Void Injection Methods
Techniques for treating wall voids, floor voids, and other inaccessible spaces using dust, foam, or liquid formulations.
Detailed Overview
Voids (wall cavities, floor spaces, ceiling spaces) provide pest harborage inaccessible to conventional treatments. Three injection methods: (1) Dust injection: drill small holes, insert duster tip, puff dust while withdrawing to coat void interior. Best for long-term residual. (2) Foam injection: inject expanding foam (30-60x expansion) carrying insecticide throughout void. Foam visible emerging from cracks confirms coverage. Good for carpenter ants, termites, roach voids. Caution: do not over-inject causing pressure damage. (3) Liquid injection: inject liquid insecticide into voids using sub-slab injector or crack-and-crevice wand. Used for termite treatments, liquid ant baits. Access methods: drill through drywall or baseboard, inject through electrical outlets (remove cover plate), inject through existing cracks or penetrations. Drilling: use 1/8-3/16 inch bit, drill at angle to penetrate void, locate wall studs first to avoid, seal holes after treatment with spackle. Equipment: hand duster or electric duster for dust, foam applicator or B&G sprayer with foaming tip for foam, sub-slab injector or pump sprayer for liquid. Document locations treated - customer sees drill holes, needs explanation. Void treatments highly effective for concealed pests but require skill to avoid over-application or structural damage.
When to Use
Treat voids when pests confirmed harboring in walls, floors, or ceilings. Use appropriate formulation for pest and situation. Drill access holes as needed. Document and seal after treatment.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Reaches pests in inaccessible harborage
- Highly effective for concealed infestations
- Provides long-term control in protected voids
- Foam expansion ensures coverage
- Eliminates need to open walls
Limitations
- Requires drilling creating customer concerns
- Risk of over-applying causing damage
- Cannot see pest response in sealed voids
- Equipment and technique learning curve
- Must seal access holes after treatment
- Ineffective if wrong void treated
Related Concepts
Other techniques that may be useful
Crack and Crevice Treatment
Pesticide application method that places insecticides directly into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide, minimizing exposure to people and pets.
HEPA Vacuuming
Non-chemical pest removal using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to physically remove pests, eggs, droppings, and allergens.
Steam Cleaning
Non-chemical pest control using high-temperature steam to kill pests, eggs, and larvae on contact.