Abstract: An insect control substance for controlling certain flying insect pests in proximity to the substance includes a rubber crumb carrier having a plurality of rubber particles and a volatile hydrophobic semiochemical for attracting certain flying insect pests absorbed within the rubber particles forming a discontinuous phase of the substance. The insect control substance also includes a body of water forming a continuous phase of the substance within which the discontinuous phase is suspended. When the insect control substance is applied to an application surface the discontinuous phase is exposed to the surrounding air and the semiochemical within the rubber particles evaporates into the air around the application surface and attracts the flying insect pests to the rubber crumb carrier to facilitate control of the flying insect pests.

Abstract: A formulation for the control of arthropod pests comprising one or more hydrophobic or non-polar semiochemicals, water, a thickener and a rubber crumb carrier. The formulation may also include additives such as a feeding stimulant or bait, toxicant or insecticide, anti-microbial agent, humectant, volatility suppressant, pigment and an anti-oxidant. The invention also includes a method of preparing a formulation for controlling arthropod pests, said method comprising the steps of (i) admixing a carrier which includes rubber crumb with one or a plurality of hydrophobic or non-polar semiochemicals for a period of time sufficient for the rubber crumb to absorb the semiochemical, wherein the semiochemical is substantially dispersed throughout the rubber crumb; and (ii) combining the rubber crumb mixture of step (i) with water or an aqueous medium comprising a thickener.