AU2022221402A1 - Termite monitoring and bait delivery - Google Patents

Abstract

A termite monitor has a lid 116 while the body 117 contains attractant (not shown) usually timber slats and there are openings in the base 118 and in the side walls at 119, 120. The monitor in this case is of the type 11 that fits on the ground but it will be appreciated that the bag aspect may be applied to any situation including in ground monitors. A hole may be pre - formed with a removable patch or simply cut at the time of application. When termites are present in the monitor/detector the termites block off an observation opening in the lid 116 and this is the tell-tale sign that it is time to bait. A bait applicator 114 has an opening 122 matched to the opening 121 when an adhesive patch cover sheet 106 is removed so that the bait unit is secured in place with holes aligned. Tabs 103, 104 fit into slots 123, 124 in the lid 116 or the lid may include four projections with flared ends, one on each of the corners which simply "pop" through holes 108-111.

Description

TERMITE MONITORING AND BAIT DELIVERY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to bait delivery for termite eradication and in particular but not limited to bait delivery for treatment or prevention of termite infestation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Termites become a problem when they infest a building. It is best to prevent infestation. Preventative measures include physical and chemical barriers around a property. Physical barriers include in-ground barriers such as mesh screens. Chemical barriers include insecticides injected into the ground around a building. Termite traps are also used. It is well known that termites are attracted to wood. Wood has been used as an attractant in termite traps. The termites are lead to the wood by carbon dioxide produced by the oxidation of the wood. Termites return to their nest and more termites are then able to follow the path of pheromones produced by the termites to the source of food. The trap then becomes infested by foraging termites. The traps are inspected from time to time and if termites are present the trap is inoculated with a toxic agent designed to be carried back to the nest in the hope of eliminating the entire colony. A typical toxin would be a growth regulator to stop nymphs growing.

[0003] Foraging termites are highly perceptive in detecting C02 and move "upstream" to find the source. Occasionally wetted timber also secrets stains and other micro nutrients which foraging termite scouts detect. Enticing termites out of the soil into timber is a simple matter. It happens because it is there, termites find it because they continually seek out new food sources. However a monitor is an aggregation device that must also double as a feeding station to be effective. Disturbing feeding termites can often result in the termites vacating a monitor and sealing off access to the monitor by closing off the access tunnels closer to the nest from the device. Opening a monitor to check for the arrival of termites can cause disturbance enough to negate the effort taken to get termites into the station at the time it is appropriate to begin adding the bait.

[0004] While the above principles can be effective to detect possible termite activity before damage and take efforts to eliminate the nest, once damage has occurred the same basic approach is undertaken, that is, to bait the termites so that they are eliminated and then afterwards repair the damage by replacing timbers and so on.

[0005] If termite activity is found in a building then there are bait boxes that may be fixed to the building and the termites are treated in the same way that they are in an infested monitor, the termites are attracted into the bait box and take the active ingredient back to the nest.

[0006] It will be appreciated that there are many variations on this basic theme of placement of monitors secured in the ground or bait boxes on timber walls and they are all, to varying degrees, workable, but are generally inconvenient for the public to use. Therefore they are mainly supplied and maintained by professional pest control companies. Examples are to be found in the following patent specifications the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety: W02004016085; JP2004229536; US20020108295; US6079151; US5921018; US6079150; US5832658; US6058646; US6178834; US20060265944;and US20090094884. These documents should not be considered common general knowledge anywhere.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a system that is significantly easier to use than the current arrangements so that these methods may be more widely accepted and used by the public.

[0008] Applicant is of the view that the present inventor has been the first to recognise the inherent problems in these systems being made acceptable to the public and the need for easier forms of use. The public tend to be somewhat anxious about the possible existence of termites in their neighbourhood as the termites are subterranean so they are often not seen till it is too late and applicant has found the public are lacking in confidence to readily adopt a preventative measure that to date has largely been a professional concern.

[0009] Further in devising applicant's solution to these basic problems the inventor has encountered fresh difficulties and solved those as well, but those fresh difficulties could not have arisen without the first step of recognising the problem associated with the realisation that these problems of difficulty in use and the need for simplification and the perception of the difficulties in termite control and removal.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a monitor which maybe used with a prepacked bait delivery pack that may be employed directly to already existing termite infestations but also may be applied to monitors or detectors where termites are present in the detectors.

[0011] It is a further object to provide a method for baiting termites using a prepacked bait delivery system which is flexible and robust and can be readily applied so that termites such a termites suffer a minimum of disturbance and are encouraged to enter a bait delivery pack without first needing to secure their new environment arising from the presence of the pack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one broad aspect the invention comprises a non-professional termite monitoring system employing monitors spread around property to be protected characterised in that each monitor is adapted for on-ground application and comprises a box having a lid and base, the lid being adapted to permit the passage of termites from the base through the lid in order to bait the termites. Preferably, the base holds wood as an attractant. Preferably the base has holes for entry of termites. Some of those holes are in the side.

[0013] In another aspect a flexible bait applicator may be applied to a site which may be already infested or may be a monitor/detector.

[0014] The monitor is preferably used in a method comprising the steps of a non-professional placing monitors around a perimeter, and then comprising

1. detecting termites at one of the monitors; 2. providing a prepacked bait applicator, typically in the form of a flexible container containing an active ingredient to bait the termites; and 3. opening the container and applying the container to the monitor of the detected termites in such a way that the termites leave the monitor and enter the container and are baited.

[0015] The arrangement of the invention is effective insofar as the container may be quickly and easily placed to minimise disturbance in such a way that the termites, particularly termites, enter the container unhesitatingly because the transition into the container environment is secure and they are then baited.

[0016] In another aspect there is provided a bait applicator for delivery of bait to termites by the termites entering the applicator and feeding on the bait, the applicator comprising a bag containing bait and being adapted to lie substantially flat against a surface near to termites but being flexible enough to be moulded to the surface if required, the bag having a surface fastening means and a normally closed opening into the bag, the fastening means enabling the applicator to be applied to the surface with the opening positioned for entry of termites into the bag to feed on the bait when the bag has been fastened to the surface.

[0017] Preferably, in the method step 1 the termites are detected in a termite detector/monitor as a preventative measure or they may be detected already in a home, building or other place requiring remediation to remove the termites.

[0018] Preferably in the method step 2 the prepacked flexible container has an opening made in the container so that the bait may be prepared according to the normal method of preparation of the bait as in "add water" or other components may be added if required or the whole of the bait may be in the container when it is prepacked.

[0019] Preferably, in the method step 3 the container may have a preformed opening or may have an opening cut or otherwise formed, the container is then applied and secured at or adjacent the termites to encourage the termites to move into the container. Typically, the container is fastened in place using preformed fastening means made with the container. These may include mechanical fasteners or adhesives with removable cover patches. Alternatively, the container may be fastened using tapes, screws, nails or any suitable fastener. Since the container is preferably a completely flexible bag or sack, the method step 3 can involve moulding or bend the container to fit the geometry of the location where the termites are, as in for example behind a wall in a corner of a room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order that the present improvements may be more readily understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating monitors for use in the present invention; Figure 2 is a drawing showing a user placing monitors on the ground around a home; Figure 3 is a typical layout of monitors; Figures 4-7 are drawings illustrating a bait applicator according to preferred embodiments of the invention; Figure 8 is an example of application of the applicator to a termite monitor; and Figure 9 is an example of application of the applicator to a flat surface such as a wall or skirting board.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is illustrated in Figure 1 a package 10 containing sixteen monitoring units 11.

[0022] Figures 1 serves to illustrate the simplicity of the present invention insofar as termite monitoring and baiting can be accomplished by a householder who simply may go to the supermarket or to the garden department of the local hardware store and buy the prepackaged kit 10. The householder would see the kit and its very basic instructions as a totally new approach to termite control. Also at the same time buy prepackaged bait units as will be described below that may fit to a monitor so that the bait units can be applied to the monitor units 11 as soon as termites are detected.

[0023] Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the householder only need buy the monitors and then at a later time when termites are detected go and buy the bait units. Not only does this packaging form alleviate the supposed complexity of termite management, in the case of termites, but it indicates that the homeowner can do it themselves and this form of product relieves any anxiety associated with monitoring and control of termites. Economically, it also provides a simple alternative to the requirement for professional pest control services and the non-professional may feel confident in applying the present invention.

[0024] While "Do it Yourself" (DIY) is itself commonplace, particularly in home renovation and other areas where the DIYer is in clear control of the work to be carried out, it must be remembered that the field of termite control is a highly developed field and the associated problems of DIY in this field have to date been unrecognised due largely to the inability of DIYer's to see what is going on "underground" and understand termite behaviour. They tend to rely on the professionals.

[0025] The present invention provides an advance in an otherwise highly developed field and although in hindsight the advance of simply placing detectors around a site, the combination of the detectors working together to protect the whole site, may seem very simple, applicant considers recognising the need as being the primary inventive step.

[0026] The present invention has as one of most important features the simplicity of application of the invention so that non professional persons may feel confident in detecting and treating termites and this aspect can be seen in the next drawings. There is illustrated in Figure 2 part of a property 41 with a householder 42 holding two detectors 11, detector 43 in one hand and a detector 44 in the other hand and working out where they should be put. Perhaps the unit 43 could be put on the ground while the unit 44 could be put adjacent the joint 45 in the path 46, unknown to the householder a termite attack is pending at 50 and these termites will be attracted to units placed on the paths 46 or 47 and adjacent the joints 45 and 47.

[0027] Referring now to Figures 3 this is a schematic drawing illustrating how a homeowner in Figure 3 may form an effective protective barrier or boundary around the property with the "X"s illustrating typical placement positions monitor units 11. The units are placed in locations where termites might be anticipated and typically the units can be placed at two to five metre spacings, although in some cases they may be spaced even further apart on a large concrete area where they may be placed at construction joints since the termites are more likely to travel along the joint as the line of least resistance, they will be intercepted by the monitor. The Figure 3 embodiment is a suburban home but the principle may be applied to any property.

[0028] A unit 11 is about a hand span in width or near to a standard housing brick size overall so that it can be easily handled. It is hollow plastics and lightweight. It is slightly wider at the top than at the bottom with a flange or taper so that if placed against a wall on concrete entrance holes are spaced from the wall.

[0029] Referring to Figures 4-7 there is illustrated a bait applicator 100 comprising two sheets of opaque and/or reflective plastic material 101,102 heat welded with a weld seam at each end making a margin 103, 104 at each end. This margin may be used for taping or stapling of the applicator in place. The applicator is preloaded with a bait matrix 105 but is not overloaded so as to make it too full so that it is not able to be bent or moulded should this be required.

[0030] Of course it will be appreciated that the size, flexibility and malleability may vary depending upon the application. Thus the bag may come in different sizes and different capacities. For example, if the applicator is designed for application to a detector/monitor as shown in Figure 8 then it would be made to match and therefore it could be filled to capacity. A bag when filled may typically be about 2 - 10 cm thick, 5-10 cm wide and 15-20 cm long. If it was to be used in a corner of a room or around a post it may be larger and carry half the amount of bait matrix. Of course, if added flexibility is required the user may simply manipulate an amount of bait to one end or may even remove some of the matrix to get the desired fit in a tricky corner.

[0031] In the Figure 4 embodiment there is a peel off sheet 106 which when removed exposes a layer of adhesive and a hole 107 (shown in phantom). The applicator may then be stuck on a surface once pests such as termites have been detected and the termites may travel through the hole 107 to get to the bait matrix and feed on it. In the case of termites, the amount of disturbance applying a baiting regime can reduce effectiveness so the tabs 103 and 104 may be used to further secure the ends. Holes 108-111 may be used for screws or the width of the tabs may suit a masking or packing tape.

[0032] In some cases it may be desirable to inspect the contents of the applicator and in the illustrated embodiment an inspection opening 112 with a hatch door 113 is provided. This hatch door may also be used to introduce water to activate the bait matrix or put more bait into the applicator or just to have a look. The bait matrix may be pre-wetted and the pack vacuum sealed so in these circumstances it may be desirable to make the access opening by cutting it onsite so the opening 107 would be cut rather than pre-formed. The hatch would not be present they could be of course be present if the integrity of the seal could be maintained. The adhesive patch could be employed regardless of the presence of a hole 107.

[0033] It will be appreciated that these added features are purely optional and that all that is required to implement the method is a pre-packed bag in which a hole may be made and the bag may be secured in any manner. In the Figure 4 embodiment the inspection hatch 113 is not used.

[0034] Referring to Figure 8 the embodiment 114 of Figures 5-7 is applied to a monitor 115. The monitor has a lid 116 while the body 117 contains attractant (not shown) usually timber slats and there are openings in the base 118 and in the side walls at 119, 120. The monitor in this case is of the type 11 that fits on the ground but it will be appreciated that the bag aspect may be applied to any situation including in ground monitors. A hole may be pre - formed with a removable patch or simply cut at the time of application.

[0035] When termites are present in the monitor/detector the termites block off the observation opening 121 in the lid 116 and this is the tell-tale sign that it is time to bait.

[0036] Thus the bait applicator 114 has an opening 122 matched to the opening 121 when an adhesive patch cover sheet 106 is removed so that the bait unit is secured in place with holes aligned. In the embodiment of Figure 8 the tabs 103, 104 fit into slots 123, 124 in the lid 116 or the lid may include four projections with flared ends, one on each of the corners which simply "pop" through holes 108-111. Two of these projections 125, 126 are shown as another option in Figure 8 to slots for the tabs.

[0037] Figure 9 shows application of an applicator to an already infested wall where termites have been feeding at 128 and again optionally the adhesive patch may be used or tape as shown at 129 and 130. In this case a hole would be drilled or punched through the wall 127 at 131 to correspond to a hole made in the applicator or aligned with the pre-made hole.

[0038] In some cases the hole that is formed in the factory may not best suit the position of the applicator so another hole may be simply cut at the time and the applicator fitted accordingly.

[0039] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A termite monitoring system employing monitors spread around a property to be protected and at least one bait applicator characterised in that each monitor is adapted for on-ground application and comprises a box having a lid and base, the base being adapted to permit entry of termites into the base whereby upon termites being detected in a said base and upon a said at least one bait applicator being applied to the monitor having the base where the termites have been detected, the lid and applicator are together adapted to permit the passage of termites from the base through the lid into the applicator in order to bait the termites.

2. A monitoring system according to claim 1 wherein the bait applicator is a flexible bag.

3. A method of bait delivery to termites employing the system according to claim 1 wherein the termites are detected already causing damage in a home, building or other place requiring remediation to remove the termites and a prepacked flexible applicator comprising a container containing an active ingredient is applied to a surface in communication with a region infested by the termites and termites pass through a hole in the bag and are baited.

4. A method of bait delivery to termites according to claim 3 wherein the container has an opening made in the container so that the bait may be prepared according to the normal method of preparation of the bait as in "add water" or other components may be added if required or the whole of the bait may be in the container when it is prepacked.

5. A method of bait delivery to termites according to any one of claims 3 or 4 wherein the container may have a preformed opening or may have an opening cut or otherwise formed, the container is then applied and secured at or adjacent the termites to encourage the termites to move into the container.

6. A method of bait delivery to termites according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the container is fastened in place using preformed fastening means made with the container.

7. A method of bait delivery to termites according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein in a removable cover patch is removed to expose adhesive and this is used to secure the container.

8. A bait applicator for delivery of bait to termites by the termites entering the applicator and feeding on the bait, the applicator comprising a bag containing bait and being adapted to lie substantially flat against a surface near to termites but being flexible enough to be moulded to the surface if required, the bag having a surface fastening means and a normally closed opening into the bag, the fastening means enabling the applicator to be applied to the surface with the opening positioned for entry of termites into the bag to feed on the bait when the bag has been fastened to the surface wherein the surface comprises a surface of an on-ground termite monitor, the bag and the surface being so made and arranged that together they permit the passage of termites from the base through the surface into the applicator in order to bait the termites.

9. A bait applicator according to claim 8 having a removable cover patch removed to expose adhesive and this is used to secure the bag.

10. A bait applicator according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein a reclosable observation opening is provided on one side of the applicator.

11. A bait applicator according to any one of the claims 9-10 wherein the normally closed opening is made open by cutting or otherwise forming a hole which allows termites to enter the applicator.

12. A monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2 employing an applicator according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. An on ground termite monitor and bait applicator in combination wherein the termites pass out of the monitor into the applicator.

14. An on ground termite monitor and bait applicator in combination according to claim 13 employed in the method according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

15. An on ground termite monitor and bait applicator in combination according to claim 14 wherein the applicator is an applicator according to any one of claims 9 - 11.

16. An on ground termite monitor and bait applicator in combination according to claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the monitor is characterised in that it is adapted for on-ground application and comprises a box having a lid and base, the base being adapted to permit entry of termites into the base, the lid being adapted to permit the passage of termites from the base through the lid in order to bait the termites.