CN117940014A

CN117940014A - Insect attracting compositions and methods

Info

Publication number: CN117940014A
Application number: CN202180080866.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 刘宪雄; 雷蒙·W·伊安内塔; 曹淼湧
Original assignee: American Insect Attractant Co ltd
Current assignee: American Insect Attractant Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-15
Filing date: 2021-10-14
Publication date: 2024-04-26

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for attracting insects. The composition comprises a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, a metal base, optionally an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. The method of attracting insects includes providing an insect capture device comprising a composition capable of releasing one or more gases to attract insects, and capturing insects with the insect capture device, the insect capture device capable of receiving a container.

Description

Insect attracting compositions and methods

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/092,052 filed on 10/15/2020 and U.S. provisional application serial No. 63/154,335 filed on 26/2021, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods for attracting and trapping insects using an insect attracting system comprising a plurality of components comprising a chemoattractant.

Background

Mosquitoes are among the adverse and most harmful populations of insects that are sucking human blood, for example. To kill these mosquitoes, various devices and apparatuses have been used, such as mosquito coils, electronic mosquito repellers, electric mosquito killers, and the like.

Mosquitoes are attracted to the body temperature of humans and other vertebrates and breathe out carbon dioxide. The human or vertebrate releases CO ₂ during respiration. Mosquitoes can find/smell CO ₂ from a distance and follow trace amounts of CO ₂ to bite humans or vertebrates. Many mosquito capture devices are designed to emit CO ₂ to mimic similar emissions from humans and other vertebrates.

Propane has been the fuel of choice for CO ₂ production. Many mosquito traps are designed and used to generate heat, carbon dioxide and water vapor to mimic similar emissions from humans. Mosquitoes are attracted to animals because they are attracted to octenol-like odors produced by animals such as cattle. Many propane mosquito traps produce and emit odors similar to humans and animals. Octenol and like attractants are used to produce animal-like odors.

In view of the importance of the odor emitted by humans or animals in attracting mosquitoes, attempts have been made to use sensory attractants to trap mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to chemical signals emitted by the host (human or animal) they are on to live. This chemical signal takes the form of an odor molecule that is dispersed from the source by diffusion and carried in the gas stream.

One such chemoattractant is carbon dioxide, which is released by a respiring animal. Carbon dioxide is a ubiquitous gas in the atmosphere with normal ambient background outdoor levels of 300 to 400p.p.m. Insects feeding on the host organism are sometimes attracted to and thus surround the host by the increased carbon dioxide levels produced by the host.

Another chemoattractant for detection by mosquitoes is an odor molecule, such as L-lactic acid. L-lactic acid is a volatile component of human sweat in a concentration range of 0.5 to 5.0 mg/L. However, L-lactic acid has only a slightly attractive or unattractive effect when present as a single stimulus. But when present with carbon dioxide, L-lactic acid acts as a synergist, increasing the attractive force of the gas. The use of lactic acid as an attractant is known in the art, for example, U.S. patent No. 4,907,366 to Balfour discloses a trap that uses a composition consisting of lactic acid, carbon dioxide, water, and heat to attract mosquitoes.

Other chemoattractant odor molecules are a group of chemicals known as fatty acids (particularly short chain fatty acids). Fatty acids are volatile compounds including, but not limited to, acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid, all of which are found in human excretions. The use of fatty acids as attractants is known in the art, for example, U.S. patent No. 4,818,526 to Wilson and U.S. patent No. 5,258,176 to Keenan relate to one or more attractant compositions consisting of propionic acid, n-butyric acid, isobutyric acid, n-valeric acid, isovaleric acid, isodecanoic acid, and 2-phenylethanol.

Another such attractant odor molecule is 1-octen-3-ol (octenol). Octenol is a volatile component in bovine and human breath and sweat. Octenol is an effective olfactory attractant for some mosquito species when combined with increased carbon dioxide levels. The use of carbon dioxide and/or octenol as attractants for mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks is known in the art, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,064 to Nolen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,422 to Dieguez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,436 to Nolen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,766 to Nolen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,243 to Wigton, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,316 to coventiy.

Other such attractant odor molecules are carbon disulfide and ketones. Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,526, discloses the use of dimethyl disulfide and dibutyl succinate and combinations thereof as mosquito attractants. Bernier et al, U.S. patent No. 6,267,953, discloses the use of lactic acid with dimethyl disulfide and acetone. Bernier et al, U.S. patent No. 6,800,279, discloses the use of lactic acid with carbon disulfide, and the use of lactic acid with butanone, 2-pentanone or acetone.

The combination of a high efficiency chemoattractant with a high efficiency trap provides an improved control method to be developed. However, it is not possible to predict which compound at which dosage level will be an effective attractant for a particular insect species, as seen in the various prior art. Accordingly, there is a need for an effective insect attracting system that includes an attracting composition for attracting insects such as mosquitoes.

Disclosure of Invention

Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods of attracting insects. One embodiment provides a method of attracting insects, wherein the method comprises providing an insect bait that attracts insects, wherein the insect bait comprises ammonium bicarbonate and a bait release for enhancing release of the insect bait, wherein the bait release atomizes the insect bait to release carbon dioxide to attract insects.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, a metal base, and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid, a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. In yet another aspect, an insect attracting system is provided that includes a container having at least three compartments and a venting cover, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid, a second compartment contains an alcohol, and a third compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte. In yet another aspect, the invention provides an insect attracting system comprising a container having at least two compartments and a gas permeable cover and a gas permeable wall, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid and a second compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte.

Another aspect of the invention provides an insect attracting system that includes a gas-permeable container with a gas-permeable cover that contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) providing an insect capture device capable of receiving a container; (b) Providing a composition comprising a metal base and optionally an electrolyte; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) Providing an insect capture device capable of receiving or housing (accomodate) containers; (b) Providing a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base and electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) providing an insect capture device capable of supporting a container; (b) Providing a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base and electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

Detailed Description

One embodiment provides a method of attracting insects, wherein the method comprises providing an insect bait that attracts insects, wherein the insect bait comprises a metal base and a bait release for enhancing release of the insect bait, wherein the bait release atomizes the insect bait to release carbon dioxide to attract insects.

A preferred aspect of this embodiment provides a method wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the insect is a mosquito, and wherein the method further comprises using a bait decomposition device to promote evaporation of the mosquito bait. A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the mosquito bait further comprises an electrolyte.

Another aspect of this embodiment provides a method wherein the bait comprises up to 10% by weight of electrolyte. Another more preferred embodiment of this aspect provides a method wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate.

Another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises promoting evaporation of the mosquito bait by increasing the temperature of the mosquito bait. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises atomizing the mosquito bait through vibration of a vibrating plate to disseminate the mosquito bait. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises exposing the mosquito bait to air or breeze.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided wherein the bait release means comprises adding a volatile solvent to the mosquito bait to aid in disseminating the mosquito bait. Another embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises promoting evaporation of the mosquito bait by increasing the temperature of the mosquito bait.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided wherein the bait release means comprises atomizing the mosquito bait by vibration of a vibrating plate to assist in disseminating the mosquito bait. In yet another aspect of the method, a method is provided wherein the bait release means comprises exposing the mosquito bait to air or breeze. A method is also provided wherein the bait release means comprises adding a volatile solvent to the mosquito bait to aid in disseminating the mosquito bait.

The compositions according to embodiments of the present invention are generally provided in the form of a formulation comprising a carrier containing an attractant compound. For example, suitable compositions may be suspended in an aqueous solution or gel matrix, or may be provided in solid, liquid or compressed gas form.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of attracting mosquitoes, wherein the method comprises providing a mosquito bait for attracting mosquitoes, wherein the mosquito bait comprises a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate and an electrolyte, and a bait release for enhancing release of the mosquito bait, wherein the bait release atomizes the mosquito bait to release carbon dioxide for attracting mosquitoes.

A preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the method further comprises using a bait decomposition device to promote evaporation of the mosquito bait. Yet another preferred method provides a method wherein the bait comprises up to 10% by weight of electrolyte. A more preferred method includes a bait containing up to 5% by weight of electrolyte. Yet another preferred method provides a method wherein the electrolyte is selected from sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate.

Yet another embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises promoting evaporation of the mosquito bait by increasing the temperature of the mosquito bait. Yet another embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises atomizing the mosquito bait by vibration of a vibrating plate to aid in disseminating the mosquito bait. Another embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises exposing the mosquito bait to air or breeze. Another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the bait release means comprises adding a volatile solvent to the mosquito bait to aid in disseminating the mosquito bait.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, a metal base, and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. A preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein: (i) the carboxylic acid is selected from lactic acid, caproic acid, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) an alcohol selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid or caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

Another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride, a more preferred composition comprising a mixture wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant. Preferred desiccants are selected from magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate (drierite). A more preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the composition further comprises an absorbent material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol, and wherein the absorbent material is a piece of cloth or sponge.

Another preferred embodiment provides a composition comprising from about 8% to about 40% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 20 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 35 wt% to about 85 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 5wt% of an electrolyte; and from about 0wt% to about 12 wt% of a desiccant.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition comprising from about 8% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 45 wt% to about 75 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0wt% to about 10 wt% of a desiccant.

Another preferred embodiment provides a composition comprising from about 12% to about 15% by weight lactic acid; about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 60 wt% to about 65 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0.8 wt% to about 1.5 wt% desiccant.

Another aspect of the invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid, a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. A preferred embodiment of this aspect provides a composition wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. Preferred desiccants are selected from magnesium sulfate and silica.

Another preferred embodiment provides a composition comprising about 33% to about 35% by weight lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition comprising from about 20% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 14% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 38 to about 39 weight percent of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

In yet another aspect, an insect attracting system is provided that includes a container having at least three compartments and a gas permeable cover, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid, a second compartment contains an alcohol, and a third compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte. A preferred embodiment of this aspect provides an insect attracting system wherein: (i) the carboxylic acid is selected from lactic acid, caproic acid, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) an alcohol selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof.

A preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the carboxylic acid is hexanoic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

A more preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride. Another more preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant, and wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. A more preferred embodiment provides a composition wherein the composition further comprises an absorbent material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol, preferably the absorbent material is a cloth or sponge.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an insect attracting system comprising a container having at least two compartments and a gas permeable cover and a gas permeable wall, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid and a second compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte.

A preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride, and a more preferred embodiment comprises a mixture of metal base and electrolyte and a desiccant. A more preferred embodiment provides a system wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica and anhydrous calcium sulfate, even more preferably the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate and silica. Yet another preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system comprising about 33% to about 35% by weight lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

In another aspect of the invention, an insect attracting system is provided that includes a gas-permeable container with a gas-permeable cover that contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte. A preferred embodiment of this aspect provides an insect attracting system comprising from about 2% to about 20% by weight of an electrolyte and from about 98% to about 80% by weight of a metal base. Another preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, and calcium chloride. A more preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system comprising from about 5% to about 10% by weight of an electrolyte and from about 95% to about 90% by weight of a metal base, the insect attracting system further comprising a desiccant.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system comprising about 0.5 wt% to about 2 wt% desiccant, about 5wt% to about 10 wt% electrolyte, and about 94.5 wt% to about 88 wt% metal base, wherein the metal base is selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. A more preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate. Yet another more preferred embodiment provides an insect attracting system wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of silica gel, magnesium sulfate, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. A more preferred insect attracting system is one in which the insects are mosquitoes. Yet another more preferred insect attracting system is one wherein the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) providing an insect capture device capable of receiving a container; (b) Providing a composition comprising a metal base and optionally an electrolyte; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

A preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 0wt% to about 20 wt% electrolyte and from about 100 wt% to about 80 wt% metal base. A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight electrolyte and from about 98% to about 80% by weight metal base.

Another preferred embodiment provides a process wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate and the metal base is selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition. Another more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating the gases released from the metal base and electrolyte. Another more preferred embodiment provides a process wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

Another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 5% to about 10% by weight electrolyte and from about 95% to about 90% by weight ammonium carbonate. A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the insect is a mosquito. Yet another more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) Providing an insect capturing device capable of receiving or housing a container; (b) Providing a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base and electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

A preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention provides a method wherein: (i) the carboxylic acid is selected from lactic acid, caproic acid, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) an alcohol selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof. A preferred aspect of this embodiment provides a process wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol. Another preferred embodiment provides a process wherein the carboxylic acid is hexanoic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol. In yet another aspect, a process is provided wherein the carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

A further preferred aspect provides a process wherein the metal base in the composition is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride. A more preferred aspect provides a method wherein the composition comprises a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte further comprising a desiccant. A more preferred aspect provides a method wherein the drying agent is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition further comprises an absorbent material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol, wherein the absorbent material is a piece of cloth or sponge.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 8% to about 40% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 20 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 35 wt% to about 85 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 5 wt% of an electrolyte; and from about 0 wt% to about 12 wt% of a desiccant.

Another preferred aspect provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 8% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 45 wt% to about 75 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0 wt% to about 10 wt% of a desiccant.

Another preferred aspect provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 12% to about 15% by weight lactic acid; about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 60 wt% to about 65 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0.8 wt% to about 1.5 wt% desiccant.

Another preferred aspect of the invention provides a method wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition. Yet another preferred aspect provides a method wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating the gases released from the metal base and electrolyte. A particularly preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the insect is a mosquito. Yet another particularly preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein the method comprises: (a) providing an insect capture device capable of receiving a container; (b) Providing a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base and electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant; (c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device; (d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container; (e) attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and (f) capturing insects attracted to the insect capture device with the insect capture device.

A preferred embodiment of this aspect provides a method wherein the composition comprises a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid, a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant. Another preferred embodiment provides a process wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride. A more preferred aspect provides a method wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant. Preferred desiccants in this embodiment are selected from magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate. Particularly preferred desiccants are selected from magnesium sulfate and silica.

A more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 33% to about 35% by weight lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

Yet a more preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises from about 20% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 14% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 38 to about 39 weight percent of a metal base; and about 3wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition. Yet another preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition. A particularly preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating the gases released from the metal base and electrolyte. A particularly preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the insect is a mosquito. Another particularly preferred embodiment provides a method wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.

Insect and mosquito baits for use herein may be formulated with a suitable carrier, and the gel matrix carrier may be a hydrolyzed protein gel material, such as gelatin or polysaccharide gel, as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 6,790,436 to Williams in 2004. Another exemplary carrier is octenol solution and cooling paraffin mixed with salts of L-lactic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. The attractant compound may also be volatilized from the liquid phase directly from the absorbent material, with the release rate being controlled by the headspace and orifice size of the container.

Bait formulations for insects and mosquitoes may be placed in any suitable container or device to dispense the inducer compound and trap the insects. For example, the formulation may be placed in a device that promotes evaporation of one or more chemical components of the composition from a porous or waxy medium containing the chemical component.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Most efforts to control mosquito populations have focused on female mosquitoes. Several adult females are important mediators of human disease. Most of the mosquito research has naturally focused on adult females due to feeding strategies that primarily feed on blood aspiration and the ability to produce offspring. And in particular aedes aegypti (AEDES AEGYPTI), have received most attention due to their ease of feeding, egg desiccation resistance, worldwide distribution and disease vector importance. These factors come together, making aedes aegypti a typical organism. The nutrition has a strong influence on the physiology and behavior of mosquitoes. Sugar meals can sustain the energy requirements of female aedes aegypti mosquitoes, while blood meals are a prerequisite for spawning. However, little is known about the importance of specific nutrients or specific components of sugar or blood meal required for the larval stage to complete the egg development process.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1: fig. 1 depicts a UNO Plus stainless steel trap for trapping/trapping mosquitoes.

Fig. 2: fig. 2 depicts Dyantrap a mosquito trap for trapping/catching mosquitoes.

Fig. 3: the figure is a bar graph showing a comparison of female and male culex (Culex mosquitos) captured using 9.07 grams of pressure-formed Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and 9.41 grams of a mixture of pressure-formed ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte (ab+) respectively.

Fig. 4: the figure is a bar graph showing a comparison of female and male mosquitoes captured using a mixture of 9.22 grams of pressure-formed Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and 9.22 grams of pressure-formed ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte (ab+), respectively.

Fig. 5: the figure is a bar graph showing a comparison of female and male mosquitoes captured using a mixture of 8.65 grams of pressure-formed Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and 8.65 grams of pressure-formed ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte (ab+), respectively.

Fig. 6: the figure is a bar graph showing mosquito capture data over 27 days using 9 grams of pressure formed Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and a mixture of 9 grams of pressure formed ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte, respectively.

Fig. 7: the figure is a bar graph showing a comparison of mosquito trapping using ammonium bicarbonate with zero (0) to 7 wt% electrolyte (sodium chloride). The total weight of the sample is as follows:

Numbering device	1	2	3	4
					Electrolyte weight percent	0	2.5	5.0	7.0
Total weight (g)	9.325	9.386	9.424	9.464

Fig. 8: the figure is a bar graph showing a comparison of mosquito trapping using 20 grams of ammonium bicarbonate plus 5 grams of electrolyte (sodium chloride) versus using only 20 grams of electrolyte (sodium chloride).

Fig. 9: the figure is a bar graph showing culex (both male and female) capture over 32 days using sample #1 (5.2 grams of pure ammonium bicarbonate +1.16 grams of 1-octen-3-ol +0.95 grams of lactic acid mixture) and sample #2 ((5.283 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +0.067 grams of electrolyte/salt) +1.13 grams of octenol +0.8 grams of lactic acid).

Fig. 10: the figure is a bar graph showing the capture of aedes (both male and female) over 32 days using sample #1 (5.2 grams of pure ammonium bicarbonate +1.16 grams of 1-octen-3-ol +0.95 grams of lactic acid in a mixture) and sample #2 ((5.283 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +0.067 grams of electrolyte/salt) +1.13 grams of octenol +0.8 grams of lactic acid).

Experimental part

As discussed elsewhere, the present invention provides a method of attracting insects, wherein the method comprises providing an insect bait that attracts insects, wherein the insect bait comprises ammonium bicarbonate and a bait release for enhancing release of a gas from the insect bait, wherein the gas release atomizes the insect bait to release carbon dioxide to attract insects.

Example 1

The system consists of only one component, namely ammonium bicarbonate. The use of ammonium bicarbonate is a new feature that also imparts desirable characteristics to the system for attracting mosquitoes. Ammonium bicarbonate is an important compound because it breaks down into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor:

NH₄HCO₃→NH₃+CO₂+H₂O

These three decomposition products attract mosquitoes. Here, CO ₂ plays an important role in attracting mosquitoes.

Example 2

The system comprises two components: ammonium bicarbonate and sodium chloride (electrolyte).

The main difference between the two examples is that in example 1 ammonium bicarbonate (food grade) was used, whereas in example 25 wt% of electrolyte was added to the ammonium bicarbonate. Ammonium bicarbonate with electrolyte shows better environmental stability than the attractants prepared with electrolyte.

Two mosquito traps numbered #1 and #2 were used in the test. The attractants to be tested are placed on the respective attractant holders of the traps (# 1 for AB type and #2 for ab+ type). The two traps were placed on the floor of a backyard (about 3m x 20 m) with a spacing of about 5-6 meters. Mosquitoes captured in the trap were collected every 24 hours, and then counted and species identified. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between two test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, female culex exceeded male culex, as summarized in tables IA and IB.

Table IA provides a comparison of mosquito trapping by male and female culex mosquitoes for nine (9) days for example 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and example 2 (ammonium bicarbonate + electrolyte (sodium chloride) -AB+).

Watch IA

Table IB provides the total number of male and female culex mosquitoes captured over 9 days using AB and AB+ samples, the details of which are shown in Table IA.

Table IB:

The observations summarized in tables IA and IB indicate that AB captures approximately 30% more female culex. However, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to the AB increased the female culex's capture to nearly twice, and the ratio of captured male to female mosquitoes increased from 1:1.3 (male to female) to about 1:2.5 (male to female) to a total ratio of captured male to female of 1:2. This data is also shown graphically in fig. 3.

Some benefits of adding electrolyte to the attractant ammonium bicarbonate include that more female culex tiredness (2:1 ratio) can be captured than ammonium bicarbonate alone. Another observed benefit is that ab+ is stable, showing no shape change in the 9 day test, whereas AB breaks down within 9 days.

Example 3

This example is a comparison of mosquito trapping using 9.22 grams of Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and ab+ (i.e., comprising ammonium bicarbonate and electrolyte (i.e., sodium chloride) together for a total of 9.22 grams). It should be noted that sample ab+ showed better environmental stability than sample AB.

Two mosquito traps numbered #1 and #2 were used in the test. The attractants to be tested are placed on the respective attractant holders of the traps (# 1 for AB type and #2 for ab+ type). The two traps were placed on the floor of a backyard (about 3m x 20 m) with a spacing of about 5-6 meters. Mosquitoes captured in the trap were collected every 24 hours, and then counted and species identified. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between two test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, female culex exceeded male culex, as summarized in tables IIA and IIB.

Table IIA provides mosquito capture comparison of male and female culex mosquitoes for nine (9) days for sample 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and sample 2 (ammonium bicarbonate + electrolyte (sodium chloride) -AB+).

Table IIA:

/>

Table IIB provides the total number of male and female culex mosquitoes captured over 9 days using AB and AB+ samples, the details of which are shown in Table IIA.

Table IIB

The observations summarized in tables IIA and IIB indicate that AB captures approximately 50% more female culex. However, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to AB increased the capture of female culex by approximately 80%. This data is also shown graphically in fig. 4.

Some benefits of adding electrolyte to the attractant ammonium bicarbonate include that more female culex tiredness (2:1 ratio) can be captured than ammonium bicarbonate alone. Another observed benefit is that ab+ is stable and does not show any shape change in the 9 day test, whereas AB breaks down within 9 days.

Example 4

This example is a comparison of mosquito trapping using 8.65 grams of Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and ab+ (i.e., comprising ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte (i.e., sodium chloride) together for a total of 8.65 grams). The samples were sealed in respective containers having openings of about 5 mm on the sides of the respective containers. It should be noted that sample ab+ showed better environmental stability than sample AB.

Two mosquito traps numbered #1 and #2 were used in the test. The attractants to be tested are placed on the respective attractant holders of the traps (# 1 for AB type and #2 for ab+ type). The two traps were placed on the floor of the backyard (about 3m x 20 m) of the warehouse, spaced about 5-6 meters apart. Mosquitoes captured in the trap were collected every 24 hours, and then counted and species identified. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between two test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, the number of female culex exceeded that of male culex, as summarized in tables IIIA and IIIB.

Table IIIA provides mosquito capture comparisons for male and female culex mosquitoes for nine (9) days for example 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and example 2 (ammonium bicarbonate + electrolyte (sodium chloride) -AB+).

Table IIIA:

/>

Table IIIB provides the total number of male and female culex mosquitoes captured over 9 days using AB and ab+ samples, details are shown in table IIIA.

Table IIIB

The observations summarized in tables IIIA and IIIB indicate that AB captured approximately 15% more female culex. However, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to AB increased the capture of female culex by approximately 80%. This data is also shown graphically in fig. 5.

Some observations include that an attractant (ab+) of ammonium bicarbonate plus 5% electrolyte captures 80% more of the female culex tiredness than ammonium bicarbonate Alone (AB), indicating a significant increase in attraction to female culex tiredness. The P value of the statistical pair comparison (STATISTIC PAIR comparison) between the daily mosquito trapping amounts of the two attractants was 0.005, well below 0.5.Ab+ showed good outdoor stability, low volume shrinkage, and no change in shape. The AB attractant prepared with pure ammonium bicarbonate showed significant decomposition after 6 days of testing and was completely decomposed on day 9.

Example 5:

This example is a comparison of mosquito trapping using 9 grams of Ammonium Bicarbonate (AB) and ab+ (i.e., comprising ammonium bicarbonate and 5% electrolyte (i.e., sodium chloride) together for a total of 9 grams). The samples were sealed in respective containers having openings of about 5mm on the sides of the respective containers. It should be noted that sample ab+ showed better environmental stability than sample AB.

Two mosquito traps numbered #1 and #2 were used in the test. The attractants to be tested are placed on the respective attractant holders of the traps (# 1 for AB type and #2 for ab+ type). The two traps were placed on the floor of a rectangular backyard (about 3m x 20 m) with a spacing of about 5-6 meters. Mosquitoes captured in the trap were collected every 24 hours, and then counted and species identified. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between two test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, female culex exceeded male culex, as summarized in tables IVA and IVB.

Table IVA provides mosquito capture comparisons for male and female culex mosquitoes for twenty-seven (27) days for example 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and example 2 (ammonium bicarbonate + electrolyte (sodium chloride) -AB+).

Table IVA:

/>

table IVB provides the total number of male and female culex mosquitoes captured over 9 days using AB and AB+ samples, details of which are shown in Table IVA.

Table IVB

	Female culex tired	Female culex tired
			AB	211	162
AB+	368	185

The observations summarized in tables IVA and IVB indicate that AB captures approximately 30% more female culex. However, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to the AB increased the capture of female culex by approximately 100%. This data is also shown graphically in fig. 6.

Example 6

This example uses a comparison of mosquito capture with different combinations of AB and ab+ as shown below:

The samples were sealed in respective containers having openings of about 5mm on the sides of the respective containers. It should be noted that sample ab+ showed better environmental stability than sample AB.

Ammonium bicarbonate and electrolyte were mixed and molded into round blocks (14 mm thick, 25mm diameter) that were sealed in a round plastic box with release holes (5 mm diameter) on top. Four mosquito traps labeled #1, #2, #3, and #4 were hung on nearby branches about 1-1.5 meters from the ground 10 meters apart. The attractants to be tested are placed in the attractant holders of the respective traps. Every 24 hours about 8 a.m. each day: 30 collect mosquitoes captured in the trap once and then count and identify species. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between four test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, female culex exceeded male culex in number, as summarized in tables VA and VB.

Table VA provides a comparison of mosquito trapping by male and female culex mosquitoes for sixteen (16) days for example 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and example 2 (ammonium bicarbonate + electrolyte (sodium chloride) -ab+).

Table VA

The observations summarized in tables VA and VB are that, referring to the ab+ in combination with 5% electrolyte, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to AB increases the female culex's capture rate to nearly 600% compared to the male mosquitoes. This data is also shown graphically in fig. 7.

Table VB

Electrolyte%	0％	2.5％	5％	7％
					Female culex tired	84	131	200	116
Male culex tired	69	51	36	50

Example 7

This example is a comparison of mosquitoes captured using different combinations of AB and ab+ as shown below:

Numbering device	1	2	3	4
					Electrolyte weight percent	0	10	15.0	20.0
Total weight (g)	9.416	9.485	9.428	9.458

Ammonium bicarbonate and electrolyte were mixed and molded into round blocks (14 mm thick, 25mm diameter) that were sealed in a round plastic box with release holes (5 mm diameter) on top. Four mosquito traps labeled #1, #2, #3, and #4 were hung on nearby branches about 1-1.5 meters from the ground 10 meters apart. The attractants to be tested are placed in the attractant holders of the respective traps. Every 24 hours about 8 a.m. each day: 30 collect mosquitoes captured in the trap once and then count and identify species. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between four test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, in particular, female culex exceeded male culex, as summarized in tables VIA and VIB.

Table VIA provides mosquito capture comparisons for male and female culex mosquitoes for sixteen (16) days for example 1 (ammonium bicarbonate-AB) and example 2 (ammonium bicarbonate+electrolyte (sodium chloride) -AB+).

Table VIA

The observations summarized in tables VIA and VIB are that, referring to the ab+ in combination with 10% electrolyte, the addition of electrolyte (sodium chloride) to AB increases the female culex's capture rate by approximately 80%.

Table VIB

Example 8

This example provides a comparison of mosquito trapping using 5.2 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +1.16 grams of octenol +0.95 grams of lactic acid (sample 1) and 5.283 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +0.067 grams of salt +1.13 grams of octenol +8.8 grams of lactic acid (sample 2). The samples were sealed in respective containers having openings of about 5mm on the sides of the respective containers.

Two mosquito traps numbered #1 and #2 were used in the test. The attractants to be tested are placed on the attractant holders of the respective traps (# 1 for sample 1, #2 for sample 2). The two traps were placed on the floor of a rectangular backyard (about 3m x 20 m) with a spacing of about 5-6 meters. Mosquitoes captured in the trap were collected every 24 hours, and then counted and species identified. After collection and replacement of the insect cartridges, the traps were rotated clockwise between two test points daily to eliminate the effects of environmental factors. Culex was the main species captured, as summarized in tables VIIA and VIIB.

Table VIIA provides mosquito counts captured over a period of 32 days using a composition (sample 1) containing 5.2 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +1.16 grams of octenol +0.95 grams of lactic acid.

Table VIIA

/>

Table VIIB provides mosquito counts captured over a 32 day period using a composition (sample 2) comprising 5.283 grams of ammonium bicarbonate +0.067 grams of salt +1.13 grams of octenol +0.8 grams of lactic acid.

Table VIIB

/>

The data in tables VIIA and VIIB show that the composition with electrolyte (sodium chloride) (sample 2) (capture 2774 culex) improved approximately 50% of culex capture compared to the composition without electrolyte (sample 1) (capture 1926 culex). It is also notable that sample 2 helped capture twice the number of female culex (1009) as compared to sample 1 (560). Also notable is that the vast majority of mosquitoes captured were culex (about 98:2) compared to aedes. Figure 8 graphically illustrates the number of culex mosquitoes captured using samples 1 and 2. Figure 9 graphically illustrates the number of aedes captured using samples 1 and 2.

Example 9

Example 9 provides a total weight 8.556g of a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid (lactic acid and caproic acid), metal base (ammonium bicarbonate), electrolyte (sodium chloride) and absorbent material (cloth) wherein the cloth is used to absorb liquid (caproic acid).

Composition and method for producing the same	Weight (g)	Composition%
			Lactic acid	3	35.1％
Caproic acid	1.2	14.0％
			Metal base	3.3	38.6％20
Electrolyte composition	0.3	3.5％
			PET nonwoven bag (pod)	0.756	8.8％
Totals to	8.556	100

Example 10

Example 10 provides a total weight 8.293g of a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid (lactic acid), non-metallic base (ammonium bicarbonate), electrolyte (sodium chloride), alcohol (1-octen-3-ol), desiccant (silica) and absorbent material (cloth) wherein the cloth is used to absorb liquid (1-octen-3-ol).

/>

Mosquito trapping data shows that female mosquitoes are trapped/trapped at a significantly higher rate than male mosquitoes. As mentioned above, adult female mosquitoes are an important vehicle for human disease. Capturing/trapping and killing adult female mosquitoes is more important due to the feeding strategy that mainly feeds on blood aspiration and the ability to generate offspring.

Drawings

The description of fig. 3-9 is provided elsewhere.

Fig. 1 depicts an insect trapping device 10 comprising a container 11 capable of holding the composition mentioned in the specification, a closed fan 12, and an insect trapping portion 13. As used herein, different phrases will have the meaning described in this and other sections of this application.

Fig. 2 depicts an insect trapping device 20 comprising a container 21 capable of holding the composition mentioned in the description, and a closed fan 22, and an insect trapping part 23. As used herein, different phrases will have the meaning described in this and other sections of this application.

FIG. 10 depicts a container for holding the composition discussed in the present invention as used in the present invention. The container 30 includes a lid 40 and a wall 41 having apertures 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 37 therein to facilitate movement of gases generated by the composition of the present invention.

Definition of the definition

As used herein, different phrases will have the meaning described in this and other sections of this application.

The term "insect attracting system" as used herein refers to a combination of multiple components, including individual chemical entities, mixtures of two or more chemical entities, physical embodiments including containers, trapping devices capable of trapping insects including mosquitoes, and other components known to those skilled in the art to aid in the practice of the invention.

The term "at least" is used to indicate that a given embodiment is comprised of at least the indicated number of elements. It is to be understood that a given embodiment may be made up of more than at least the indicated number of constituent elements. The term "at least" should be understood to define the lower limit of the constituent elements rather than the upper limit of the constituent elements. It should also be understood that the insect attracting system of the present invention may include up to, but not more than, 25 components.

The term "gas-permeable" as used herein refers to the ability of a container wall or lid to facilitate movement of gas from within the container to the outside (and vice versa). The breathability comes from walls and covers that are perforated or mesh-like.

The terms "metal base" and "non-metal base" as used herein refer to compounds having a basic pH, where the pH is typically greater than about 8. The metal base compound contains one or more metal elements bonded to other elements. Typically, the metal atom acts as a cation in the compound and is bonded to a nonmetallic anion or ionic group. Because of its positive charge, the symbol of the metallic element is first in the chemical formula. Ammonium ions are considered to be a metal element for the purposes of the present invention. Illustrative examples of metal bases are ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and organic and inorganic potassium and sodium salts. It is understood that the terms metallic base and non-metallic base are interchangeable.

As used herein, "housing" means a physical container that can house/house at least some of the components of the present invention. A typical housing has a plurality of individual zones/compartments separated by partitions such that each zone/compartment contains, for example, (a) a saturated alcohol, a partially unsaturated alcohol, or an aromatic alcohol, respectively; (b) L (+) lactic acid; and (c) a metal or metal base. A typical housing will also have a cover/lid for enclosing a plurality of individual areas/compartments. The housing may be made of different materials, such as plastic, metal, wood, or a combination thereof. The housing material will not typically interact/react with the material it contains/houses. An illustrative example of a housing is shown in fig. 1 below.

The term "inert binder" as used herein refers to a material that can be formulated as a binder with a metallic or non-metallic base in a compressed form (e.g., tablet). As the term indicates, the inert binder is inert and therefore does not interact with the metallic or non-metallic base material. Illustrative examples of inert binders include corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone (povidone), polyvinylpyrrolidone and modified cellulose, waxes and stearates. .

The term "electrolyte" as used herein refers to a material that is capable of producing a conductive solution when combined or dissolved in a solvent, preferably a polar solvent such as water. Illustrative examples of electrolytes are phosphates and other salts including sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, calcium chloride, chloric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and magnesium hydroxide.

The term "desiccant" as used herein refers to a chemical agent capable of absorbing moisture/water in an environment where moisture is present (e.g., humid air). Water absorption may occur when the desiccant absorbs water on its surface or in the pores of a matrix that may be present within the desiccant. Illustrative examples of desiccants are silica gel, molecular sieves, alumina, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, amphibole (diorite), potassium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and sodium hydroxide.

The term "carboxylic acid" as used herein is intended to mean an organic acid containing a carboxyl group (C (=o) OH) attached to an R group. The carboxylic acid has a general formula of R-COOH or R-CO ₂ H, wherein R refers to alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or other groups. Illustrative subclasses of carboxylic acids include amino acids and fatty acids. Illustrative examples of carboxylic acids are formic acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, caproic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, capric acid, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, adipic acid, isocitric acid (isocytric acid) and glycolic acid. It is understood that the terms L-lactic acid and lactic acid are interchangeable.

The term "insect bait" or "mosquito bait" or "bait" as used herein refers to a composition capable of releasing a gas that attracts insects, including mosquitoes. These terms also include gases released from the composition, including carbon dioxide (CO ₂), ammonia (NH ₃), propane, etc., which attract insects including mosquitoes.

The term "alcohol" as used herein means a class of organic compounds characterized by one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom of an alkyl group (hydrocarbon chain). Some consider alcohols as organic derivatives of water (H ₂ O) in which one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by an alkyl group (generally represented by R in the organic structure). For example, in ethanol (or ethyl alcohol), the alkyl group is ethyl, -CH ₂CH₃. Alcohols can be classified as primary, secondary or tertiary depending on which carbon of the alkyl group is bonded to the hydroxyl group. Most alcohols are colorless liquids or solids at room temperature. The solubility of low molecular weight alcohols in water is high; as the molecular weight increases, its solubility in water becomes smaller, and its boiling point, vapor pressure, density, and viscosity increase. Illustrative examples of alcohols are methanol, ethanol, butanol, octanol, propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, octan-3-ol, butan-1-ol, cetyl alcohol, acetyl alcohol, glycerol, allyl alcohol and propargyl alcohol.

The term "optional" means something that is not necessary or mandatory, but may be present or available if desired. In the present invention, the term optionally is associated with "optionally present" desiccants, it is intended that the expression desiccant is not necessary/mandatory and may be present if desired.

The term "absorbent material" refers to a material that has the ability or propensity to absorb (typically by absorbing or adsorbing) other substances. The spongy material absorbs water or other liquids by containing the liquid material in a porous mass of interlaced fibers that form an internal skeleton. Illustrative examples of absorbent materials are cloths, sponges, fabrics, tissues, and the like.

The term "soaking" is intended to describe a material, such as a fabric or sponge, that is moist due to the presence of liquid in the pores of the material. In the present invention, the fabric or sponge material may be impregnated with an alcohol or carboxylic acid or any other ingredient that may be present in liquid form.

The term "container" as used herein is intended to describe any receptacle (or enclosure) for holding a substance (e.g., carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base, desiccant, electrolyte, etc.). The container of the present invention is intended to have a plurality of separate compartments to prevent the components in each compartment from contacting each other. The container of the present invention is also intended to have a porous cover to allow the components contained therein to come into contact with the air in the surrounding environment and also to allow any gaseous substances generated by the evaporation of the components contained therein to pass through.

The term "insect" as used herein is intended to mean pests and biting midges (ceratopogonidae), including mosquitoes. The term insect includes both sexes (male and female) of the insect. The term "mosquito" or "mosquito" refers to both male and female mosquitoes, as well as to mosquitoes of different species. Mosquitoes are any member of the approximately 3500 small insects belonging to the diptera (flies). In diptera, mosquitoes constitute the family mosquito (from the genus culex latinosus (culex), meaning "gnat (gnat)"). The term "mosquito" also includes any type of mosquito (e.g., anopheles, aedes (Aedes), midge (Ochlerotatus), and culex), including, but not limited to, tiger mosquito (Tiger mosquito), aedes aegypti (Aedes aborigines), aedes aegypti (AEDES AEGYPTI), aedes albopictus (Aedes albopictus), aedes candidus (Aedes cantator), aedes secateur (AEDES SIERRENSIS), aedes botii (Aedes sollicitans), aedes squamosa (Aedes squamigeer), aedes spinosa (Aedes sticticus), aedes spinosa (Aedes vexans), anopheles tetralis (Anopheles quadrimaculatus), culex spinosa (Culex pipiens), culex tiredness (Culex quinquefaxciatus), and Aedes tridentate (Ochlerotatus triseriatus).

Claims

1. A composition comprising a mixture of a carboxylic acid, an alcohol, a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein:

(i) The carboxylic acid is selected from lactic acid, caproic acid, and mixtures thereof; and

(Ii) The alcohol is selected from the group consisting of 1-octen-3-ol, ethanol, and mixtures thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2 wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

4. The composition of claim 2 wherein the carboxylic acid is hexanoic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

5. The composition of claim 2 wherein the carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

6. The composition of claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

8. The composition of claim 7 wherein said desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

9. The composition of claim 6 or 7, wherein the composition further comprises an absorbent material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol.

10. The composition of claim 9 wherein the absorbent material is a piece of cloth or sponge.

11. The composition of claim 2, 3, 6, 7, 8,9, or 10 comprising about 8 wt% to about 40 wt% lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 20 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 35 wt% to about 85 wt% of a metal base; about 1wt% to about 5wt% of an electrolyte; and from about 0wt% to about 12 wt% of a desiccant.

12. The composition of claim 2,3, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 comprising about 8 wt% to about 30 wt% lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 15wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 45 wt% to about 75 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0wt% to about 10 wt% of a desiccant.

13. The composition of claim 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 comprising about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% lactic acid; about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 60 wt% to about 65 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0.8 wt% to about 1.5 wt% desiccant.

14. A composition comprising a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid, a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant.

15. The composition of claim 14 wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

16. The composition of claim 14, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate and silica.

19. The composition of claim 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, comprising about 33 wt% to about 35 wt% lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

20. The composition of claim 19, comprising about 20% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 14% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 38 to about 39 weight percent of a metal base; and about 3wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

21. An insect attracting system comprising a container having at least three compartments and a venting cover, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid, a second compartment contains an alcohol, and a third compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte.

22. The insect attracting system of claim 21, wherein:

23. The insect attracting system of claim 22, wherein the carboxylic acid is lactic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

24. The insect attracting system of claim 23, wherein the carboxylic acid is hexanoic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

25. The insect attracting system of claim 22, wherein the carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and the alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

26. The insect attracting system of claim 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

27. The insect attracting system of claim 26, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

28. The insect attracting system of claim 27, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

29. The insect attracting system of claim 26, 27, or 28, wherein the composition further comprises an absorbing material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol.

30. The insect attracting system of claim 29 wherein the absorbent material is a piece of cloth or sponge.

31. The insect attracting system of claim 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, comprising about 8 wt% to about 40 wt% lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 20 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 35 wt% to about 85 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 5 wt% of an electrolyte; and from about 0 wt% to about 12 wt% of a desiccant.

32. The insect attracting system of claim 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, comprising about 8 wt% to about 30 wt% lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 45 wt% to about 75 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0 wt% to about 10 wt% of a desiccant.

33. The insect attracting system of claim 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30, comprising about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% lactic acid; about 12 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 60 wt% to about 65 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0.8 wt% to about 1.5 wt% desiccant.

34. An insect attracting system comprising a container having at least two compartments and a venting cover, wherein a first compartment contains a carboxylic acid and a second compartment contains a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte.

35. The insect attracting system of claim 34, wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

36. The insect attracting system of claim 34, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

37. The insect attracting system of claim 36, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

38. The insect attracting system of claim 37, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate and silica.

39. The insect attracting system of claim 34, 35, 36, 37, or 38, comprising about 33 wt% to about 35wt% lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

40. An insect attracting system comprising a gas-permeable container with a gas-permeable cover, the gas-permeable container comprising a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte.

41. The insect attracting system of claim 40, comprising about 2 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the electrolyte and about 98 wt.% to about 80 wt.% of the metal base.

42. The insect attracting system of claim 41 wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide, and calcium chloride.

43. The insect attracting system of claim 42, comprising about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% electrolyte and about 95 wt% to about 90 wt% metal base.

44. The insect attracting system of claim 43 further comprising a desiccant.

45. The insect attracting system of claim 44, comprising about 0.5 wt.% to about 2 wt.% desiccant, about 5 wt.% to about 10 wt.% electrolyte, and about 94.5 wt.% to about 88 wt.% metal base.

46. The insect attracting system of claim 45 wherein the metal base is selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate.

47. The insect attracting system of claim 46 wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate.

48. The insect attracting system of claim 47 wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of silica gel, magnesium sulfate, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

49. The insect attracting system of claim 48 wherein the insect is a mosquito.

50. The insect attracting system of claim 49 wherein the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

51. A method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein said method comprises:

(a) Providing an insect capturing device capable of receiving a container;

(b) Providing a composition comprising a metal base and optionally an electrolyte;

(c) Placing the composition in a container having an opening in a container wall and/or container lid, and placing the container on or within an insect-capturing device;

(d) Promoting release of one or more gases from the metal base and optional electrolyte contained within the container;

(e) Attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and

(F) The insect capture device is utilized to capture insects attracted to the insect capture device.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the composition comprises from about 0% to about 20% by weight electrolyte and from about 100% to about 80% by weight metal base.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the composition comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight electrolyte and from about 98% to about 80% by weight metal base.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate and the metal base is selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating gases released from the metal base and electrolyte.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and said electrolyte is sodium chloride.

58. The method of claim 57, the composition comprising about 5% to about 10% by weight electrolyte and about 95% to about 90% by weight ammonium carbonate.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the insect is a mosquito.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.

61. A method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein said method comprises:

(a) Providing an insect capturing device capable of receiving a container;

(b) Providing a composition comprising a mixture of carboxylic acid, alcohol, metal base and electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant;

(e) Attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and

62. The method of claim 61, wherein:

63. A process as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carboxylic acid is lactic acid and said alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

64. A process as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carboxylic acid is hexanoic acid and said alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

65. A process as set forth in claim 62 wherein said carboxylic acid is a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid and said alcohol is 1-octen-3-ol.

66. The method of claim 63, 64, or 65, wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

67. The method as recited in claim 66, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein said drying agent is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

69. The method of claim 66 or 67, wherein said composition further comprises an absorbent material soaked in 1-octen-3-ol, wherein said absorbent material is a piece of cloth or sponge.

70. The method of claim 62, 63, 66, 67, 68, or 69, comprising about 8% to about 40% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 20wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 35 wt% to about 85 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 5wt% of an electrolyte; and from about 0wt% to about 12 wt% of a desiccant.

71. The method of claim 62, 63, 66, 67, 68, or 69, comprising about 8% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 7 wt% to about 15 wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 45 wt% to about 75 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 4 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0 wt% to about 10 wt% of a desiccant.

72. The method of claim 62, 63, 66, 67, 68, or 69, comprising about 12% to about 15% by weight lactic acid; about 12 wt% to about 15wt% of 1-octen-3-ol; about 60 wt% to about 65 wt% of a metal base; about 1 wt% to about 2 wt% of an electrolyte; and about 0.8 wt% to about 1.5 wt% desiccant.

73. The method of claim 70, wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

74. The method of claim 71, wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

75. The method of claim 72, 73 or 74, wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating gases released from the metal base and electrolyte.

76. The method of claim 76, wherein the insect is a mosquito.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.

78. A method of attracting and trapping insects, wherein said method comprises:

(a) Providing an insect capturing device capable of receiving a container;

(e) Attracting insects to the gas released from the metal base; and

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of lactic acid and caproic acid, a mixture of a metal base and an electrolyte, and optionally a desiccant.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the metal base is ammonium bicarbonate and the electrolyte is sodium chloride.

81. The method as recited in claim 80, wherein the mixture of metal base and electrolyte further comprises a desiccant.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, silica, and anhydrous calcium sulfate.

83. The method as set forth in claim 82, wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate and silica.

84. The method of claim 79, 80, 81, or 82 wherein the composition comprises about 33 wt% to about 35 wt% lactic acid; about 13% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 37 wt% to about 39 wt% of a metal base; and about 3 wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

85. The method of claim 84, comprising about 20% to about 30% by weight lactic acid; about 14% to about 15% by weight of hexanoic acid; about 38 to about 39 weight percent of a metal base; and about 3wt% to about 4 wt% electrolyte.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

87. The method of claim 85 wherein the gas is released from the composition by raising the temperature of the composition or by vibrating a container containing the composition.

88. The method of claim 86 or 87, wherein the composition comprises a volatile solvent to aid in disseminating gases released from the metal base and electrolyte.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the insect is a mosquito.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the gas released from the composition is ammonia or carbon dioxide.