Abstract: This invention relates to a method of fumigating agricultural products in storage or transportation facilities for controlling pests by means of hydrogen phosphide which is then bound and/or decomposed to a substantial extent; according to the invention, a fumigating composition releasing hydrogen phosphide is placed in a manner known per se among products stored in conventional storage facilities, whereupon the stored products are covered with a flexible film, foil or sheet to isolate them from the surrounding storage space, and the hydrogen phosphide diffusing from the gas containing space above and among the stored products during or after fumigation is bound by adsorption, physical or chemical absorption and/or decomposed by chemical or physical means. The invention also relates to a specific solid catalyst suitable for the decomposition of hydrogen phosphide.

Abstract: The likelihood of auto-ignition occurring while hydrolyzing particulate aluminum phosphide with H.sub.2 O to produce phosphine is reduced by conducting the hydrolysis of the aluminum phosphide in the presence of both a source of ammonia or ammonium ions and zinc or zinc compound, the latter reducing the temperature rise associated with the hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sachet for pest control, composed at least in part of a gas- and water vapor-permeable substantially anhydrous non-woven fabric, said fabric being a plural component non-woven fabric comprising at least one material-forming fibers and having a melting or softening temperature above 165.degree. C. and a second material having thermoplastic properties ad a melting or softening temperature below 145.degree. C. The invention also relates to the use of the sachets for accommodating gas releasing pest control agents, in particular a composition based on alkaline earth and/or earth metal phosphides releasing phosphine gas.

Abstract: A phosphine releasing composition suitable for use as a pest control agent comprising a mixture of aluminium phosphide, zinc or a zinc compound and a source of ammonia or ammonium ion, can be produced by mixing the components. The zinc or zinc compound in combination with the ammonia or ammonium ion protects the compositions when exposed to water vapor or liquid water against auto-ignition.

Abstract: The invention provides a pesticide containing an aluminium or magnesium phosphide and an ignition inhibiting agent essentially consisting of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon which suppresses the tendency of phosphin evolved under the influence of e.g. atmospheric moisture, to self-ignite.

Abstract: Process for preparing metal phosphide pesticide compositions which hydrolyze to release hydrogen phosphide in which the pesticide is coated with a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: Method for detoxifying phosphide containing pesticides by treatment with aqueous alkaline reagents optionally containing oxidants and/or surfactants.