Abstract: Methods for killing insects and a nest are disclosed. The methods may be used to disrupt a colony of nest-dwelling insects. The insects may include wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring and/or controlling termite populations in an area accessible to the termites a wood that has been heat-treated to a temperature of greater than about 150 degrees C. (302 degrees F.) is located in the area and monitored. A toxic bait may also be located in the area. In another method, a toxic bait that contains a toxicant and wood that has been heat-treated to a temperature of at least about 150 degrees C. (302 degrees F.) may be located in the area.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the breeding of insects is provided. The system may have a larvacide release device. The larvacide release device may have a housing, a reservoir, and an actuator. The reservoir may be configured to contain a larvacide for impairing the ability of mosquitoes to breed. The actuator may be configured to release the larvacide from the reservoir and into a water system.

Abstract: A bed bug detection system is provided which includes a container having a receiving chamber for holding solidified carbon dioxide, an opening in the chamber communicating with and of sufficient size to insert the solidified carbon dioxide into the receiving chamber, a removable cover fitting over the opening, a plurality of channels formed in walls of the container, the channels allowing flow from the chamber of carbon dioxide to exit outside the walls of the container, exit occurring at exit ports; a plurality of tubes formed of a polymeric material, each tube connected to an exit port; and a plurality of bed bug detector stations, each station attached to one of the plurality of tubes, each of the stations formed of a housing with open first and second ends, and a trapping chemical being deposited within each housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of protecting a man made structure containing wood and cellulose materials from subterranean termite damage, including reducing termite tubing on building surfaces, comprising applying a termiticidal composition in a band to the lowest portions of the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the structure, wherein the composition comprises a bifenthrin component.

Abstract: A flying insect station for attracting and killing insects on the exterior and interior of a structure is disclosed. The flying insect station includes features for attracting and killing files within a shortened window of time, preferably within one hour. The station includes in one aspect a surface being substantially dark in color and substantially reflective in nature to provide a facade of an opening. Suppression means such as a pesticide is included on one or more of the surfaces of the station for killing flying insects staging on the surface(s). An attractant may be used to provide a plume of attractant around surfaces of the housing to attract and lure flying insects to stage about a reflective surface.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a mobile apparatus for use in the extermination of household pests, particularly bed bugs, found upon furniture, furnishings, and personal effects (“infested items”), whereby the infested items may be removed from their usual household environment (i.e., removal of a bed from an infested bedroom, etc.) and placed within the apparatus that then increases the temperature of the infest items to a degree lethal to the respective pest sought to be eradicated.

Abstract: A flying insect station for attracting and killing insects on the exterior and interior of a structure is disclosed. The flying insect station includes features for attracting and killing files within a shortened window of time, preferably within one hour. The station includes in one aspect a surface being substantially dark in color and substantially reflective in nature to provide a facade of an opening. Suppression means such as a pesticide is included on one or more of the surfaces of the station for killing flying insects staging on the surface(s). An attractant may be used to provide a plume of attractant around surfaces of the housing to attract and lure flying insects to stage about a reflective surface. Increased catch rates for insect suppression devices are realized when used in combination with embodiments of the station.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to treating articles suspected of being infested with bed bugs using carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A note pad is attached to a device having a handle and a base. Kinetic force is applied through the device to stun or crush a target pest between a top sheet of the note pad and a wall or floor. The top sheet does not have previously applied adhesive for trapping insects, and hence does not generally adhere to the wall or floor. Some sheets bear indicia, such as the likeness of an unpopular public figure or other target of mockery. After a pest is smashed onto it, smearing indicia, the sheet can be removed, wrapped around the target's remains, and placed in a wastebasket for disposal. The device may be provided alone, or it may be provided together with a note pad, or it may be provided with a note pad and with a stamp or stickers for placing target likenesses on the note pad sheets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. A station at least partially receivable within a cavity has at least one opening therein to provide access by the termites to an interior volume of the station. The apparatus includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites and including at least one void for forming an aggregation site. The apparatus includes a replaceable container received within the interior volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation base. The container has at least one opening in a surface thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container. The container is sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the station with minimal disturbance to the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites.

Abstract: An electronic insect electrocution device with an integral display and counting means that displays the number of discharges, or “zapped” insects is herein disclosed. The device comprises a lamp enclosed within an enclosure comprising series of alternating grids energized by a voltage increasing device, which electrocutes any insects that fly towards the lamp. A numeric digital display is provided on the top of the enclosure and reflects the current number of discharges or killed insects. The counter is provided with an input signal that detects the voltage fluctuation of the grid every time an insect is killed. This detection circuit drives a counting circuit which interfaces with the counter. It is reset every time the unit is unplugged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for attracting bed bugs with novel attractants and new and improved methods to enable their use to attract, monitor or trap bed bugs for surveying, monitoring, mitigation and management purposes. Known mammal pheromones were discovered to be useful as bed bug kairomone attractants. A method of delivering non-volatile attractants by using the attractive heat source to heat and volatilize the attractants was discovered to be the optimal method to disseminate the kairomones. A new method of generating low levels of carbon dioxide is disclosed, and the combination of kairomones, carbon dioxide and heat is shown to attract bed bugs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic repellent humidifier for dispersing insect repellant into the air as a micro fine repellent vapor. A repellent tank provides rhodinol and cedarwood oil based repellent to a repellent well. An ultrasonic transducer is positioned in the well beneath the level of the repellent. It vibrates, forming a repellant vapor that is drawn into a vapor duct by a forced air system and out of the unit, dispersing the repellent vapor into the surrounding air. The vibrating portion of the ultrasonic transducer that is exposed to the oil-based repellent is a ceramic material that inhibits residue from forming on the transducer that reduces its efficiency. The ceramic material may be formed on the metal case of the transducer or on the piezoelectric oscillation crystal, or it may be a separately replaceable disc.

Abstract: A note pad is attached to a device having a handle and a base. Kinetic force is applied through the device to stun or crush a target pest between a top sheet of the note pad and a wall or floor. The top sheet does not have previously applied adhesive for trapping insects, and hence does not generally adhere to the wall or floor. The note pad top sheet can be removed, wrapped around the target's remains, and placed in a wastebasket for disposal.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to the oral administration of ecdysteroids for controlling subterranean termites. Preferred ecdysteroids for use according to the subject invention are ecdysone, certain ecdysone analogs, and 20-hydroxyecdysone, for example. In some preferred embodiments, one or more of these compounds is used in a termite bait in combination with one or more chitin synthesis inhibitors. Thus, the subject invention also relates in part to controlling termites by the use of a chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI), such as hexaflumuron and/or noviflumuron, together with an ecdysteroid (and analogs thereof) or molt-accelerating compound (MAC), such as halofenozide. The subject invention also relates to mixtures comprising these two active ingredients. The MAC/ecdysteroid analog induces a preliminary molting event in termite workers (they could not complete the molting), which then allows the CSI to further disrupt the molt and cause mortality.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a method and apparatus for an organic insect extermination lamp, which continuously kills mosquitoes and other biting insects without the use of hazardous chemicals, pesticides or electrocution. The organic insect extermination lamp includes a housing; a fixture including a power source and an LED light source for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects without emitting substantial heat; at least one covered reservoir having a closable cap for holding a natural exterminating substance; and a natural exterminating substance, wherein the natural exterminating substance decomposes to produce natural exterminating fumes for killing mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for killing bed bugs and other insects utilizing steam to increase the temperature of an area beyond the bed bugs' and other insect's thermal death point. Steam created by a steam generator is directed into an area for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that the bed bugs and other insects die. Furthermore, the systems and methods may include a barrier that defines a thermal kill zone which prevents bed bugs and other insects from escaping during treatment. Injection members may be used to more precisely direct steam in specific areas within the thermal kill zone and/or in joints, cracks, or crevices where bed bugs and other insects may be located.

Abstract: A steam apparatus to kill ants includes a pipe member, a cover member and a steam generator. The pipe member can be filled with high-temperature steam to send steam through apertures disposed at the lower end of the pipe member. The steam generator is a gas-heating boiler and movable. The steam generator generates steam to be sent to the pipe member. When in use, the bottom end of the pipe member is inserted into an ant nest in the soil. The cover member encloses the surface of the soil, such that the steam from the steam generator is poured into the ant nest to kill the fire ants completely.

Abstract: A crawling insect abatement matrix, system and method includes a cellular, nonwoven, wet laid or fibrous substrate with a shaped surface to which diatomaceous earth (diatomite, kieselgur, amorphous silica) particles are bound, either in situ or with a binder/coating applied to the substrate. A representative cellular substrate is polyurethane foam with a convoluted or otherwise shaped surface to which a coating that includes diatomaceous earth particles has been applied. The substrate is formed as a sheet, mat or pad that may be installed between a mattress and bedding structure or bedding textiles or below furniture articles, or in clothing compartments, or formed as a tape that may be applied to a surface of a mattress, a bedding structure, a headboard, bedding textiles, or to a clothing compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting the lower regions of and structure of a building from damage or degradation by termites. The method comprising for the steps of creating a region in the ground below the building having properties hostile to termites whereby to discourage them from approaching the vicinity of the building. In one embodiment means for creating a hostile region in the ground below the building are provided by a pump which creates a superatmospheric pressure field in this region. In another embodiment, treatment agents such as ozone may be delivered to the ground region in order to provide a hostile effect to the termites by affecting their pheromone chemistry and/or their reproductive or communicative behavior. A secondary function of the present invention relates to the creation of a forced ventilation of the habitable region within which the apparatus of the present invention resides.

Abstract: A non-chemical, organic method to kill/control ticks and other vectors using heated water is disclosed. The method causes no immediate or residual toxicity to humans, pets, beneficial insects, and wildlife, and may be employed in both residential and commercial settings. The method employs water temperatures from about 145° F. to about 155° F. to kill/control ticks and other vectors without damaging plants. The method can be adapted to higher water temperatures to kill/control unwanted vegetation that is the primary habitat for ticks and other vectors, with the least environmental impact. Delicate plants can be pre-treated using a thermally-insulated backpack. A specialized nozzle for use in the present method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for elimination of insect pests and their eggs. A collapsible enclosure, intended to promote portability, is provided which operates under positive pressure to heat treat household or other items placed therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling insects. Some embodiments provide apparatus (for instance patches) comprising one or more layers of degradable materials impregnated with respective insect-control materials. A first impregnated layer defines an effective thickness and degrades at a rate dependent on an environmental factor to thereby expose a portion of the insect-control material impregnated therein at a depth corresponding to the decreased thickness. As the first degradable layer degrades in a multi-layer insect-control patch it also exposes the second layer (which is attached to the first layer) at a rate corresponding to the degradation of the first layer. A barrier impervious to the second insect-control material can be attached to the second layer. In some embodiments the first and second degradable materials are the same material and the second impregnated layer is formed on the first impregnated layer thereby bonding them together.

Abstract: A heater for eradicating insects can include an elongated housing that includes a sidewall that extends between spaced apart first and second ends. The housing includes an inlet at the first end configured to intake ambient air and an outlet extending radially through the sidewall adjacent the second end. A fan within the housing includes blades and a motor. The blades are located between the motor and the inlet, and the motor configured to rotate the blades to move the ambient air from the inlet toward the second end of the housing. A plurality of heating elements are mounted within the housing at a radial position that is adjacent the sidewall and at an axial position that is near the outlet. A controller is configured to control the fan and the plurality of heating elements to produce outflow of heated air from the outlet with a predetermined temperature and for a duration sufficient to eradicate insects.

Abstract: An insect trap having a cylindrical tubular body with a top end and a bottom end and an oval flexible flapper removably mounted in regions adjacent the bottom end whereby the peripheral edge of the flapper is in contact with the inside surface of the body for the condition of no air blowing down the body and the peripheral edge of the flapper spaced from the inside surface of the body for the condition of air blowing down the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bed bug control system comprised of a map apparatus and bed bug control barrier apparatus. The map apparatus provides a method to design, engineer and install bed bug control barrier apparatus targeting locations where bed bugs either travel or locate. Installation of the bed bug control barrier apparatus will intersect multiple paths a bed bug moving naturally with free locomotion could take in an uninterrupted pathway to or from a feeding opportunity. Bed bugs contacting the bed bug control barrier apparatus will either be caught or killed. The system and method of this invention provides for bed bug eradication, detection and monitoring of bed bugs and other pests, a durable and sustainable installation, replaceable cartridges allowing for a multitude of ingredients, seamless and scalable incorporation into either new or existing interior environments, and custom designs and visual appearances for a multitude of interior environments.

Abstract: A sub-surface bait station for attracting insect pests for treatment with pesticides having a housing with vertical sides and a lid removably fitted to the housing with apertures to facilitate the passage of insect pests through the lid and into the housing. Various insect lures and baits may be placed in the housing. Coarse aggregate covers the bait station sized to allow insect pests to travel through the aggregate and pass into the bait station.

Abstract: A heated enclosure for killing bed bugs located within luggage. A first rectangular housing has a roll up door located at the front. A second housing is attached to the side of the first housing. The second housing wall is vented to allow for the inflow of air. The first housing can retain a plurality of luggage items. A perforated vertical wall separates the first housing from the second housing. The first housing can accept plurality of wire form trays, each the tray capable of holding one or more items of luggage or suitcases. The second housing enclosing a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of tangential blower fan assemblies as well as a thermostat, a digital timer circuit, an LED display, an indicator light on off switch and safety switch. A power cord and plug provides power to the electrical components in the second housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for the treatment of insect pests and their eggs. A collapsible enclosure is provided which operates under positive pressure to heat treat household or other items placed therein. A controller may be provided in certain embodiments to allow programming of a treatment cycle.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for killing pests in an affected area includes a heat exchanger unit and an electric heater. The heat exchanger unit is placed within the affected area and is coupled to a faucet. The heat exchanger unit is configured to receive a flow of water from the faucet and to emit heated air by transferring heat from the flow of water to air flowing through the heat exchanger unit. The electric heater further heats the air emitted by the heat exchanger unit to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A dispenser for poisoned bait having a tray and a correspondingly shaped sheet-like lid for sealing the tray with the bait placed therein during manufacture. The lid has a tear-off portion that allows the pest to access the bait while the remainder of the lid continues to cover the enclosed bait so that the user's potential for physical contact with the bait is minimized. The tray includes a gripping flange adjacent the enclosed portion of the tray that allows the user to securely grasp the dispenser and place it into position in a tight or difficult-to-reach space without risk of touching the bait.

Abstract: A pest control material (11), such as mosquito netting, has a surface (12) with abrasive/absorptive microprojections (13). Insect pests such as mosquitoes suffer damage to their cuticle, resulting in dehydration and/or invasion by microbial pathogens. The material is made by coating a fabric with abrasive and/or absorptive materials.

Abstract: In a system and method for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests, a container having an interior chamber, is located in an area in which pests are to be at least one of monitored and controlled. At least a portion of the container is constructed of an environmentally degradable plastic. At least one of a pest monitoring material and a pest bait material is disposed within the interior chamber of the container for at least one of monitoring and controlling pests. The container is inspected at least once prior to the end of a predetermined time period to determine whether pests are present within the container. The container is replaced, along with the at least one of the monitoring material and the bait material, no later than about six months beyond the predetermined period of time following placement of the container in the area.

Abstract: Applicants provide an application for a dust insecticide for pest control in residential, commercial or other properties. The applicator consists of an assembly, including a dust container and a compressed gas cylinder. The compressed gas cylinder is connected by a high pressure hose to a blowgun that has a barrel attached to it. At the end of the barrel is a nozzle. The nozzle receives dust through an elongated tube from a dust container. A venturi in a nozzle with a small opening proximate to the venturi creates a vacuum when compressed air is forced through it and sucks in dust from the dust container. The insecticide dust mixes with the compressed gas and is fired out of an outlet tube connected to the nozzle. The stream of high pressure compressed gas with an insecticide mixed to be directed at areas around building structures where pests may be found.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a trap for luring, trapping, and killing insects. The trap preferably includes: a single structure container defining a cavity that holds liquid, an opening that allows access to the cavity, a side wall, and a lid that seals the opening of the container. The side wall includes an orifice in the form of a frusto-conical shape that allows ingress of insects into the container and prevents egress of insects from the container. The side wall also includes a landing surface that directs insect towards the orifice.

Abstract: A termite control bait container includes an upper end portion opposite a lower end portion. The bait container includes a chamber containing a termite bait. The lower end portion includes an air-trapping pocket below at least a portion of the bait to reduce intrusion of water through the lower end portion when installed in a selected orientation at least partially below ground.

Abstract: An insect destroying device is battery operated and shaped somewhat like a squash or tennis racquet in order to provide a wide opening to enable insects to make contact with one of two outer grids and an inner grid. Both a manual and static technique is provided for enabling contact with insects while destroying them. An uppermost portion of the housing includes an open area in which a narrow strip of central grid is exposed adjacent two ground grids to enable exposure to an insect discovered along the corner between the wall and the ceiling, or where the wall meets a wall at a 90 degree angle, or between the wall and the floor where it is very difficult to have the insect make contact with the center grid or ground grids through the main openings of the grid support area.

Abstract: This device consists of a portable frame of non-conductive material that has a plurality of separate grids of conductive material. The grid is broken into two or three separate pieces depending on the model. The first piece is the positive electric potential, the second is the negative electric potential and the third, (if used) is the grounded safety shield. The apparatus attaches to a surface, such as a window, mirror, wall, etc, via devices that connect to the frame such as: suction cups, hooks, dowels, etc. Power the electric grid is provided using either 110VAC or batteries. A removable tray is located at the base of the grid to catch dead insects for convenient disposal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a barrier against arthropod crawling along a structure. The barrier comprising an outer housing defining a cavity and an access opening. An inner shaft is disposed along a common axis with the outer housing having a mounting member for connecting to an associate structure. An arthropod deterring ingredient is disposed in the cavity for creating an arthropod deterring environment. A baffle cap is slidable along the inner shaft and moveable from and extended position abutting a baffle platform and collapsible to engage the outer housing in a closed position, each position having a snap close fit. Positioning lugs are adapted to fasten the baffle cap in the extended position. The positioning lugs comprise a radial protuberance that is perpendicularly extended from the common axis along the inner shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decontaminating a mattress (14) or other effect of bed bugs comprising the steps of: Placing the mattress or other effect in a hermetically sealable container (10) of a size and shape commensurate with that of the mattress or other effect; Inserting an appropriate quantity of an oxygen scavenger (16) into the container; Hermetically sealing the container so as to prevent ingress of oxygen; and Leaving it for a time sufficient for the oxygen levels to be depleted to less than 0.2% and the bed bugs and their eggs and larvae to be destroyed. It also relates to a kit of parts for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method of eliminating an ectoparasite infestation is disclosed that may include steps of defining a target area on an animal having an ectoparasite infestation, heating a volume of air to a temperature to form heated air, applying the heated air to the target area with an airflow such that the heated air impinges directly on substantially all ectoparasites located within the target area, and maintaining the heated air at the target area for a period of time sufficient to affect an ectoparasite mortality rate of at least 50%.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing and removing ticks from the skin of mammals which includes an aerosol canister. An environmentally safe refrigerant HFO-1234yf is carried within the aerosol canister. A mechanism is for dispensing the environmentally safe refrigerant from the aerosol canister directly onto a tick to immobilize and kill the tick. Another mechanism is for safely removing the dead tick from the skin of a mammal.

Abstract: A device for the removal of small arachnids and insects from clothing and skin is provided. The device comprises a body having a first end and a second end. The device also includes an elongated stem, also having a first end and a second end. The first end of the stem is connected to the second end of the body. The device also comprises a tubular tape cartridge having: a supporting base member that is received on and freely rotates around the elongated stem, and a tape roll wound around the base member. The tape roll comprises a series of tape sections. The tape cartridge is dimensioned to be removably received over the elongated stem. The device also comprises a cap that removably covers the stem and tape cartridge. A method for removing small arachnids and insects from clothing and skin is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a method, apparatus and system for treating fire ant mounds. One or more aspects comprise a pressure vessel for holding water and steam, a water-heating circuitous pipe network for heating water and a steam-heating circuitous pipe network for heating steam. A heat source contemporaneously heats the water-heating circuitous pipe network, the steam-heating circuitous pipe network and the pressure vessel. Steam is generated, superheated and is supplied to a probe for applying steam to fire ant mounds. A nozzle containing counter-sunken ports may be attached to the probe. A sliding hammer to aid insertion and extraction may be fixed to the probe. An articulated protective shroud attached to the probe remains in contact with the ant mound surface.

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 3D insect device is described which comprises a preferably water-resistant body that can assume a folded position and then unfolded to expand into a true 3-dimensional structure with one or more elements to either attract or repel flying nuisance and pest insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, beetles etc or to attract beneficial insects. The structure preferably simulates comparable shape, size and color as occurring in nature, having significant effects on the instincts of the target insects. The 3D device shape is supplemented with one or more of insect attractant colors, tacky agents, food attractants, pheromones, fragrances and aromas, insecticides, and repellents. Water-resistant, preferably biodegradable materials permit both indoor and outdoor use. The device design significantly improves convenience of use while reducing unintended contact of non-targets such as users, children, pets or wildlife with the contact surfaces.

Abstract: Light-based fly repellents may refract light and disturb the optical perception of houseflies. Light may be refracted and the optical perception of houseflies may be disturbed through use of a clear or lightly color-tinted liquid enclosed in a sealed clear or lightly color-tinted body housed in a frame. When natural light (such as sunlight) or light available from other sources (such as a lamp or porch light) is placed in contact with the repellent, houseflies may be influenced not to aggregate around the area where the repellent may be positioned.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for performing horticultural tasks comprising a processor unit, a first number of communication links from the processor unit to a plurality of databases stored on a number of data storage devices, and a second number of communication links from the processor unit to a diagnostic system. The processor unit is configured to execute the diagnostic system and access the plurality of databases on the number of data storage devices to identify a pest problem and generate a treatment plan to address the pest problem.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.