GB2340020A

GB2340020A - Gastropod barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2340020A
Application number: GB9816312A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Rhodes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-07-28
Filing date: 1998-07-28
Publication date: 2000-02-16
Also published as: GB9816312D0

Description

1 2340020 PEST CONTROL DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of pest control in horticulture and more particularly to the control of slugs, snails and the like.

Backcground to the Invention Slugs, snails and related creatures are a well known pest in horticulture, causing considerable damage, especially to young plants. The garden slug and the black slug both of the genus Ailoniclae and certain snails of the genus Heliciclae are known as pests. The term "slug or snail" as used herein is not intended to be limitincy and should be applied to all such creatures.

C A number of techniques of controlling slucys and snails are well known. One such technique involves the use of physical traps which often take the form of, for example, a vessel or trench into which the pest crawls or falls, and whose sides are configured such that a slug or snail cannot escape- Additionally, an attractant bait may be provided for the creature to entice it into the vessel. Baits comprising a poison to ensure that the creature is killed are often used. Such devices require regular inspection to remove the dead or trapped creatures and to replace the bait.

An additional disadvantage is that they may catch other animals which are harmless or even beneficial to the crop being protected. These traps also present the disadvantage that, to encompass a crop of reasonable size, a large amount of digging to lay down the trap is required. An alternative to encompassing the crop is to put down ajarge number of traps within the crop itself and attempt to divert the slugs or snails from the crop to the trap. Furthermore, traps are known to fill with debris and soil decreasing their efficiency.

A second technique of control involves the exclusive use of poison. This is particularly favoured in smaller gardens where the use of "slua pellets" is common. These pellets are sprinkled around the plants to be protected and contain a poison which when eaten by a slug or snail, kills it. This method suffers from a number of disadvantages. Firstly, this control technique depends on the slug or snail encountering and consuming the pellet before it reaches the plant.

Secondly, the poison does not always act sufficiently quickly to prevent a slug or snail damaging the protected plant or crop. Thirdly, the use of poison is not always desirable. For example, poisoned slugs or snails may be eaten by their natural predators such as hedgehogs, moles or birds who may either directly or indirectly ingest the poison. Consequently, creatures higher up the food chain are 0 1"D exposed to the potentially harmful effects of the poison. Additionally, slug pellets are not usually suitable in areas where young children play, as there is the risk of children eating, the pellets.

The final common technique for controlling slugs and snails is to put a "chemical" barrier around the plant by presenting, a strip of obstructive material, for example, ash, lime, or salt in their path. The predominant aim is not to kill the slug or snail but to deter it. This method has the disadvanta(ye in that the barrier material is liable to be blown away, washed away or dissolved in rain. Moreover, repeated applications of some barrier materials result in an increase in concentration of the obstructive or deterrent material in the soil. This may result in, for example, increased salinity of the soil.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to provide ail improved means for preventing slugs, snails or like creatures from reaching a specific area or crop.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device which requires little maintenance once in place, and can be reused once a particular plant or crop is deemed safe from attack, or has been harvested.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to seek to provide a cheap and efficient means of deterring slugs, snails or like creatures from entering a particular area.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a pest control device comprising a Z.

barrier having at least one roughened surface operable to impede or prevent passage thereacross by a slug or snail.

0 C.) Preferably, the pest control device comprises an elongate strip of metal or plastics material.

Preferably, the at least one roughened surface is formed by the provision of sharp protrusions thereon.

The sharp protrusions comprise barbs, spines, or spikes.

The protrusions may be formed randomly.

Conveniently, the sharp protrusions are regularly spaced apart along said surface.

Advantageously, the inter-protrusion interval is selected so as to prevent passage across the surface by a slug or snail.

in one arrangement, barbs are formed on the barrier by a stamp-cutting 0 (stamp forming) the strip of material.

0 Optionally, the roughened surface is formed by adhering spines or spikes to a surface of the barrier. Alternatively, spines or spikes are pushed through one side of a flat strip of barrier material for presentation on the other side.

The barbs, spines or spikes may be angled with respect to the barrier to provide a rouahened surface which is uni-directional, allowing passage for slugs or snails in one direction and impeding or preventing passage in the other direction.

Optionally, the barrier has at least one roughened surface formed by fixing grit or metal sharps thereon.

The grit or metal sharps may be fixed to the barrier either by adhesive or by imbedding the grit or the metal sharps therein, for example, by airblasting the grit or metal sharps onto a soft plastics material substrate.

The at least one roughened surface is preferably of non-uniform roughness across Z its width, and is more preferably configured to provide increasing roughness in the direction which passage is to be impeded or prevented.

Conveniently, a portion of the barrier surface adjacent the roughened surface is smooth. This facilitates handling of the device.

I The strip of material comprising the barrier preferably includes at least one serrated edge.

Preferably, the pest control device includes a fixing means for securing the device in use.

In one arrangement, the roughened surface is provided on one side of the C substantially flat barrier and a strip of adhesive is provided on the other side. A peel-off layer may be provided over the adhesive for removal prior to use. The barrier is then simply stuck to a suitable surface.

In another arrangement, holes are provided along the barrier for receiving fixing screws or nails.

Hoops or fixincy tags may optionally be formed in the barrier to accept stakes or fixing pegs.

In a yet further arrangement, spikes are integrally formed along one edge of the I I I barrier, protruding therefrom so that in use, the barrier may be fixed in a substantially vertical orientation by pushing the spikes into the ground.

0 The barrier may be formed so as to provide a curved roughened surface in use.

0 The present invention further provides a method of preventing slugs or snails from damaging a selected plant or crop, the method comprising establishing a slug-free or snail-free area around the selected plant or crop and interposing between the slua-free or snail-free area and the surrounding area, a pest control device comprising a barrier having at least one roughened surface operable to impede or prevent the passage thereacross by a slug or snail.

I Preferably, the method includes surrounding completely the selected plant or crop with the pest control device.

The barrier may comprise a single length of pest control device or may comprise a number of such devices fixed one to the other.

Preferably, the pest control device is positioned so that the at least one roughened surface is perpendicular to the surface on which it is mounted. This prevents material bein(y blown onto or coverina the rouahened surface.

C 1 0 Brief DescriDtion of the Drawiniz The present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, six 0 0 embodiments of pest control device according to the invention. In the drawings:

Figure I is a perspective view of a first embodiment of pest control device, Figure 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of device; Figure 3 is a plan view of a third embodiment of device; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a curved protrusion comprising an element of the 0 roughened surface preventing or impeding passage thereacross by a sluc, or snail- ID C, I Figure 5 is a perspective view of a barb as used in the second embodiment of the device, Figure 6 is a front view of the barb shown in Figure 5-, 1 1 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of pest control device in 0 which a barrier having a curved surface is provided-, Fiaure 8 is a front elevation of a fifth embodiment of device adapted to prevent a 0 roughened surface perpendicular to the surface to which the barrier is to be fixed; Figure 9 is bottom plan view of device depicted in Figure 8- and Fiaure 10 is a detailed front elevation of a sixth embodiment of device in which 0 spikes for securing the device are formed integrally along one edge of the barrier.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawinas and initially to Figure 1, a first embodiment of pest I D ID control device 10 comprises a strip of material such as plastics or metal forming a barrier I I which includes a roughened surface 13 havincy barbs 14 to inhibit or prevent passage across the barrier by a snail or slug. The barrier I I further includes a substantially smooth area 15 which aids handling and subsequent securing of the device. In a preferred arrangement, the device 10 comprises a strip of plastics material having triangular barbs 14 formed by a stamp cutting process along one half of the front side of the device. The barbs are formed so as to present their pointed edges towards the smooth area 15. The device 10 is formed as an elongate strip which may be presented for sale in tile form of a roll.

Z.

The overall width of the strip is dictated by the nature and size of the most prevalent pest to be excluded by the barrier. Typically, the barrier width is in the region of 4 to 6 cm although greater widths are considered. The present embodiment of control device 10 can be used in a number of situations. For example, in a garden a straight strip of the material may be provided to delineate between a lawn and a flower bed or vegetable patch. Nails, carpet tacks or screws may be used to fixed the barrier to a wall or the side of a garden shed. Screw or nail holes can also be provided in the barrier. In another arrangement, a peel off adhesive strip is provided along the rear side of the barrier so the device is I conveniently fixed to walls and sheds, and particularly to the panes or frame of a greenhouse.

A second embodiment of pest control device 20 as shown in Figure 2. As before, the device 20 comprises a strip of material, forming a barrier 2 1, on which a roughened surface 23) is presented. The roughened surface is formed by cutting V-shapes into the barrier 21 and deflecting at least the apex of the V- shape upwardly from the surface thereof to form barbs 24. The surface 23 is further roughened by adhering grit 24a to the barrier 21. This embodiment of device 20 is designed for use in a position perpendicular to the ground or other surface to which it is to be fixed. Serrations 27 are provided along one edge of the barrier 21 to further impede or prevent passage of a snail or slug thereacross.

0 0 A third embodiment of pest control device 30 shown in Figure 3, is similar to that indicated in Fi,-,ure 2. The material used for the barrier ')I in this instance is galvanised metal and the roughened surface 33 comprises sharp protrusions 34 formed by cutting a series of short straight lines 34a parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 30. A corresponding series of punches (not shown) is then used to deform the metal to create protrusions 34 having a semi-circular profile, as illustrated in Figure 4. The protrusions 34 have sharp edges 34a formed either from the cutting action or by mechanically sharpening them. Serrations 37 are also provided along one edge of the barrier 3 1.

Comparable %,iews of barbs 24 formed by cutting V-shapes as described with respect to the second embodiment 20 are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Referring now to Figure 7, a fourth embodiment of pest control device 40 comprises a barrier 41 in which a roughened surface 43) is formed as a ramp havina a substantially hemispherical cross-section. The barrier 41 is provided with a plurality of spines 44 which protrude from the roughened surface 43 to impede or prevent passage of a slug or snail thereacross. The spikes 44 are disposed omni-directionally but not necessarily randomly. Optionally, and also as illustrated in Figure 7, the spines are arranged so that the barrier 41 allows passage in one direction but not in the opposite direction. The spikes 44 are fixed to the roughened surface 43 by forcing the spines through the barrier from the other side. Optionally, the spines are glued to the surface. In an unillustrated arrangement, the barrier 41 supports a rubberised sheet which has spines 44 pushed therethrough. The sheet and spines together form the roughened surface 43.

The device 40 is formed as a free-standing unit, however, it is conveniently fixed to walls, doors or window ledges by any suitable technique which will be appreciated by the addressee.

A base 45 is optionally provided. The base 45 includes fixing holes or tabs, as required, for mounting the device 40 to a vertical surface.

A fifth embodiment of pest control device 50 is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. The device 50 comprises a barrier 51 having a roughened surface 53 together with a plurality of fixing stakes 58. Protrusions 54 forming the roughened surface are provided by grit or metal sharps either singularly or in admixture which is fixed to the barrier. A series of hoops 59 are formed in the barrier 5 1 to receive the stakes 58, The hoops 59 are formed by cutting and forming the barrier material by stamp-pressing, for example. In use, one end of a stake 58 is pushed- fitted into a hoop 59 and the other end of the stake 58 is pushed into the ground or other suitable surface.

Finally, with reference to Figure 10, a sixth embodiment of device 60 has, C ded along one edge, a series of stakes 68 integrally formed with the barrier provi 61.

As described above, the protrusions 14, 24, 34, 44, 54 are profiled to impede or prevent a slug or snail from crossing the barrier 11, 2 1, 3) 1, 41, 51, 61 (in a given direction) and can be formed in a number of different ways. For example, holes punched through the barrier from the surface opposite to that of the surface to be roughened causes the surface to raise around the ed es of the holes. V- shaped cuts, as described with reference to Figure 2, are formed into suitable barbs by deflecting the cut material upwardly from the surface of the barrierIt will be appreciated however that any suitable method of forming, a permanently roughened surface is intended to lie within the scope of the present invention.

The use of sand, grit or metal sharps formed from metal swarf or turnings fixed to the barrier by blasting the desired material against the barrier using compressed air for example is also considered. This technique is most suitable where the barrier material is formed of a relatively soft plastics material. Alternatively, sand, arit or metal sharps is attached to the barrier material by adhesive.

Similarly, spikes or spines may be attached to the device by fixing the spikes or spines thereto by adhesive or imbedding them in the barrier material.

0 The roughness of the roughened surface is normally substantially uniform but may vary thereacross progressing., for example from smooth to a roughness which is impenetrable for the target pest.

0 In use, the barrier may be simply laid down upon the required surface or may be fixed in any other convenient way to the ground or a wall for example, a garden wall or the wall of a garden shed. Alternatively, the barrier ma), be fixed with adhesive to, for example, the side wall of a plant pot or tub. The adhesive may be provided as a pre-applied strip having a tear off protective cover to facilitate easy application. In the embodiments of the invention having, directed barbs or spines, it is contemplated to provide a barrier which allows a slua or snail passage from an enclosed area but will not allow that or any other slug or snail to re- enter the enclosed area.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

I A pest control device comprising a barrier having at least one roughened surface operable to impede or prevent passage thereacross by a slug or snail.
2. A pest control device as claimed in claim 1, which comprises an elongate strip of metal or plastics material.
3. A pest control device as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein at least one roughened surface is formed by the provision of sharp protrusions thereon.
4. A pest control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sharp protrusions comprise barbs, spines, bristles or spikes.
5. A pest control device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the protrusions are formed randomly.
6. A pest control device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the sharp protrusions are regularly spaced apart along said surface.
7. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the inter-protrusion interval is selected so as to prevent passage across the surface by a slug or snail.
8. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein barbs are formed on the barrier by stamp-cutting (stamp forming) the strip of material.
9. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the roughened surface is formed by adhering spines or spikes to a surface of the barrier.
10. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the roughened surface is formed by pushing spines or spikes through one side of a strip of barrier material for presentation on the other side.
11.A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the barbs, spines or spikes are angled with respect to the barrier to provide. a roughened surface which is uni-directional, allowing passage for slugs or snails in one direction and impeding or preventing passage in the other direction.
12. A pest control device as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the barrier has at least one roughened surface formed by fixing grit or metal sharps thereon.
13. A pest control device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the grit or metal sharps are fixed to the barrier either by adhesive or by imbedding the grit ID or the metal sharps therein, for example, by air-blasting the grit or metal sharps into a soft plastics material substrate.
14. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, 0 wherein at least one roughened surface is of non-uniform roughness across its width,
15. A pest control device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the or each roughened surface is configured to provide increasing roughness in the 0 direction which passage is to be impeded or prevented.
16. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the barrier surface adjacent the or each roughened surface is smooth to facilitate handling of the device.
17. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier includes at least one serrated edge.
I,-' 19. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roughened surface is provided on one side of a substantially flat barrier and a strip of adhesive is provided on the other side, a peel-off layer being provided over the adhesive for removal prior to sticking the barrier to a suitable surface.
19. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims I to 17, wherein holes are provided along the barrier for receiving fixing screws or nails.
20. A pest control device as claimed in any one of claims I to 17, wherein hoops or fixing tags are formed in the barrier to accept stakes or fixing pegs.
21. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein spikes are integrally formed along one edge of the barrier, and protruding therefrom so that, in use, the barrier may be fixed in a substantially vertical orientation by pushing the spikes into the ground or perpendicularly from any other suitable surface.
22. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the barrier is formed so as to provide a curved roughened surface in use.
23. A pest control device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier is foldable along its length so as to be freestanding or to provide an anchoring edge.
24. A method of preventing slugs or snails damaging a selected plant or crop, the method comprising establishing a slug-free or snail-free area around the selected plant or crop and interposing, between the slug-free or snail free area and the surrounding area, a pest control device comprising a barrier having at least one roughened surface operable to impede or prevent the passage thereacross by a slug or snail.
25. A method as claimed in claim 24, which includes surrounding, completely the selected plant or crop with the pest control device.
26. A method as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the pest control device is positioned so that the at least one roughened surface is perpendicular to the surface on which it is mounted thereby preventing material being blown onto or covering the roughened surface.
27. A pest control device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
28. A method of preventing slugs or snails damaging a selected plant or crop substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanyinc drawings,