Abstract

An environmentally safe method of killing insects and arachnids is disclosed herein. Insects and arachnids can be killed by the direct application of a solution of surfactant comprising between 0.01% and 10% of an alkali metal or ammonium salt of C.sub.6 to C.sub.14 dialkyl sulfosuccinate. The alkali metal or ammonium salt of C.sub.6 to C.sub.14 dialkyl sulfosuccinate can be applied with attractants to surfaces near or at surfaces where the elimination of arachnids or insects is needed.