Pest control and detection system with conductive bait matrix
Inventors
Austin, James W • Leichter, Cheryl A • Brown, Kenneth S
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11051504-B2
Publication Date
2021-07-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A pest control and/or detection system generally includes an electrically conductive bait matrix including at least one carrier material that is at least one of palatable, a phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and a plurality of electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughout the at least one carrier material. The at least one carrier material includes a thermoplastic material and/or a resin.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a pest control and/or detection system, particularly for termites, using a conductive bait matrix. The bait matrix includes a conductive portion and optionally a non-conductive bait matrix portion, with randomly interspersed electrically conductive particles inside a carrier containing a polymer. An electrode assembly applies current through the conductive bait, and electrical characteristics of the bait are transmitted to a control unit for monitoring.
The control unit communicates the electrical characteristics, such as resistance and/or capacitance/impedance, to a remote data-collection system for monitoring. The system includes electrical threshold alerts based on the monitored electrical characteristics, and environmental sensing to compensate for signal drift related to environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature.
The conductive bait matrix is supported by disclosed bait matrix formulations comprising a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a carbonaceous material selected from graphite, charcoal, coke, carbon nanotubes, coconut shells, or mixtures, and a foaming agent. In termite-oriented embodiments, the formulation is directed to enhanced palatability and sustained feeding and exploitation by termites, including rigid and/or structured bait forms and cellular structure formed by a polymer-compatible foaming agent within at least a portion of the bait matrix.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three inventive features: a bait matrix formulation with defined component types, a termite-directed bait matrix formulation with explicit weight-percentage ranges for enhanced palatability and sustained feeding and exploitation, and a method for sustaining termite feeding and exploitation via formulating, rigid structuring, and placing the bait in an area of potential termite presence. Across the independent claims, the inventive focus is on the specific combination of carbohydrate material, polymer, selected carbonaceous material, and a foaming agent, including particulate/carbonaceous selection and structural/cellular and rigid-form placement for termite feeding sustainability.
Bait matrix formulation with carbohydrate, polymer, selected carbonaceous material, and foaming agent
A bait matrix formulation comprising a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a carbonaceous material selected from graphite, charcoal, coke, carbon nanotubes, coconut shells, or mixtures thereof, and a foaming agent.
Termite palatability and sustained feeding bait matrix formulation with defined weight percentages
A bait matrix formulation for enhanced palatability and sustained feeding and exploitation by termites, comprising approximately 40 to 60 percent by weight of a carbohydrate material, approximately 30 to 50 percent by weight of a polymer, approximately 5 to 10 percent by weight of a carbonaceous material selected from graphite, charcoal, coke, carbon nanotubes, coconut shells, or mixtures thereof, and approximately 1 to 4 percent by weight of a foaming agent.
Method for sustaining termite feeding and exploitation using rigidly formed bait placed where termites may be present
A method for sustaining the feeding and exploitation of a bait matrix by termites, comprising formulating a bait matrix mixture comprising a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a carbonaceous material selected from graphite, charcoal, coke, carbon nanotubes, coconut shells, or mixtures thereof, and a foaming agent, having the bait matrix mixture formed into a rigid structure, and directing the placement of the bait matrix structure within an area where there is potential for termite presence.
Collectively, the independent claims define and use a bait matrix that combines a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a specified carbonaceous material class, and a foaming agent, and in the termite context specify defined weight-percentage ranges and structural handling to sustain termite feeding and exploitation.
Stated Advantages
Enhanced palatability for termites.
Sustained feeding and exploitation by termites.
Documented Applications
Pest control and/or detection system for termites, including remote monitoring with threshold alerts based on electrical characteristics of the conductive bait matrix.
Termite bait use via formulation into rigid structures and placement within areas where there is potential for termite presence to sustain termite feeding and exploitation.
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