AU2020102390A4 - Composition, method and device for repelling invertebrates - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a composition for repelling invertebrates such as spiders from a locus such as vehicle cavities, or for reducing or preventing the residence of invertebrates such as spiders in a locus such as vehicle cavities, the composition including water, a peppermint essential 5 oil, a surfactant, and a source of acetic acid. Also provided is a method and device for applying the composition. 4 3 Figure 1 1/1

Description

4 3

Figure 1

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COMPOSITION, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REPELLING INVERTEBRATES TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition, method and device for repelling spiders and reducing or preventing the incidence of spider webs on vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The presence, residence and infestation of small animals such as insects, arachnids, slugs and snails in vehicle cavities, is an irritation, nuisance and/or inconvenience to many people. The excretions, webs or nests of the animals can cause damage to the vehicle and give the vehicle an untidy appearance.

[0003] Spiders and spider webs are a particular nuisance. Often, the spider webs on the exterior of the vehicle are made by spiders that reside in vehicle cavities. In the case of spider webs on vehicle wing mirrors, the spiders making the webs typically reside in the proximate cavities, and most typically in the cavities surrounding, and behind, the wing mirror and its shrouding.

[0004] Removing the animals and cleaning off their excretions, webs or nests from the vehicle cavities is often difficult, particularly where the animals are residing in deep recesses which cannot be easily reached. For example, spider webs that have been removed are often quickly replaced by resident spiders.

o [0005] Conventional methods of cleaning a vehicle, such as by hand, or with the aid of a domestic water hose, are often ineffective at removing the animals from cavities and in any event do not typically clear the animals for long; the animals often return to the vehicle cavities within a short time.

[0006] The use of high pressure water to remove animals from vehicle cavities is not suitable as water can be driven into interior regions of the vehicle which may contain water sensitive parts such as electrical equipment, or parts that are vulnerable to corrosion when in contact with water.

[0007] Applying insecticides to the cavities is unappealing to many consumers who wish to reduce their use of, and contact with, insecticides. Insecticides can also be difficult to apply effectively to vehicle cavities due to their tight dimensions. Further, insecticide formulations can damage the exterior coatings on a vehicle.

SUMMARY Definitions

[0008] As used herein, "cavity" and "vehicle cavity" means a space defined by parts of a vehicle, and particularly a space having an interior that is difficult to reach by hand. Vehicle cavities include recesses, grooves and channels defined at least in part by the vehicle.

[0009] An "exterior vehicle cavity" means a vehicle cavity having an opening to the exterior environment. Exterior vehicle cavities include spaces, recesses, grooves and channels between adjacent panels, between mirrors and their protective shrouds, spaces defined in part by mudguards, spaces between components in the engine compartment, spaces between the bonnet (hood) panels and the engine, grills, spaces in the wheels, spaces defined by air intakes. In particular, the vehicle cavities include the space between the wing mirrors (side mirrors) and their shrouding, including the space behind the wing mirror within the shroud.

[0010] Citronella essential oil is the essential oil obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon (lemongrass). Citronella essential oil may encompass any one of, or a combination of, these component parts of the essential oil. "Citronella essential oil" comprises the organic liquids that are obtained from Cymbopogon by conventional methods used to extract essential oils. The term is intended to also encompass synthetic analogues of the natural extracts. Synthetic analogues of citronella essential oil are encompassed by the present invention, and may comprise compositions of geraniol, citronellol and citronellal or a combination thereof.

[0011] As used herein, "mint essential oil" encompasses the essential oils of the peppermint, watermint and spearmint plants. "Peppermint" refers to the plant Mentha x piperita. "Watermint" refers to the plant Mentha aquatica. "Spearmint" refers to the plant Mentha spicata. "Mint essential oil" may comprise as component parts any one of, or a combination of, menthol, pulegone, menthone, menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta pinene, and/or beta-caryophyllene. A "mint essential oil" comprises the organic liquids that are obtained from peppermint, watermint, spearmint or a combination thereof by conventional methods used to extract essential oils. "Peppermint essential oil", in particular, is high in menthol and menthone.

[0012] Eucalyptus essential oil relates to the essential oils of the leaf of Eucalyptus, a genus of the plant family Myrataceae. Eucalyptus essential oil may comprise 1,8-cineol and any one of, or a combination of, piperitone, phellandrene, citral, methyl cinnamate and geranyl acetate. Eucalyptus essential oil comprises the organic liquids that are obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus by conventional methods used to extract essential oils, or synthetic analogues thereof.

[0013] Lavender essential oil relates to the essential oils of the flower spikes of the Lavandula genus, or synthetic analogues thereof. Lavender essential oil may comprise any one of, or a combination of, linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineol and camphor.

[0014] Tea Tree essential oil relates to the essential oils derived from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, or synthetic analogues thereof. Tea tree oil may comprise any one of, or a combination of, terpinen-4-ol, y-terpinene, and a-terpinene.

[0015] Cinnamon essential oil relates to the essential oils derived from species of the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon essential oil comprises cinnamaldehyde as a dominant component. The term is intended to also encompass synthetic analogues of the natural extracts, and in particular is intended to encompass cinnamaldehyde.

[0016] Citrus essential oil relates to essential oils derived from the plants of the citrus family, such as lemon and orange. The essential oil is derived from the peel or rind of the fruit.

[0017] Cedar essential oil relates to the essential oils derived from conifers, in particular the essential oils from the pine or cypress botanical families. Cedar essential oil may comprise one or more of pinene, pine turpentine, and cedrol.

[0018] As used herein, the term "essential oil" is intended to also encompass synthetic analogues of the natural essential oils. Synthetic analogues or synthetic versions of the essential oils are wholly within the scope of the present invention. It is envisioned that natural essential oils may be substituted with synthetic versions. There could be many reasons to substitute natural essential oils and synthetic essential oils, including for reasons of cost or availability. Synthetic versions of natural essential oils encompassed by the present application include compositions that share dominant or main component compounds of the natural essential oil, such that the synthetic version has similar sensory characteristics and similar repellent characteristics compared to the natural essential oil.

Composition

[0019] In a first aspect, there is provided a composition for repelling small animals, such as web-forming invertebrates, insects and spiders, or for reducing or preventing the residence of web-forming invertebrates in vehicle cavities, the composition including at least one essential oil selected from the group consisting of the essential oil of eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, cedar, citrus or a combination thereof.

[0020] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition for repelling small animals, such as web-forming invertebrates, insects and spiders, or for reducing or preventing the residence of web-forming invertebrates in vehicle cavities, the composition comprising an essential oil and a source of acetic acid, wherein the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of the essential oil of eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, cedar, citrus or a combination thereof.

[0021] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition for repelling small animals, such as web-forming invertebrates, insects and spiders, or for reducing or preventing the residence of web-forming invertebrates in vehicle cavities, the composition comprising an aqueous suspension, dispersion or solution comprising an essential oil, an acetic acid source, and a surfactant, wherein the essential oil is selected from the group consisting of eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, cedar, citrus or a combination thereof.

[0022] Essential oils of the compositions of the present invention contain volatile components that contribute to the distinctive, and often pleasant, smell of the essential oil, and which may also have a repellent effect on small animals, particularly invertebrates such as arachnids (e.g. spiders) and insects.

[0023] Essential oils of eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, cedar and citrus are, separately or individually, believed to have insect-repellent properties. However, it is considered by the inventor that the combination of two or more of these aforementioned essential oils has a synergistic, or more-than-additive, improvement in the insect-repellent properties compared to the repellent effect of each individual essential oil alone.

o [0024] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition may comprise a combination of two or more essential oils. Due to the potential synergistic or more than-additive repellent effect obtained by the combination of the two or more essential oils, a composition for repelling small animals comprising two or more essential oils will have improved efficacy compared to the separate use of individual essential oils, and less essential oil will be required to be applied to an affected area in order to achieve a repellent effect.

[0025] The composition preferably includes a source of acetic acid. The source of acetic acid may include aqueous or organic solutions of acetic acid. Preferably the source of acetic acid is a vinegar. Vinegar typically contains between 5% and 20% w/v acetic acid, more typically between 5% and 10% w/v. A preferred acetic acid source is vinegar having between 5% and 10% w/v acetic acid.

[0026] The proportion of the source of acetic acid in the composition will depend on the concentration of acetic acid in the source. Preferably, the composition comprises acetic acid in an amount of up to about 10% w/v, more preferably up to about 6% w/v. Preferably, the composition comprises acetic acid an amount of at least 1%, more preferably at least 3 %. Preferably, the amount of acetic acid is between 1 and 10 % w/v, more preferably between about 3 and 6 % w/v. Where the source of acetic acid is vinegar, which has an acetic acid concentration of between 5 and 10%, the amount of vinegar in the composition is preferably sufficient to provide an acetic acid concentration within the range of 1 to 10% w/v, preferably 3 to 6% w/v.

[0027] It is believed that acetic acid, by itself, may have an insect-repellent effect. However, the insect repellent properties of vinegar by itself are not believed to be sufficient for it to be used as an insect repellent by itself. Further, the use of acetic acid sources such as vinegar as repellents is restricted or avoided because they have a strong, sharp or unpleasant smell. Therefore, acetic acid is often avoided when considering a suitable insect repellent.

[0028] In the present invention, it has been found that certain essential oils are particularly effective at masking the unpleasant smell of the acetic acid source. In particular, it is believed that the essential oils from eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, cedar and citrus are particularly good at masking the unpleasant smell associated with acetic acid sources. Preferably, the essential oil is selected from peppermint, lavender and a combination thereof. It is considered by the inventor that peppermint, lavender or a combination thereof provide a good masking of the smell of acetic acid in the compositions of the present invention. Most preferably, the essential oil is peppermint oil.

[0029] The optimal proportions of essential oil to acetic acid considered by the inventor (e.g. for masking the unpleasant smell of the acetic acid and for providing a good repellent effect) is between 1:3 and 3:1 acetic acid:essential oil. Best results were obtained for peppermint oil.

[0030] The composition preferably further includes a solvent. The solvent is preferably water. Water is preferred as it is a cheap and environmentally friendly solvent. However, any liquid solvent that does not cause damage or corrosion to a vehicle exterior may be used. Suitable examples of alternative solvents include glycerol and ethanol.

[0031] Preferably, the composition comprises water, and is provided as an aqueous suspension, dispersion or solution.

[0032] The proportion of essential oil in the suspension, dispersion or solution is preferably between about 0.1 % and 20 % w/v.

[0033] Similarly, the proportion of acetic acid in the suspension, dispersion or solution is preferably between about 0.1 % and 20 % w/v.

[0034] The composition preferably further includes a surfactant. The surfactant is preferably suitable to solubilize the essential oils in the solvent. The surfactant is alternatively suitable to improve the ability for the essential oils to disperse in the solvent when the composition is agitated (i.e. shaken).

[0035] The surfactant in the composition of the present invention serves a dual role. First, the surfactant solubilizes or disperses the essential oil in an aqueous solvent as noted above. Second, where the surfactant is non-volatile or substantially non-volatile, the surfactant serves as a substrate to retain the essential oil in place once the composition has been applied to a locus and the solvent (e.g. water) has evaporated. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the composition may further comprise a non-volatile material to perform the function of retaining the essential oil in place once the solvent has evaporated.

[0036] Examples of suitable surfactants include: Linear alkyl aryl sulphonate (LAS), Alcohol ether sulfate (ES), Alcohol sulfate (AS), Alkyl glyceryl ether sulfate (AGES), Alpha olefin sulphonate (AOS), Paraffin sulphonate (PS), cocamide diethanolamide and amine oxides such as dimethyl lauric amine oxide.

[0037] Preferably, the surfactant is provided as a detergent. For example, a suitable detergent may include a light duty liquid dishwashing detergent. Light duty dishwashing liquid contains between about 20% and 60% by weight of detergent in aqueous solution. Examples of light duty dishwashing detergents suitable for the present invention include light duty dishwashing detergents available from New Zealand retail supermarkets, such as SunlightTM Dishwash Liquid, Palmolive TM Dishwash Liquid, and Homebrand TM Dishwash Liquid.

[0038] The proportion of surfactant in the suspension, dispersion or solution will vary depending on the relative proportions of essential oil and acetic acid source.

o [0039] In one example of the present invention, the composition comprises water, mint essential oil, citronella essential oil and light duty dishwashing liquid. Preferably, the mint essential oil is peppermint essential oil.

[0040] In this example, the ratio of components is preferably 100 parts water, 1-40 parts essential oil, and 10-20 parts light duty dishwashing liquid. The essential oil in this example comprises a combination of mint essential oil and citronella essential oil. More preferably, the essential oil comprises a combination of peppermint essential oil and citronella essential oil. Preferably, the essential oil comprises substantially equal parts mint essential oil and citronella essential oil.

[0041] In an example, the ratio of components is preferably 100 parts water, 0.1-20 parts peppermint essential oil, 0.1-20 parts citronella essential oil and 0.01-15 parts surfactant.

[0042] Where the surfactant is provided as a light duty dishwashing liquid, an example of the composition includes a combination of 100 parts water, 0.1-20 parts peppermint essential oil, 0.1-20 parts citronella essential oil, and 0.1-40 parts light duty dishwashing liquid.

[0043] In another example, the composition comprises 35 ml water, 0.25 ml peppermint oil (5 drops), 0.25 ml citronella oil (5 drops) and 0.5 ml dishwashing liquid (10 drops).

[0044] In a further example, the composition comprises water, mint essential oil, an acetic acid source and a surfactant. Preferably, the surfactant is provided as a light duty dishwashing liquid. Preferably, the mint essential oil is peppermint essential oil.

[0045] In this example, the composition has the relative proportions of: 100 parts water, between about 0.1-10 parts acetic acid, between about 0.1-20 parts essential oil, and between about 0.01-20 parts surfactant.

[0046] Where the surfactant is provided as a light duty dishwashing liquid, an example of the composition includes a combination of 100 parts water, 0.1-40 parts essential oil, between about 0.1-10 parts acetic acid, and between about 0.1-40 parts light duty dishwashing liquid.

[0047] Where the source of acetic acid is provided as vinegar, an example of the composition includes a combination of 15 parts water, between about 10 and 50 parts vinegar, between about 0.1 and 10 parts essential oil, and between about 0.01 and 10 parts surfactant.

[0048] Where the source of acetic acid is provided as vinegar and the surfactant is provided as a light duty dishwashing liquid, an example of the composition includes a combination of 15 parts water, between about 20 and 40 parts vinegar, between about 1 and 5 parts essential oil, and between about 1 and 5 parts light duty dishwashing liquid.

[0049] In an alternative example, there is provided a composition which comprises the relative proportions of: 100 parts water, between about 0.1-20 parts essential oil, and between about 0.01-15 parts surfactant.

[0050] The composition may further include additional components, including preservatives, antioxidants, fragrances and pesticides.

[0051] A preferred component is a component that forms a long lasting residue on the surface to which it is applied. The residue assists in retaining the essential oils on the surface (e.g. by reducing run-off or by slowing evaporation), thereby extending the duration of efficacy of the composition. As noted above, this component may include a non-volatile material in the composition, or the residue may be generated by the presence of sufficient surfactant.

[0052] The small animals to be repelled by the compositions are preferably selected from invertebrates, more preferably selected from web-forming invertebrates. Preferably, the web-forming invertebrates include insects and arachnids. More preferably, the invertebrates are arachnids, and, most preferably, spiders.

[0053] The composition of the present invention is effective at repelling small animals, in particular web-forming invertebrates, from vehicle cavities. The composition is further effective at reducing or preventing the residence of small animals, in particular web-forming invertebrates, in vehicle cavities.

[0054] Consequently, the composition of the present invention is effective at reducing or preventing the incidence of spider webs on vehicles by repelling, or reducing or preventing the residence of spiders in vehicle cavities.

[0055] The composition is most effective at doing so when it is applied at or around the locus of the spider web, or when the composition is applied at or around the locus of the vehicle cavity in which spiders reside.

[0056] A further preferred example is a composition including between about 43 and 45 parts water; between about 1.2 and 2.5 parts acetic acid; between about 0.4 and 1.2 parts surfactant; and about 3 parts peppermint essential oil. This preferred example is generally equivalent to a composition including about 20 ml of water; about 25 ml of white vinegar (having 5 to 10 % acetic acid content); about 3 ml of peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita); and about 2 ml of light duty dishwashing liquid (comprising between 20% and 60% surfactant).

Device

[0057] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a device for applying the composition as described herein to a vehicle cavity, the device including a container for the composition, and an applicator assembly for applying the composition to the locus of the cavity.

[0058] The vehicle cavity is preferably an exterior vehicle cavity.

[0059] The container may be configured to receive any amount of composition. For example, the container may be configured to store up to 200 ml of composition. In preferred embodiments, the container may be configured to store between 1 ml and 100 ml of composition, for example 50 ml, or 35 ml, or 20 ml of composition.

[0060] The applicator assembly may include an inlet for receiving the composition from the container, a nozzle and nozzle outlet for dispensing the composition, and an actuator for pumping the composition from the container to the nozzle outlet.

[0061] The nozzle may be a spray nozzle, or a nozzle configured to direct a jet, squirt or stream of liquid.

[0062] The nozzle outlet may include, or be configured to receive, an elongate straw located in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet. In an example, the straw is permanently attached to the nozzle outlet of the applicator assembly. Further, the straw may be flexible, allowing it to be maneuvered around objects such that the opening of the straw can be inserted into the interior of the cavity.

[0063] In an example, the elongate straw is attached to the applicator assembly via a hinged attachment or flexible attachment that can be rotated. This allows the straw to be rotated such that the straw lies parallel and adjacent to the container of the device, thereby allowing convenient storage when not in use. The straw can be rotated outwardly about the attachment from the parallel orientation to a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the container such that the direction of the straw is substantially aligned with the direction of the nozzle outlet.

[0064] The applicator assembly may further comprise an actuator for dispensing the composition from the container. Preferably, the actuator includes a manual push button pump for a spray bottle.

[0065] Upon actuation of the applicator assembly, the composition is drawn up from the container and dispensed through the nozzle outlet and through the straw (if present).

[0066] The device may be configured to dispense a particular volume of composition with each actuation. For example, a typical manual push button pump for a spray bottle dispenses approximately 0.1 ml per'push'.

[0067] Alternatively, the device may be configured to dispense the composition from the container by manually squeezing or otherwise applying pressure to the exterior sides of the container.

[0068] Preferably, the device is used to dispense the composition described herein into the interior of a vehicle cavity. The elongate straw may be inserted into the cavity to provide greater access to the locus of the cavity to more effectively apply the composition. The straw further allows the composition to be applied to narrow or tight spaces.

[0069] The device may be configured to dispense the composition by actuation of the device. In use, the user may actuate the device to dispense a volume of composition from the device to the locus of the cavity. Actuation of the device by a user causes the composition to be ejected through the nozzle. The ejection of the composition may be under pressure applied by the action of the user's force in actuating the device, for example by a user directly actuating a pump, or by allowing pressurised contents of the container to be released through the nozzle.

[0070] The device may be configured to contain the composition under pressure, such as in an aerosol container, or configured to contain the composition at ambient pressure.

[0071] In an example, there is provided a device for applying the composition as described herein to a vehicle cavity, the device being substantially as shown in Figure 1.

Method of use

[0072] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for repelling small animals, such as web-forming invertebrates, insects and spiders, or for reducing or preventing the residence of web-forming invertebrates in vehicle cavities, including the step of applying the composition as herein described to the locus of the vehicle cavity.

[0073] The small animals are preferably selected from invertebrates, more preferably selected from web-forming invertebrates. Preferably, the web-forming invertebrates include insects and arachnids. More preferably, the invertebrates are arachnids, and, most preferably, spiders.

[0074] Preferably, the vehicle cavities are exterior vehicle cavities.

[0075] Preferably, the method includes the step of applying the composition to the interior of the vehicle cavity.

[0076] The composition may be applied by actuating the device as herein described when the nozzle outlet (optionally including the outlet of the elongate straw) is directed towards and proximate to the locus of the vehicle cavity and/or web. Preferably, the composition is sprayed or squirted into the interior of the cavity.

[0077] The volume of composition to be applied will vary depending on the size of the area affected by the animal. In the case of spiders and spider webs, the volume of composition to be applied will vary depending on the area of vehicle covered by the spider web. For spider webs on or around a vehicle cavity defined at least in part by a vehicle wing mirror, the volume of composition to be applied to the locus of the wing mirror cavities is preferably between about 0.1 ml and 2 ml. Similar volumes are suitable for car grills, window sills, room corners, letter boxes, clothes lines and rubbish bins. This volume range is roughly equivalent to between 1 and 20 'pumps' of the push button actuator as described herein.

[0078] After application of the composition to the locus of the cavity, the animals are preferably repelled from the locus of the cavity for at least 2 days, more preferably at least 3 days. Where the animals are spiders, a corresponding absence of spider webs is preferably observed at the locus for at least 2 days, more preferably at least 3 days.

[0079] To extend the duration of reduction or prevention of the incidence of spider webs, the method may further include a step of re-application of the composition to the locus of the vehicle cavity approximately 3 days following the first application of the composition, or at the time new webs are observed.

[0080] Whilst the description herein focuses on the uses of the composition of the present invention to repel, reduce or prevent the incidence of invertebrates such as spiders and spider webs from vehicle cavities, it should be readily apparent to the skilled person that the composition may be used to repel, reduce or prevent the incidence of spiders and spider webs from many other loci, including, for example around the home (e.g. window sills, corners of rooms), letter boxes, cavities and surrounding areas of clothes lines and rubbish bins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figure that follows, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 is a photographic perspective view of the device of the present invention.

o DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] A first composition was prepared containing:

• About 35ml of water;

• About 0.25 ml (5 drops) of Peppermint Oil;

* About 0.25 ml (5 drops) of Citronella Oil; and

• About 0.5 ml (10 drops) of Light duty dishwashing liquid.

[0084] A second composition was prepared containing:

* About 15 ml of water;

* About 30 ml of white vinegar;

* About 2.5 ml of peppermint oil;

o • About 2.5 ml of light duty dishwashing liquid.

[0085] A third composition was prepared containing:

* About 20 ml of water;

* About 25 ml of white vinegar;

* About 3 ml of peppermint oil (Mentha Piperita);

• About 2 ml of light duty dishwashing liquid.

White vinegar has an acetic acid content of between about 5 and 10 wt%. Light duty dishwashing liquid has a surfactant content of between about 20 and 60 w t %. Accordingly, the third composition comprised:

• Between about 43 and 45 parts water;

• Between about 1.2 and 2.5 parts acetic acid;

* Between about 0.4 and 1.2 parts surfactant; and

• About 3 parts essential oil.

[0086] The device (1) for applying the composition comprises a 50 ml container (2) in fluid communication with a manually actuated push-button spray pump assembly (3). The outlet of the spray pump assembly connects to an elongate straw (4) via a hinged attachment that can be rotated about 90 degrees from a downward-directed position to an outward directed position.

[0087] The composition was loaded into the container (2) of the device (1), the spray pump assembly (3) was connected to the container, and a protective cap (5) was applied over the spray pump assembly (3).

[0088] The device (1) containing the composition was prepared for use by briefly manually shaking the device and rotating the elongate straw (4) into the outward-directed position (not shown).

[0089] In one experiment, a vehicle wing mirror covered with fresh spider webs was provided. The spider webs were manually cleared from the mirror. The device was then maneuvered such that the elongate straw outlet went around the side of the wing mirror and into the cavity between the mirror and mirror shrouding. The device was manually actuated 10-15 times to dispense between about 1 and 1.5 ml of composition into the interior of the cavity.

o [0090] The vehicle wing mirror was visually inspected every day to check for the presence of new spider webs. No new spider webs were observed for 3 days. On the third day, a new spider web was observed. The web was manually cleared and the composition was re-applied in the same way as the first application. No new spider webs were observed for a further 3 days.

[0091] In another experiment, about 10 sprays (about 1 ml) of the composition was applied to a locus in which a spider and spider eggs were known to reside. The spider and the eggs were killed. No repeat applications were required.

[0092] In each experiment, further observations after application of the composition included: no damage (e.g. no corrosion, no discolouration) was observed to be caused by the application of the composition to vehicle surfaces (e.g. mirrors, plastic shrouding, painted surfaces or internal cavity surfaces). The composition was also noted to have a pleasant smell, and was suitable for use in the interior of vehicles.

[0093] The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0094] The terms 'comprising' and 'including' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term 'comprising' or'including', features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprises' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0095] Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers or components are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0096] The disclosed methods, apparatus and systems may also be said broadly to comprise the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the disclosure, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0097] Recitation of ranges herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate sub-range or value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate sub-range or value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0098] Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

o [0099] Certain features, aspects and advantages of some configurations of the present disclosure have been described with reference to use of the gas humidification system with a respiratory therapy system. However, certain features, aspects and advantages of the use of the gas humidification system as described may be advantageously be used with other therapeutic or non-therapeutic systems requiring the humidification of gases. Certain features, aspects and advantages of the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be equally applied to usage with other systems.

[00100] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.

Claims (5)

1. A composition for repelling invertebrates such as spiders from a locus such as vehicle cavities, or for reducing or preventing the residence of invertebrates such as spiders in a locus such as vehicle cavities, the composition including water, a peppermint essential oil, a surfactant, and a source of acetic acid; wherein the surfactant is optionally provided as a light duty dishwashing liquid; wherein the source of acetic acid is optionally white vinegar.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition includes the relative proportions of: 100 parts water, between about 0.1-10 parts acetic acid, between about 0.1-20 parts essential oil, and between about 0.01-20 parts surfactant.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition includes:

• Between about 43 and 45 parts water; • Between about 1.2 and 2.5 parts acetic acid; • Between about 0.4 and 1.2 parts surfactant; and • About 3 parts essential oil.

4. A method of repelling invertebrates such as spiders from a locus such as vehicle cavities, or for reducing or preventing the residence of invertebrates such as spiders in a locus o such as vehicle cavities, including the step of applying the composition of any one of claims 1 to 3 to the locus; optionally wherein the composition is applied in an amount of between about 0.1 and 2 ml; optionally further including a step of re-applying the composition to the locus approximately 1 day, 2 days or 3 days following the first application of the composition.

5. A device including the composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, and an applicator assembly, wherein the applicator assembly includes an inlet for receiving the composition from the container, a nozzle and nozzle outlet for dispensing the composition, and an actuator for pumping the composition from the container to the nozzle outlet; optionally wherein the nozzle outlet further includes, or is configured to receive, an elongate straw located in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet.