How to Apply Malathion to Kill Termites
Termites are insects that feed upon dead plant material, such as leaves and wood. They are commonly found in wooden buildings, such as homes and garages, and can cause structural damage if they are not exterminated.
Malathion is a pesticide mainly used on plants and crops, but it is also used in urban areas to control mosquitoes and other insects, such as termites that are commonly found in residential areas. To deter termites, apply malathion to infested areas.
Things You Will Need
- Pesticide sprayer
- Rubber gloves
- Eye goggles
- Ventilation mask
Warning
The FDA does not require you to obtain a license to use malathion, but you must comply with your city and state’s residential pesticide regulations.
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Inspect your home for termites. Termites are most commonly found in rotting wood and damp areas. Using your knuckles, tap on your walls, ceilings and floors, and make note of any areas that sound like the wood is hollow. Look for cracked or bubbling paint, which can be caused by termite droppings, discarded wings from adult swarmer termites and mud tubes. Termites create mud tubes to use for travel which are commonly found on exterior walls, wooden beams and in crawl spaces inside of your home.
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Fill your pesticide sprayer with malathion by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check all valves and connections, making sure that there are no leaks. Over-exposure can cause skin and eye irritation, so wear rubber gloves, eye goggles and a ventilation mask when handling malathion.
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Spray the malathion in infested areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, allowing malathion to dry on surfaces such as toys and backyard swing sets can increase malaoxin levels. Malaoxin is 77 times as toxic as malathion. Avoid spraying items and toys used by your children.
The Drip Cap
- Termites are insects that feed upon dead plant material, such as leaves and wood.
- They are commonly found in wooden buildings, such as homes and garages, and can cause structural damage if they are not exterminated.
- Inspect your home for termites.
- Spray the malathion in infested areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
References
Writer Bio
Rob Kemmett began writing professionally in 2010 and specializes in writing about food and hospitality. Kemmett has worked in various fine-dining restaurants throughout his career and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago.
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