WO2002015684A1

WO2002015684A1 - Impregnated wood compositions useful for termite control

Info

Publication number: WO2002015684A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/026219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joe H. Hope; Eric J. Snell
Original assignee: Bayer Cropscience S.A.
Priority date: 2000-08-23
Filing date: 2001-08-22
Publication date: 2002-02-28
Also published as: AU2001285193A1

Abstract

Compositions useful for controlling termites, and methods of making and using the compositions, are disclosed. The compositions include wood impregnated with a termiticide, preferably an aryl-pyrazole termiticide. The compositions are preferably in the form of devices which include at least one surface adapted for foraging termites to investigate and/or to penetrate. Preferably, the surface is designed especially for termites to explore. The devices are also preferably adapted to be driven into the ground.

Description

Impregnated Wood Compositions Useful for Termite Control Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling termites.

Background of the Invention

It is known from the prior art that certain devices are provided to destroy termites and termite colonies. In particular, Tibstrates that provide a food source for termites in such devices are generally known to the person skilled in the art of termite control. Generally . such substrates are made of cellulose or wood, and are treated or impregnated or soaked with a toxin which is intended to be consumed by termites and removed to a colony site wherein the said termites transmit the toxin to other termites, with the intended effect of destroying the colony of termites, particularly the queen.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device which doses termites substantially by a contact effect. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which doses termites with a toxin, which device is an edible and/or digestible bait for termites.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new method of destroying termites and termite colonies.

These and other objects are met in whole or in part by the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

Compositions useful for controlling termites, and methods of making and using the compositions are disclosed. The compositions include wood (or other cellulosic materials) that has been impregnated with a solution of a termiticide, preferably an aryl pyrazole termiticide, more preferably fipronil. The wood is generally shaped in such a manner that it is adapted to be driven into the ground. The shape can be virtually any useful shape for that purpose, for example, round, elliptical, square, triangular, wedge shaped, pyramid shaped and the like. The amount of the aryl pyrazole is generally between 1 and 100 micrograms for a 2.54 cm X 0.5 meter round dowel, and the amount can be adjusted for different shapes and lengths. In a preferred embodiment, the wood includes grooves. While softwood and hardwoods can both be used, softwoods are preferred.

The wood can be in blockϊorm and optionally comprises a cavity which is partially or fully enclosed by the material of the solid. The wood in use also may comprise at least one surface adapted for foraging termites to investigate and/or to penetrate. The surface is one that has been designed especially for termites to explore.

l Detailed Description of the Invention

Compositions useful for controlling termites, and methods of making and using the compositions are disclosed. The compositions include wood (or other cellulosic materials) that has been impregnated with a solution of a termitidice, preferably an aryl pyrazole termiticide, more preferably fipronil. The wood is generally shaped in such a manner that it is adapted to be driven into the ground. The shape can be virtually any useful shape for that purpose, for example, round, elliptical, square, triangular, wedge shaped, pyramid shaped and the like. The amount of the termiticide is preferably between 1 and 100 micrograms for a 2.54 cm X 0.5 meter round dowel, particularly when fipronil is the termiticide, and the amount can be adjusted for different shapes and lengths. In a preferred embodiment, the wood includes grooves. While softwood and hardwoods can both be used, softwoods are preferred.

Definitions In general by the term "substantially digestible" is meant a substance that serves as a food source for termites. Such food sources are generally wood or wood products or those containing cellulose.

Wood The wood, as used herein, can be a softwood, a hardwood, or any other type of cellulosic material generally attacked by termites. Pine is a preferred softwood. By the term absorbent is meant that when the solid is contacted with an aqueous liquid, e.g. water, it absorbs the liquid and retains all or part of the liquid when removed from contact with it. The wood may also be considered a substantially hydroponic solid, that is a substance that provides a solid support and a supply of water to a thing in contact with the wood.

In one embodiment, the wood may be prepared by cutting an appropriately shaped block from a larger amount of wood. This may be done, for example, by physically cutting the block, stamping it in shaped form from, e.g. a sheet or by other means known to the person skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the wood, for example, the pine dowel, rod or the like, may be prepared as a composition with the termiticidal active ingredient and driven into a predetermined space to provide protection from termites.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wood may be resilient. By the term resilient, a solid may be squeezed, flexed, bent or otherwise deformed from its resting state. Certain types of wood, in certain thicknesses, are more flexible than others, as is known in the art.

In another aspect of the invention, the termiticidal composition includes one or more adjuvants or additives, for example, to facilitate dissolution of the termiticide in the composition. Generally the additive or adjuvant is non-repellent to termites, but may also be attractive to the termites. In a preferred embodiment/the adjuvant is a non-ionic surfactant. The adjuvant or additive, in another example, may also be added to assist the process of absorption of the liquid by the wood.

Generally the termiticidal composition impregnated into the wood is a liquid, preferably a true solution when contacted with the wood. In this way, a generally uniform distribution of the termicidal active ingredient may be achieved throughout the wood. The wood may be impregnated using known methods, for example, pressure treatment, including full-cell and empty-cell treatments as such are known in the art.

The termicidal composition when liquid, generally contains from 0.1 to 100 parts per million (by weight) of the termicide, preferably from 0.25 to 50 ppm.

In another aspect of the present invention, the wood carries from 30 to 90% of the amount of liquid it is capable of absorbing. Preferably the wood carries from 40 to 75% amount of liquid it is capable of absorbing. In this specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, percentages are by weight. In another aspect of the invention, the wood of the invention in use generally wicks an aqueous termiticidal composition to the surface of the wood. In this way, as a termite moves through the wood or on a surface of the wood, the wood provides more termiticidal composition to the surface just contacted by the insect.

^" In another aspect of the present invention, the surfaces of the wood may be coated with a substantially granular or dust or wettable powder dry composition and then wetted.

In another aspect of the invention, the surface of the wood is adapted for termites to investigate and/or penetrate may be a specific geometric shape andor comprise at least one means of fluid communication which increases the available surface area over which termites may travel. The at least one means of fluid communication may for example, be a hole in a surface that optionally extends to another surface of the wood. In another example the means may be a slot or groove which is on an outside surface of the wood and which optionally extends from one surface to another surface or is completely contained on one surface.

Examples of shapes of a hole include those that are substantially circular, semicircular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, T or X in cross-section. Examples of shapes of a groove or slot include those that are substantially circular, semicircular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, T or X in cross-section.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hole, groove or slot is from about 0.7 to about 30 mm width on a cross-section, preferably from about 2 to 10 mm width, more preferably from about 3 to 5 mm, most preferably from 3 to 4 mm width.

According to another aspect of the invention,-the wood is adapted in use to be receivable within a housing of at least one side, the housing being adapted for use in contact or fixed in the ground, or in contact with a locus where termites are or are expected.

By the term "adapted in use to be receivable within a housing" is meant that the wood may be placed vv thin a housing before or after placing the housing in the ground. In another embodiment, the wood is removably receivable within the housing. That is, after placing the wood in the housing, the wood may then be removed to check for the presence of or evidence of termite exploration of the wood.

The housing used with the wood may be of any substance known to the skilled artisan, and is preferably a plastics, metal, rigid foam, concrete, rock, or other petroleum based and/or polymeric substance. The housing may also be attractive and/or penetrable and/or digestible by termites. The housing optionally has at least one opening.

The wood may be adapted to be inspected for termite foraging and/or to be modified The adaptation may be e.g., visual inspection via a hole or slot or groove. For example, a hole may serve to allow termite movement, but also to allow inspection for termite activity or foraging; introduction of a termicidal composition; introduction of a bait, and the like. A hole may provide access to a borescope, which borescope may be used to allow viewing of termites or evidence of termites beneath a surface of the wood.

In another example, the adaptation may be the shape of the wood itself to allow removal from a hole or housing before visual inspection. In a highly preferred embodiment, the adaptation may be a defined space between the at least one housing and the wood such that in use the wood may be inspected through the space.

In a highly preferred embodiment, die wood is inspected from every 2 weeks to every 6 weeks, preferably every 3 to 5 weeks. Also the wood may be assayed during the inspection for the amount of termiticidal active ingredient comprised in the wood and may be rejuvenated or recharged on an as-needed basis.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the wood is in register with an opening in the housing. In another aspect of the present invention mere is provided an impregnated wood wherein the volurne:volume ratio of impregnated wood to housing volume is from 0.1:100 to 99:100, preferably from 1:100 to 95:100, more preferably from 20:100 to 90:100.

In another aspect of the present invention the wood is from 0.01 cubic centimeters to 3 L in volume.

In another aspect of the present invention, the-wood is from 1 square centimeter in total surface area to 10 square meters in total surface area. Suitable shapes include cylinders, rods, square pegs, square dowels, round dowels, triangles, wedges, pyramids, squares, rectangles and the like. The wood may also be provided in the form of pieces shaped to fit together with other pieces and, optionally, to fit into a housing therefor. The pieces may fit together leaving no substantial gap or may be adapted to leave a space within which termites may move. In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a combination of at least two pieces which, relative to each other define a void which is attractive to termite foraging on the surface of one or more of the at least two woods and or which allows in use the inspection of the combination for termite foraging. Generally the void is a slot, a groove or a hole, wherein the slot groove or hole has a width on cross-section of from about 0.7 to about 30 mm width, prefereably from about 2 to 10 mm width, more preferably from about 3 to 5 mm, most preferably from 3 to 4 mm. In another highly preferred embodiment, the wood is used in association with a termite bait which may or may not comprise a termiticide. The bait may be a wood or wood product, generally comprising cellulose. For example, a block of wood according to the invention may be placed with a wood stick in a hole or in a housing accessible to foraging termites. In another highly preferred embodiment the wood also comprises an effective amount of an attractant for termites, the effective amount being capable of attracting termites toward the wood from a distance. Generally the attractant may attract the termites from 0.05 to 1 meter distant from the wood.

Termiticide

Generally the termiticide is one or more compounds which is a chloronicotinyl insecticide; an insecticidal 1-arylpyrazole; an insecticidal 1-arylpyrrole; an insecticidal 1- arylimidazole; an insecticidal polychlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. chlordane, an insect growth regulator; chitin synthesis inhibitor such as hexafluramon, a macrolactone insecticide such as avemectin, ivermectin or abamectin ectoparasiticide; or another insecticide such as chlorfenapyr.

A highly preferred class of termiticidal active ingredients are insecticidal 1- arylpyrazoles of formula (I):

(I)

wherein:

Rl is cyano, acetyl, C(S)NH₂, alkyl, haloalkyl, C(=NOH)NH₂ or C^NNE^M^; Or Ri is a radical

R2 is S(O)nR3;

R3 is alkyl or haloalkyl; R4 is H, halo, or a radical selected from - R5R6, C(O)OR7, -S(O)mR7, alkyl, haloalkyl, -OR8, or -N=C(R9)(R10);

R5 and R6 are independently H, alkyl, haloalkyl, -C(O)R₇, COOR₇, or -S(O)rCF3; or R5 and R6 form together a divalent radical which may be interrupted by one or more heteroatoms preferably selected from sulfur, oxygen or nitrogen;

R7 is alkyl or haloalkyl; R8 is H, alkyl, or haloalkyl; R9 is H or alkyl;

RIO is phenyl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with one or more functional groups selected from hydroxy, halo, -O-alkyl, -S-alkyl, cyano, alkyl or combinations thereof;

X is N or a radical C-R12; Rl 1 and R12 are, independently, H or halo. R13 is halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, -S(O)qCF3 or -SF5; R14 and R15 are independently hydrogen, alkyl or haloalkyl; Rl 6 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl, or alkoxycarbonyl;

A is -O- or -MRi₇ wherein R17 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, acyl or alkoxycarbonyl; and m, n, q, r are independently 0, 1 or 2.

The alkyl and alkoxy groups of the formula (I) are preferably lower alkyl and alkoxy groups, that is, radicals having one to four carbon atoms. The haloalkyl and haloalkoxy groups likewise preferably have one to four carbon atoms. The haloalkyl and haloalkoxy groups can bear one or more halogen atoms; preferred groups of this type include -CF3 and - OCF3.

Preferably, the 1-arylpyrazole has the following substitution: Rl is CN; and/or R4 is -NR5R6; and/or R5 and R6 are independently H, alkyl, haloalkyl, -C(O)alkyl, or -C(O)OR7; and or X is C-R12; and/or R13 is halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, or -SF5.

A highly preferred compound is 5-amino-3-cyano-l-(2,6-dichloro-4- trifluoromemylphenyl)-4-trifluoromemylsulfmylpvrazole (Fipronil).

Another highly preferred compound may be chlordane or chlorfenapyr The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared using techniques known to those of skill in the art, including for example, processes disclosed in International Patent Publications No. WO 87/03781, WO 93/06089 and WO 94/21606, WO 97/28126; WO 99/62903 as well as in European Patent Publication numbers 0295117, 0403300, 0385809, and 0679650, German Patent Publication 19511269 and United States Patent Nos. 5,232,940 and 5,236,938, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Method of using the composition to control termites

The present invention also provides a method of controlling termites which method comprises placing at a locus where termites are or are expected to be an impregnated wood composition as described herein. The present invention also provides a method of using an impregnated wood composition comprising a termiticide to control termites at a locus.

The present invention also provides a product comprising an impregnated wood as described herein and a termiticidal composition for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the control of termites at a locus. For example, a reservoir of a liquid, e.g. water, is use in association with the impregnated wood described herein to provide a constant level of liquid in the wood. An optional regulatory means is provided with the impregnated wood and the reservoir to regulate the amount of liquid.

In another aspect of the present invention the termiticide is a delayed-action termiticide. For example, the termiticidal composition generally kills a majority of the termites which have been in contact with the composition from 4 hours to 120 hours after the said contact, preferably from 24 to 100 hours after contact.

In another aspect of the present invention the termiticidal composition does not require direct ingestion from a source of the termiticidal composition to have a termiticidal effect. Rather, the termiticidal composition is picked up by termites as they move through or across the surface of the wood.

The following examples illustrate the invention:

Example 1:

A generally cylindrical mass of pine of about 3.5 inches diameter by 5.25 inches length (about 9cm x about 13.3 cm) with a 1 inch by 5.25 inch (about 2.5 cm x 13.3 cm) cylindrical core removed from the center is fitted into a cylindrical plastics housing having no end surfaces such that one end of the wood is in register with one open end and the other end of the wood is recessed inside the cylinder.

Example 2:

About 300 mL of a 5 ppm solution of fipronil in water with the non-ionic surfactant Geronol® is prepared and the device of Example 1 is wetted to approximately 50% saturation of the wood with the solution. Example 3:

A substantially rectangular block of pine is prepared with dimensions of about 8.5 inches (about 21.5 cm) x 5.25 inches (about 13.25 cm) x 0.25 inches (about 0.6 cm). About 120 mL of the solution of Example 2 is contacted with the block.

Example 4:

A hole is prepared in the ground next to a foundation wall of a house. The hole is substantially cylindrical and vertical and is of a depth such that housing fits in the hole with the one end of the cylinder flush with the ground. The device of Example 2 is placed in the ground with the end of the cylinder having the impregnated wood in register with the end facing downward. The device of Example 3 is placed in overlying relationship with the housing and device of Example 1. Both devices are covered by a cover which substantially prevents inadvertent human contact with the devices and housing. The device is left for 10 weeks and is checked during this period for termites.

Example 5:

Example 4 is repeated each 3 meters around the foundation wall of a house. After 20 weeks, termite activity in the vicinity of the foundation wall is substantially decreased.

Example 6:

Example 4 is repeated in that a cylindrical dowel of pine (comprised of 4 - V4 cylinder elongate sticks is placed inside the void of the cylinder of Example 1 such that the dowel is in contact with the ground. After 20 weeks, termite activity in the vicinity of the foundation wall is substantially decreased. While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this application is intended to cover those various changes and substitutions that may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I . An impregnated wood composition useful for controlling termites, comprising a wood or other cellulosic material attacked by termites, impregnated with an effective, termite controlling amount of a termiticide. 2. The impregnated wood composition according claim 1 wherein the wood has at least one means of fluid communication.

3. The impregnated wood composition according to claim 2 wherein the means is a hole in a surface of the wood which hole does not extend to another surface.

4. The impregnated wood composition according to claim 2 wherein the means of fluid communication is a hole in a surface which hole extends to another surface.

5. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of claims 2-4 wherein the hole is substantially circular, semicircular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, T or X cross-section.

6. The impregnated wood composition according claim 3 wherein the means is a groove on an outside surface of the wood.

7. The impregnated wood composition according to claim 6 wherein the means is a groove of from about 0.7 to about 30 mm width on a cross-section, preferably from about 2 to 10 mm width, more preferably from about 3 to 5 mm, most preferably from 3 to 4 mm width. 8. The impregnated wood composition according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the groove is substantially circular, semicircular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-oval, T or X in cross-section.

9. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of claims 6-8 wherein the groove extends from one surface to another surface. 10. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of the foregoing claims which is adapted in use to be receivable within a housing of at least one side, the housing being adapted for use in contact or fixedly implanted in the ground, or in contact with a locus where termites are or are expected.

I I . The impregnated wood composition of claim 10 wherein the housing is attractive and/or penetrable and/or digestible by termites.

12. The impregnated wood composition of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the housing is a wood or wood product, plastics, metal, rigid foam, concrete, rock, or other petroleum based and/or polymeric substance.

13. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of claims 10-12 which is removably receivable from the housing.

14. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of claims 10-13 wherein the housing has at least one opening.

15. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims which wood is adapted to be inspected for termite foraging. 16. The impregnated wood composition of claim 15 which is adapted for visual inspection.

17. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the wood in use is removed from the housing before inspection for termites.

18. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 15-17 wherein the adaptation for inspection is an at least one groove and/or slot and/or hole.

19. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 15-18 wherein there is defined at least one space between the at least one side of the housing and the wood such that in use the wood may be inspected through the space.

20. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 12 to 19 wherein the ratio of wood volume to housing volume is from 0.1:100 to 99:100, preferably from

1:100 to 95:100, moτe preferably from 20:100 to 90:100.

21. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 14-20 wherein the wood is in register with the at least one opening of the housing.

22. The impregnated wood composition according to any of the foregoing claims which is from 0.01 cubic centimeters to 3 L in volume.

23. The impregnated wood composition according to any one of the foregoing claims which is from 1 square centimeter to 10 square meters in total surface area.

24. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticidal composition is a liquid composition. 25. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticidal composition is a wood composition, preferably a dust or wettable powder or granulated composition.

26. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 1-24 wherein the wood in use wicks the termiticidal composition to a surface of the wood. 27. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the wood is a softwood.

29. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the wood is a hardwood.

30. The impregnated wood composition of any one of claims 1- 28 which is resilient.

31. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticide is a delayed-action termiticide.

32. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticidal composition does not require direct ingestion from a source of the termiticidal composition to have a termiticidal effect.

33. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticidal composition kills a majority of the termites contacting the composition from 4 hours to 72 hours after the said contact.

34. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticide is a chloronicotinyl insecticide; an insecticidal 1-arylpyrazole; an insecticidal 1-arylpyrrole; an insecticidal 1-arylimidazole; an insecticidal polychlorinated hydrocarbon, e.g. chlordane, an insect growth regulator; chitin synthesis inhibitor such as hexafluramon, a macrolactone insecticide such as avemectin, ivermectin or abamectin ectoparasiticide; or another insecticide such as chlorfenapyr. 35. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticide is an aryl-pyrazole.

36. The impregnated wood composition of any one of the foregoing claims wherein the termiticide is fipronil.

37. A impregnated wood composition according to any one of the foregoing claims wherein the wood may also be provided in the form of pieces shaped to fit together with other pieces and, optionally, to fit into a housing therefor.

38. The combination of claim 37 wherein the pieces form an at least one slot, groove or hole.

39. The combination of claim 37 or claim 38 wherein the slot groove or hole has a width on cross-section of from about 0.7 to about 30 mm width, preferably from about 2 to

10 mm width, more preferably from about 3 to 5 mm, most preferably from 3 to 4 mm.

40. A method of controlling termites which method comprises placing at a locus where termites are or are expected to be a wood as defined in any one of claims 1-39.

41. The use of wood impregnated with a termiticide to control termites.

42. A product comprising an impregnated wood composition as defined in any one of claims 1-39 and termiticidal composition for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the control of termites at a locus.