Abstract: An animal test chamber has one or more side walls, a ceiling, and a floor to define an internal space in which animals can be housed and exposed to a chemical agent, a door, a port for introducing animals, an exhaust port, and one or more of the following four features. The first feature is a projector for projecting an image onto the chamber floor to assist in the counting of the knocked-down animals. The second feature is the capability of automatically washing/cleaning the chamber after a test. The third feature is the capability of simulating real life insecticide application conditions. The fourth feature is the capability of automatically dispensing the contents of an aerosol can into the chamber.

Abstract: A device (10) for detecting the presence of light averse insects, such as termites, is in the form of a peg (11) having a cavity (14) into which termites may enter when the peg is installed in the ground or other area where the presence of termites is to be detected. The cavity may include a termite bait. A light sensor (25) is located in the cavity, and has an output which is responsive to the detection of light. The light sensor operatively receives light from a light emitting device (LED) (23) only through a narrow passage extending through the peg from the LED (23) to the cavity (14). The passage is adapted to be at least partially blocked by the light averse insects to shield the cavity, and hence the light sensor means, from light from the passage. When the light sensor means (25) does not detect sufficient light, an electrical circuit (22) connected to the output of the light sensor means triggers an alarm light (26) to signal an alarm or alert condition.

Abstract: An electronic bait station utilising the disruption of an electromagnetic field to detect the movement of insects or small animals within the station. The bait station consists of a housing, with at least one cavity having an electromagnetic radiation element generating an electromagnetic field in the cavity, and an electromagnetic receiving element detecting the electromagnetic field. Movement of an insect or small animal in the cavity causes a change in the electromagnetic field, which is detected. The preferred bait station comprises an outer cavity and a coaxial inner cavity, each with an electromagnetic field. This arrangement allows the direction of movement of insects and small animals to be determined and minimises the occurrence of spurious signals.

Abstract: A nozzle spray assembly for insecticide that can be readily connected to an outlet pipe of an air blower to conveniently spray an area free of insects. The assembly is fully portable and made of two halves that define nozzle openings that may or may not be adjustable. The high pressure air flowing past the nozzle openings draws insecticide from a container through the spray assembly and nozzle openings. The fluid sucked out of the nozzle openings is sheared across the upper surfaces of the nozzle openings and turned into micro-droplets and dispersed into the air from the blower, creating a mist flow that can be directed to the area of treatment. The assembly is provided with adjustable means for connecting it to various sizes of pipe. The assembly is portable or compact, highly effective and can be used with readily available equipment.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a system including a pest control device and a magnetic field source external to the pest control device. The pest control device has a bait operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a device responsive to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source to output status information about the pest sensing circuit.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for pest control. The subject invention provides pesticidal compositions that contain one or more compounds that interact with organic solute transporter/ligand-gated ion channel multifunction polypeptides in the pest, and/or alter amino acid metabolic pathways, and/or alter ionic homeostasis in the pest. Upon exposure to a target pest, these compositions either compromise pest growth and/or cause the death of the pest. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions of the subject invention contain one or more amino acids and/or amino acid analogs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the methods of the subject invention involve exposing a pest to a composition that comprises methionine or leucine, or an analog thereof.

Abstract: An insect storage, maintenance, dusting, and distribution device that dispenses living insects to caged animals. A Tower compartment is connected to a separate Dusting Chamber compartment with apertures on both compartments that may be aligned by rotating the Tower above the Dusting Chamber to form a passage for insects. The insects can move from the Tower to the Dusting Chamber which coats the insects with a nutritional dust. The insects are then allowed to move from the Dusting Chamber through a Feeder Tube into the animal(s)' habitat for their consumption by the animal.

Abstract: A insect trap system for absorbing bodily fluids and preventing insects from spreading from a dead animal. The insect trap system includes a collection mat having a plurality of dividers defining a center zone and surrounding zones. An absorbent material is attached to the center zone with the surrounding zones filled with an adhesive for catching insects. The collection mat includes a folding portion for allowing folding of the collection mat into a compact storage position. A cuff having a conical shape has adhesive applied to the interior surface thereof. The cuff includes a slit for allowing positioning about the leg of an animal or a rope or other structuring supporting the animal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling insects are disclosed. The methods and devices provide personal protection from insect bites and insect landings, particularly mosquito bites. The methods and devices employ insect repellents such as pyrethroids at low (parts per billion) levels. The methods and devices effectively minimize the number of mosquitoes landing on a subject properly using the devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polymer devices impregnated with semiochemical attractants for termites. The materials for delivering the semiochemicals are preferably cellulose-free. Devices of the subject invention are placed in soil and provide a slow-release and permeation of the semiochemicals into the adjacent soil so that termites tunneling in the vicinity are directed toward the chemical sources. Because the semiochemicals are impregnated in the polymer, the device also protects the semiochemicals so that they do not degrade rapidly under field conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention comprises a durable station housing, preferably with a removable bait, wherein the body of the station housing itself is impregnated with a semiochemical attractant.

Abstract: A system for sterilization of spaces and surfaces from consequences of bioterrorism has a container having a plurality of walls which jointly define an inner chamber, a cover connected with the container turnably between an open position in which the inner chamber of the container is open and a closed position in which the inner chamber is closed, a plurality of compartments formed in the inner chamber of the container and including compartments for accommodating substances for sterilization of spaces and surfaces and compartments for accommodating accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, means for storing the substances and accommodated in the compartments for substances, means for storing the accessories and accommodated in the compartments for accessories, a single uniform compartment provided in the cover, and a uniform arranged in the single uniform compartment of the cover.

Abstract: A method for thermal pest control in fruit production and agriculture involves projecting at least one stream of hot air to a crop from a movable vehicle which moves in a direction substantially parallel to rows of the crop. The stream of hot air can be projected substantially parallel to, substantially transverse to, or substantially oblique to the rows of the crop.

Abstract: A pesticide injection system for exterminating insects is provided. The pesticide injection system comprises an applicator; an insert and a plug frictionally engagable with a wall. The applicator includes a pliable bottle for receiving a powder pesticide and a nozzle with an end cap for displacing insulation so the powder pesticide can be injected onto a blind space behind a wall suspected of harboring insects without the powder pesticide contacting the insulation. The means for sealing the nozzle to prevent the powder pesticide from spilling into a living space during use is one of an “O” ring and a ribbed seal. The insert has a plurality of fins engaging a locking tab on the plug. The means for preventing back flow is a check valve. The means for selectively covering a first end of a tube on the plug is one of a door and a cap.

Abstract: A mosquito dispersing device having means for generating a mosquito dispersing pitch pattern having a frequency in the range of at least one of a wing beat frequency of a dragonfly and a wing beat frequency of a damselfly, means for generating a signal having a frequency of the mosquito dispersing pitch pattern for use with an amplifier, and means for amplifying the signal to power at least one speaker to produce vibrations of the mosquito dispersing pitch pattern in a dispersing area to rid the area of mosquitos.

Abstract: Traps are disclosed for controlling flying insects such as wasps. The traps are pre-packaged with attracting liquid prior to sale, and then sealed with a peel-off film in a manner that prevents leakage prior to use. When the trap is about to be used, the peel-off film is removed to expose both a trap entry and a pivotable stand. A rain/sun shield is then mounted on the stand, preferably with the upper portion of the stand projecting through the shield to form part of a hanger.

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 also includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites received within the interior volume of the station. The aggregation base includes at least one void for forming an aggregation site for the termites. The apparatus further 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.

Abstract: A termiticide dispensing system, installed prior to pouring the slab foundation of a building, has a plurality of tubular units of minimal length, each having a single inlet and a single outlet, positioned and secured so that the inlet end will extend above the slab, in a location accessible after building completion, and the outlet end will extend through the slab to the underlying soil adjacent a water or drain line, so that a controlled quantity of termiticide may be dispensed through the slab, directly to each potential termite access point.

Abstract: A pest control device and a method of deploying the device. The device comprises a housing provided with at least one opening which is closed or sealed by a material arranged to degrade in an environment in which the device is located, thereby allowing eventual access to the interior of the device. The method comprises providing the device with the temporarily sealed or closed opening(s), a pest behavior-modifying agent located in the interior of the device housing, and a feature for causing oscillatory motion of the housing while in free-fall motion. The device is then caused to fall from a height into or on to an area in which pest control is desired.

Abstract: A device for safely exterminating and removing insects and their nests includes a mesh basket supported on the distal end of a telescopically extendable pole. The basket is structured to partially collapse and includes a rubber gasket around an open top for sealed engagement against the surface surrounding the nest, thereby effectively containing the nest and capturing flying and crawling insects in the basket. A pressurized canister containing a chemical substance snaps into operable position on the pole, near the basket. A handle on the proximal end of the pole includes a trigger for actuating release of the chemical substance from the pressurized canister and towards the nest, thereby killing the captured insects. A blade supported within the basket enables removal of the nest from the surface after all of the insects have been exterminated. A splash shield removably attaches to the pole, below the basket, to protect the user from the chemical sprayed on the nest.

Abstract: An ant exterminating apparatus operates to exterminate an ant colony using a energy producing element secured within a housing. The ant exterminating apparatus further includes a cover that is pivotally attached to a base plate. The cover is pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and an energy producing element is affixed to the cover to quickly generate radiation or heat energy between the cover and the base plate upon command of either the user or a conventional timing device. Bait is placed within the housing to attract the worker ants, and the energy producing element is activated periodically. The energy producing element will raise the body temperature of the ants such that the ants will die while feeding on the bait or soon thereafter, thereby destroying the colony.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed whereby an assurance agreement with a building owner is made for annual or other periodic insect inspections. Monitors are placed within the treatment zone and annual or other required inspections are thereafter made to determine insect activity and to evaluate termiticide effectiveness. Appropriate corrective action as necessary is taken to protect the building from damage caused by insects such as termites.

Abstract: A bait station for crawling insects includes a base and a cover fastened to the base. The base includes a bait cup bisected by a divider wall so that different baits may be offered to the insects. The cover has a roof that is spaced above and spans over the bait cup so that insects may crawl through doorways formed in the cover to access the bait in the bait cup. A support rib extends downwardly from the roof to engage the bait cup and divider wall to not only provide crush resistance and support for the roof but also to provide a bait retention feature. The support rib may also be configured to serve as a reservoir for water or other insect attractant.

Abstract: A foundation fumigation system includes a fumigant container assembly. The fumigant container assembly contains a quality of fumigant to be applied around a foundation of a structure. The fumigant container assembly has a valve portion for selectively releasing the fumigant. A distribution control and monitoring assembly is operationally coupled to the fumigant container assembly. The distribution control and monitoring assembly facilitates the distribution of the fumigant. A distribution system is operationally coupled to the distribution control and monitoring assembly. The distribution system has at least one distribution member environmentally couplable to the fumigant container assembly. The distribution member facilitates distributing the fumigant around the foundation. The distribution system has a plurality of nozzle members. Each one of the nozzle members is in environmental communication with the distribution member.

Abstract: Detection and monitoring of flying insects of a given species can be facilitated by placing inside a lure-baited trap a microcontroller assembly that can sense and discriminate the presence of that species, usually by the sound it makes and then sending a positive report to a central monitoring station by satellite, internet, or antennae transmission. The central monitoring station receives the putative identifications of the targeted insect species, matched with the locations of traps responding positively, and then maps the locations of the positive trap responses.

Abstract: An assembly and method for termite ground monitoring, the assembly including an upwardly opening cylindrical housing defining an interior space; a removable lid having a flanged upper surface; a bait stick cradle fitted for downward extension into the interior space; and cradle suspending ties interconnecting the lid and the bait stick cradle; the method including steps of burying the cylindrical housing within the ground so that the interior space opens upwardly; inserting a bait stick into the bait stick cradle; inserting the bait stick cradle into the interior space; providing an extension arm having a slotted lower end; downwardly extending the extension arm toward the lid, and engaging the slot with the lid's flange; and upwardly retracting the extension arm, the lid, the bait stick cradle, and the bait stick for inspection of the bait stick.

Abstract: An electrically operated, self contained device that eliminates mosquitos by attracting the mosquitos to lay their eggs in trays of water provided in the device and periodically filtering the eggs from the water. The eggs that have been filtered out of the water are then mechanically destroyed by crushing them. The filtered water is recycled to a water supply tank for reuse in refilling the trays of water in the device.

Abstract: A method and device for attracting insects involving the generation and/or release of particular amounts of carbon dioxide, in combination with an insecticide that does not repel such insects. Particular formulations as well as devices which incorporate such formulations for trapping, attracting and destruction of particular insects, including boring insects, such as termites and corn root worm insects, is set forth. Particular methods of administration of formulations and devices to enhance insect control and to prevent crop damage are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling vermin either directly or indirectly via objects giving shelter to the vermin. Cooling of the vermin is effected by providing dry snow particles by passing pressurized carbon dioxide through a nozzle directed at the vermin. Smaller and larger snow particle sizes are allocated within a selected range of sizes and velocities. Environmentally friendly and rapid control of the vermin is achieved, and an effectively functioning cooling system is provided, which, by the gradual supply of snow, executes cooling through different velocities and sizes of the snow particles. In a initial cooling phase small snow particles provide cooling by sublimating and giving off cold rapidly. Larger snow particles then penetrate through the gas barrier that is created by the sublimating small snow particles to maintain the cooling effect.

Abstract: A fire ant trap for eradicating fire ants at a mound includes a domed enclosure having a lower rim peripherally engaging the mound and secured thereat by stakes. A tubular auger is threaded at the top end and has a perforated beveled tip that rotates into the top of the mound. A fire ant agent is dispensed to the tip from an upper fill opening that is sealed by a removable cap.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices, kits, and methods for eliminating termite colonies. The kits, devices, and methods employ a termiticidal bait matrix containing a) a termiticide selected such that the termiticide causes death to about 50 to about 100% of termites within about 24 to about 84 days after the termites begin to ingest the termiticide or the bait matrix comprising the termiticide, b) a cellulose containing material, and c) water. The termiticidal bait matrix can be used in a bait station installed in the ground. The kits are suitable to be used by consumers in their homes.

Abstract: A transportable, positionable, directionable insect control system comprising a frame supported on one or more wheels for movement over the underlying surface and a handle for use in positioning the insect control system. A tank is mounted on the frame and a pump is employed to discharge an insect controlling chemical agent from the tank under the operation of a control system. The pump directs the insect controlling chemical agent from the tank through conduits to one or more discharge nozzles for discharge therefrom. The discharge nozzles are positionable to control the direction of discharge of the insect controlling chemical agent.

Abstract: Below ground kits, methods, apparatus and configurations for controlling arthropods such as termites, ants, and roaches. An embodiment has alternating layers of a first layer consisting of a mixture of a non-edible foraging matrix mixed with a slow-acting and non-repellant toxicant, where the first layer is adjacent to another layer of non-toxic edible/attractant materials allow for the treatment of different arthropods. The non-edible foraging matrix can be selected from at least one of: soil, gravel, rocks, pebbles, shale, and mixtures thereof. The nontoxic layer can include materials such as foam and cellulose. Different arthropods such as termites, fire ants, carpenter ants, and roaches can be treated with the subject embodiments.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed whereby an assurance agreement with a building owner is made for annual or other periodic insect inspections. Monitors are placed within the treatment zone and annual or other required inspections are thereafter made to determine insect activity and to evaluate termiticide effectiveness. Appropriate corrective action as necessary is taken to protect the building from damage caused by insects such as termites.

Abstract: There is provided an insecticide transpiration apparatus capable of transpiring insecticide at room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated pest control dust applicator device for remote applications, such as bug or bee or hornet spraying in high areas, e.g., trees, overhangs, porch roofs, dormers, eaves, etc. Thus, the automated pest control dust applicator device includes: an elongated support pole having a predetermined length and having a distal end and a proximal end; a dust dispensing nozzle located proximate the distal end of the pole, and connected to a dust reservoir; a conduit and a compressor, with appropriate controls. The dust reservoir is located at the distal end of the elongated support pole. The dust reservoir has an air inlet connected to the conduit, and has an outlet connected to the dust dispensing nozzle for dispersion of the dust. The conduit extends from the dust reservoir a substantial distance in length along the elongated support pole and is connected at its lower end to an air compressor.

Abstract: A termite indicator device (1) for indicating the presence of termites in a house is disclosed. The device (1) comprises a termite bait element comprising a plug (3) and a timber probe (4). The probe (4) is made of a material that is eaten by termites in preference to other timbers. The device is inserted into a hole (7) in a wall (8) having a wall cavity where the probe (4) will be accessible to termites occupying the wall cavity. The probe (4) is positioned lying on the bottom plate (14) of the frame within the wall cavity which is a main path of termite movement within the frame. The plug (3) and probe (4) are connected by a cord (5) and a plastic coupler (2) which enable the probe (4) to be withdrawn in a reverse direction through the hole in the wall. They also enable the probe (4) to lie flat on the plate (14). The plug (3) may be received within a collar (6) which is permanently mounted in the wall (8), e.g. by complementary screw thread formations.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly insect eradication method and apparatus for removing invasive insects from tunnels bored through and within trees and other similarly composed structures by providing a canister containing a pressurized, non-flammable, non-ozone depleting fluorocarbon propellent disposed therein with the propellent having a pre-use internal pressure in the approximate range of about 75 psig to 150 psig and where the pressure is sufficient to introduce some or all of the propellent into the internal portion of an insect tunnel bored in an invaded structure. A gas introduction nozzle is inserted into an entrance or exiting insect bore in such a manner so as to cause a valve mechanism, in operative communication with the nozzle and cannister to be displaced and allow the propellent to exit the canister and enter the internal portion of the invaded insect bore to displace or otherwise eradicate the insect.

Abstract: A package for mosquito control articles having a plurality of wells within a tray. At least one of the wells has a center post with spokes radiating from the post and forming segments within the at least one well. The mosquito control article is formed in sections with one section in each segment of the at least one well. The number of sections used to treat a body of water is determined by the surface area of the body of water and the predetermined amount of active ingredient in each section of the mosquito control article. A method of use is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for removing harmful biological and organic substances from an enclosure, vehicle or container includes protecting heat-sensitive articles within the enclosure. A plurality of temperature probes are positioned at predetermined locations within the enclosure. The air within the structure is heated to a predetermined temperature up to 400° F. to kill organisms and cause harmful substances in the enclosure to migrate into the ambient air. A negative pressure is created in the enclosure and the heated air carrying the harmful substances passed through a filter and is then vented from the enclosure and passed through a filter to remove the harmful substances from the heated air. The system effectively kills, molds, viruses and bacteria and reduces the levels of allergens and volatile organic compounds in the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicular mounted chemical and organic agent delivery. An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein an aluminum frame is utilized to mount a high power blower. The apparatus is designed to be mounted on a vehicle. A chemical or organic agent is loaded into a reservoir also mounted on the vehicle. By the use of a peristaltic pump, the chemical or organic agent is pumped into a nozzle and introduced into the wind flow, thereby allowing for airborne application of the agent. The apparatus has the ability to adjust the rate of the pump in accordance with a predetermined or constantly ascertained ground-speed. A user operates the vehicle and applies the chemical or organic agent at will.

Abstract: The system repels noxious flying insects such as female mosquitos from an intended area by broadcasting a series of ultrasonic turbulence waves over the area. The turbulence waves have frequencies which are multiples of the wing beat speed of the insects. The ultrasonic waves are inaudible to humans or animals and they cause the wings of the insects to fluctuate and vibrate such that the insect avoid flying into the intended area.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus includes RFID circuitry on a first substrate, and sensor circuitry on a second substrate. A receiving structure is associated with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and at least one connecting structure is associated with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry. The at least one connecting structure is removable received within the receiving structure. The invention also encompasses a method of forming an electrical apparatus. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate has RFID circuitry thereon, and the second substrate has sensing circuitry thereon. A receptacle is joined with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and has at least one orifice extending therein. At least one prong is joined with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: A method for delivering a pesticide adjacent a foundation of a structure is provided. The method includes injecting the pesticide into a tubular conduit positioned proximate to the foundation of the structure. The pesticide is injected into the tubular conduit at a rate such that the internal pressure of the tubular conduit remains below a threshold pressure of the tubular conduit until the tubular conduit is substantially filled with the pesticide thereby preventing the pesticide from being discharged through pores of the tubular conduit as the tubular conduit is being filled with the pesticide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing a volatile composition, which method comprises dispersing the volatile composition into an air steam; and generating an ion wind, thereby causing the molecules of the composition to become electrically charged.

Abstract: A sealant for sealing around electrical conductors and/or conduits extending through an opening in a pad into a transformer housing. The sealant includes an insecticide dispersed throughout the sealant to kill the ants or insects attempting to enter the transformer housing through the pad opening.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for distributing chemicals, such as mosquito inhibitor chemicals. The device includes a housing and a light source. The light source is positioned within the housing such that the light source can be used to illuminate objects located near the device. The housing also includes a chemical disperser capable of distributing the chemicals. A solar panel provides power to the device.

Abstract: Fluid, such as pesticide or the like, can be injected into a wall through each of a plurality of fluid-injection plugs that are mounted on the wall. Each plug includes a blind-ended bore and a fluid passage port that fluidically connects the blind-ended bore to the outside of the plug. A bore-closing plug is releasably mounted on each plug and is removed to provide access to the blind-ended bore and is then replaced to close the plug. Fluid, including air-entrained powdered substances, can be injected into the wall by connecting a suitable supply of the fluid to the blind-ended bore after the plug has been removed and forcing the fluid into the blind-ended bore. The fluid will then pass through the fluid passage port out of the bore and thus be injected into the wall.

Abstract: A novel method of positively directing termite activity by the use of radio waves. Also provided is a method of protecting a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation based on termite attractancy of specific radio waves.

Abstract: An indication device for monitoring a presence of a pest in a designated area includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of openings therethrough. A trigger is positioned within the housing and is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis. An indicating member is coupled to the trigger and is axially aligned therewith, and a bias element is coupled to the indication member and is coaxial to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A balance mechanism of an industrial robot is provided with a first balance mechanism for a first arm which is swingably mounted to a stand of the robot and a second balance mechanism for a second arm which is swingably mounted to a distal end of the first arm. The first balance mechanism includes a flexible coupling device such as, for example, a chain, led through a guide, which couples between a coupling element of a coupling member which is mounted to a center of angular movement of a proximal end of the first arm and a spring having one end fixed to the stand and which is moved in the direction of deformation when the first arm is angularly moved. The second balance mechanism includes a counterbalancer disposed in the opposite side to an operation side of the second arm and a center of angular movement of the second arm constitutes a fulcrum. The balance mechanisms can be applied to the robot without exchanging parts greatly even if the robot is installed in any position.