Abstract: A pest control device includes an exposure chamber that is easily accessible to target pests, but which resists entry of larger, non-targeted organisms, for example, household pets or children. The exposure chamber includes an interior surface that is covered by a perforated membrane. A poison may be disposed between the interior surface and the perforated membrane. The poison includes a microencapsulated interior active ingredient mixed within a carrier substance structured to retain the poison between the interior surface and the membrane, and to adhere to the exterior surface of a pest until the pest ingests the poison during grooming. Upon ingestion of the microencapsulated poison during grooming, the microcapsules decompose thereby releasing the active ingredient within the pest.

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: 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.