Pest control and detection system with conductive bait matrix
Inventors
Austin, James W. • LEICHTER, Cheryl Ann • Brown, Kenneth S.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11700844-B2
Publication Date
2023-07-18
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 relates to a bait matrix formulation and a bait matrix structure used for pest control and detection, with remote monitoring of electrical characteristics. The bait station includes a sensor assembly with electrodes and a control unit that supplies current to a conductive bait matrix and transmits signals indicative of electrical characteristics, such as resistance, capacitance, and impedance, to a remote data collection system.
The invention provides a bait matrix formulation for enhanced palatability and sustained feeding and exploitation by termites. The bait matrix formulation comprises a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, and a foaming agent, and can include carbohydrate material that is predominantly cellulose and a polymer that is a thermoplastic polymer.
The foaming agent is a polymer-compatible material that forms a cellular structure in at least a portion of the bait matrix. The invention also describes forming the bait matrix mixture into a rigid structure and directing placement within an area where there is potential for termite presence. Reported findings state that palatability can be improved relative to wood, and that palatability can increase with higher cellulose and graphite content and with addition of a foaming agent.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims focused on a bait matrix formulation, a formulation for enhanced palatability and sustained termite feeding/exploitation, and a method using a formed bait matrix structure for placement where termites may be present. The inventive features center on combining carbohydrate material, polymer, crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, and a foaming agent.
Bait matrix formulation comprising carbohydrate, polymer, carbonaceous material, and foaming agent
A bait matrix formulation comprising a carbohydrate material, a polymer, a crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, and a foaming agent.
Bait matrix formulation for enhanced palatability and sustained feeding and exploitation by termites
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 crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, and approximately 1 to 4 percent by weight of a foaming agent.
Method for sustaining termite feeding and exploitation using rigid bait matrix structure placement
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 crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, 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.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on bait matrix formulations that combine a carbohydrate material, a polymer, and a crystalline, amorphous, or activated carbonaceous material, together with a foaming agent. The claims also recite enhanced termite feeding and exploitation, component ranges, and placement of a rigid bait matrix structure where termites may be present.
Stated Advantages
Enhanced palatability.
Sustained feeding and exploitation by termites.
Palatability is improved relative to wood, and palatability increases with higher cellulose and graphite content and with addition of a foaming agent.
Documented Applications
Pest control and detection using a bait station that supplies current to a conductive bait matrix and transmits signals indicative of electrical characteristics to a remote data collection system.
Use of bait matrix formulations and rigid bait matrix structures for termite feeding and exploitation by directing placement within an area where there is potential for termite presence.
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