Abstract: A method of producing an alkaline earth or alkaline earth metal phosphide-based hydrogen phosphide generating pest control agent by completely coating even surfaced bodies of the alkaline earth or alkaline earth metal phosphide with a moisture-permeable coating which delays the generation of the hydrogen phosphide therefrom for a desired period of several hours up to one month and which is formed from moisture-pervious, solid, organic materials.

Abstract: A fumigant applicator for releasing therefrom a volatile substance, e.g., phosphine from a metal phosphide, at a controlled rate, thereby avoiding excessive local phosphine build-up and with complete protection of the contents against liquid water, in the shape of a sachet at least one face of which is formed from a spun-bonded, polyolefin sheet or fleece of heat and pressure bonded polyolefin fibers, which is vapor- and gas-pervious but impervious to liquid water and use, naturally water-resistant and of high tensile and tear strength, which sheet or fleece is rendered heat-weldable and is heat-sealed at its edges by a high porous coating, preferably a powder sprinkle coating, of a thermoplastic heat welding bonding layer which melts lower than the polyolefin fibers so that a heat welding seam at the edges of the sheet can form before the fibers melt so that the physical properties of the polyolefin fibers and the gas permeability thereof are substantially unaffected.

Abstract: An alkaline earth or alkaline earth metal phosphide-based hydrogen phosphide generating pest control agent with a moisture-permeable coating thereon for delaying the gas generation which is formed from moisture-pervious, solid, organic materials and which completely envelops the hydrogen phosphide generating composition. The moisture permeability of the coating is controlled to delay the onset of hydrogen phosphide generation for a desired period of several hours up to one month.

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: In the fumigation of bulk materials such as grain with hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) the gas containing hydrogen phosphide is caused to circulate in a closed loop passing through the bulk material and past the zone of phosphine generation in pulses having a flow rate, duration and pulse intervals so designed that excessive or dangerous accumulations of gas are avoided and that optimum conditions for pest control are attained throughout the system as soon as possible. The intersticial gas of the commodity is changed by the circulation from 5 to 15 times within the period required for 90% of the available phosphine of the metal phosphide to be released.

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: In the fumigation of bulk materials such as grain with hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) the gas containing hydrogen phosphide is caused to circulate in a closed loop passing through the bulk material and past the zone of phosphine generation in pulses having a flow rate, duration and pulse intervals so designed that excessive or dangerous accumulations of gas are avoided and that optimum conditions for pest control are attained throughout the system as soon as possible. The intersticial gas of the commodity is changed by the circulation from 5 to 15 times within the period required for 90% of the available phosphine of the metal phosphide to be released.

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.