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In pest control, the tools used for applying insecticides are very important. There are a lot of different types of equipment available. When choosing the right one, the following need to be considered:

• Safety – making sure it is safe for the technician using it, as well as for anyone around, like clients, pests, and the environment.
• Environment – whether treating a home or a big industrial area can affect the equipment needed.
• Ease of use and speed – how easy it is to use and how quickly the job can get done, including how much it costs in labour.
• Durability – how long the equipment will last
• Costs – both the upfront cost to buy it and how much it costs to keep running. 
• Service – what kind of help and service one can get after the equipment is bought. 

Insecticide equipment suppliers know a lot about the tools they sell – what they can do, what jobs they are good for, and how to take care of them. Talking to them about the type of pest control needed can help in choosing the right equipment for the job.

The following is a quick overview of some basic equipment that is handy for most urban pest control operations.

Equipment for surface treatments

Sprayers

Many pest control workers use two main ways to apply insecticides on surfaces: 

• the power sprayer, which is typically attached to a vehicle, and
• the portable hand-pumped, portable, compressed air sprayer

Power sprayer

The power sprayer, often mounted on a truck, is used for spraying larger volumes of insecticides. It’s handy for treating soil for termites, dealing with lawn pests, or managing pests in big industrial areas. 

Here are the main parts of a power sprayer unit:

Power source and pump

In power sprayers, the motors can run on electricity or petrol. Different types of pumps are used, chosen based on how much liquid output is needed. Technicians who mainly deal with termite control often have to move large amounts of liquid and may need more versatile equipment. The pumping unit should have a bypass feature that allows liquid to circulate back into the tank, along with a pressure gauge. Additionally, there should be filters or strainers at various points, like between the tank and pump, at the tank opening, and at the spray gun. 

Tank

Available tanks on in different sizes, ranging from 120 litres to over 1000 litres. Technicians who specialize in termite work might opt for larger tanks, while those handling general pest control typically stick to 120-litre tanks. Tanks should be made from non-corrosive materials like PVC or fiberglass. They should also have a gauge to show the liquid level. 

Hose and reel

The hose used should be resistant to chemicals. For general tasks, operators often have two reels with around 100 meters of 12 mm chemical-resistant, braided hose on each reel. These reels are usually located conveniently and are fixed in place. 

Spray gun

The spray gun is typically made of alloy and comes with a standard nozzle that can be adjusted from a hollow cone to a pin-stream spray pattern. A temporary trigger-locking device is handy for extended spraying sessions.

Nozzle accessories

Different types of nozzles are available to meet different needs. Some nozzles provide various spray patterns, while others allow for different types of injection, which  is often necessary for termite control. For example, injection into concrete slabs, vents, cavities, or soil may be required. Using a flowmeter near the nozzle, regularly calibrated, can be very helpful for keeping track of how much insecticide has been applied, such as in each hole for a sub-slab termite barrier treatment. 

Foaming unit for slab injections

Injecting termiticides under slabs has always been challenging because it’s hard to know if the chemical has spread enough to create a continuous barrier. Sandy soils can cause insecticides to move downward only, while clay soils can restrict penetration. New equipment has been developed to address this issue. It uses a foaming agent to carry the insecticide, increasing the likelihood of lateral movement between the soil and the underside of the slab. With the right surfactant, the termiticide can penetrate the soil more effectively. This approach to slab injection can be especially helpful when traditional methods fail to work. 

When setting up a power sprayer, shoes the components based on the type of work that will be done. Only make as much spraying mixture as needed for each job to avoid driving with chemicals in the tank. After each job, flush the entire system with water. It is also important to do a thorough cleaning with an ammonia-based detergent regularly. 

Compressed air sprayer

The hand-pumped, portable, compressed-air sprayer is essential for pest control workers. It is commonly used to spray surfaces for controlling household pests like cockroaches, ants, and fleas. Ideally, the sprayer tank should be made of stainless steel and hold between 2 to 10 liters of liquid. The tank contains a plunger assembly to build pressure and various parts like a dip tube, outlet, hose, and gun for spraying liquid. When you pump the plunger, air is pushed through a valve into the tank, creating pressure. Once the pressure is high enough, using the gun allows the liquid to move up the dip tube, through the hose and out of the gun’s nozzle in a specific spray pattern. 

In pest control, there are various types of compressed air sprayers and tools you can use. Some sprayers come with a pressure gauge to show how much pressure is in the tank. Others have a pressure relief valve to help lower the pressure if needed. usually, the hose length is around 1 to 2 meters. 

When picking a sprayer, make sure the gun can work with different types of nozzles and extensions. These nozzles create different spray patterns like a fan, hollow cone, solid cone, or pin stream. Some sprayers come with a thin tube attachment for treating cracks and crevices. Some sprayers can be adjusted to spray anything from a wide hollow cone to a tick pin stream. Others let you choose from three different types of nozzles all in one. Adding extensions between the gun and the nozzle, called want extensions, can be really helpful for treating high-up places like eaves. 

There are different types of sprayer guns too. Some stop the flow of liquid at the nozzle, while others stop it at the gun. When it stops at the nozzle, it prevents dripping which often happens when the liquid supply is turned off. Some sprayers even have a small torch attached to the wand that lights up the area that is being treated without needing an extra hand to hold a flashlight. 

There are different types of sprayer guns too. Some stop the flow of liquid at the nozzle, while others stop it at the gun. When it stops at the nozzle, it prevents dripping which often happens when the liquid supply is turned off. Some sprayers even have a small torch attached to the wand that lights up the area that is being treated without needing an extra hand to hold a torch. 

When using compressed air sprayers, it’s important to remember a few key points: 

• Avoid using sprayers at high pressures as they can be dangerous and wasteful.

• All sprayers should be equipped with a pressure gauge so technicians can control and monitor pressure levels.

• Normal operating pressure for a fan nozzle is typically around 220 psi (approximately 1140 kPa), while a crack and crevice nozzle may benefit from a lower pressure of about 10 psi (approximately 70 kPa). The exact pressure may vary depending on company policies, label instructions, manufacturer recommendations, and other factors. 

• Always read and follow the instructions on the pesticide label, especially those related to sprayer use.

• Keep a sprayer repair kit handy at all times.

• Regularly maintain your sprayers to minimize the need for repairs and ensure any on-site repairs are quick and effective if needed.

• Avoid using hard metal objects like wire or pins to unclog a blocked nozzle, as they can easily damage the softer brass material. Instead, try back flushing with water or using a soft bristle brush.

It is crucial to shake a compressed air sprayer well to ensure the contents mix properly. This is especially important when using wettable powders (WPs), suspension concentrates (SCs), or micro-encapsulated products (MEs), as they can settle in the water. After spraying, it is essential to rinse and flush the sprayer with water and not store spray mixtures in it. Instead, clean it thoroughly with a brush and ammonia-based detergent regularly. Additionally, remember to disassemble, check, and lubricate the plunger assembly. Always refer to the manufacturer or supplier’s maintenance manual for specific requirements.

Dusters

The equipment for applying dust formulations can range from basic and affordable to more complex, depending on the size of the area you need to treat. Some dusters are designed for small, specific areas like gaps between machinery in factories, while others can cover larger spaces like the entire attic of a building. Generally, there are different types of dusters available for various applications. 

Bulb (hand-puffer) type

The equipment used to apply dust formulation varies in complexity and cost, depending on the size of the area being treated. Some dusters are simple and inexpensive and are suitable for treating small, specific areas such as gaps between machinery in factories. Others are more advanced and can cover larger areas like the entire attic of a building. Overall, there are different types of dusters available to suit different application needs. 

Mechanical rotary type

Hand-cranked rotary dusters have a mechanism with gears and worm-fed assembly. They’re ideal for treating roof spaces, storerooms, and warehouses. 

Mechanical plunger type

These manual dusters are made of lightweight plastic and are available in different sizes. They can be equipped with various nozzle tips and extension fittings to handle different types of applications, from small, specific areas and cracks to larger areas. 

Compressed gas type

Compressed gas dusters are great for big jobs like treating roof voids, warehouses, and storerooms. Some use on-site compressed gas, with a spray gun connected to a portable electrical compressor or cylinder. Others have pressurized tanks, either on-site or remote, with some adapted from modified fire extinguishers. 

Select and use application equipment with caution to prevent fine dust particles from drifting into non-target areas, regularly check and clean the equipment to prevent the buildup of dust particles between fittings, which can reduce safety and efficiency. 

Equipment for space-spray treatments

Space-spraying is a method that quickly treats large areas with small amounts of insecticide. Equipment used for this breaks liquid insecticide into tiny airborne droplets, which can involve heating it in oil or using other methods like compressed gas or mechanical generators driven by electricity. 

Thermal aerosol generators

Typically, a small thermal aerosol generator is a portable device driven by an electrical pump. It uses a tank filled with oil-based insecticide, which is atomised and heated in a controlled chamber to create an aerosol. The wetness of the droplets can be adjusted, but caution is needed to avoid excessive oiliness, especially indoors. 

For larger-scale applications where electricity is not available, a pulse-jet “swinging” type of thermal aerosol generator is sometimes used.

These generators need insecticides with a high oil content. Since they are often used in enclosed spaces, there’s a risk of fire, so it is important to take precautions like turning off pilot lights and preventing other ignition sources. 

Cold aerosol generators

Some aerosol generators do not use heat to dispense insecticide. Instead, they may mechanically break up the liquid (as in electrical misters) or use compressed gases to create pressure. 

Electrical, mister-type cold aerosol generators

An electrically powered pump moves the liquid insecticide through a mechanism (like spinning discs) to break it up. The tank typically holds about 4 litres of insecticide. 

Compressed gas, cold aerosol generators

These aerosol generators vary from small, ‘pressure pack’ types to larger, high-pressure systems.

In ‘pressure pack’ aerosol generators, the insecticide is mixed with liquefied propellant gas (typically a hydrocarbon type) is stored in a can designed to handle low pressures. When the valve is activated it pushes the liquid mixture up a tube, where it’s broken up at the nozzle to form an aerosol. Technicians often use small pressure packs containing insecticides like pyrethrins for inspecting hiding spots of cockroaches. 

The Envirosol aerosol system by BOC gases works on a similar principle but uses liquid carbon dioxide as the propellant. The insecticide is mixed with liquid carbon dioxide in cylinders designed to withstand high pressures. When the handgun trigger is activated, the liquid mixture travels through the hose to the gun nozzle. There, the carbon dioxide boils off, breaking up the insecticide into tiny aerosol droplets. The gun, hose, and cylinder are portable and can be used for space-spraying or, with a special extended nozzle, for treating cracks and crevices. 

In situations where it is not practical to use a gun connected to a cylinder, the handgun can be modified into a Dose Gun. This modified gun carried its own small dose cylinder, holding about 120g of product. It can be refilled from the main cylinder using a dose-fill adaptor. Once filled, the Dose Gun is self-contained and can be used with either a normal nozzle for general spraying or a crack and crevice nozzle for controlling the flow rate, if needed. 

By setting up pipes and various nozzle heads throughout a building, the high-pressure carbon dioxide aerosol system can be installed as an automatic insecticide dispenser in places like warehouses, factories, and stores. 

There are two automatic systems for dispensing high-pressure aerosols:

1. The Solitare system is suitable needing frequent small doses of insecticide, such as fly control. It is controlled by a micro-processor timer with a manual override.

2. The Space Controller is for larger doses, used in big spaces like warehouses. It has a three-way ball valve and a ‘dosing cylinder’ with the right capacity for the area. Only the dosing cylinder’s contents are released at a time. It has a 1000-hour battery backup and can be operated manually, like filling the dosing cylinder once a week for treatment. 

Some cold aerosol generators use liquid carbon dioxide cylinders for pressure. A regulator reduces pressure from the cylinder valve, and when the trigger is pressed, carbon dioxide gas flows to the gun through the hose. Inside the gun, insecticide in a pot is pushed to the nozzle by the venturi effect, where it’s turned into aerosol droplets. 

The above overview outlines common equipment used in pest control. Operators should be proficient in using insecticides effectively, targeting specific areas and avoiding mess hazards from faulty equipment. Some operators customize or modify equipment for specific jobs. 

When buying equipment from a supplier, it is important to understand and follow the guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent messy and potentially dangerous incidents, like hoses bursting inside buildings. 

Equipment Maintenance

It is important for technicians to maintain their equipment regularly to avoid frequent on-site repairs. This includes:

• Checking oil levels in petrol-driven motors
• Cleaning filters/strainers in spray rigs
• Removing caked dust from dusting equipment
• Cleaning fogging equipment to remove carbon buildup

Regular maintenance helps ensure that equipment stays in good condition and reduces the need for unexpected repairs during work. 

Equipment that is used from time to time should be cleaned after each use. For equipment that is used often, like most hand sprayers, it’s best to clean and check them regularly, ideally once a week. Regular cleaning and checks help keep the equipment in good working condition. 

When you buy equipment, manufacturers typically give instructions on how to use and maintain it. These guidelines should be read, followed, and kept in a file along with other equipment manuals for easy access when needed. 

Other equipment and useful items

In addition to the essential application equipment and protective gear, technicians should have the following items with them:

• Tools for making adjustments or repairs to equipment on–site
• Tools for improving access
• Inspection aids
• Tools for recording findings
• Cleaning supplies

Tools for application equipment 

Operators should have a toolbox with them containing tools for making adjustments and basic repairs to their equipment. This includes spanners, screwdrivers, pliers, multi grips, a brush for cleaning nozzles, and any other tools needed for changing or cleaning nozzles, adjusting equipment, and making simple repairs. Technicians who use hand sprayers should always have a repair kit for each type of sprayer they use. These kits typically include gaskets, O-rings, and other parts that may wear out and need to be replaced. Techs should know how to disassemble their sprayers and perform basic repairs and maintenance. Some operators also carry spare spray guns to replace faulty ones quickly, allowing the faulty gun to be repaired late in the workshop.

Additionally, items for measuring and filling may be needed. These can include a dinner, measuring jugs (100ml to 1L), and a pourer for drums. These make filling the equipment easier and more accurate. 

Tool for improving access

Pest control technicians may need to access specific parts of buildings for inspection or control procedures. Here are some items typically carried for this procedure:

Basic tools

A basic tool kit should always be kept in the technician’s vehicle. This kit may include screwdrivers for opening hatches and inspection panels, a set of spanners (small and large), pliers, multi grips, pincers, a small crowbar, and a claw hammer. When dealing with ceiling manhole covers that are painted shut, cutting carefully around the opening with retractable a sharp blade, can prevent damage to paint finishes. 

Ladder(s)

A ladder provides access to high areas like roof voids. Folding ladders, which can be used as a 1.8 m step ladder or a 3.6 m extension ladder, are preferred for their compactness and safety benefits. It is better to store them inside the vehicle rather than on roof racks. Depending on the job, a larger extension ladder may be needed. 

Tools for cutting floor traps

For cutting traps in wooden floors to access subfloor areas, you may need tools like a hammer, pliers, nail punch, small crowbar, chisels, straight edge, carpenter’s pencil, circular saw (some prefer drill and jigsaw), nails, small lengths or timber, and safety glasses and earmuffs. These tools help in lifting floor coverings, cutting traps, and safely replacing them. Note: cutting floor traps can be dangerous due to potential hazards like hidden pipes or electrical wires in the floor frame. Therefore, such activities should only be done by professionals, such as licensed builders, to ensure safety. 

Drills and drill bits

Durable drill bits are useful for drilling concrete slabs and paths to inject soil for termite control. A smaller drill can also be handy for drilling holes for applying pesticides and for inspection using a borescope. Drilling should be done carefully due to the risk of hidden pipes or wires. It is best to get plans and building specifications beforehand for safety. Keep drill bits sharp or replace them regularly, and always wear safety glasses and earmuffs for protection. 

Inspection Aids 

Torch

The flashlight should be rechargeable and it is important to carry a spare one along with extra batteries or bulbs. It should be easy to operate, provide strong light for precise inspection, be durable for tough environments like subfloor areas, and have a shatterproof plastic lens. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a belt ring accessory for carrying the flashlight when not in use. 

Probe

A 900 mm probe with a plastic head and modified screwdriver is used to inspect timber for pest damage. It is made of non-conductive material for safety around electrical wires or old conduits. Technicians also carry a small screwdriver and sheathed knife for closer inspection and probing. Some use a long iron rod to locate subterranean termite nests in the soil. 

Adhesive tape

Probing infested timber can disturb active termites, causing them to leave the area and can complicate control efforts later on. It’s best to limit probing to confirm activity and identify the species. Covering probed areas with opaque adhesive tape, like duct tape, can help minimize disturbances. 

Hand mirror

A small hand mirror with a handle, sometimes telescopic, can be used with a flashlight to inspect hidden areas, such as behind or inside equipment, that are not easily visible. 

Hand lens (x10)

A small magnifying glass or handled microscope can be useful for examining and identifying organisms that a technician may come across. 

Borescopes (also called endoscope)

A borescope is a slim, tube-like tool used to look into hidden areas like wall spaces. It is inspected through small holes or existing openings to inspect these normally unseen spots. Bborescopes come in different sizes (usually 6-9 mm wide and 200-500 mm long) depending on the brand and model. They have built-in rechargeable lights and offer various viewing options, like forward, angled, or 90° views. These tools are valuable for urban pest control tasks, especially for investigating termite problems and assessing damage levels. 

Sound detection devices

There are tools like stethoscopes and specialised devices designed to detect and amplify sounds made by hidden wood pests like termites. They help assess termite infestations without disturbing them too much. 

Moisture meters

In dealing with timber pest problems, certain tools are valuable. For instance, detecting unusually high moisture levels in a plasterboard wall can reveal hidden plumbing leaks or termite activity.

Moisture meters come in two main types: 

• Pad-type meters – these can detect excess moisture beneath surfaces without causing damage. Models with soft pads are better for checking walls as they won’t affect wall finishes.
• Pin/probe-type meters – these require inserting two pins into the material to be tested for moisture levels. 

Some moisture meters are designed with settings for various building materials like wood, drywall, and masonry. If a meter does not have these options, it is typically calibrated for wood, so readings for other materials like cement render and plasterboard should be seen as relative measures rather than exact moisture content. It is important to regularly check and calibrate moisture meters for accurate readings.  

Insect monitoring traps

Traps are not widely used in pest control to monitor pests. These traps vary from basic sticky traps that catch insects by chance to more advanced devices that use attractants like synthetic pheromones or food to lure pests in. When set up and managed correctly, traps can provide valuable information about where and how severe pest problems are. They can pinpoint general areas of pest activity, and identify specific “hot spots” such as a single bag of infested grain, help find where the pests are coming from, and assess how well treatments are working by comparing results before and after treatment. Overall, traps are a crucial tool in managing and controlling pests effectively. 

The means to record findings

Technology

Technology plays a vital role in pest control operations. Phones can help in recording the placement of baits and traps, noting catches, and inspecting sites. They can also capture images for evaluation and reporting. Connecting them to office computers (or with a software) ensures backup and easy inclusion in client reports, improving efficiency for pest control operators. 

Plan of building/site

In pest control jobs that deal with large and intricate buildings, having a copy of the building or site plan is helpful. These plans help in recording inspection findings, pest monitoring results, reports of pest sightings by occupants, and other important information. Having such a document is beneficial as it gives a clear picture of pest problems and their occurrence across the whole building. It helps identify the best pest management strategy and facilitates effective communication with clients. 

Sample tubes and adhesive labels

When identifying pests, it is helpful to keep sample tubes and adhesive labels on hand. These tools allow you to collect and label specimens accurately. You can preserve the specimens properly later at the office or home.

Items for cleanliness

Technicians frequently move through dirty areas like roof spaces and subfloors while on the job. It’s crucial for them to prioritize cleanliness to maintain professionalism and show consideration to the tenant.   

Drop sheet

This is essential when technicians are coming down from a dirty roof or subfloor. It helps them clean up, change shoes, and tidy before moving through the building. By standing on the drop sheet, workers can avoid spreading and mess around, making sure the area stays clean and tidy.

Brush and pan

These are important for cleaning up specific areas before applying treatments or after performing tasks like cutting, drilling or leaving dirty places.

Plastic sheeting, plastic bags

These items come in handy for keeping your belongings safe and removing bird nesting materials. 

Cleaning rags

Technicians should also pack cleaning cloths because spills or messy situations can happen during a job, for example, when over-spraying insecticide. 

Vacuum cleaner

Vacuum cleaners can be a helpful tool for pest control. They can reduce populations of unwanted insects like cockroaches, carpet beetles, carpet moths, and even ants.  This can be done before or instead of using traps, baits, or sprays. The vacuums used in pest control are special; they have HEPA filters that trap tiny allergy triggers like dust mite body parts and droppings. In some places, like warehouses storing food, what the vacuum picks up can be inspected to identify the exact type of pest and create the best plan to get rid of them for good. 

Warning signs

If a pest control treatment involves spraying chemicals and leaving the area empty for a while, like fogging treatments, warning signs become crucial. These signs should be easy to spot on doors and clearly communicate the dangers involved. They should also outline important information for residents, including:

• Safe re-entry time – how long to wait before going back inside)
• Chemical(s) used 
• Air ventilation instructions – how to properly air out the space before returning.
• Pest control company contact details – who to reach in case of questions.

It is important to remember that local laws and regulations might have specific requirements for these signs. Always double check the pesticide labels and consult state regulations for the most up-to-date information.

The type of pest problem will determine the tools a pest professional needs. They will always come prepared with the right equipment to get the job done neatly, effectively, and safely.