CA2760919A1

CA2760919A1 - Portable device and method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects

Info

Publication number: CA2760919A1
Application number: CA2760919A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kristian J. K. Holland; Gerardo Ulibarri; Ashwani Kapur; Tim Mackay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-06
Filing date: 2011-12-06
Publication date: 2013-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-06
Also published as: WO2013082700A1; GB2515406B; GB2515406A; AU2012350104A1; GB201411626D0; ZA201404582B; AU2012350104B2; CA2760919C

Abstract

There is provided a portable device and method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects. The device having a drainable reservoir for retaining liquid, the reservoir having an outlet port at the vertex of the reservoir; a pipe connected to the outlet port of the drainable reservoir; a moveable stopper that engages the pipe to control the flow of liquid from the drainable reservoir; and a pump interconnected with the drainable reservoir to transfer liquid from a liquid source to the drainable reservoir. The device is dimensioned to fit over a container. Also provided is a system where a plurality of devices are positioned over a plurality of interconnected containers. The device and system enhances the attractiveness of the artificial breeding pool to the gravid insects and helps control the local insect population.

Description

PORTABLE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MATURATION OF
AQUATICALLY HATCHED INSECTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an insect population control device and method. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is well documented that biting insects, specifically Culicidae (mosquito), are vectors for many diseases throughout the world. In an effort to eliminate insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, extensive efforts have been carried out worldwide to diminish or eliminate these insects from areas inhabited by humans.

[0003] The use of pesticides, such as larvicides, adulticides, Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane (DDT) and malathion, to control insects over large areas and the problems associated therewith are well documented. Serious long lasting consequences to both the environment and human health have resulted from the use of such pesticides.
The use of pesticides are not desired for environmental reasons, and these chemicals are known to repel insects, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of these methods.

Furthermore, there is evidence that some species of insects are beginning to become resistant to these chemicals.

[0004] To control insects in more localized areas, such as backyards, various traps have been developed. These traps include: bug zappers and devices that release various gases to attract the insects. The primary purpose of these techniques is to immediately eliminate the insects. However, these techniques do not prevent the population from growing from those eggs and larvae that exist in the breeding ground of these insects.

[0005] In addition to these methods, attempts have been made to provide artificial breeding pools that trap the hatching insects. For example, US Patent No.
5,896,697 discloses an artificial breeding pool where the eggs are trapped behind a screen that prevents the newly hatched mosquitoes from escaping into the environment. US
Patent No. 3,997,999 discloses an apparatus that traps newly hatched mosquitoes in a separate column from where the eggs were laid.

[0006] Artificial breeding pools that eliminate the newly laid eggs or larvae have also been contemplated. For example, US Patent No. 6,708,443 discloses an apparatus where the artificial breeding pool contains a filter that traps the eggs and larvae and then exposes the captured biomass to air causing the biomass to dry and thus be eliminated.
US Patent No. 6,990,768 discloses a similar apparatus with the exception that the filter is provided in the form of a belt that captures the biomass and then passes it through a crushing mechanism to eliminate the eggs and larvae.

[0007] Although standing water will naturally attract most insects that rely on water to lay their eggs, chemical attractants can be added to the water to increase the attractiveness of the pool to the pregnant insect. For example, US Patent Publication No.
2008/0003197 discloses a controlled release attractant for use in an artificial breeding pool.

[0008] Research has shown that after eggs are laid, a chemical cue is released that signals to other mosquitoes that the location is a successful breeding site, which in turn attracts other mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Most of this chemical cue is thought to be released after hatching. The natural chemical cue is a very effective attractant, and acts synergistically with any attractant already in solution. Accordingly, if this natural chemical cue is preserved and concentrated over time, the trap will be more effective in attracting mosquitoes from a larger area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable device and method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects that addresses the limitations of the prior art.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects. The device having a drainable reservoir for retaining a liquid. The drainable reservoir having an outlet port at the vertex of the reservoir. The device also has a pipe connected to the outlet port of the drainable reservoir; a moveable stopper that engages the pipe to control the flow of liquid from the drainable reservoir; and a pump interconnected with the drainable reservoir to transfer liquid from a liquid source to the drainable reservoir.

[0011] In one embodiment, the drainable reservoir is dimensioned to be placed on a container and the liquid source is housed in the container.

[0012] In another embodiment, the moveable stopper is controlled by a handle interconnected with the drainable reservoir.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device described above further comprises a unit housing an attractant. The unit can be attached to the drainable reservoir. Moreover, the unit is adapted to float on the surface of the liquid contained in the drainable reservoir. The unit comprises a hatch for accessing the attractant and an air chamber for providing buoyancy to the unit. The unit can also comprise a clip that engages a channel provided on the drainable reservoir to allow for the unit to float on the surface of the liquid.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the device described above further comprises a filter that is adapted for attachment to the pipe at the end opposite the outlet port of the drainable reservoir or to the stopper.

[0015] In yet a further embodiment, the pump comprises one or more outlets in the vicinity of the drainable reservoir for emptying the liquid gathered from the liquid source into the drainable reservoir.

[0016] In a still further embodiment, the device described above further comprises a handle attached to the drainable reservoir.

[0017] In another embodiment, vents are provided on the drainable reservoir.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the device described above further comprises a ring positioned on the underside of the drainable reservoir for frictionally engaging a lip of a container. The ring can comprise a series of tracks for accommodating the use of containers with openings of different diameter.

[0019] In an embodiment, the device described above further comprises a light emitting or light reflecting source positioned in the vicinity of the drainable reservoir. In one embodiment, the light emitting source is a light emitting diode. In another embodiment, the light reflecting source is reflective foil.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects. The system includes a plurality of devices as described above positioned above a plurality of interconnected containers.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects. The method involves connecting the device as described above to a container; and adding a liquid to the drainable reservoir.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of draining the liquid from the drainable reservoir into the container; and pumping liquid from the container into the drainable container.

[0023] In another embodiment, the liquid is drained through a filter.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a chemical attractant is added to the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

[0030] Although the present invention will be described with reference to mosquitoes, it should be understood that the apparatus and method will be suitable for any insect that lays their eggs in aquatic locations, such as blackflies, dragonflies and water scorpions.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the device (1) includes a drainable reservoir (2), a pipe (3), a stopper (4) and a pump for transferring liquid from a liquid source to the drainable reservoir (2). The drainable reservoir (2) can accommodate a liquid that will attract gravid insects to lay their eggs in the liquid. In most cases, the liquid is water, supplemented with a chemical attractant or natural chemical cues that attract gravid insects.

[0032] The surface of the drainable reservoir (2) that comes in contact with the liquid (7) is typically concave in shape, with an outlet port (6) positioned on or near the vertex of the reservoir (2). However, a variety of shapes are contemplated for the drainable reservoir (2). It is preferred that in each of these shapes the base of the reservoir (2) slopes toward the outlet port (6) to facilitate complete draining of the reservoir (2) during operation.

[0033] The drainable reservoir (2) is typically dimensioned to fit over a standard gallon container, such as a bucket or pail, in addition to a container with a custom sized opening. However, the dimensions of the drainable reservoir (2) can be made to fit any size pail. In an embodiment, a ring (not shown) can be provided on the underside of the drainable reservoir (2) that allows the reservoir (2) to be removably attached to a selection of common sized containers. Preferably, the ring is permanently attached to the underside of the reservoir (2). However, it is conceived that the ring may be provided as a stand-alone item that can be adhered to the underside of the drainable reservoir (2). In this case, standard adhesives or standard fasteners can be used to affix the ring to the reservoir (2).

[0034] The ring can be provided with a series of concentric tracks that will allow the same ring to be used on containers with openings of different diameter. In operation, the tracks will frictionally engage the rim or lip of the container to hold the device (1) in place. The ring can optionally have a gasket to create an operative seal between the device and the container, as well as a mechanical latch, tab, or other mechanism to create a seal. In some instances, the ring can be placed over a hole or pit dug in the ground or a projection raised from the ground and the device (1) positioned over the ring.
This arrangement is suited to remote installations where containers may not be readily accessible. To further assist in the ability of the device (1) to be manipulated, especially in remote locations, a handle (14) can be provided on the reservoir (2) which can be grasped by the user.

[0035] The shape, size and colour of the drainable reservoir (2) may be chosen to assist in attracting an insect to the pool to lay its eggs. For example, it is believed that mosquitoes prefer dark environments to lay their eggs. Accordingly, the reservoir (2) may be provided in a dark colour. A dark colour reservoir (2) would also retain heat, which has also been shown to be an attractant for mosquitoes and other flying insects. If the reservoir is dark in colour it may be beneficial to provide a translucent strip down the side of the reservoir (2), so that the water level can be visually monitored.
In order to accommodate the different breeding habits of the various insects that may use the artificial breeding pool to lay their eggs, the depth of the liquid in the reservoir (2) may be varied.

[0036] To further enhance the effectiveness of the device (1) to attract gravid insects, light emitting or light reflecting sources may be provided in the vicinity of the reservoir (2). These light sources may be in a single or multiple frequency arrangements, as required by the target insect. In order to minimize the energy requirements of the device (1) light emitting diodes (LEDs) are preferred as the light emitting source.
However, any type of light emitting source shown to attract gravid insects will work with the present device (1). Similarly, any number of light reflecting sources can be used with the present device, including, but not limited to, reflective foils and the like, in order to reflect both ambient light sources, such as the moon or sky, or internal sources.

[0037] The drainable reservoir (2) can be operatively connected to a filter by a pipe or integral opening (3) so that when the liquid is drained from the reservoir (2) it passes through the filter (13). The filter captures any unwanted debris and targeted insect eggs and larvae from the liquid and allows the liquid to permeate into the container.
Preferably, the filter is attached to the end of the pipe (3) opposite the end that connects to the outlet port (6). However, the filter can also be attached to unit housing the stopper (4). In either case, the filter is positioned downstream of the stopper, so that the timing of when liquid from the reservoir (2) enters the filter can be controlled.

, CA 02760919 2011-12-06

[0038] The actual design of the filter (3) will depend on several factors, such as the location in which the apparatus is installed, the size and type of biomass being eliminated, and whether the filter (3) is positioned inside or outside the container. The pore size of the filter (3) should be small enough to prevent unwanted debris, such as insect eggs, larvae, twigs, leaves, blossoms, etc., from passing through the filter (3).
However, the pore size of the filter (3) should be of sufficient size to allow passage of the liquid and any natural or synthetic attractant existing in the liquid.

[0039] The stopper (4) can be conveniently controlled by a handle (15) that is interconnected with the reservoir (2). To operate the stopper (4), the handle (15) is either pushed, pulled or turned, which causes the stopper (4) to disengage the outlet port (6) or pipe (3) and allow the liquid from the reservoir (2) to flow through the pipe and into the filter (if present) and then into the container. Stoppers (4) suitable for this application are known in the art and can include, are not limited to, valves, compression fittings, plugs and flaps. To prevent liquid from escaping the reservoir (2), the handle (15) is typically moved in the opposite direction as to what was performed to open the stopper (4). The stopper may optionally be replaced with an electrically or pneumatically actuated stopper.

[0040] In order to facilitate movement of the liquid from a liquid source, such as the liquid contained in the container, a pump (5) is interconnected with the drainable reservoir (2). The end of the pump (5) not in contact with the reservoir (2) is submerged into the liquid source, and through manual stroking of the pump (5) by a handle (20) or otherwise, the liquid is transferred from the liquid source into the reservoir (2). The manual pump (5) can optionally be replaced with an electrically or pneumatically actuated pump. In a further embodiment, the manual pump (5) can be replaced with a compressor or similar means in order to convey the liquid via differential air pressure within the container. The end of the pump (5) in the vicinity of the reservoir (2) contains at least one outlet (16) in order to disperse the liquid into the reservoir (2). However, it is preferred that two outlets (16) are provided so that a swirling action about the reservoir (2) can be achieved, which assists in keeping the surface of the reservoir (2) that comes into contact with the liquid clean.

, =

[0041] To further increase the effectiveness of the device (1) to attract gravid insects, the liquid in the drainable container (2) may be spiked with a liquid chemical attractant, such as those described in US Patent Publication No. 2008/0003197, which acts as chemical cue for gravid insects to lay their eggs in the liquid.
Alternatively, an attractant can be placed in a buoyant unit (17) that is capable of floating on the surface of the liquid. The buoyant unit (17) includes an air chamber to provide buoyancy to the unit (17) and a compartment containing the attractant. The compartment containing the attractant should be grated or otherwise to allow the liquid to pass through the compartment and mixed with the attractant. The portion of the unit (17) that does not contact the liquid is preferably accessible to allow changing or adding of the attractant.
Access can be provided through a hinged lid or the like. To further enhance the effectiveness of the device (1) to attract gravid insects, the portion of the unit (17) that does not contact the liquid may be fully or partially covered in an egg laying medium, such as germination paper.

[0042] In order to prevent the tipping of the unit (17) in the liquid, it is preferred that the unit (17) is tethered to the drainable reservoir (2) or a portion thereof. This can be accomplished by providing a clip (25) on the attractant unit (17) that engages a portion of the drainable reservoir (2). In order to allow the attractant unit (17) to float freely on the surface of the liquid, the clip (25) is preferably attached to a channel (30) provided on the drainable container. The channel (30) can be elongated to allow the clip (25) to move vertically with the surface of the liquid.

[0043] In operation, the drainable reservoir (2) is filled with liquid. As mentioned above, the liquid can be spiked with a chemical attractant or an attractant unit provided on the surface of the liquid. After a set period of time, the reservoir (2) is drained of the liquid. This draining takes place by the stopper (4) being moved to an open position where the liquid is free to enter the pipe (3). The liquid then passes through a filter (3) that prevents the eggs, larvae and other unwanted matter from passing therethrough. The liquid that does pass through the filter will contain the natural chemical cues released by the hatching eggs that still reside in the liquid. The filtered liquid is gathered in the , 10 container. Once the filtered liquid is inside the container, the stopper (4) is moved into the closed position, so that no more liquid enters the pipe (3) from the reservoir (2).
Filtered liquid is transferred from the container to the reservoir (2) by the pump (5).

[0044] Over time, some of the natural chemical cues are released from the liquid trapped in the container. These airborne natural chemical cues form part of the gaseous phase within the container. Vents (18) provided on the reservoir (2) release the gas containing the natural chemical cues from the container in the vicinity of the reservoir (2). In addition to the natural chemical cues that exist in the liquid of the container (2), the cues released from the container in the surrounding air help increase the attractiveness of the artificial pool to gravid mosquitoes.

[0045] In order to prevent gas from escaping from container in between periods when the liquid is being collected, the container can be sealable to create an airtight environment within the drainable reservoir (2). The container should be deep enough to allow for the collection of the liquid as well as providing an air gap in the container. To prevent the release of any mosquitoes that may have escaped filtration and hatched from the medium collected in the container, a screen may be provided above the waterline of the container with a mesh size capable of preventing the passage of mosquitoes.

[0046] To assist in the evaporation of the liquid in the container, it may be desirable to construct the container from a material with a low albedo value, which will more rapidly heat up the liquid compared to light coloured material.

[0047] In order to facilitate the release of the accumulated gas from the container, the container may be pressurized prior to the opening of the vents (18), using a compressor or other means. Alternatively, a fan may be provided in the container to assist in forcing the gas through the vents (18). This fan may also assist in the drying of the filter after the liquid has been passed through. To increase the efficiency of the system, the fan may be appropriately ducted to the outside environment in order to increase the air pressure inside the filter, to increase the speed of filtration and drying of the filter.

[0048] As mentioned above, the filtered liquid that exists in the container may be pumped back into the drainable reservoir (2) to replenish the supply of liquid. Each successive cycle of filtering and replenishing increases the concentration of attractants, both natural and synthetic, in the liquid.

[0049] In some embodiments of this invention, it may be desirable to automate the process, by using electrically actuated components, a electronic controller and timer, and various sensors. In this embodiment, a user may set the trap once, and the electronic controller will actuate the system on a pre-programmed sequence, only requiring periodic maintenance to add liquid and/or attractant.

[0050] It has been found that some units, which include the device (1) in combination with a container are more effective at attracting gravid insects than similar units positioned in the same area. However, if the containers are interconnected so that the filtered liquid from each of the units can mix together, the overall effectiveness of all the units in the area at attracting gravid insects improves. Therefore, a system of interconnected units can be provided to enhance the ability control the maturation of aquatically hatched insects over a geographic area.

[0051] It will be understood that numerous modifications thereto will appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description and accompanying drawings should be taken as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
It will further be understood that it is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features herein before set forth, and as follows in the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects, the device comprising:
a drainable reservoir for retaining a liquid, the drainable reservoir comprising an outlet port at the vertex of the reservoir;
a pipe connected to the outlet port of the drainable reservoir;
a moveable stopper that engages the pipe to control the flow of liquid from the drainable reservoir; and a pump interconnected with the drainable reservoir to transfer liquid from a liquid source to the drainable reservoir.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the drainable reservoir is dimensioned to be placed on a standard or custom designed container.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid source is housed in the container.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the moveable stopper is controlled by a handle interconnected with the drainable reservoirs.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a unit housing an attractant.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the unit is attached to the drainable reservoir.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the unit is adapted to float on the surface of the liquid contained in the drainable reservoir.

8. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the unit comprises a hatch for accessing the attractant and an air chamber for providing buoyancy to the unit.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the unit comprises a clip that engages a channel provided on the drainable reservoir to allow for the unit to float on the surface of the liquid.

10. The device according to any one of claim 1 to 9, further comprising a filter that is adapted for attachment to the pipe at the end opposite the outlet port of the drainable reservoir.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a filter that is adapted for attachment to the stopper.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pump comprises one or more outlets in the vicinity of the drainable reservoir for emptying the liquid gathered from the liquid source into the drainable reservoir.

13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a handle attached to the drainable reservoir.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein vents are provided on the drainable reservoir.

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a ring positioned on the underside of the drainable reservoir for frictionally engaging a lip of a container.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the ring comprises a series of tracks for accommodating the use of containers with openings of different diameter.

17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a light emitting or light reflecting source positioned in the vicinity of the drainable reservoir.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the light emitting source is a light emitting diode.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein the light reflecting source is reflective foil.

20. A system for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects, the system comprising:
a plurality of devices according to any one of claims 1 to 19 positioned above a plurality of interconnected containers.

21. A method for controlling maturation of aquatically hatched insects, the method comprising the steps of:
connecting the device according to any one of claims 1 to 19 to a container;
and adding a liquid to the drainable reservoir.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of draining the liquid from the drainable reservoir into the container; and pumping liquid from the container into the drainable container.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the liquid is drained through a filter.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein a chemical attractant is added to the liquid.