Abstract: A German cockroach glue trap comprising a dark colored base having an overall height between 15 mm and 30 mm; multitude of equidistant openings around said base and said openings having a diameter between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm. The centers of said openings having heights preferably between 7 mm and 9 mm. The openings are large enough for German cockroaches but not too large to let in too much light. Said glue trap also comprising a lid having a tapered bottom layer that fits tightly to said base when in the closed position.

Abstract: An insect trapping system includes an enclosed container having an entrance hole formed in a vertical wall and an acoustic lure device located within the container. The enclosed container may be formed from a transparent material. The system may also include a support stand, formed from a dark-colored material, and used to support the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insect trapping device comprising an inner passageway structure defining an inner passageway which, when in an upright orientation, extends from an insect entry zone to an insect delivery zone, the inner passageway structure bordered by at least a pair of opposed insect-facing traction-reducing boundary surface regions to cause an insect to progress toward the insect delivery zone under gravity, with each boundary surface region including at least one of at least a pair of electrode surface regions, wherein each electrode surface region is configured for operative coupling with an electrode power supply to deliver electrical power thereto, the electrode surface regions configured to form an electrocution zone therebetween, with a designated spacing which is configured to initiate electrocution of an instance of the insect descending through the electrocution zone.

Abstract: A lid that loosely connects to the rim of a bucket and converts the bucket into an effective insect trap. To allow the lid to move atop the bucket but remain attached thereto without creating an airtight seal, insets and tabs are provided along the outer and inner sidewalls of the groove in the rim and respectively engage the bucket rim. In operation, ventilation is provided between the rim of the bucket and groove of the lid which draws insects trapped therein towards the rim of the bucket and away from funnels in the top of the lid through which they insects may enter the container. However, the groove is sized such that the space between the sidewalls and land of the groove and the rim of the bucket is too small for an insect to escape.

Abstract: An insect-trapping device includes a container, a funnel element, two photo interrupters and a controller. The container has an inlet and an accommodation space. The funnel element is placed on the inlet to extend into the accommodation space of the container. The photo interrupters are arranged within an inner passage of the funnel element along a long axis direction of the inner passage for sensing whether at least one insect passes through the inner passage from the inlet. The controller is electrically connected to the photo interrupters for counting the insects passing through the inner passage according to the photo interrupters.

Abstract: A device for trapping a rodent includes one or more of a floor, walls connected to the floor, an aperture in at least one of the walls, and a platform positioned within the container. The platform is positioned adjacent to the aperture and elevated above the floor. An adhesive is positioned on the floor. The aperture is sized to permit a rodent to gain access to the platform.

Abstract: A crawling insect detection and protection system includes a curved member for attachment to a surface. The curved member has a coarse textured outer surface and a smooth interior surface, the interior surface includes a grooved upper lip located at a top portion of the curved member and a smooth lower lip located at a bottom portion of the curved member. The width of the grooved upper lip is recessed from the bottom lip to allow a crawling insect to fall into the lower lip portion. The system includes an attachment means which may be an adhesive fastener and/or a mechanical fastener for affixing a mounting surface of the flexible curved member to an attachment surface.

Abstract: An intercepting device (e.g. a furniture coaster device) is placed under furniture (bed, sofa, chair. etc.), other climbable object, or the floor adjacent an object to intercept crawling arthropods and other crawling pests. The intercepting device can be used to monitor the presence of crawling arthropods and other crawling pests (such as bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, etc.), reduce pest numbers, and monitor efficacy of pest control procedures. The intercepting device includes pitfall trap surfaces that form multiple pitfall traps.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a composition and method for attracting bed bugs to a trap or to a location where an insecticide or pesticide is present, or to a trap or a location where a bed bug infestation can be detected. The present disclosure provides for a composition for attracting bed bugs that includes one or more of methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS); a carrier; and optionally one or more amides selected from oleamide, octanamide, nonanamide, and laurylamide; urea, biuret, or triuret; and one or more aliphatic fatty acids. The present disclosure further provides for a method for treating an article by applying the composition to the article, where the article comprises a device for trapping or detecting bed bugs or a device for treating a bed bug infestation.

Abstract: Means and methods for preventing crawling insects from infesting a site where food, water, or garbage is located. In particular, this relates to creating a non-poisonous barrier in the path of the insects by coating a surface with a layer of high viscosity index petroleum based gel (HVIP-gel). One embodiment is an insect deterrent cup that is comprised of an inverted (upside down) cup whose inner surface is coated with a layer of PetrolGel. The insect deterrent cup is positioned between the food site and the crawling insects, blocking their path. This prevents crawling insects from accessing the food, water, or garbage.

Abstract: The external trap for the small hive beetle A. tumida is composed of an opened on top plywood box and a grid of metal sheet with holes closes the box. The grid can be removed for inspection. Two angle aluminum hang the trap to the front wall of the beehive to catch the larva when it leaves the hive for pupation. The grid addresses the larvae inside the box filled with ground and nematodes that destroy them.

Abstract: An animal trapping device with a base having a substantially planar lower surface and an upper surface opposing the lower surface, a wire mesh cage assembly, and first and second wire mesh entrances. The first and second wire mesh entrances coupled to the wire mesh cage assembly and defining an enclosed entrance opening and a second free end elevated above the upper surface of the base and defining an exit aperture, and of a conical shape defining an enclosed entrance channel spanning from the enclosed entrance opening to the exit aperture, wherein the upper surface of the base, the wire mesh cage assembly, and the first and second wire mesh entrances defining an animal retention zone and the exit apertures of the first and second wire mesh entrances each disposed within the animal retention zones and aligned with one another.

Abstract: An inexpensive, biodegradable, easily transportable mosquito trap and improved attractant formulation and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: The described invention provides a gel formulation of a composition comprising at least one insecticide in an amount effective to control an insect larval population, an apparatus for autodissmenination of an insecticide for insect management containing (1) a reservoir (2) a transfer plate and cover, and (3) a mesh component, a method and a system for autodissemination for effectively controlling an insect larval population. Also disclosed is an improvided biphasic autodissemination station for control of undesirable insect populations.

Abstract: A fly catcher includes a housing having an orifice formed in an upper peripheral portion and communicating with an inner chamber of the housing, and a cover includes a lower peripheral portion rotatably engaged with the upper peripheral portion of the housing, the cover includes an opening for selectively aligning with the orifice of the housing when the cover is rotated relative to the housing, and the cover includes a casing extended from an upper portion into the cover, and the casing includes an aperture for guiding a fly or mosquito into the cover and the housing. The cover includes a key slidably engaged with a channel of the housing for guiding and limiting the cover to rotate relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier for inhibiting the migration of crawling animals such as insects. The barrier comprises a body that is configured to encircle a leg/wheel of a furniture item and thereby intercept any crawling insects. The body has an annular shape defined by an outer boundary and an inner aperture, in which the leg/wheel of the furniture item can be located. The barrier includes inimical means to inhibit the migration of any crawling insects across the body. The barrier further comprises a slit extending radially from the boundary to the aperture so that the body can be reversibly opened and closed. The slit advantageously allows the body to be opened and closed around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during installation. Likewise, the slit allows the device to be reopened and extracted from around the leg/wheel of the furniture item during removal.

Abstract: A holder including first, second, third, and fourth sides, a top, and a bottom. The first side is fixed to the second side; the second side is fixed to the third side; the third side is fixed to the fourth side, which is fixed to the first side; the first and third sides are parallel and spaced apart; the second and fourth sides are parallel and spaced apart, and perpendicular to the first and third sides; and the top and the bottom are parallel and spaced apart and perpendicular to and fixed to the first, second, third, and fourth sides. Each of the first, second, and third sides has an opening leading to an inner chamber which is delimited by the first, second, third, and fourth sides, and the top and bottom; the fourth side has an opening leading to the inner chamber for insertion of an insect trap and/or bait station.

Abstract: A method and device for distributing and containing ant bait that provides a dry environment and prolongs its effectiveness through a temporarily reusable device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring or abatement of bedbugs, comprising: a base having a mounting portion and a control portion; a heating source positioned on the mounting portion; two capture channels positioned proximate to the heating source and adjacent to the base and each comprising a sloped portion; a horizontal portion connected to the sloped portion, the horizontal portion having a width ranging from about 8 to about 15 millimeters; and a channel portion connected to the horizontal portion by a curved portion having a radius of curvature ranging from about ?th inch to about ½ inch; an insect attractant source positioned on the heating source; a carbon dioxide source attached to the base and capable of emitting carbon dioxide proximate to the heating source, and a control circuit mounted in the control portion and in communication with the heating source and the carbon dioxide source to control operation of the apparatus, wherein the control circuit controls emission of t

Abstract: The cockroach bait station is an eradication system that is adapted for use with cockroaches. The cockroach bait station is comprises a bait and a bait station. The bait is a high energy, and therefore highly attractive, bait source that is laced with a poison that is known to be effective in: 1) limiting the future activities of cockroaches after ingestion; and, 2) is readily shared and transferred within a community of cockroaches.

Abstract: A chemical delivery system for controlling virus-carrying beetles in a poultry house includes a water line in communication with a water source and chemical injector. The system includes an outer shell and bracket configured to mount the water line to a poultry house wall, the water line having a plurality of spaced apart holes such that, when the water and chemical are actuated, delivers a continuous stream of chemical onto the wall and litter bed so as to neutralize the beetles from spreading virus to poultry.

Abstract: Described herein is a heating system where air is drawn into a system where hot gas is injected into it. The air is then discharged at a regulated temperature into an environment through ductwork to heat environments to elevated temperatures and employing functional modules to further condition the air to humidify, dehumidify, decontaminate with airborne free-radicals, and filtrate in both stationary and portable applications. The system is useful to eradicate pests, disease germs, bacteria, viruses, and mold. The system is also useful in water remediation and comfort heating. The system can be configured to create a parallel path to both heat and dehumidify the airflow blended and discharged at the operator-chosen set-point temperatures.

Abstract: The insect trap includes a tube member of an undefined length that includes a concave wire mesh inserted into distal ends, and secured thereto via a sleeve cap. An item of bait is inserted inside of the tube member in order to lure an insect therein. The concave wire mesh is open on either end such that an insect is able to enter inside of the tube member, but unable to exit. End cap members may be used to permanently seal off the distal ends of the tube member. The tube member is configured to rest on a ground surface. An outer screen member is laid over top of the tube member. The outer screen member is adapted to be secured to the ground surface via anchors.

Abstract: A bed bug trap (2) is combined with a conventional power bar (1). Bed bugs can enter the trap via a small gap (6) between the power bar portion and the bed bug trap, where they then fall off a small precipice (14) and onto a glue strip (4, 5) or the like. The assembly can be easily opened for inspection and replacement of glue cartridges (5). Attractants (7, 17, 13) can be provided, including heat via a small heating element (7), chemical attractants (17), and carbon dioxide via a carbon dioxide generator (13). The assembly can be adapted for use with other insects, or an additional trap (91, 92; 110) can be attached for other insects.

Abstract: Provided is a touch sensor having a simple structure and enabling a driver to appropriately and quickly manipulate the touch sensor as intended without looking at a manipulation surface of the touch sensor. The touch sensor includes: multiple electrodes; detection means for detecting touch on any of electrodes and for outputting a detection signal for each electrode; touch judgment means for judging whether each of the electrodes is touched or untouched based on the detection signal; a switch having a manipulation button; control mode judgment means for determining a control function for a controlled device in accordance with an input signal transmitted from the switch when the manipulation button is manipulated; and permission means for permitting the touch judgment means to judge touch on each electrode in response to the input signal from the switch.

Abstract: A device for controlling blood-feeding insects is disclosed. The device includes a membrane containing a solution suitable for consumption by blood-feeding insects wherein the solution is comprised of a base, the base selected from the group consisting of up to 70 wt % NaCl in water, phosphate buffer, citric acid in water, and sodium lauryl sulfate in water; and wherein the solution has a pH of between about 6 and 8. An additional active ingredient may be added to the solution. The solution may be referred to as liquid bait. The membrane is suitable for blood-feeding insects to pierce or puncture in order to feed. A method of exterminating or controlling blood feeding insects is also disclosed along with novel bait solutions.

Abstract: The described invention provides a gel formulation of a composition comprising at least one insecticide in an amount effective to control an insect larval population, an apparatus for autodissmenination of an insecticide for insect management containing (1) a cap component, (2) a cup component, and (3) a mesh component, a method and a system for autodissemination for effectively controlling an insect larval population. Also disclosed is an improvided biphasic autodissemination station for control of undesirable insect populations.

Abstract: An intercepting device (e.g. a furniture coaster device) is placed under furniture (bed, sofa, chair. etc.), other climbable object, or the floor adjacent an object to intercept crawling arthropods and other crawling pests. The intercepting device can be used to monitor the presence of crawling arthropods and other crawling pests (such as bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, etc.), reduce pest numbers, and monitor efficacy of pest control procedures. The intercepting device includes pitfall trap surfaces that form multiple pitfall traps.

Abstract: A pest control system for bed bugs or similar crawling pests. The system includes at least one intercept wall extending generally perpendicularly to the plane on which the pests are traveling for directing the pests to interact with a trap or a treatment zone. The effect of the intercept wall may be enhanced by provision of at least one substantially smooth guide surface positioned adjacent the intercept wall. When pests come into contact with a smooth surface they experience difficulty in traversing it. This causes the bugs to cling to the more textured surface that they are already traversing. The intercept wall is preferably placed in the direct path of the transition line between the textured surface and the smoother guide surfaces and forces the pests to interact with an adjacent trap or treatment zone.

Abstract: A device for controlling blood-feeding insects is disclosed. The device includes a membrane containing a solution suitable for consumption by blood-feeding insects wherein the solution is comprised of a base, the base selected from the group consisting of up to 70 wt % NaCl in water, phosphate buffer, citric acid in water, and sodium lauryl sulfate in water, and wherein the solution has a pH of between about 6 and 8. An additional active ingredient may be added to the solution. The solution may be referred to as liquid bait. The membrane is suitable for blood-feeding insects to pierce or puncture in order to feed. A method of exterminating or controlling blood feeding insects is also disclosed along with novel bait solutions.

Abstract: An intercepting device (e.g. a furniture coaster device) is placed under furniture (bed, sofa, chair. etc.), other climable object, or the floor adjacent an object to intercept crawling arthropods and other crawling pests. The intercepting device can be used to monitor the presence of crawling arthropods and other crawling pests (such as bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, etc.), reduce pest numbers, and monitor efficacy of pest control procedures. The intercepting device includes pitfall trap surfaces that form multiple pitfall traps.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: An insect trap for use in trapping and exterminating crawling insects including bed bugs. The trap includes a pit fall trap assembly with sidewalls defining a pit or well and a heat source positioned within the pit. The trap includes a controller assembly with a controller selectively operating the heat source, which includes a base plate provided at a bottom of the pit. In this way, the base plate provides the floor or lower surfaces of the pit upon which insects fall and also to which the insects are attracted by the thermal lure of the heat source. The inner surfaces preferably include a layer of anti-traction material (such as UHMW tape or the like) such that the insects cannot climb back out of the pit. The controller operates to alternate the heat source between a lure temperature mimicking a blood host and a higher temperature to exterminate trapped insects.

Abstract: A climb-up pitfall trap for attracting and capturing bed bugs and the like comprises a rough exterior surface, a precipice, a smooth interior surface and sensory lures. The sensory lures include heat, carbon dioxide and/or a lure composition. The lure composition comprises a combination of (a) L-lactic acid, and (b) a fatty acid from the group consisting of (1) propionic acid, (2) butyric acid, and (3) valeric acid. The lure composition may also comprise (c) octenol. A method for attracting and capturing bed bugs and the like uses the climb-up pitfall trap in a bed bug infested environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insect trap (10), which mimics certain characteristics of a mammal and comprises a housing comprising a base (22) and a cover (24). The pad generates an infrared heat source (14) and can also generate water vapour (16). The trap has an insect retention surface (18) and is characterized in that the cover is positioned over the base in a manner such that it defines an opening (50) around the base/cover interface (52). The opening has a depth (d) of less than 1.5 cm and is sized and positioned such that at least one attractant signal (14?, 16?) is directed out of the opening in a manner allowing effective operation for at least 8 hours.

Abstract: A mite trapping mat includes a mite attracting material; a film bag enclosing the mite attracting material; and a buffer element which forms a space inside the film bag. The film bag has a large number of small holes penetrating through the film, and the inside space of the film bag is a dark space. A mite trapping paper container includes: a mite attracting material; a buffer element containing the mite attracting material; and a flat paper box case in which the buffer element is stored. The box case has a large number of small holes penetrating from an outer surface to an inner surface, and an inside space of the box case is a dark space. At least any of a product name, a purpose of use, and a disclaimer is shown on a surface of the box case. The buffer element is made of at least any of cotton, cloth, nonwoven fabric, or grains which are larger than the small holes and is stuffed into the box case such that the box case is almost full.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing and time-sorting insects is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to serve as an entrance for the one or more insects; and facilitate trapping of the one or more insects. The apparatus further comprises a collecting unit comprising a plurality of containers configured to collect and retain the one or more insects trapped via the receiving unit, wherein the collecting unit is attached with the receiving unit such that at least a portion of the receiving unit is movable with respect to the plurality of containers. In addition, the apparatus comprises a control unit operationally connected with the receiving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to enable time-dependent movement of the portion of the receiving unit with respect to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new non-compound based approach for insect and/or arachnid control. The present inventors have identified for the first time novel targets for RNAi, which can effectively control insect and/or arachnid pest populations. Accordingly, the invention provides both nucleotide and amino acid sequences for the novel targets. Also provided are RNA constructs including double stranded RNA regions for mediating RNAi in insects, DNA constructs, expression vectors, host cells and compositions for controlling insects and/or arachnids using RNAi. Finally, the invention also provides for the use of the constructs, vectors, host cells and compositions in control of insects and/or arachnids populations and suitable kits for use in an RNAi based method of controlling insect and/or arachnid pests.

Abstract: An insect trap has a “U” or similar shaped cross-section view, forming a circle or square, with a dark-colored coarse outer surface and a light-colored smooth inner surface. The trap can be placed around an arthropod-infested object such as furniture leg, luggage, food to form a barrier to prevent movement of arthropods between the infested object and its surrounding areas. The trap can also be placed where arthropods live or forage to monitor their numbers and activities such as at corners of a room, along perimeters of a room, inside a cabinet, inside food storage container, etc.

Abstract: A trap (100, 100?) for pestiferous insects, such as stink bugs and the like, that takes advantages of innate behavioral characteristics of the target insect. The trap includes a lid (140) defining an entry aperture (170), an entry cone (110, 110?) on one side of the entry aperture, a vane assembly (160) on an opposite side of the vane assembly, and an entrapment chamber (102) that releasably engages the lid. A collar (120, 120?) on the entry cone facilitates insects dropping into the trap and prevents insects from exiting the trap after dropping in.

Abstract: An anti-ant device includes an object having a recess defined in the underside thereof and a support extends from the underside of the object and located at the center of the recess. An anti-ant member is located in the recess and mounted to outside of the support. When ants climb along the support, the anti-ant member generates substance to keep the ants away from it, so as to avoid the ants from reaching food on the object.

Abstract: A pest detection device includes a housing with a sensor and one or more bait members. The sensor includes one or more of a chisel-shaped electrically conductive trace carried on a substrate, a low resistance electrically conductive ink defining an electrical pathway on a substrate with a pointed profile, and/or a substrate including a directional grain structure oriented in a predefined manner relative to an electrically conductive pathway.

Abstract: A detection device and method for monitoring the presence of crawling insects, such as bedbugs is provided. One embodiment of the device includes a strip of material, having opposed front and rear surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the material, and an adhesive strip applied to the rear surface of the longitudinal strip, thereby exposing the adhesive through the apertures in the longitudinal strip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved ant trap. The ant trap includes a base having a central opening and the opening is suitable for storing liquid. A bait trap is located centrally within the central opening to maximize the number of ants in the central opening at any point in time. The ant trap, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an electromechanically operated platform, which is movable with respect to the central opening. In a first position the platform forms an ant path from the base to the bait trap. In a second position the platform is moved into the central opening. The central opening is filed with a liquid toxic to ants, but safe to mammals and the environment, generally. For example, a solution of sweet boric acid and water is used to fill the central opening. Upon moving, the platform is immersed in the liquid, thereby exterminating ants found thereon.

Abstract: A segmented, floor-based trap system, which may be configured to delineate a floor area of arbitrary rectilinear geometry that is infested with crawling arthropods, particularly bed bugs, or an area to be protected from such infestation, thereby to intercept egress of such insects from such an area, or their ingress into it. The trap system comprises a plurality of trough-like linear segments containing a layer of mechanical insecticide, such as diatomaceous earth, and serving as an insect pitfall, and a plurality of linear and right-angled connectors, by which the linear segments may be connected continuously in fluid communication. A roughened, obtusely inclined flange extends from the top of each of the side walls of each linear segment to the floor, serving as a ramp leading insects to the smooth-walled pitfall. Foreshortened linear segments fitted to corner connectors in concave corners of the trap assembly preserve rectilinear alignment.

Abstract: A bed bug monitor includes a base and a central housing. The central housing is insulated and encloses a supply of solid carbon dioxide. During use an aperture in the housing releases a plume of carbon dioxide vapor which attracts bed bugs onto the base.

Abstract: The device is a flea trap device with multiple methods of killing and trapping the unwanted fleas. The device utilizes a fake animal which moves via small vibrators under the fur, and is warm much like a real one. The feline's eyes light up. This device utilizes heat, motion, and light to attract the fleas much like a real one. Also every so many minutes it. sprays carbon dioxide on itself which is what is used to kill the fleas. The animal has sticky tape around it which prevents the fleas from escaping or moving. Around the fake animal is a cage which prevents animals, and young ones from entering the trap. This flea trap is the first one to utilize all methods of attracting fleas from a 360 degree angle.

Abstract: A segmented, floor-based trap system, which may be configured to delineate a floor area of arbitrary rectilinear geometry that is infested with crawling arthropods, particularly bed bugs, or an area to be protected from such infestation, thereby to intercept egress of such insects from such an area, or their ingress into it. The trap system comprises a plurality of trough-like linear segments containing a layer of mechanical insecticide, such as diatomaceous earth, and serving as an insect pitfall, and a plurality of linear and right-angled connectors, by which the linear segments may be connected continuously in fluid communication. A roughened, obtusely inclined flange extends from the top of each of the side walls of each linear segment to the floor, serving as a ramp leading insects to the smooth-walled pitfall. Foreshortened linear segments fitted to corner connectors in concave corners of the trap assembly preserve rectilinear alignment.

Abstract: A trap for mass capturing and controlling the insect called “cotton boll weevil”, comprising a tubular central body (1) having a bottom section provided with holes (11), a housing formed by a perforated lid (7) and a base or bottom lid (3) provided with holes (3B) and further including one or more openings (12) to allow insect entering the housing from the bottom section (1); b) an insecticide dispenser section (4) inside the housing, c) a hole section for venting and discharging vapors (5) located at a position that is farther from the base or bottom lid than the insecticide dispenser (4); d) a perforated vessel (8) to contain an attractant diffuser (14) outside the housing and above it, and e) a closure (9) of the perforated vessel (8) at its upper end.

Abstract: A method of controlling pests includes applying a trap (10) to a plant. The A trap (10) includes a tube (12) of resilient material with a longitudinal slit (16) in its outer wall (14) for at least part of the length of the tube (12) and a number of apertures (18) in the outer wall. The resilience of the outer wall (14) urges edges of the outer wall on opposing sides of the slit (16) towards each other. The trap (10) is installed by extending the tube (12) around a trunk (20) of the plant, so that its two opposing ends (22, 24) face each other, and inserting one end of the tube (22) inside the opposing end (24) by urging open the slit (16) at the outer end to enlarge the outer end and gripping the inner end by an inward resilient load from the outer wall of the outer end.