HOW TO TREAT UNDER PATIO SLABS OR POOL DECKING
Many pests can thrive under patio slabs, pool decking, stoops and walkways that connect to buildings. The short list includes TERMITES, FLIES, SPRINGTAILS, ANTS, MILLIPEDES, CLOVER MITES and CENTIPEDES.
If you suspect pests are living under cement around your home, directly treating can be challenging but necessary.
WHY DO PESTS LIVE UNDER CEMENT?
The quick answer to this question is that first, cement is like a giant sponge. It will collect any and all moisture around it and the bottom side will invariably grow mold and mildew. This organic growth will be food for many pests and in turn, why they’re attracted to the area.
The second reason is the soil under cement is typically perfect for many pests because it will settle. This settling will create a small space between the bottom of the slab and the dirt below. This space will allow crawling pests plenty of room to move about and perform their daily tasks.
The third reason is this area will be well protected from direct sunlight, predators and rain. Think of it as a small cave in which insects will be protected, well fed and very content. Add a little algae, mold and water and well, you’ve now got the perfect nest site!
HOW DO YOU TREAT UNDER THESE CEMENT SLABS?
So the first way to get chemical under a slab is to meticulously treat all cracks and gaps you can find.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) shows how this can be done:
But if the gaps limited or tight, you won’t be able to get enough where it matters most. This is when you should consider drilling and sub slab injection.
WHAT IS SUB SLAB TREATING?
Sub Slab Injection is when you drill holes through cement so you can inject them with your chemical mixture.
Most cement slabs will be 4-6 inches thick and a good HAMMER DRILL will drill 1/2″ holes through this in 15-30 seconds. Space holes 2 feet apart and about 3-6 inches from foundation walls.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds long) provides a quick overview of why drilling holes may be needed along with showing how our SUB SLAB INJECTOR works.
Our Hammer Drill comes with several drill bits including a 12″ long by 1/2″ wide bit ideal for thick cement.
To treat the holes, use our SUB SLAB INJECTOR.
It features a wand that will fit through 12mm or 1/2″ holes and will shoot the chemical mixture sideways a good 1-2 feet as seen in the video above.
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