AU2006200833A1 - Pest control device and method - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 REGULATION 3.2 Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor/s: Address for Service: WHITMIRE MICRO-GEN RESEARCH LABORATORIES, INC.

JAMES H. CINK, STEVEN R. SIMS, JONATHON D. BERGER, LEE M. WHITE, JEFFERY A. MARTIN, SR., and H. WAYNE MORAN.

E. F. WELLINGTON CO., Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, 312 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Southbank, Victoria, 3006.

Invention Title: "PEST CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD" Details of Associated Provisional Applications Nos: The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us.

1 C PEST CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD (Background of the Invention [0001] This invention generally relates to a pest control device, and more particularly to a method and system for termite interception and baiting, in the present S application being a 'divisional' patent application derived 00 C from Australian Patent Application No. 2004201221.

C( [0002] Many pests, such as termites, are serious threats Sthroughout much of the world to structures or other objects (1 containing wood or other cellulose containing components because these pests consume cellulose for nutrition.

Subterranean termites, which typically dwell in the soil, often form large colonies. Members of the colony forage for food and thus burrow galleries or passageways in the soil outwardly from the nest. Portions of the food located by the foraging termites are returned to the nest. Termites are also known to possess means for communicating the location of a food source to other termites within the colony.

[0003] Many pest control devices are known and are formed in a wide variety of configurations to monitor and eradicate the pests. One type of popular termite control device utilizes a monitoring food source made from a medium that is attractive to termites to encourage termites to begin feeding from the device. The termites are then eliminated by providing a toxicant-containing bait placed at the feeding point in the termite control device. In this manner, termite baiting results in the elimination or suppression of the entire termite colony, not just the members of the colony that reach the station site, because the toxicant-containing bait is brought to the nest with the returning termites.

Because a termite bait must be consumed by termites in order to be effective, a technique must be developed to consistently and repeatedly make the bait available for C consumption by members of a termite colony at a fixed point over a long enough period of time for the bait to have the intended toxic effect on the colony.

[0004] Typically, the toxic termite bait is applied only after contact has been established with a termite colony and termites are feeding from the station. Reasons for this include minimization of the amount of bait used, potential 00 C deterioration of bait if it is left in place for long periods CI of time in anticipation of prospective termite attack, Sminimization of the potential for unintended exposure of children and pets to the bait, etc. Therefore, it is conventional to first detect termites at the bait holder with a nontoxic medium while monitoring the site for termite activity. After termites are detected, the toxic bait is applied to the bait holder.

[0005] Such systems must be inspected periodically, such as every one to three months, to determine if termites are active within the bait holder. However, to accomplish this, a baiting system must deal with several issues that, left unresolved, make a baiting method and/or system less likely to succeed. For example, when inspecting the monitoring medium or the bait within the bait holder or when adding or replacing the toxic bait, the feeding site is typically disturbed. This may cause the termites to abandon the bait holder altogether.

Summary of the Invention [0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in said top wall, wherein said top wall comprises an upstanding 0 barrier spaced from said mouth, said upstanding barrier CI further comprising a retainer extending laterally from said upstanding barrier, whereby said top wall, said upstanding barrier, and said retainer cooperate to define a slot, said retainer further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said retainer toward said top wall; and a cap comprising an outer edge, whereby at least one tab 00 Cextends laterally outward from the outer edge of the cap, CI said slot of the housing adapted for receiving said at least S one tab upon rotation of said cap, said tab comprising at CI least one upstanding nib adapted to cooperate with said at least one protrusion to retain said tab in said slot when said slot receives said tab and said nib is rotated past said protrusion.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in said top wall, wherein said side wall includes at least one elongate opening extending upward from the bottom wall of the housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter and exit the housing, and wherein said top wall defines a slot; a cap comprising an outer edge, whereby at least one tab extends laterally outward from the edge of the cap, said slot of the housing adapted for receiving said at least one tab upon rotation of said cap to retain said tab in said slot when said slot receives said tab.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: C a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including Cl an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom 1) wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in said top wall, wherein said side wall includes at least one vertical, elongate opening extending from the bottom wall of the housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter 00 0 and exit the housing, and wherein said top wall comprises an CI upstanding barrier spaced from said mouth for inhibiting S debris from entering said mouth and a retainer extending CI laterally from said upstanding barrier, whereby said top wall, said upstanding barrier, and said retainer cooperating to define a slot, said retainer further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said retainer toward said top wall, said top wall further comprising an upstanding annular guide arranged about the mouth in the top wall,; a cap to cover the mouth in the top wall, said cap comprising at least one tab extending laterally outward from said edge of the cap, said slot adapted for receiving said at least one tab upon rotation of said cap, said tab comprising at least one upstanding nib adapted to cooperate with said at least one protrusion to retain said tab in said slot when said slot receives said tab and said nib is rotated past said protrusion, wherein said upstanding nib includes a chamfer on a leading edge of said nib facilitating the movement of said nib past said protrusion of said slot; and at least one rib extending between the top wall of said housing and the side wall of said housing for inhibiting rotation of the housing when the rib is located at least partially below the surface of the ground.

[0009] In preferred embodiments of the first and second aspects of the invention, the station is characterized by: D said top wall further comprising an upstanding 9 annular guide arranged about the mouth in the top )wall; and/or the station further comprising at least one rib extending between the top wall of said housing and the side wall of said housing for inhibiting rotation of the housing when the rib is located at least 00 O partially below the surface of the ground.

(Ni [0010] In preferred embodiments of the first aspect of Sthe invention, the station is characterized by: (N said upstanding nib including a chamfer on a leading edge of said nib facilitating the movement of said nib past said protrusion of said slot; and/or said side wall includes at least one vertical, elongate opening extending from the bottom wall of the housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter and exit the housing.

[0011] In preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the station is characterized by said slot being defined by an upstanding barrier spaced from said mouth, a retainer extending laterally from said upstanding barrier, and the top wall.

[0012] Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of such a device that permits termite detection and baiting in a manner where the transition of feeding termites from nontoxic to toxic bait is effected with minimal, if any, disturbance of the nontoxic bait feeding site; the provision of such a device that permits efficient removal and installation of a pest control toxin; and the provision of such a device that is simple to use.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the invention relates to apparatus for detecting and/or controlling O subterranean termites. The apparatus includes a station at CI least partially receivable within a subterranean cavity, the station having 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 including at least one void for forming 00 Can aggregation site for the termites. The apparatus further CI includes a replaceable container received within the interior S volume of the station and positioned adjacent the aggregation CI base, the container having at least one opening in a wall thereof facing the aggregation base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to an interior chamber of the container, and the container being sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the station without disturbing the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites within the aggregation base.

[0014] In another embodiment, the invention includes apparatus for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. The apparatus is at least partially receivable within a subterranean cavity accessible to termites and is also accessible above-ground by a user. The apparatus includes an aggregation base attractive to the termites received within the cavity, the aggregation base configured to form an aggregation site for the termites. The apparatus also includes a replaceable container received within the cavity adjacent the aggregation base. The container is sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the cavity and replaced with another container without removing the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites within the aggregation base. The container further includes at least one opening configured to allow passage of termites from the aggregation base to within the container.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites. The method includes providing a subterranean cavity accessible to the termites and inserting a station into the cavity such that it is at least partially received 00 C within the subterranean cavity. The method also includes CI positioning an aggregation base attractive to the termites in Sthe cavity, the aggregation base including at least one void (1 forming an aggregation site for the termites and positioning a replaceable container within the cavity adjacent the aggregation base, the container enclosing a monitoring medium attractive to the termites. The method further includes removing the replaceable container periodically to monitor the aggregation base to detect the presence of termites within the cavity, the replaceable container being sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the cavity without disturbing the aggregation base, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by the termites within the aggregation base.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the invention is a method for controlling or eliminating subterranean termites.

The method includes providing a subterranean cavity accessible to the termites, and inserting a station into the cavity such that it is at least partially received within the subterranean cavity. The method further includes positioning an aggregation base attractive to the termites in the cavity, the aggregation base including at least one void forming an aggregation site for the termites and positioning a replaceable container within the cavity adjacent the aggregation base, the container enclosing a bait both attractive and toxic to the termites. The method also includes removing the replaceable container periodically to C monitor the aggregation base to detect the presence of l termites within the cavity.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a replaceable container for use with apparatus for detecting and/or controlling subterranean termites, the apparatus having a substantially stationary aggregation base attractive to the termites for forming an aggregation site. The 00 O replaceable container includes a cup comprising a bottom and CI an imperforate sidewall defining an interior chamber, the Sbottom having at least one opening facing the aggregation CI base to permit the passage of termites from the aggregation base to the interior chamber of the cup. The container also includes a material received within the container, wherein the material comprises at least one of a monitoring medium attractive to the termites and a bait both attractive and toxic to said termites. The container is sized and shaped such that the container may be removed from the apparatus without substantially disturbing the aggregation base.

[0018] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective of an embodiment of the pest control device of the present invention; [0020] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective of the pest control device of Fig. 1; [0021] Fig. 2A is a perspective of a cap of the pest control device of Fig. 1; [0022] Fig. 2B is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective of the pest control device of Fig. 1; [0023] Fig. 2C is a section of the pest control device taken in the plane including line 2C--2C of Fig. 1; [0024] Fig. 3 is a perspective of an aggregation base used with the pest control device of Fig. 1; [0025] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective of a container Cl used in the pest control device of Fig. 1; 0026] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective of a bait container similar in construction to the monitoring container C' of Fig. 4 with a bait placed therein; [0027] Fig. 6 is a perspective of a cup portion of the Scontainer of Fig. 4; 00 [0028] Fig. 7 is another perspective of the cup of Fig.

CI 4; and

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[0029] Fig. 8 perspective of a lid portion of the C-I container of Fig. 4.

[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description [0031] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a pest monitoring and control station, generally illustrated by reference numeral in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Although the illustrated embodiment is particularly suitable for monitoring and controlling termites, it is contemplated that the invention may be used to monitor and control other pests, such as ants. As best illustrated in the exploded view of Fig. 2, the station includes a substantially hollow housing 12 having an annular side wall 14, a top wall 16 extending generally laterally outward from the side wall, and a bottom wall 18 extending generally laterally inward from said side wall. An inner surface 18A of the bottom wall 18 is depicted in Fig. 2. The side wall 14 and bottom wall 18 define an interior volume A portion of the top wall 16 of the housing 12 includes an open mouth 21 exposing the interior volume 20 for access to the interior volume. The station 10 receives one or more of an aggregation base 22, a monitoring container 24, and/or a O bait container within the interior volume 20 of the housing C' 12.

S[0032] Referring now to Figs. i, 2, 2A, and 2B, top wall 16 of the housing 12 further comprises an upstanding barrier C' comprising several portions, each portion generally indicated 88, spaced from the mouth 21 (see Figs. 2 and 2B) for Sinhibiting debris from entering the mouth. In the embodiment 00 shown, four upstanding barrier portions 88 are depicted, CI although a greater or fewer number of upstanding barrier

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Sportions may be utilized without departing from the scope of CI the present invention. Two of the respective upstanding barrier portions, generally indicated 88', have three sections, a first circumferential section 88A, a radial section 88B extending radially outward from the first circumferential section, and a second circumferential section 88C extending circumferentially from the radial portion. A retainer 84 extends laterally from the radial portion 88B and the second circumferential portion 88C of the upstanding barrier 88, generally parallel to the top wall 16. The top wall, the upstanding barrier 88, and the retainer 84 cooperate to define a slot 32 (see Fig. 2B). The retainer 84 includes two protrusions 90 extending from the retainer 84 towards the top wall 16 of the housing 12. As shown in Fig.

2B, the top surface 16 further comprises an opening 26 positioned beneath each retainer 84, the purpose of which will be discussed below. The top wall 16 of the housing 12 further includes an upstanding annular guide 80 arranged about the mouth 21.

[0033] Referring again to Figs. i, 2, 2A, and 2B, a cap 28 is removably received on the top wall 16 to cover the mouth 21 of the housing 12. The cap 28 is removably secured to the top wall 16 of the housing 12. The cap 28 has a pair of tabs 30 extending laterally outward from an outer edge of the cap. Upon engagement of the cap 28 with the top wall 16 and rotation of the cap clockwise with respect to the housing 12, the slots 32 are adapted to receive the tabs 30, for 1 securing the cap 28 to the top wall of the housing 12. Each tab 30 has a pair of upstanding nibs 74 (see Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C). The nibs are adapted to cooperate with the protrusions 90 of retainer 84 to retain the tabs 30 in the Mslots 32, and to hold the cap 28 securely on the housing 12, 00 O when at least one upstanding nib 74 is rotated past a C' corresponding protrusion 90. The tabs 30 each include a Schamfer 34 on a leading edge 36 of the tab 30. As the cap 28 0 rotates clockwise, the chamfer 34 facilitates movement of the nib 74 past the protrusion 90 of the slot 32 for positioning the tab 30 under the retainer 84 within the slot. Each of the upstanding nibs 74 also includes a chamfer 76 along a leading edge of the nib 74. As the cap 28 rotates clockwise, the chamfers 76 help guide each nib 74 past the protrusion of the retainer 84. Moreover, the tabs 30 may flex slightly toward the top wall 16, and into a respective opening 26, as the nibs 74 move past the protrusions 90. This flexure of the tabs 30 into respective openings 26 reduces the force required to rotate the move the nibs 74 past the protrusions Fig. 1 shows the cap 28 in its retained position covering the mouth 21 and with tabs 30 received in respective slots 32. Other suitable means for securing the cap 28 to the top wall 16 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In one embodiment, the housing 12 is formed from a durable, corrosion resistant material, as for example, an acrylic or high-strength plastic. Although shown as having a generally cylindrical shape, the housing 12 may be any other suitable shape, such as rectangular. In one embodiment, the station 10 has a maximum height of less than about 18 inches (457 mm) and a maximum diameter, or width, of less than about 12 inches (305 mm), and in another embodiment the station has D a maximum height of less than about 9 inches (229 mm) and a CI maximum width of less than about 4 inches (102 mm).

)[0035] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the station includes at least one opening 37 passing through the side wall 14 to permit the ingress and egress of termites into and out of the interior volume 20 of the station. In the Membodiment shown, the side wall 14 has several vertical, 00 C elongated openings 37 therein extending substantially the CI entire length of the side wall. As used herewith, vertical S is used in reference to the orientation of the station CI with the top wall 16 facing in an upward direction. It is contemplated, however, that other shapes and orientations for the openings may be used. For example, the openings may be horizontal elongated openings, or may be circular openings randomly placed or formed in a repeating pattern.

Additionally, there may be openings 37 in the bottom wall 18 leading to the interior volume 20. In an alternate version, the openings 37 are formed only in a lower portion 38 of the side wall 14 of the housing 12 and extend from the bottom wall 18 of the housing to some distance from the top wall 16, such that an upper portion 39 of the side wall 14 near the top wall of the housing is imperforate.

[0036] The station 10 includes at least one rib 82 extending between the top wall 16 and the side wall 14 of the housing 12. With the station 10 installed in the ground, the rib 82 helps inhibit rotation of the housing 12 within the ground. In addition, the rib 82 acts as a gusset for supporting the top wall 16 and the side wall 14 of the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the station has four such ribs 82 for inhibiting rotation of the housing 12.

[0037] In use, the station 10 is at least partially received within a cavity accessible to termites, while still being accessible via the open mouth 21 by a user. The cavity may be a subterranean cavity, or may be a cavity within a wall or other framework of a building or other above-ground 1 structure. The cavity may be formed in the soil, or the cavity may be formed in a paving material, such as concrete or asphalt, with soil beneath the paving material. In one embodiment, the station 10 is substantially entirely received within the cavity such that only the top wall 16 and the cap 00 O 28 are accessible above ground. In some situations, however, CI the station 10 may be nearly entirely on top of the ground, Ssuch that the cavity is very shallow.

(1 [0038] In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the aggregation base 22 is received within the interior volume of the housing 12 such that it is positioned adjacent the lower portion 38 of the side wall 14 so that the elongate openings 37 expose the aggregation base 22 to the subterranean cavity. The monitoring container 24, or alternately the bait container 25, is then received within the interior volume 20 of the housing adjacent the aggregation base 22. It is also contemplated that the aggregation base may be formed as a tube with a hollow interior for receiving the replaceable monitoring container 24, or bait container [0039] Alternately, the aggregation base 22 is received directly within the subterranean cavity, without the housing 12. For example, when the aggregation base 22 is to be used in a more durable environment where there is little possibility that sidewalls of the cavity will collapse around the aggregation base 22, such as, for example, in paving material, the aggregation base 22 can be placed directly into the cavity. The monitoring container 24 or the bait container 25 then may be positioned in the cavity adjacent to, and in the embodiment shown directly above, the aggregation base 22. In such an embodiment, there is no need for a housing to receive the aggregation base 22 and the S containers 24, 25. A suitable cap, designs of which are C known in the art, would then be placed over the cavity to 1 secure the aggregation base 22 and container 24, 25 within the cavity. However, in the above embodiments, the aggregation base 22 is located in the cavity or station 10 in a substantially stationary manner so that there is minimal disturbance to the aggregation site and the termites while 00 S the container 24, 25 is being inspected, removed, and/or CI replaced.

S[0040] Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the CI aggregation base 22. In the illustrated example, the aggregation base is formed in a generally cylindrical shape such that an outer surface 40 of the aggregation base faces the interior of the sidewall 14 of the station 10 or cavity when placed in service. Other versions of the aggregation base may have different geometric shapes suitable for use depending on the cavity into which the base is received. In an embodiment of the aggregation base 22 to be received within the interior volume 20 of the station 10, the aggregation base 22 has a shape similar to the shape of the housing 12 with a width slightly less than an inner width of the housing 12 so that the aggregation base 22 may be removably received in a snug fitting relationship within the housing 12. The aggregation base 22 has a void 42 substantially centrally located within the aggregation base 22 which is suitable for an aggregation site for termites.

The aggregation base 22 includes channels 44 passing through the aggregation base 22 from the outer surface 40 inward to the void 42. The channels 44 guide the termites from the outer surface 40 to the aggregation site in the void 42 of the aggregation base 22. In one embodiment, the aggregation base 22 is made from a cellulosic material attractive to termites, such as wood.

C [0041] Alternately, the aggregation base 22 may be made l of plastic or other suitable material and filled with cellulosic material, such as paper, cardboard, compressed tablets, or other suitable feeding material and may have holes providing access to the feeding material. In such a version, the aggregation base 22 may be similar in construction to the container 24. Additionally, the 00 C aggregation base may be made from a foam material. In some CI of these embodiments, the aggregation base may not have a Svoid space free of material, but the base is still configured Cl so that termites feeding on the aggregation base or material within the aggregation base will form an aggregation site within the base.

[0042] Referring now to Figs. 4-6, the monitoring container 24, or bait container 25 of similar construction, comprises a cup 50. The cup 50 may have an accompanying lid 52. As illustrated, the cup 50 has a bottom wall 54 (see Fig. 6) opposite the lid 52 so that the container 24, 25 is configured as a closed cylinder defining an interior chamber 53 to complement the configuration of the housing 12. The bottom wall 54 is described as the surface adjacent the aggregation base 22 when the container 24, 25 is placed in the station 10 in an operational fashion, and for convenience, the lid 52 comprises the opposite surface.

However, it is contemplated that the container 24, 25 may also be inserted into the station 10 with the lid 52 adjacent the aggregation base 22. An outer width of the cup 50 is slightly less than an inner width of the housing 12 (Fig. 2) so that the cup may be removably received within the housing.

In one embodiment, the container 24 is made of plastic.

[0043] Referring to both Figs. 4 and 5, a suitable material such as a monitoring medium 55 (see Fig. 4) that is attractive to termites may be received within the chamber 53 of the monitoring container 24. A suitable material such as C bait 57 (see Fig. 5) which is both attractive and toxic to Cl termites may be received within the chamber 53 of the bait container 25. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the monitoring medium 55 and the bait 57 are in the form of tablets that are easily insertable into the chamber 53. As would be understood by one skilled in the art, bait 57 may S also be formed as the smaller tablet size shown in Fig. 4, 00 Cand monitoring medium 55 may also be formed as the larger CI tablet size shown in Fig. 5, without departing from the scope S of the present invention. Use of the monitoring medium CI and the bait 57 will be more fully discussed below.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the combined length of one container 24, 25 and the aggregation base 22 is less than the length of the housing 12 so that the container 24, 25 can be received within the housing 12 in a manner which will not interfere with placement of the cap 28 to cover the mouth 21 of the housing 12. In yet another embodiment and for reasons which will be more fully discussed below, the lid 52 and/or the cup 50 are transparent (or at least partially transparent).

[0045] As shown in Fig. 6, the cup 50 has openings 66 in the bottom wall 54 facing the aggregation base 22. The openings 66 in the bottom wall 54 lead to the interior of the cup 50 when the container 24, 25 is received in an operational position within the housing 12 thereby allowing the termites to move from the aggregation base 22 to within the interior of the cup. Multiple openings 66 in the bottom wall 54 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, but a single opening design is also contemplated. For example, the cup may have a single opening 66, such as with a slightly irregular shape cloverleaf shape). Additionally, it is contemplated in some versions that the cup 50 may have holes in the sidewalls thereof. The termites must have access to the openings 66 in the cup 50 from the aggregation C base 22. In one embodiment, small legs 68 on the bottom wall CI 54 of the cup 50 space the cup from the aggregation base 22 Sto provide a gap for termite exploration.

[0046] The container 24, 25 is configured to be c- replaceably received adjacent the aggregation base 22 (see, Fig. such that the container may be removed, S inspected, and/or replaced without disturbing the aggregation 00 Cbase 22, thereby preserving any aggregation site formed by CI the termites in the aggregation base, such as within the void

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C42. During use, either the monitoring container 24 or the c-I bait container 25 can be positioned adjacent the aggregation base 22, without disturbing any aggregation site within the aggregation base.

[0047] The lid 52 of the respective containers 24, also may have openings 70 (see Fig. the openings allow the termites to move into and out of the container through the lid of the container. Additionally, the openings inhibit the container 24, 25 from floating if the station or cavity fills with water, by allowing air to escape the container. Also, if the monitoring medium 55 or bait 57 received within the containers 24, 25 becomes water soaked and expands, the openings 66, 70 provide room for expansion, yet keep the monitoring medium or bait inside the containers.

It will be understood that a single opening 70 or any number of openings may be used. In the embodiment shown, sides 72 of the cup 50 are free of openings so that termites passing through the openings 37 in the housing 12 are driven down to the aggregation base 22 and the initial aggregation site is formed in the aggregation base. However, when the cup 50 is used as a monitoring container 24, openings may also be included in the sides.

[0048] The lid 52 is removably secured to the cup using any suitable means. Referring to Fig. 7, in one embodiment, the cup 50 has several recesses 59 near a top rim C 58 thereof. Fig. 8 illustrates corresponding flanges 60 on CI the lid 52 that are received in the recesses 59 to secure the lid to the cup 50, such as with a snap-fit connection.

Alternately, a circular threaded portion (not shown) of the cup 50 extends upwardly, and a complementary threaded base portion (not shown) of the lid 52 is removably securable to Mthe cup by screw threads.

00 C [0049] In operation, a cavity of appropriate dimensions CI can be made in the soil for positioning of the station S Typically, the aggregation base 22 and monitoring container CI 24 are placed inside the station housing 12, and the station is then inserted or pressed into the cavity until the top wall 16 of the station housing is near the soil surface.

However, in some instances, such as when there is a known presence of or conditions conducive for termites, it may be desirable to directly begin using the bait container 25 with the aggregation base 22 and not use a monitoring container 24. Alternatively, the aggregation base 22 is placed directly into the cavity. The container, either 24 or 25, is then placed into the cavity adjacent the aggregation base 22.

The description below will describe the aggregation base 22 as being placed within the station 10, but it is contemplated that the aggregation base may be placed adjacent to the monitoring container 24 or bait container 25 without the use of a station 10 as described above. Termites locate the station 10 and the aggregation base 22 as the result of their foraging in search of food sources.

[0050] As termites approach the outside of the station they quickly enter through the openings 37 and move inside to find the aggregation base 22, which is a potential food source. The openings 37 in the housing 12 encourage the termites to quickly pass through the side wall 14 to the aggregation base 22. If the termites enter through the openings 37 and contact the container 24, 25 above the C aggregation base 22, the imperforate sidewalls of the CI container direct the termites down along the elongate S openings 37 to the aggregation base 22. The channels 44 encourage the termites to enter the aggregation base 22 and begin to use the internal void 42 created by the base as an aggregation site. The void 42 creates a stopping area in the S center for aggregation. Once inside, they will move toward 00 C the top of the aggregation base 22 and into the monitoring

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C container 24. Because only the monitoring container 24 is Cremoved to monitor for termite activity, the aggregation base CI 22 remains undisturbed, thereby maintaining the void 42 of the aggregation base and the aggregation site therein intact.

[0051] The station 10 can be inspected periodically for evidence of termite infestation by visually examining the monitoring container 24 for signs of infestation. Inspection of the station 10 can be performed weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. as needed or desired. An inspection is performed by removing the cap 28 and visually inspecting the chamber 53'of the monitoring container 24 or the aggregation base 22 for termite attack. Because of the nature of termite attack against a cellulosic material, such as the monitoring medium 55 or the aggregation base 22, visible signs or evidence of such attack will invariably be left on the monitors. This evidence can include, for example, exploratory tunnels built by termites as they consume the material in such a way that telltale signs of termite infestation are left on the surface of the material and/or mud tubing constructed over and across the interior surface of the station housing 12 or monitoring container 24. Such signs of infestation would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art of termite damage detection. If termite attack is discovered, the station 10 is baited by replacing the monitoring container 24 with a bait container Alternately, the monitoring medium 55 can be removed and C replaced with the bait 57. If no termite attack is CI discovered, the monitoring container 24 is returned to the Sstation 10. The cap 28 is replaced and the station 10 is inspected again after the appropriate interval.

I [0052] Termites consuming the aggregation base 22 will discover and transition to feeding upon the nearby monitoring f medium 55 in the monitoring container 24. This can be for 00 Cone or more reasons. If the monitoring medium 55 is of a CI consistency more preferred by termites than the aggregation Cbase 22, then termites may cease to consume the aggregation CI base and transition to consuming the monitoring medium before the entire aggregation base is consumed. If termites continue to consume the aggregation base 22, the termites will still transition in the normal process of termite foraging to consuming the monitoring medium 55 when the aggregation base is entirely consumed. Because the monitoring medium 55 is nearby and is of a nature preferably consumed by termites, they invariably begin consuming the monitoring medium.

[0053] Once termites have been discovered attacking the monitoring medium 55 or the aggregation base 22, the station is baited with the toxicant containing bait 57. In one embodiment, the monitoring container 24 is removed and replaced with the bait 57 in bait container 25. The toxicant-containing bait 57 may be in the form of purified cellulose toxicant delivery tablets. One suitable termite bait composition is described in co-assigned U.S. Patent No.

6,416,752 entitled "Termite Bait Composition and Method", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0054] The toxicant in the bait 57 of one exemplary embodiment is of the delayed-action type, or an insect growth regulator, pathogen, or metabolic inhibitor. The bait 57 comprises a nontoxic bait composition to which the pesticide C toxicant is added. Any suitable termite pesticide CI composition may be used in connection with the present 1) invention. In one embodiment, the bait 57 is in the form of tablets (see Fig. For example, in one suitable embodiment, the bait 57 comprises at least one compressed tablet having a mass of between about 10 grams (0.35 ounce) and about 45 grams (1.6 ounces). In another embodiment, the 00 C bait 57 comprises at least one compressed tablet having a CI mass of between about 25 grams (0.88 ounce) and about S grams (1.4 ounces). In still another embodiment, the bait 57 CI comprises at least one compressed tablet having a mass of about 35 grams (1.2 ounces).

[0055] The removal, inspection, and/or replacement of the containers 24, 25 within the housing 12 does not substantially disturb the pre-existing network of access galleries or passageways previously established between the termite colony or nest and the aggregation site in the aggregation base 22 since the aggregation base is not displaced during removal and substitution of the container.

Thus, the disturbance of the aggregation site in the aggregation base 22 is minimized, reducing the likelihood that the termites will abandon the feeding site. Also, communication and access between the pesticide-containing bait container 25 and the termite colony is quickly established upon substitution of the monitoring container 24 with the bait container. Foraging termites ingest the pesticide-containing bait 57 and also return portions of the toxic bait to the nest through the pre-existing network of passageways.

[0056] The station 10 is inspected at regular intervals every 15 to 120 days) to assess the extent of termite consumption of the bait 57. When the bait in the container has been substantially consumed, more bait can be added by removing the lid 52 and inserting more bait in the container C or simply by replacing the container with a fresh container.

CI Thus, during normal inspection and/or replacement of containers 24, 25, the aggregation base 22 is not removed and disturbance to the aggregation site is minimized. It may be necessary to periodically replace the aggregation base 22 once a year to freshen up the aggregation base). This Mhowever, is not usually done while termites are actively 00 C feeding from the site.

CI [0057] Thus, the present invention provides a control S system and method for effectively dealing with termites and CI reduces the likelihood that the termites will abandon the feeding system after inspections by providing an aggregation base 22 that does not have to be removed for inspection.

Instead, visual inspection for termite attack can take place with care taken to not move, remove or disturb the aggregating medium, the termites (if any) infesting the aggregating medium or any termite tunnels leading from the aggregating medium out of the pest control system to the termite colony.

[0058] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "the", and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0059] As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (10)

1. A station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom MS wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in 00 Csaid top wall, wherein said top wall comprises an upstanding CI barrier spaced from said mouth, said upstanding barrier S further comprising a retainer extending laterally from said CI upstanding barrier, whereby said top wall, said upstanding barrier, and said retainer cooperate to define a slot, said retainer further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said retainer toward said top wall; and a cap comprising an outer edge, whereby at least one tab extends laterally outward from the outer edge of the cap, said slot of the housing adapted for receiving said at least one tab upon rotation of said cap, said tab comprising at least one upstanding nib adapted to cooperate with said at least one protrusion to retain said tab in said slot when said slot receives said tab and said nib is rotated past said protrusion.

2. A station as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top wall further comprises an upstanding annular guide arranged about the mouth in the top wall.

3. A station as set forth in claim 1 or 2 wherein said upstanding nib includes a chamfer on a leading edge of said nib facilitating the movement of said nib past said protrusion of said slot.

4. A station as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said side wall includes at least one vertical, C elongate opening extending from the bottom wall of the CI housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter and exit the housing.

A station as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4 S further comprising at least one rib extending between the top 00 Cwall of said housing and the side wall of said housing for CI inhibiting rotation of the housing when the rib is located at S least partially below the surface of the ground.

6. A station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in said top wall, wherein said side wall includes at least one elongate opening extending upward from the bottom wall of the housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter and exit the housing, and wherein said top wall defines a slot; a cap comprising an outer edge, whereby at least one tab extends laterally outward from the edge of the cap, said slot of the housing adapted for receiving said at least one tab upon rotation of said cap to retain said tab in said slot when said slot receives said tab.

7. A station as set forth in claim 6 further wherein said slot is defined by an upstanding barrier spaced from said mouth, a retainer extending laterally from said upstanding barrier, and the top wall.

S8. A station as set forth in claim 6 wherein said top CI wall further comprises an upstanding annular guide arranged Sabout the mouth in the top wall.

9. A station as set forth in any one of claims 6 to 8 further comprising at least one rib extending between the top Mf wall of said housing and the side wall of said housing for 00 C inhibiting rotation of the housing when the rib is located at CI least partially below the surface of the ground. IND CI

10. A station for detecting and controlling subterranean termites, said station comprising: a housing comprising a side wall, a top wall including an open mouth, and a bottom wall, said side wall and bottom wall defining an interior volume accessible via said mouth in said top wall, wherein said side wall includes at least one vertical, elongate opening extending from the bottom wall of the housing to some distance from the top wall of the housing, said at least one opening allowing termites to enter and exit the housing, and wherein said top wall comprises an upstanding barrier spaced from said mouth for inhibiting debris from entering said mouth and a retainer extending laterally from said upstanding barrier, whereby said top wall, said upstanding barrier, and said retainer cooperating to define a slot, said retainer further comprising at least one protrusion extending from said retainer toward said top wall, said top wall further comprising an upstanding annular guide arranged about the mouth in the top wall,; a cap to cover the mouth in the top wall, said cap comprising at least one tab extending laterally outward from said edge of the cap, said slot adapted for receiving said at least one tab upon rotation of said cap, said tab comprising at least one upstanding nib adapted to cooperate with said at least one protrusion to retain said tab in said slot when Ssaid slot receives said tab and said nib is rotated past said CI protrusion, wherein said upstanding nib includes a chamfer on IC a leading edge of said nib facilitating the movement of said F4 nib past said protrusion of said slot; and c' at least one rib extending between the top wall of said housing and the side wall of said housing for inhibiting Srotation of the housing when the rib is located at least 00 partially below the surface of the ground. ID BA.5462A