Methods and compositions for pest control
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA • VMI Foundation Inc
Publication Number
US-9950994-B2
Publication Date
2018-04-24
Expiration Date
2031-11-03
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for pest control, and more particularly for control of ants, e.g., of the subfamily Myrmicinae, using tyramides.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and compositions for pest control, particularly targeting ants of the subfamily Myrmicinae, through the use of naturally-occurring N-acyltyramines (tyramides). These tyramide compounds were discovered to be present exclusively in male ants of the Myrmicinae subfamily, specifically in their external genitalia, and are involved in mating behavior. The invention includes compositions comprising these substantially purified tyramide compounds and their salts, and methods of using these compositions to control ant populations by disrupting reproduction.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from the significant pest issues caused by ants of the Myrmicinae subfamily, including species like Solenopsis invicta (imported fire ants) and leafcutter ants (Atta sp.), which cause considerable damage in commercial, agricultural, and residential contexts. Existing ant control methods may be limited in selectivity and environmental impact. The invention aims to provide new compositions and methods that exploit naturally-occurring tyramides to interfere with ant mating behavior, thereby providing an effective and biologically-based pest control strategy.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim focusing on a method of controlling ants using specific chemical compounds, with dependent claims elaborating on composition and application forms.
Method of controlling ants using specific tyramide compounds
Delivering to ants an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more compounds of a defined formula representing naturally-occurring N-acyltyramines (tyramides) and their salts.
Use of purified tyramide compounds in compositions
The composition comprises substantially purified compounds, including various forms such as sodium, potassium, or ammonium salts, for pest control purposes.
Formulation versatility of the compositions
The compound can be delivered in solid, liquid, or semi-solid forms, including sprays, powders, granules, tablets, gels, creams, or lotions to facilitate different modes of pest control application.
Targeting specific pest ant species
The method specifically encompasses control of ants such as imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and leafcutter ants (Atta species) using the compositions comprising the tyramide compounds.
The inventive features cover methods of delivering specific purified tyramide compounds in various formulations to control targeted pest ant species by disrupting their reproduction and behavior.
Stated Advantages
The compounds disrupt ant mating processes, thus controlling ant populations biologically.
The compositions provide environmentally friendly pest control alternatives by targeting species-specific pheromonal pathways.
Formulations allow flexibility in application methods and carriers, enabling tailored approaches for different infested environments.
Documented Applications
Control of pest ants, particularly of the subfamily Myrmicinae, including species such as imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and leafcutter ants (Atta sp.).
Incorporation into pest control devices, such as insect traps that attract and trap ants for extermination or detection of infestations.
Use as repellents applied to environments or directly to the skin of humans or animals to prevent ant presence or bites.
Application as ant baits combined with ant-toxic components to eliminate pest populations through ingestion.
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