Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ants and other pests are provided. A micromachine has a battery and a remotely actuatable electrical switch operatively associated therewith. The micromachine has at least a portion thereof covered by an ant attractant such as food or bait, for example. The micromachine is of such size and weight as to be readily transportable by a fire ant or carpenter ant or other pest. In one embodiment, a resistance heating element is energized by the battery when the switch is closed thereby causing communication between a recess containing a pheromone or fungus or other ant controllant substance and the exterior of the micromachine. In an alternate embodiment, a radio frequency transmitter will emit a signal to assist with location of the ant or pest nests and thereby permit action to be taken to control the ants. Vibration of the micromachine is preferably effected at intermittent periods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ants and other pests are provided. A micromachine has a battery and a remotely actuatable electrical switch operatively associated therewith. The micromachine has at least a portion thereof covered by an ant attractant such as food or bait, for example. The micromachine is of such size and weight as to be readily transportable by a fire ant or carpenter ant or other pest. In one embodiment, a resistance heating element is energized by the battery when the switch is closed thereby causing communication between a recess containing a pheromone or fungus or other ant controllant substance and the exterior of the micromachine. A thermally deformable bimetallic element may be employed for this purpose. Alternatively, a plastic film, which will degrade under the influence of heat, may be employed.

Abstract: The method for controlling termites includes providing a plurality of bait stations disposed within or adjacent to a region to be controlled and delivering water to zones around the bait stations to provide a greater moisture content within the soil within the zones than in adjacent areas in order to attract termites to said bait stations. The delivery of water to the zones may be effected by an elongated hose having discharge openings adjacent to or within the high moisture zones. Periodically, the moisture content of the soil within the zones may be measured and an adjustment in the water delivery rate made if the moisture content departs from a desired range. The bait station may consist of an apertured container containing termite food and a termiticide. Associated apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ants and other pests are provided. A micromachine has a battery and a remotely actuatable electrical switch operatively associated therewith. The micromachine has at least a portion thereof covered by an ant attractant such as food or bait, for example. The micromachine is of such size and weight as to be readily transportable by a fire ant or carpenter ant or other pest. In one embodiment, a resistance heating element is energized by the battery when the switch is closed thereby causing communication between a recess containing a pheromone or fungus or other ant controllant substance and the exterior of the micromachine. A thermally deformable bimetallic element may be employed for this purpose. Alternatively, a plastic film, which will degrade under the influence of heat, may be employed.

Abstract: This is an invention of paper chromatography and thin layer chromatography "baw-rar" (where "baw-rar" is Hebrew for separate) cones, hereon called PC and TLC cones, and other geometric shapes whose horizontal cross sections generally decrease in area as they are taken further from the base, with the adsorbent or absorbent layer decreasing in thickness from the base to the apex, to be used in PC and TLC work to reduce the horizontal and vertical spreading and diffusing of the developed spots. These will, for example, provide more easily and definitively determinable R.sub.f values, eliminate scraping of relatively large areas when scraping is necessary and increase the sensitivity of PC and TLC. The methods of use of the new PC and TLC cones are also disclosed herein.