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Publication Number
US-10881093-B2
Publication Date
2021-01-05
Expiration Date
2037-01-19
Abstract
The invention relates to methods of trapping a pest, said method comprising providing ferromagnetic particles for ingestion by the pest, and trapping the pest using one or more magnets, wherein a trapped pest has ingested and internally accumulated an amount of the ferromagnetic particles sufficient to permit immobilization of the pest using said one or more magnets. Devices for use with the methods of the instant invention are also disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods and devices for entrapping insects and other pests using ferromagnetic particles. Specifically, the method comprises providing ferromagnetic particles for ingestion by the pest, and trapping the pest using one or more magnets. A trapped pest has ingested and internally accumulated an amount of ferromagnetic particles sufficient to permit immobilization of the pest using said magnets. Devices for use with these methods comprise bait stations providing ferromagnetic particles and magnets arranged to immobilize pests after ingestion.
The problem being solved arises from disadvantages in conventional pest control methods, including the use of pesticides that pose environmental concerns and are unsuitable in some settings, delayed action allowing pests to spread disease, repellant effects of glues in sticky traps, complexity and expense of motorized traps requiring power sources, and the dissemination of harmful agents by such devices. Existing traps with UV lamps are also expensive and often ineffective. Thus, there remains a need for improved devices and methods for pest control that overcome these drawbacks.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim detailing the structure and components of a device for trapping pests using ferromagnetic particles and magnetic materials. This claim outlines the essential inventive features enabling the trapping and immobilization of pests after ingestion of ferromagnetic bait.
Device housing with magnetic materials for pest immobilization
A device comprising a housing with a frame including side walls, a top, and a base, defining openings for pest entry/exit. Magnetic materials capable of attracting ferromagnetic particles ingested by the pest are physically affixed to the frame's side walls, top, and/or base or impregnated in the housing's material to immobilize the pest.
Bait stations comprising ferromagnetic particles and attractive food material
One or more bait stations comprising a bait composition that includes ferromagnetic particles to be ingested by the pest and further includes a food material that is attractive to the pest in an amount sufficient to cause immobilization upon ingestion.
Ferromagnetic particle properties
The ferromagnetic particles vary in size from about 0.01 microns to about 500 microns, with specific mention of particles about 0.2 microns, composed of materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, magnetic alloys, magnetic oxides, and ferromagnetic ferrites, including magnetite (Fe3O4).
Use of permanent and electromagnets as magnetic materials
Magnetic materials used for immobilization include permanent magnets (notably neodymium magnets) and electromagnets capable of exerting sufficient pull force to trap the pest.
Inclusion of pest attractants and pheromones
The device can further comprise one or more substances that serve to attract the pest, including pheromones.
Scope of pests targeted
The pest can be selected from insects such as cockroaches, ants, flies, moths, mosquitoes, and rodents including mice and rats.
Separate magnetic components to entrap pests outside the device
The device may include other magnetic materials provided as separate components not physically part of the device, used to entrap pests outside the device after they exit having ingested ferromagnetic particles. These may take forms such as magnetic strips, sheets with adhesive backing, or magnetic sheets used in place of shelf liners.
The inventive features collectively define a pest trap device combining bait stations with ferromagnetic particles and strategically placed magnetic materials to immobilize pests after ingestion. The features cover particle composition and size, magnetic materials type and placement, food-based bait formulations, pest attractants, and configurations enabling trapping inside or near the device.
Stated Advantages
Provides a safe alternative to conventional traps by avoiding pesticides or toxic substances, making it suitable for sensitive environments such as around children, pets, food preparation areas, and sealed air systems.
Allows immediate immobilization of pests through magnetic pull force after ingestion of ferromagnetic particles, preventing pests from escaping and spreading disease.
Simple design without motors or complex mechanisms, enhancing portability and reducing operating costs, avoiding the need for power sources or frequent replacement of components like UV lamps.
Enables reusable and easily cleanable devices by allowing removal of pests via removal of magnets.
Permits strategic placement of magnetic materials separate from bait stations, allowing trapping of pests outside the bait area and enabling more flexible pest control strategies.
Documented Applications
Trapping various insects such as mosquitoes, house flies, ants, cockroaches, moths, and other stinging or crop-damaging insects.
Trapping rodents including mice and rats using bait compositions containing ferromagnetic particles sized appropriately for ingestion.
Use in environments contraindicated for pesticides or toxic traps, including livestock areas, food preparation zones, and military equipment like submarines, ships, and aircraft.
Research applications for immobilizing pests for observation and study without harm, with potential to release the pest safely by removing magnets.
Use of devices indoors and outdoors with magnets strategically placed on surfaces such as counter tops, base boards, plumbing fixtures, appliances, walls, and inside cupboards or pantries.
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