Subsurface insect detection and pesticide injection system

A subsurface pest detection and pesticide injection system in combination with a structure having a foundation, the system comprising:

• a tubular conduit disposed adjacent the foundation of the structure, the tubular conduit having a sidewall, a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit, the tubular conduit having a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration and constructed of an elastomeric material such that upon applying a negative internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit the drawing of gas into the tubular conduit, upon applying a positive internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit the release of pesticide from the tubular conduit, and upon removal of the negative internal pressure and the positive internal pressure the pores are caused to close so that the pores remain substantially clog free;
• means for applying a negative internal pressure to the tubular conduit to cause the pores of the tubular conduit to open and cause gas to be drawn into the tubular conduit;
• a gas detecting sensor in gas communication with the tubular conduit and selectively detachable therefrom, the gas detecting sensor capable of monitoring the gas in the tubular conduit for the presence of a gas that indicates the presence of pests near the foundation of the structure;
• and
• a source of pressurized pesticide selectively connectable to the tubular conduit so as to apply a positive internal pressure to the tubular conduit and cause the pores of the tubular conduit to open and permit the release of pesticide from the tubular conduit adjacent the foundation of the structure.

A method for detecting pests and for delivering a pesticide adjacent a structure, the method comprising:

• placing a tubular conduit adjacent a foundation of the structure, the tubular conduit having a sidewall, a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit, the tubular conduit having a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration and constructed of an elastomeric material such that upon applying a positive internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit the release of pesticide from the tubular conduit, upon applying a negative internal pressure to the tubular conduit the pores of the tubular conduit are caused to open to permit gas to be drawn into the tubular conduit, and upon removal of the positive and negative internal pressures the pores are caused to close so that the pores remain substantially clog free;
• connecting a gas detecting sensor to the tubular conduit;
• forming a negative internal pressure in the tubular conduit to cause gas to be drawn into the tubular conduit and into contact with the gas detecting sensor to monitor the presence of a gas that indicates the presence of pests near the structure;
• disconnecting the gas detecting sensor from the tubular conduit;
• connecting a source of pesticide to the tubular conduit;
• and
• injecting the pesticide through the tubular conduit at a sufficient pressure to apply a positive internal pressure to the tubular conduit and cause the pores of the tubular conduit to open and permit the release of pesticide from the tubular conduit adjacent the foundation of the structure.