikane gas - sulfuryl fluoride - was developed decades ago by Dow Chemical Company. In the past 50 years it has been used to treat more than 2 million structures, including landmarks, churches, museums, research facilities, colleges, hotels and ships, according to Dow. For more information about Vikane from Dow, visit www.dowagro.com/vikane.

Exposure to sulfuryl fluoride can be harmful to humans and animals, according to the National Pesticide Information Center.

Printable fact sheets for sulfuryl fluoride from Dow and the National Pesticide Information Center are attached to this report.

The Redlands Masonic Lodge is at 131 Cajon St.