Abstract: Methods are disclosed for killing or knocking down pests selected from the group consisting of cockroaches, ants, bristletails, wasps, hornets, crickets, earwigs, centipedes, scorpions, sowbugs, pillbugs, and spiders. One sprays the pest directly with a solution that is at least 2.8% ester of a polyol (such as sucrose octanoate or sorbitol octanoate). The formulation is designed for use in kitchens, pantries and other areas of the home in which food items may be present. Spray bottle assemblies are also disclosed for delivering the material to the target pest in a desirable manner.

Abstract: A liquid bait for target insects and methods of attracting or controlling insects by means of its use. Sorbitol is dissolved in an amount of water sufficient to form an aqueous carrier. The dissolved sorbitol is in a concentration great enough to be effective as a humectant to retard drying of the liquid carrier. The liquid bait further includes at least one insect attractant that is dissolved, dispersed, suspended, or emulsified in the liquid carrier in an amount effective to attract the target insects. The insect attractant may include, in combination, sucrose, fructose, d-maltose, the lithium salt of saccharin, lithium chloride, and vitamins. The liquid bait also may include an effective amount of an insect control active ingredient selected from the group consisting of insecticides, insect growth regulators, chitin inhibitors, insect pathogens, insect-controlling materials derived from insect pathogens, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surfactant complexes and methods for using them. The complexes contain nonionic surfactants in low concentrations. The surfactants are complexes with associative polymeric thickeners. These complexes can be formulated for use as laundry pre-spotters, hard surface cleaners, and insecticides. They can also be used in other applications.

Abstract: A lift and reorienting apparatus is the subject of this document. The apparatus includes a probe (16) for insertion into an internal accessible axially extending opening (36) of an object to be moved. The probe (16) is pivotably carried by a frame (10) and maneuvered through the action of telescoping arms (46) of a dual arm actuator (42). This dual arm actuator (42) adds strength to the apparatus. The probe (16) is attached to the object to be lifted and reoriented by means of a retractable projection (18) and sleeve mechanism (24).