How to Apply Insecticide in a Crawlspace

Insects and small pests are a nuisance and can permanently damage your home if they are not eliminated at the right time. Insecticides help to remove the threat of infestation in all areas of your home. Follow these steps to successfully eradicate a pest problem in your home's crawl space.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Protective gear

1. Purchase insecticides such as Sevin, Dursban, and synthetic pyrethroids which are highly effective against all kinds of infestation. Choose an insecticide that does not give off fumes at the time of application.

2. Clean the crawlspace and remove all stored items. Read the instructions on the product label. Dilute the insecticide spray with water according to the manufacturer recommendations.

3. Cover your mouth with protective gear to avoid any vapor inhalation.

4. Dig a narrow hollow trench on all sides of the crawl space. Place insecticide along the whole length of the trench at the rate of four gallons per ten linear feet. Cover the trench with untreated soil. An alternate method is to insert diluted insecticide in the soil using a hollow pipe. Use the pipe to make shallow holes in the ground soil and fill them with insecticide. Cover the holes with organic soil.

5. Treat all vents in the crawl space including the entrance along the outdoor foundation lines.

6. Keep out of the crawl space for at least one week while the insecticide takes effect. Ventilate the area properly by opening windows or vents before going back in the crawl space.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep insecticides out of children's reach.
• Properly dispose of unused insecticides instead of storing them in your home.
• Contact a professional exterminator if you experience any challenges.