DK201800203A1

DK201800203A1 - Bait station adapted for reducing non-target poisonings

Info

Publication number: DK201800203A1
Application number: DKPA201800203A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Sørensen Kurt
Original assignee: Camro A/S
Priority date: 2018-05-08
Filing date: 2018-05-08
Publication date: 2019-05-15
Also published as: DK179770B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bait station comprising a) a housing with a rat and/or mouse entry opening; b) a feeding compartment positioned within the housing; c) a motion and/or heat sensor configured to detect the presence of a rat and/or mouse, and d) a dosage unit configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment.

Description

Bait station adapted for reducing non-target poisonings

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of bait stations for rats and mice, and in particular to bait stations with poisoned bait.

Background of the invention

Bait stations in the form of enclosed units containing poisoned bait are commonly used for killing rats and mice. The rat or mouse enters the bait station, eats the bait and dies three to five days later. A problem with existing bait stations is that they are susceptible to poisoning of non-target animals, such as birds, lizards, snakes, snails, kittens, or the like. As concern for animal rights grows worldwide, and international animal welfare regulations become more stringent, particularly in relation to perceived indiscriminate use of toxins, the number and type of bait stations available is diminishing.

Object of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a bait station adapted for reducing non-target poisonings.

Description of the Invention

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a bait station comprising:

- a housing with a rat and/or mouse entry opening; and

- a feeding compartment positioned within the housing; wherein the bait station further comprises:

- a motion and/or heat sensor configured to detect the presence of a rat and/or mouse, and

- a dosage unit configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment i) when the motion and/or heat sensor has detected the presence

DK 2018 00203 A1 of a rat or mouse, or ii) after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor, or iii) after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period, or iv) after a predetermined time from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time period of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor, or v) after the motion and/or heat sensor has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station.

The housing may be made from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, composites, concrete, or the like.

In the present context, the term poisoned bait covers all types of baits suitable for killing a mouse or rat, such as rodenticidal bait, anticoagulants, metal phosphides, calciferols, and the like. As the poisoned bait is delivered in doses, non-target poisonings are minimized.

In one or more embodiments, the dosing unit delivers a single dosage of poisonous feed for a rat or mouse. Thereby, it will only be the entering rat or mouse that can eat the poisonous feed. If other animals subsequently enter, the risk of poisoning is significantly reduced, as most of the poisonous feed would be gone. In the present context, a single dosage is defined as a dosage that is less than a double dosage (i.e. a dosage that can kill two rats or mice).

In the present context, the motion or heat sensor may be an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or an optical sensor. However, this is not intended to be limiting. It is also envisaged as within the scope of the invention that the sensor may be a mechanical sensor configured to detect the presence of the rat or mouse by physical contact of the mouse or rat with the sensor. For example, the sensor may be a pressure plate or similar component, or assembly configured to detect the weight of the rat or mouse. Alternatively, the sensor may be a component or

DK 2018 00203 A1 assembly configured to be moved by the pest, such as by being pulled, tugged at, or otherwise physically interacted with by the rat or mouse. Advantageously a signal indicating the activation of the sensor is transmitted wirelessly to a receiving device. Hereby wired electrical connections between the bait station and a communication device, placed at a distance from the bait station, may be avoided. The communication device may have a radio module enabling the device to send messages, such as SMS messages, to a computer.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor.

In one or more embodiments, the predetermined time is at least 12 hours, e.g. at least 18 hours, such as at least 24 hours, e.g. at least 30 hours, such as at least 36 hours.

In one or more embodiments, the predetermined time is within the range of 12-48 hours, e.g. within the range of 18-42 hours, such as within the range of 24-36 hours.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment when the motion and/or heat sensor has detected the presence of a rat or mouse.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period, such as within 5-90 days, e.g. within the range of 10-80 days, such as within the range of 15 -70 days, e.g. within the range of 20-60 days, such as within the range of 25 -55 days, e.g. within the

DK 2018 00203 A1 range of 30-50 days, such as within the range of 35 -45 days. The bait station may be suitable for use in countries having regulations, which prohibit the laying of bait unless there are signs of an active pest infestation. The bait station can be placed in a non-baited state at a location and still be compliant with the regulations. However, should pest activity occur, the bait station can detect such activity and convert to a baited state to combat the pest infestation. The bait station is compliant with the regulations in the baited state because it would have been triggered by pest activity, i.e. an indication of an active pest infestation. The ability of the bait station to convert from a non-baited state to a baited state may reduce the reliance of pest control contractors upon their clients noticing and reporting evidence of pest activity. An infestation could potentially be treated even if it occurs between scheduled visits by a pest control contractor. The bait station may reduce delays between commencement of pest activity indicative of a pest infestation and treatment of the pest infestation.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment after a predetermined time (such as defined above) from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time period (such as defined above) of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor. The predetermined number of detections may be at least two, or within the range of 2-20 detections, such as within the range of 3-15 detections, e.g. within the range of 4-10 detections, or within the range of 5-15 detections.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment after the motion and/or heat sensor has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station. This configuration may avoid scaring the rat or mouse when present in the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the dosage is in the form of a block or pill or paste that can be removed from the bait station by the rat or mouse. In one or more

DK 2018 00203 A1 embodiments, the block or pill is coated with a composition that is un-dissolvable by snails, such as a polyethylene coating.

In one or more embodiments, the dosing unit is configured for dosing a bait paste or a powder, and wherein the dosing unit comprises an outlet nozzle which projects into the feeding compartment, a plunger-type or screw-type extruder, and a controller configured for activating the plunger-type or screw-type extruder in response to the presence of a rat or mouse within the base station. In one or more embodiments, the plunger-type extruder comprises a disposable syringe loaded with the paste, and means adapted for receiving a disposable syringe, and adapted for advancing the syringe plunger. The driving mechanism may be a miniature DC motor that is switched on and off intermittently and drives a screw-threaded rod (lead screw), which is linked to the syringe plunger, causing its advancement. In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to activate the plunger-type or screw-type extruder for a predetermined time i) when the motion and/or heat sensor has detected the presence of a rat or mouse, or ii) after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor, or iii) after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period, or iv) after a predetermined time from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time period of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor, or v) after the motion and/or heat sensor has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station.

In one or more embodiments, a scent attractant is positioned in the housing, e.g. in a tunnel in the housing, in a position between the entry opening and the feeding compartment.

In one or more embodiments, a scent attractant is positioned in a tunnel spanning between the entry opening and the feeding compartment, in a position

DK 2018 00203 A1 between the entry opening and the feeding compartment; wherein the scent attractant is sized and configured such that a rat and/or mouse can pass it in the tunnel and move unhindered towards the feeding compartment.

The dimensions of the rat and/or mouse entry opening are important. A rat is not prone to enter a narrow entry opening below 30-40 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the rat and/or mouse entry opening is sized and configured to leave an opening with a free height of at least 30 mm, such as within the range of 40-100 mm, e.g. at least 40-45 mm, such as within the range of 45-95 mm, e.g. at least 50 mm, such as within the range of 50-90 mm, e.g. at least 55 mm, such as within the range of 55-85 mm, e.g. at least 60 mm, such as within the range of 60-80 mm, e.g. at least 65 mm, such as within the range of 70-75 mm, e.g. at least 70 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the rat and/or mouse entry opening is sized and configured to leave an opening with a clear width of at least 40 mm, such as within the range of 40-100 mm, e.g. at least 45 mm, such as within the range of 45-95 mm, e.g. at least 50 mm, such as within the range of 50-90 mm, e.g. at least 55 mm, such as within the range of 55-85 mm, e.g. at least 60 mm, such as within the range of 60-80 mm, e.g. at least 65 mm, such as within the range of 70-75 mm, e.g. at least 70 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the bait station comprises means for securing the housing to the ground and/or to a wall near the ground, to avoid that the bait station can be turned on its side. Such means may be bolts or earth anchors.

In one or more embodiments, a part of the side wall is configured as a door/lid with a lock for restricted access to the feeding compartment located within the housing.

DK 2018 00203 A1

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from about or approximately one particular value and/or to about or approximately another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bait station in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and where the top lid and dosage unit have been removed;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bait station in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and where the top lid, dosage unit, and two side walls have been removed; and

Figure 3 is a top view of a bait station in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and where the top lid and dosage unit have been removed.

References

100 Bait station

200 Housing

210 Rat and/or mouse entry opening

220 Side wall

DK 2018 00203 A1

230

Tunnel

300

Feeding compartment

400

Motion or heat sensor

500

Scent attractant

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bait station 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and where the top lid and dosage unit have been removed. The dosage unit could be any type of dosage unit, e.g. a plunger-type extruder comprising a disposable syringe loaded with the paste, and means adapted for receiving a disposable syringe, and adapted for advancing the syringe plunger. The driving mechanism may be a miniature DC motor that is switched on and off intermittently and drives a screw-threaded rod (lead screw), which is linked to the syringe plunger, causing its advancement.

The bait station 100 comprises a housing 200 and a feeding compartment 300 positioned within the housing 200. The housing comprises two rat and/or mouse entry openings 210A, 210B positioned in the side walls 220, and leading into opposite ends of a tunnel 230 leading to the feeding compartment 300. A motion sensor 400 is positioned across the tunnel 230, such that a rat or mouse cannot reach the feeding compartment 300 without being registered.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bait station in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, and where the top lid, dosage unit, and two side walls have been removed. A scent attractant 500 is positioned in the tunnel 230 in a position between the motion sensor 400 and the feeding compartment 300. The scent attractant 500 is sized and configured such that a rat or mouse can pass it in the tunnel 230 and move unhindered towards the feeding compartment 300, wherein a single dosage of poisonous feed is positioned (not shown).

Claims

1. A bait station (100) comprising:

- a housing (200) with a rat and/or mouse entry opening (210); and

- a feeding compartment (300) positioned within the housing (200); characterized in that the bait station (100) further comprises:

- a motion and/or heat sensor (400) configured to detect the presence of a rat and/or mouse, and

- a dosage unit configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (300) i) when the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected the presence of a rat or mouse, or ii) after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400), or iii) after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor (400) of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period, or iv) after a predetermined time from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time period of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400), or v) after the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station (100).

2. A bait station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (300) after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400).

3. A bait station (100) according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined time is at least 12 hours.

4. A bait station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (300) when the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected the presence of a rat or mouse.

DK 2018 00203 A1

5. A bait station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (300) after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor (400) of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period.

6. A bait station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (300) after a predetermined time from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time period of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400).

7. A bait station (100) according to claim 1, wherein the dosage unit is configured to deliver a dosage of poisonous feed to the feeding compartment (400) after the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station (100).

8. A bait station (100) according to any one of the claims 1 -7, wherein the dosing unit is configured for dosing a bait paste or a powder, and wherein the dosing unit comprises an outlet nozzle which projects into the feeding compartment (300), a plunger-type or screw-type extruder, and a controller configured for activating the plunger-type or screw-type extruder in response to the presence of a rat or mouse within the base station.

9. A bait station (100) according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to activate the plunger-type or screw-type extruder for a predetermined time i) when the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected the presence of a rat or mouse, or ii) after a predetermined time from the detection of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400), or iii) after a predetermined number of detections by the motion and/or heat sensor (400) of the presence of a rat or mouse within a predetermined time period, or iv) after a predetermined time from a predetermined number of detections within a predetermined time

DK 2018 00203 A1 period of the presence of a rat or mouse by the motion and/or heat sensor (400), or v) after the motion and/or heat sensor (400) has detected that an entered rat or mouse has left the bait station (400).

5 10. A bait station (100) according to any one of the claims 8-9, wherein the dosing unit comprises a plunger-type extruder comprising a disposable syringe loaded with bait paste, and means adapted for receiving a disposable syringe and adapted for advancing the syringe plunger.