AU2014221277A1 - Apparatus and System for Termite Control and Associated Methods - Google Patents

Abstract

-28 Abstract An apparatus (10) for termite control, the apparatus (10) including a body assembly (12) having a plurality of elongate members (32) which are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a channel (20) therebetween. Each of the plurality of elongate members (32) is formed from a sacrificial termite feeding material. The body assembly (12) may include a ground engaging end (22) and a top end (24), and the plurality of elongate members (32) may be arranged to extend at least partially between the ground engaging end (22) and the top end (24) such that the channel (20) extends between an entry (16) located toward the ground engaging end (22) and a termite control location (18) located toward to the top end (24). 65 r Figure 2

Description

-1 Apparatus and System for Termite Control and Associated Methods Technical Field [001] The invention relates to an apparatus and a system for termite control, in particular, the in-ground monitoring and control of termites. The invention also relates to a method of forming an apparatus and a system for termite control as well as a method of termite control using a termite control system. Background [002] There are a significant number of termite species that have destructive effects on houses, commercial property and various other structures. The damage from termite infestations results in huge economic losses, structural safety concerns, and sometimes the destruction of architecturally valuable structures. [003] Prior to the late 1990's, the most widely accepted method to control termite infestation was to create a chemical barrier around the structure to be protected by digging trenches or boring holes at regular intervals and pumping in or injecting a suitably registered insecticide into the soil. While the chemical barrier method is often effective, physical circumstances, environmental sensitivity or other concerns do not always make these methods of control the best option. [004] Accordingly, physical barrier technology has now been introduced for new construction situations and the technology of termite baiting has also developed which overcomes chemical barrier treatment disadvantages. [005] An approach known as integrated pest management relies on the assessment of risks and the deployment of a range of options such as: building out termites (physical proofing measures in design), termite monitoring, inspection of premises and baiting are all important controlling and assessment measures that can be deployed separately or collectively. The costs of termite monitoring and baiting are significant. The required frequency of site visits for inspection, baiting and termiticide application is a -2 critical point in the design of a program and reduction of the frequency will significantly reduce cost. [006] One of the main strategies of existing termite baiting technology involves burying isolated bait stations, around the perimeter of a structure on a property at regular intervals of 2.4 to 3.0 m (8 to 10 feet) for example. [007] These isolated bait stations typically including a plastic housing such as hollow tube with perforations and a removable top. The termite bait is located within the plastic housing and may include some type of wood or cellulose. [008] Once the bait stations are buried, the stations are then monitored for termites on a regular basis, e.g. on a monthly interval. When the wooden or cellulose bait is observed to be infested with termites, it is replaced with bait containing an active ingredient for killing or controlling the termites. Typically, the active containing bait is a paper or wood based product. [009] Accordingly, a disadvantage of known bait stations is that the plastic housing is non-biodegradable and may be required to be removed from the ground during or after use. In addition, the plastic housing is not consumable by termites and may act as a deterrent to foraging termites. [0010] Since each bait station has to be placed underground, holes must be dug at regular intervals. A hole size for bait station placement of approximately 5 cm (2 inches) or less in diameter is the most convenient size for current conventional one man power boring equipment. However, this 5 cm (2 inch) diameter hole size limits the amount of currently available wood or active bait that can be contained in the bait station. The bait loading capacity of current 5 cm (2 inch) bait stations therefore limits the time for monitoring and refilling the bait stations to approximately one month or less so as not to lose treatment opportunities once the food source has been consumed. [0011] A disadvantage of the relatively short monitoring intervals is that the termites are disturbed and it is known that termites may abandon areas that are disturbed too often.

-3 [0012] There are, however, some existing bait station designs having diameters of 10+ cm (4+ inches) that extend the monitoring time to 90 days, but installation requires the use of 10 cm (4 inch) post hole digging equipment. This in turn requires either large heavy equipment or very labour intensive manual posthole diggers. Furthermore, both existing methods generate substantial amounts of soil excavated from the holes which requires disposal that adds to labour costs. [0013] The invention described herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages or at least provide a useful alternative. Summary [0014] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided, an apparatus for termite control, the apparatus including a body assembly having a plurality of elongate members which are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a channel therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of elongate members is formed from a sacrificial termite feeding material. [0015] In one aspect, the body assembly includes a ground engaging end and a top end, and wherein the plurality of elongate members are arranged to substantially extend between the ground engaging end and the top end such that the channel extends between an entry located toward the ground engaging end and a termite control location located toward the top end. [0016] In another aspect, the plurality of elongate members are pre-treated with a termite control substance. [0017] In another aspect, the plurality of elongate members are each formed from a single piece of termite attractive timber. [0018] In another aspect, each of the plurality of elongate members are cylindrical. [0019] In another aspect, the elongate body includes side members extending substantially between the ground engaging end and the top end, the side members -4 being configured so as to support the plurality of elongate members between the side members in a lengthwise arrangement therebetween. [0020] In another aspect, the side members are arranged to provide further channels between the side members and the plurality of elongate members. [0021] In another aspect, the side members are formed from a sacrificial termite feeding material. [0022] In another aspect, the side members are formed from termite attractive timber which is pre-treated with a termite control substance. [0023] In another aspect, the side members each include an aperture adapted to receive a fastener to couple the walls to one another. [0024] In another aspect, the top end includes a cap adapted to provide visual inspection into the location. [0025] In another aspect, the cap is formed from a clear biodegradable plastic material. [0026] In another aspect, the plurality of elongate members terminate short of the cap so as to provide the termite control location in the form of a void between the cap and the ends of the plurality of elongate members. [0027] In another aspect, the ground engaging end includes a tip shaped to pierce the ground. [0028] In another aspect, the tip is formed from sacrificial termite feeding material. [0029] In another aspect, the tip includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastener to couple the tip to the side members.

-5 [0030] In another aspect, the plurality of elongate members each have a thickness which is less than the thickness of the side members. [0031] In yet another aspect, the apparatus further including a housing adapted to receive the body assembly to support and secure the body assembly in an assembled condition. [0032] In yet another aspect, the housing includes a bore through which the body at least partially extends and ground engaging stakes which extend from the housing. [0033] In yet another aspect, the housing is adapted to couple with at least one elongate termite attractive member which extends laterally outwardly relative to the housing. [0034] In yet anther aspect, the housing is formed from a termite attractive timber. [0035] The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the body assembly includes a recess in which a sensor is located, the sensor being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of at least one of moisture and temperature. [0036] In accordance with second aspect there is provided, a system for termite control including a plurality apparatuses as defined above and a termite attractive connector, the plurality the apparatuses being adapted for interconnection with one another by the termite attractive connector. [0037] In one aspect, each of the termite attractive connectors includes a sacrificial termite feeding material. [0038] In another aspect, the termite attractive connector is an elongate beam formed from a termite attractive timber. [0039] In another aspect, each of the plurality apparatuses is adapted to couple with the connecter such that the connector extends between each of the plurality apparatuses.

-6 [0040] In another aspect, each of the plurality apparatuses includes a fitting located intermediate to opposing ends of the apparatus so as to support and connect with the connector. [0041] In another aspect, the system includes at least three apparatuses which are interconnected by at least two connectors. [0042] In accordance with a third aspect there is provided, a method for forming a termite control apparatus, the method including the steps forming a channel structure by placing at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures adjacent one another. [0043] In one aspect, the step of treating the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures with a termite control substance. [0044] In another aspect, the method includes the step of substantially encapsulating the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures between side member structures. [0045] In another aspect, the method includes the steps of interconnecting the walls with a fastener to secure the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures therein. [0046] In accordance with a fourth aspect there is provided, a method for forming a termite control system including a plurality of termite control apparatuses interconnected by a connector, the method including the steps of coupling the connector between each of the of termite control apparatuses such that the connector forms a termite passage therebetween. [0047] In one aspect, the method includes coupling the connector at a location intermediate the ends of each of the plurality of termite control apparatuses.

-7 [0048] In accordance with a fifth aspect there is provided, a method for termite control using termite control system including a plurality of termite control apparatuses interconnected by a connector, the method including the steps of: inserting a ground piercing tip of each of the a plurality of termite control apparatuses into a ground surface such that each of the plurality of termite control apparatuses are substantially received in the ground surface at spaced apart locations; and forming a trench between the plurality of termite control apparatuses, the trench being sized to receive the connector which is arranged to span between the plurality of termite control apparatuses and connect therewith at locations at intermediate ends of the plurality of termite control apparatuses. Brief Description of the Figures [0049] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a apparatus for termite control; [0051] Figure 2 is an exploded parts perspective view illustrating parts of the apparatus; [0052] Figure 3 is a top cut away view illustrating the internal structure of the apparatus; [0053] Figure 4a is a top view illustrating section A-A which is shown in Figure 4b; [0054] Figure 4d is a side sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the apparatus as shown in Section A-A as shown in figure 4a; [0055] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the apparatus including a sensor system having a probe in communication with a data logger; [0056] Figure 6 is a partial cut away view illustrating the apparatus including the -8 sensor system, the probe and the data logger; [0057] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a system including a plurality of apparatuses and bridge members extending between the apparatuses; [0058] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of a termite control assembly including a connecting housing which supports a central sacrificial body and a series of connector members or beams; [0059] Figure 9 is an exploded parts view illustrating the termite control assembly as shown in Figure 8; [0060] Figure 10 is a perspective exploded parts view illustrating the central sacrificial body of the termite control assembly shown in Figure 8; [0061] Figure 1la is a top view illustrating the housing of the termite control assembly shown in Figure 8; [0062] Figure 1 lb is a side sectional view illustrating the housing of the termite control assembly shown in Figure 8; [0063] Figure 1 Ic is a bottom view illustrating the housing of the termite control assembly shown in Figure 8; and [0064] Figure 12 is a side sectional view of the termite control assembly as shown in Figure 8. Detailed Description [0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown an apparatus 10 for termite control and/or the monitoring of termites. The apparatus 10 may also be referred to as a terminate control device, a pod or bait station. The apparatus 10 including an elongate body assembly 12. The body assembly 12 includes a ground engaging end or tip 22, a -9 top end 24, and side members 26 extending substantially between the ground engaging end 22 and the top end 24. [0066] The body assembly 12 includes at least one sacrificial termite feeding structure 14. The sacrificial termite feeding structure 14 includes a channel 20 (shown best in Figure 3) extending from an entry 16 into a termite control location 18 within the sacrificial termite feeding structure 14 (best shown in Figure 4b). [0067] The top end 24 includes a cap 27 adapted to provide visual monitoring or inspection of the location 18. In this example, the cap 27 is formed from a clear biodegradable plastic material. The ground engaging end 22 includes pointed tip 23 adapted to pierce the ground surface and assist to secure the apparatus 10 in a vertical orientation within the ground in which the apparatus 10 is inserted, in use. [0068] The apparatus 10 includes connection members 28 which are located intermediate to the ground engaging end 22 and the top end 24. Four connection members 28 may be provided which are evenly spaced around the elongate body 12 of the apparatus 10 with each connection members 28 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the other of the connection members 28 (as best shown in Figure 3). In this example, each of the connection members 28 is cylindrical in shape and may be provided in the form of a wooden dowel which is irremovably receivable in a corresponding aperture 30 located in each of the side members 26 of the elongate body 12 of the apparatus 10. [0069] The apparatus 10 may have an overall length of about 30cm and a diameter of about 5cm. This allows the apparatus 10, in use, to be fully inserted into the top 30cm of the ground surface, typically top soil, with the top end 24 generally flush with the ground surface. [0070] Referring more specifically to Figure 2, the apparatus 10 is shown in an exploded parts view in a disassembled condition. The sacrificial termite feeding structure 14 of the body assembly 12 may include an assembly or plurality of elongate members 32 which are arranged to extend adjacent to one another so as to form the channel 20 there between (as is best shown in Figure 3).

-10 [0071] Referring more specifically to Figure 3, the plurality of elongate members 32 are arranged so as to form a bundle 33 having a plurality of channels 20 running lengthwise between the plurality of elongate members 32. The plurality of channels 20 in this configuration may be considered as a series of internal passageways through which termites may travel between the entry 16 and the termite control location 18. [0072] The plurality of elongate members 32 include a central member 34 and a series of outer members 36 which are arranged parallel to each other and to the central member 34. The outer members 36 are located in a radial direction relative to the central member 34 so as to be spaced around the central member 34. [0073] Each of the side members 26 includes a lower aperture 31 which is located toward the ground engaging end 22 relative to the intermediate aperture 30. The lower apertures 31 are arranged to allow the passage of a fastener provided in this example in the form of a connection member 54 between adjacent side members 26 to coupled or connect the side members 26 to one another. The side members 26 may be formed from a termite attractive and susceptible timber. The timber may be pre-treated with a termite control substance, as is further detailed below. Accordingly, in some examples, the side members 26 may be considered to form part of the sacrificial termite feeding structure 14. [0074] The tip 23 of the ground engaging end 22 includes two perpendicularly arranged arrow or diamond shaped tip members 56, 58 which are arranged to inter-fit with one another. The first tip 56 includes a slot 60 located at a top end which receives and fits with a corresponding slot 62 located on a bottom end of the second tip 58. The first tip 56 includes apertures 64 which are arranged to be aligned with apertures 31 of the side members 26 in the assembled condition. [0075] The tips 56, 58 each include a cut out 66, 68 on the respective top sides which when aligned with one another provide a base 70 to support and capture the bottom ends of the elongate members 32 including the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36. The tips 56, 58 may also be formed from a termite attractive and -11 susceptible timber. The timber may be pre-treated with a termite control substance, as is further detailed below. [0076] Referring additionally to Figure 3, the series of outer members 36 are arranged in pairs with each pair having a common plane being arranged substantially perpendicular to an adjacent pair. [0077] The central member 34 and the series of outer members 36 are each cylindrical in shape. Preferably, the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36 have a diameter of between 4mm to 12mm. In this example, the central member 34 has a diameter which is larger than the series of outer members 36 as the central member 34 forms a supporting core for the apparatus 10. Accordingly, most preferably, the outer members 36 have a diameter of 6mm and the central member 34 has a diameter of 12mm. When the plurality of elongate members 32 including the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36 and the side members 26 are bundled together the overall diameter is about 40mm, and most preferably 38mm. [0078] The plurality of elongate members 32 including the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36 may be formed from a termite attractive and susceptible timber. The timber may be pre-treated with a termite control substance, as is further detailed below. [0079] In this example, the apparatus 10 includes four side members 26. Each of the four sidewalls 26 includes a curved outer surface 40, a flat inner face 38 and flat sides 42 which extend between the curved outer surface 40 and the flat inner face 38. The flat inner surface 38 is arranged to abut the central member 34 when the apparatus 10 is in an assembled condition, and each pair of the series of outer members 36 is captured between corresponding flat sides 42 of opposing side members 26. [0080] Referring additionally to Figure 4a and 4b, in the assembled condition, the curved outer surfaces 40 of the side walls 26 form a circular profile such that the side members 26 can be captured within a circular lip 44 (as best shown in Figure 4b) of the cap 27 thereby assisting to secure the side members 26 together. The arrangement between the side walls 26 and the bundle 33 of elongate members 32 provides further -12 channels 52 (best shown in Figure 3) between the side walls 26 and the elongate members 32. Furthermore, the entry 16 of the channel 18 and the further channel 52 is proximate to the ground engaging end 22 and location 20 is proximate to the top end 24 (as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and further in Figure 4b). [0081] In the assembled condition, the central member 34 and the side walls 26 are dimensioned to abut with an underside surface of the cap 27. However, the series of outer members 36 are dimensioned to terminate short of the underside surface of the cap 27 so as to provide the termite control location 18, in this example a void 50, in which the termites may form a mud deposit between the series of outer members 36 and the underside of the cap 27. [0082] In this example, the series of outer members 36 are shorter than the side walls 26 and the central member 34 so as to provide the void 50 between the series of outer members 36 and the underside of the cap 27. However, other arrangements may also provide a similar void 50 between the outer members 36 and the underside of the cap 27. [0083] To assemble the apparatus 10 between the disassembled condition and the assembled condition, a method of assembly may be as follows. Placing at least two of the elongate members 32, which provide sacrificial termite feeding structures 14, adjacent one another so as to form a sacrificial termite feeding channel 20. The method further including the step of treating the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures with a termite control substance, as is further detailed below. [0084] The method may also further include the step of substantially encapsulating or holding the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures 32 with a side member or side wall members 26 and interconnecting the side members 26 with a fastener provided in the form of connection member 54 (as best shown in Figure 2) to secure the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures 32 therebetween. [0085] More specifically, the method includes the following steps. The elongate members 32 including the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36 are -13 formed into the bundle 33 and the four side members 26 are placed around the bundle 33 such that a pair of the series of outer members 36 is captured between each of the opposing set of side members 26. The tips 56, 58 may then be fitted together so as form the base 70 for the elongate members 32. [0086] The tips 56, 58 are then fitted to the bundle 33 and side members 26 with the top ends of the tips 56, 58 at least partially captured between the bottom ends of the side members 26 and the aperture 31 of the side members 26 is aligned with the apertures 64 of the first tip 56. [0087] The connection members 54 are then inserted through the aperture 31 of one of the side walls 26 so as to pass through the aperture 64 of the first tip 56 and be received in the aperture of an adjacent one of the side member 26. This secures the ground engaging end 22, the side members 26 and the bundle 33 together. The cap 27 may then be fitted to the top ends of the side members 26 which secures the side members 26 and bundle 33 together. The intermediate connection members 28 may also be connected to the intermediate apertures 30 located in the side members 26. [0088] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown an example of the apparatus 10 fitted with a sensor 90 system for the monitoring of termite activity within the apparatus 10. The sensor system 90 includes a sensor probe or unit 94 adapted for communication with a data logger 92. The sensor probe 94 may be fitted within a recess 91 formed within the body assembly 12. More specifically, in this example, the recess 91 may be formed within or alongside the central member 34 so as to extend from the top end 24 downwardly into the body 12 of the apparatus 10 toward the ground engaging end 22. The sensor probe 94 being located within or adjacent to the termite control location 18. [0089] The sensor probe 94 may be configured to measure at least one of moisture, humidity temperature or a combination thereof to provide an indicative measurement of any termite activity such as aggregation within in the apparatus 10. For example, if a substantial number of termites are present it is expected that the temperature and relative humidity of the wood would be increased and detected at the sensor probe 94 -14 which is itself fitted substantially within a termite susceptible structure, in this example, being the central member 34. [0090] The sensor probe 94 may be configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of at least one of moisture and/or temperature and this electrical signal may be received by the data logger 92. The signal may then be converted by the data logger 92 to a measurement such as temperature and/or moisture content which may be compared to a baseline value or to stored values associated with other apparatuses which have been measured. The data logger 92 may be any suitable computer device or data recording unit having a communication module 95 capable of wired or wireless communication with the sensor probe 94, a processor 96 and memory 97. The processor is operable by software stored in memory 97 to record signals from the sensor probe 94 and then store these signals in memory 97. The data logger 92 may have its own display or indicators or be adapted to communicate with a further display. [0091] Depending on the measurement value, which may be an isolated value or a value which is normalised in comparison values received from other apparatuses, the sensor system 90 may indicate that the apparatus 10 contains termites therefore needs to be attended to or may indicate that the apparatus 10 most likely does not include termites. The benefit of using such sensor system 90 is that the apparatus 10 does not need to be physically disturbed to check for termite activity. This assists to maintain the attractiveness of the apparatus 10 to termites and also maintains the longevity of the structure of the apparatus 10. Furthermore, the sensor system 90 allows for the measurements to be taken remotely and therefore reduces the need and/or frequency of visual inspections of each of the apparatuses 10. [0092] Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a system 100 for the control of termites including a plurality of apparatuses 10 as have been described above. The apparatuses 10 are interconnected by a connector or connecting beam 102 which spans between each of the apparatuses 10 and is coupled to the apparatuses 10 at the intermediate connecting member 28.

-15 [0093] The connecting beam 102 includes apertures 104 located at either end which is arranged to receive the connecting member 31 of each of the apparatuses 10 to which the connecting beam 102 is fitted. Accordingly, when assembled opposing ends of the connecting beam 102 abut with corresponding side members 26 of each of the apparatuses 10. The connecting beams 102 are formed of a sacrificial termite attractive feeding material and as such form termite attractive bridges between the apparatuses 10. [0094] As such, a complete or unified attractive feeding material is provided to lure the termites into the apparatus 10. It is also noted that the connecting beam 102 is arranged to extend between the apparatuses 10 at a depth intermediate the ends 22, 24 of the apparatus 10. The importance of this arrangement relates to the most likely foraging depth of termites in the ground as further detailed below. [0095] The system 100 may include any number of apparatuses 10 and connecting beams 102 and may be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. In this example, a simple straight-line structure is shown having three apparatuses 10 and two connecting beams 102. However, other structures may also be formed such as square or rectangular shapes or even hexagonal type patterns. [0096] The connecting beam 102 is preferably elongate in shape having a rectangular cross section. The elongate axis of the rectangular cross-section is aligned with the vertical axis of the apparatus 10 such that the connecting beam 102 presents a thin profile to the ground surface when being inserted into the ground surface. This allows the connecting beams to be inserted into a relatively thin slit or slot trench. [0097] In view of the above, it may be appreciated that all of the components of the system 100 including the apparatus 10 and the connector member 102 are biodegradable and/or sacrificial termite susceptible structures. For example, each of the side members 26, the elongate members 32 including the central member 34 and the series of outer members 36, the connection members 28, 54, and the tips 56, 58 may be formed from termite susceptible and attractive timber which may include a termite control substance. The connector 102 is also formed of termite susceptible and attractive timber. The cap 27 may be formed from a biodegradable substance. These -16 biodegradable components are generally more encouraging to termite feeding behaviours and more likely to be encountered and explored by termites when compared to the current systems and practices of installing separately located bait stations that utilise uniform synthesised bait matrices within a plastic casing. [0098] Accordingly, the system 100 and/or apparatus 10, also known as a bait pod or station, may operate as an interconnected sacrificial termite lure structure. In particular, being substantially biodegradable and sacrificial the entire system and/or apparatus 10 may eventually degrade when left in the ground surface and therefore removes or at least reduces the requirement to remove existing apparatuses or bait pod structures when no longer required. [0099] In use, the apparatuses 10 of the system 100, also known as bait pods, are inserted into the ground at intervals between Im and 3m. Preferably, the apparatuses 10 are fully inserted into the ground to a depth of about 30 cm with the cap 27 being visible and the substantially flush with the ground surface. The cap 27 allows visual monitoring of the apparatuses 10 for termite activity. [00100] Shallow slot trenches may then be formed with a spade in the ground surface and the connector members 102 may be interconnected with and extend between the apparatuses 10. The connector members 102 thereby forming termite passages or feeding paths between the apparatuses 10. Again, the spacing and shape of the system 100 may be varied and the number of apparatuses 10 and connection members 102 may be varied as need be. [00101] It is also noted that the connector members 102 are connected intermediate the ends 22, 24 of the apparatuses 10 and as such the connector members 102 are located about 15cm below the grounds surface, in use. This has two advantages, firstly the trench may be relatively shallow thereby requiring less labour effort and time. Secondly, the connector members 102 are placed in the middle of the most likely termite foraging zone which is generally within the top 30cm of the ground surface.

-17 [00102] A further benefit from the choice of materials in the practice of the invention is that they are biodegradable which allows for best practice in environmental stewardship. The choice of natural termite susceptible timber, biodegradable fastenings and wider options for the choosing of termiticide align the invention for use in environmentally sensitive locations. [00103] The system 100 including the apparatuses 10 and the connection members 102 may include timbers, for example, the sacrificial termite structures 14 such as the assembly of elongate members 32, the side members 26 and the connector member 102 which have been treated with a termite control agent. [00104] Referring now to Figure 8 to 12, there is shown an example of a termite control system 200 including a central housing 202 into which a second example of the termite control apparatus or pod 210 is received and which supports a series of perpendicular termite attracting members or beams 212 which radiate outwardly from the central housing 202. Accordingly, the housing 202 functions as both a support and a connecting part for the termite control system 200. [00105] This example of the system 200 and device 210 operate and are formed in a similar manner to the first example apparatus 10 and first system 100. However, the central housing 202 is used to support and locate the apparatus 210 and the termite attracting members 212 are directly securable to the housing 202. [00106] In more detail, and referring more specifically to Figures 8 and 9, the housing 202 includes a central bore 204 which passes between a top side 206 and a bottom side 208 of the housing 202. The central bore 204 is dimensioned to snugly receive and support the control apparatus or pod 210 as is further described below with reference to Figure 10 and 11. The bottom side 208 of the central housing 202 includes a pair of perpendicular slots 214 which pass between corners of the bottom side 208. Each of the slots 214 receive an end of an associated one of the four of the attracting members or beams 212. The bottom side 208 also includes apertures 216 which are arranged to receive further ground engaging members 218 which are provided in this example in the form of stakes 220.

-18 [00107] Referring now to Figure 10, the second example of the termite control pod or apparatus 210 is shown in more detail. This example of the apparatus 210 includes a similar construction to the apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 1 to 2 and like numeral are used to denote like parts. However, in this example, the central member 34 is extended to form a stake 222 which provides the ground engaging tip 23 and the connecting members 28 are omitted as the components or parts of the apparatus 210 are retained within the bore 204 of the housing 202. The remaining arrangement of the body assembly 12 is substantially similar in location and functionality to that described in relation to the first example of the apparatus 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and is not again described here. [00108] Referring now to Figures lla, 11 b and 1 Ic and Figure 12, the housing 202 is shown in more detail. The housing includes sides walls 224 which taper from the bottom side 208 to the topside 206. The apertures 216 are angled inwardly and parallel to the side walls 224 such that stakes 220 are splayed apart when fitted to the apertures 216. The apertures 216 proceed into the bore 204 which receives the apparatus 210 such that the stakes 220 press or bear against the apparatus 210. [00109] Accordingly, as is best shown in Figure 12, the apparatus 210 provides an end stop for the stakes 220 and the inward angling of the stakes 220 assist to compress and secure the apparatus 210 in the assembled condition within the bore 204 and hence coupled via a friction fit to the housing 202. The bore 204 includes two portions, upper portion 230 and a lower portion 232. The upper portion 230 is dimensioned to receive and fit with the apparatus 210 and the second portion 232 is reduced in size to only allow passage of the central member 34. The junction between the first portion 230 and the second portion 232 providing a seat 234 on which the apparatus 210 is seated and abutted against in use. [00110] To fit the apparatus 210 to the housing 202, the apparatus 210 is inserted into the bore 204 with the central member 34 extending through the lower portion 232 and the remaining body parts such as the side members 32 and the plurality of elongate members 32 are abutted with the seat 234. The stakes 220 are then inserted into the apertures 216 and pressed until abutted with the apparatus 210. The attracting members or beams 212 are then inserted into the slots 214 as is shown -19 in Figures 8 and 12. The system 200 including the apparatus or pod 210, housing 202 and the members 212 are formed from termite attractive susceptible timbers which may be treated with a termite control substance. The timbers and control substances are further described below. The apparatus 210 may also be fitted with a sensor system 90 as is described above in relation to Figure 5. [00111] Various timbers may be used for the termite susceptible timber utilised in the apparatus 10, 210 and the systems 100, 200. However, the susceptible timber of preference for most Australian conditions is commercially known as Victorian Ash ( Eucalyptus delegatensis & Eucalyptus regnans). [00112] The preparation of the pre-treated termite susceptible timber with a liquid control agent may include the steps of. steeping, also known as soaking, a previously autoclaved timber within the liquid control agent so as to provide a sufficient active chemical depth of between 3 and 5mm from the surface of the timber. [00113] As the liquid control agent only penetrates 3 to 5mm into the timber, depending on the timber type, the thickness of the individual timber components is preferred, to be no greater than 10 mm to ensure an adequate amount of treated timber substrate over the entire volume of the assembled structure. A 5-10mm thickness of a bait component also provides adequate thickness for termite feeding to occur within a timber component. [00114] In more detail, the termite control substance or agent may be any known termite killing or controlling agent or termiticide that does not disrupt feeding before an adequate dose can be delivered to a nest or a sufficient number of termite individuals to affect the nest may, therefore, be used in the practice of the invention. These include but are not necessarily limited to chitin synthesis inhibitors such as hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, lufenurin and diflubenzuron (dimilin), juvenile hormone mimics such as methoprene and pyriproxyfen, stomach toxicants such as sulfuramide, abamectin, cryolite, boric acid and alkali and alkaline earth salts of boric acid, and contact insecticides such as thiamethoxam, imidlcloprid and fipronil, or mixtures or combinations of these agents.

-20 [00115] The termite killing or controlling agent may be present in pre-treated termite susceptible timber in various concentrations from 0.01 to 10% in water diluent held as moisture content within the treated timber component. The agent in this case being in liquid form during application to the timber components of the present invention and being capable of penetrating and residing within about 3-5mm of the timber bait component surfaces through the process of prior autoclaving and subsequent steeping. [00116] Other more aggressive timber impregnation techniques may not ensure the adequate continuance of the desired chemical activity that induces termite control due to denaturing by combined heat and pressure. A non-treated timber structure installed in the ground, within the parameters of the present invention, with active termite workings present after some weeks in the ground, has been successfully treated, however, with a dry powder containing a control agent that can be applied with a puffer or similar such apparatus which indicates an alternative method for the delivery of a control agent thus increasing the versatility of the baiting structure provided in the present invention. [00117] Advantageously, the above described system provides interconnected in-ground components, including the apparatus and connector, formed substantially from termite natural food types. The apparatus having a channelled structure providing internal passageways to encourage feeding and exploration by termites and being substantially free of a plastic covering or housing which increases the opportunity of the system be encountered and fed upon by termites. The termites then ingest or are otherwise contaminated by the control substance which eventually kills the termite or disrupts the termite breeding lifecycle. [00118] In addition, it has been surprisingly found that termite feeding activity is encouraged by utilising the system of termite susceptible timber apparatuses or pods constructed from the 6-12mm thick timber pieces with channelling formed between members and being bundled together so as to have an overall thickness up to about 40mm.

-21 [00119] When the apparatuses or pods are placed in the ground at 1-3m intervals within the top 30cm from the ground surface, and then joined together with the laterally arranged members, having been placed in patterns that maximise the probability of discovery by termites, it has been found that there is a significant increase in termite strikes in comparison to known baiting systems. This is believed to occur because of the interconnected or grid layout of the system which results in an increased discovery rate by termites which typically have a random natural foraging behaviour modified by exposure to light, moisture, temperature, ground compaction and the presence of tree roots. [00120] The components are assembled or interconnected in patterns that are chosen by site assessment. This will allow the best probability of a structure made of the embodied components being encountered by foraging termites. The system allows for an amount of material available for termite consumption that reduces the frequency of servicing required to replenish bait or to add termiticides. The system does not typically require environmental decommissioning once its function has been lost through effective use and its features may allow for discreet installation and increased compatibility with land uses and practices such as the various aspects of garden design and maintenance. [00121] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [00122] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates. [00123] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

-22 [00124] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (36)

1. An apparatus for termite control, the apparatus including a body assembly having a plurality of elongate members which are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form a channel therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of elongate members is formed from a sacrificial termite feeding material.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body assembly includes a ground engaging end and a top end, and wherein the plurality of elongate members are arranged to extend at least partially between the ground engaging end and the top end such that the channel extends between an entry located toward to the ground engaging end and a termite control location located toward to the top end.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of elongate members are pre-treated with the termite control substance.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the plurality of elongate members are each formed from a single piece of termite attractive timber.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of elongate members are cylindrical.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the body assembly further includes side members extending at least partially between the ground engaging end and the top end, the side members being configured so as to support the plurality of elongate members between the side members in a lengthwise arrangement.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the side members are arranged to provide further channels between the side members and the plurality of elongate members. -24

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the side members are formed from a sacrificial termite feeding material.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sacrificial termite feeding material is a termite attractive timber which is pre-treated with a termite control substance.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the side members each include an aperture adapted to receive a fastener to couple the side members to one another.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the top end includes a cap adapted to provide visual inspection into the location.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cap is formed from a clear biodegradable plastic material.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the plurality of elongate members terminate short of the cap so as to provide the termite control location in the form of a void between the cap and the ends of the plurality of elongate members.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the ground engaging end includes a tip shaped to pierce the ground.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the tip is formed from sacrificial termite feeding material.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the tip includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastener to couple the tip to the side members.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 16, wherein the plurality of elongate members each have a thickness which is less than the thickness of the side members. -25

18. The apparatus according to any one any one of the previous claims, further including a housing adapted to receive the body assembly to support and secure the body assembly in an assembled condition.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein housing includes a bore through which the body at least partially extends and ground engaging stakes which extend from the housing.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the housing is adapted to couple with at least one elongate termite attractive member which extends laterally outwardly relative to the housing.

21. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the housing is formed from a termite attractive timber.

22. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the body assembly includes a recess in which a sensor is located, the sensor being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of at least one of moisture and temperature

23. A system for termite control including a plurality apparatuses as defined in any one of the previous claims and a termite attractive connector, the plurality the apparatuses being adapted for interconnection with one another by the termite attractive connector.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein each of the termite attractive connectors includes a sacrificial termite feeding material.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the termite attractive connector is an elongate beam formed from a termite attractive timber.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein each of the plurality apparatuses is adapted to couple with the connecter such that the connector extends between each of the plurality apparatuses. -26

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein each of the plurality apparatuses includes a fitting located intermediate to opposing ends of the apparatus so as to support and connect with the connector.

28. The system according to any one of claims 23 to 27, including at least three apparatuses which are interconnected by at least two connectors.

29. A method for forming a termite control apparatus, the method including the steps forming a channelled structure by securing at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures adjacent one another.

30. The method according to claim 29, including the step of treating the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures with a termite control substance.

31. The method according to claim 28 or claim 29, including the step of substantially encapsulating the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures between side member structures.

32. The method according to claim 31, including the steps of interconnecting the walls with a fastener to secure the at least two elongate sacrificial termite feeding structures therein.

33. A method for forming a termite control system including a plurality of termite control apparatuses interconnected by a connector, the method including the steps of coupling the connector between each of the of termite control apparatuses such that the connector forms a termite passage therebetween.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method including coupling the connector at a location intermediate the ends of each of the plurality of termite control apparatuses.

35. A method for termite control using termite control system including a plurality of termite control apparatuses interconnected by a connector, the method including -27 the steps of: inserting a ground piercing tip of each of the a plurality of termite control apparatuses into a ground surface such that each of the plurality of termite control apparatuses are substantially received in the ground surface at spaced apart locations; and forming a trench between the plurality of termite control apparatuses, the trench being sized to receive the connector which is arranged to span between the plurality of termite control apparatuses and connect therewith at locations at intermediate ends of the plurality of termite control apparatuses.

36. A apparatus, system and method as described herein with reference to the examples and/or drawings.