GB2521817A - Pest Control Arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A pest control arrangement for deterring a burrowing animal that comprises a voltage/current generator 1 connected to at least one electrode 5a, 5b suitable for embedding in the ground 101. The arrangement is used to provide an electric field in the ground around the electrode. The generator and/or each electrode is provided with a controller to very or set the electrical voltage/current through the ground to provide a desired electromagnetic field pattern. The electrodes may be provided as spikes that can be driven into the ground. The arrangement may be provided with a plurality of electrodes that may be connected in series or parallel. Also provided is a method of using the disclosed arrangement to repel the burrowing animals from the affected ground area.

Description

Pest Control Arrangement The present invention relates to pest control and more specifically, to the deterring of burrowing animal from an area of ground by use of non-harmful or non-fatal means.

S Burrowing animals like talpids and other digging animals are common in the northern hemisphere, especially in Southern Asia, Europe and North America.

These animals can live underground where they feed on the insects and earthworms that fall from the roof of their tunnels, as such, these animals create a wide network of tunnels in order that they have enough to eat, commonly up to half their body weight in 24 hours. Burrowing animals detect their food from its electromagnetic field as a result of muscle contractions and therefore have high sensitivity to electromagnetism.

A burrowing animal could be, but are not limited to, moles, shrew moles, desmans, gophers, other talpids and insectivorous mammals. Burrowing pests is may be completely subterranean or partially subterranean as well as predominantly aquatic or predominantly superterranean.

Burrowing animals of this type are either completely blind or nearly completely blind and therefore need to rely on other senses to be able to tell when food has fallen into their tunnel. Burrowing animals of this type can detect the electromagnetic field of the insects they want to eat.

Burrowing animals can cause damage to the flora on the surface of the ground in which the animal is burrowing; they can undermine the roots of grasses and cause mounds of moved material to appear on the surface. Burrowing animals are therefore considered pests in areas of aesthetic importance like gardens or lawns. Burrowing animals of this kind are solitary, yet, they can have extensive tunnel networks, commonly over 70 metres long. The extent of the tunnels makes it difficult to locate an individual animal and remove it. In such circumstances it is common to resort to poisons and gassing to eradicate such animals rather than preventative deterrence.

Burrowing animals are however also important to an ecosystem as they aggregate soil and mix soil layers, improving drainage. It is therefore important that rather than destroy these burrowing animals as pests, they are instead, directed outside the area of aesthetic importance.

There are a number of devices that are designed to deter burrowing animals from a specific area, for instance, products like GB2359724 demonstrate a physical barrier to an area below ground level, devices like DEl 02005047707 describe devices that cause distress or destruction to the animal through electric discharge, and devices like US2011000419 provide a noise that repels the animals.

Due to their high sensitivity to electromagnetic fields, burrowing animals react to the electromagnetic fields of other animals and man-made devices, If the electromagnetic field is strong enough, the field from the burrowing animal's food is lost. If the electromagnetic field is sustained, it will cause the burrowing animal is to leave the area, abandoning its tunnels. Burrowing animals and other pests that do not rely on electromagnetic fields to find their food may still have a high sensitivity to electromagnetic fields; this sensitivity will cause the animals to leave the area due to discomfort.

It would be desirable to provide a non-lethal and preferably harmless deterrent from a chosen ground area to burrowing pests like moles, shrew moles, desmans, gophers, other talpids and insectivorous mammals.

It would be desirable to provide a sustained electromagnetic field in an area that would suffer as a result of burrowing animals which would disrupt their reception of the electromagnetic fields of their food. The result of this is to deter burrowing animals from the area. It is also an object of aspects of this invention to provide an electromagnetic field to disrupt the habits of burrowing animals for reasons other than their inability to detect their food.

It would be desirable to provide a device for the production of an electromagnetic field below ground level through the use of buried spikes or electrodes and wires connected to a voltage.

It would be desirable to provide a device comprising at least one ground embedded electrode connected to an electrical current thereby creating a sustained electromagnetic field. The voltage is substantial enough to cause the sustained electromagnetic field but sufficiently weak to refrain from harming s anything such as a gardener, a child or a domestic pet that could come into close contact with the embedded electrode.

It would be desirable to provide a device that functions on direct electrical current.

It would be desirable to provide a device that functions on alternating electrical current.

Embodiments of the invention may include an electrical voltage or current generator like a transformer comprising a live power input, a neutral and an electrical earth from a power supply like a mains electricity grid or a battery with a DC to AC inverter or stand-alone electrical power generator. A mains powered AC transformer is a simple voltage generator but it will be appreciated that AC mains and any other AC or DC power sources can be used to generate AC, DC or

pulsed etc. fields.

The device may comprise an electrical voltage or current generator, either producing alternating or direct electrical current, at least one electrode embedded into the ground, and wiring connecting the circuit.

The device may be embedded below the surface of the ground with no superterranean evidence of the device's position; this feature allows for the area to be mown and does not change the appearance of an area of aesthetic value.

The electrical current may be phased by a controller device between at least one output; this will create the electromagnetic field between a ground spike as a first electrode and an earth return or another ground spike as a second electrode. In some embodiments of this invention as described there is; a device or an arrangement with one output as the first electrode and an earth return as the second electrode, a device or an arrangement with two outputs, and a device or an arrangement with three or more outputs. An electrical circuit must be complete with an output from phase A through the ground to phase B. A single electrode connected to a charge phase will not generate any field with a DC source and almost none at the low AC frequencies typically used necessitating use of radio frequencies which will generally be unacceptable.

s It is also preferred that an embodiment of the invention could include a series of ground spikes or electrodes that are activated in pairs from two outputs in order to cover a larger area with the same voltage or electrical current. Shown in Graph 1 below is one way which the arrangement or system in accordance with aspects of the invention could function; the two phase output from a generator would first charge electrodes Al and B1 which cover a maximum area for the voltage or current levels, the output would then switch to charge electrodes A2 and B2 which cover a different area. The switch would continue to direct charge to other pairs of electrodes of the arrangement in this manner and return to charge electrodes Al and Bl after a full cycle. n

I PP

flEE. / 4...2 t'T A. Graph 1 According to aspects of the present invention there is provided a pest control arrangement for deterring a burrowing animal, the arrangement comprising an electrical voltage/current generator connected to at least one electrode suitable for embedding in the ground in an electrical circuit, the electrode capable of providing an electrical current in use through ground to provide an electromagnetic field about the electrode in a desired electromagnetic field pattern thereabout in a ground area dependent upon the generator, a controller associated in use with the generator and/or each electrode to predictably vary or set the electrical voltage/current through the ground so that an electromagnetic field pattern is provided capable of deterring a target burrowing animal from the ground area.

Also in accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a s method of pest control comprising: a) Locating at least one electrode in a ground area and connection to a voltage/current generator in a electrical circuit; b) Controlling the voltagelcurrent generator to provide an electrical current about each electrode in the ground area and so an electromagnetic field pattern in the ground area; and, c) Adjusting the generator and/or the electrodes to ensure the electromagnetic field is a desired electromagnetic field pattern to deter a target animal from the ground area.

Other aspects of the present invention are outlined in the dependent claims is below.

The arrangement may comprise at least two electrodes embedded in the ground. Each electrode connected by wires to the electronic voltage generator capable of creating a two phase output in order that the electrodes create an electromagnetic field there between. Such electrodes are preferably in the form of a spike that can be forcibly driven into the ground in a desired ground area and are completely or substantially below ground level. The device may also comprise an earth return or earthing means, connected by wiring to a second phase output to act as an alternative to an electrode. Such earthing means is preferably contained as part of an independent system. Most conveniently, provided is a two phase output from the electronic voltage generator capable of charging at least one embedded electrode and creating sufficient electromagnetic field to deceive the electromagnetic sensitivity of a burrowing creature.

Embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a pest control arrangement according to a first embodiment of aspects of the invention, this embodiment comprises two ground spikes or electrodes, Figure 2 shows in plan and cross-section an electro-magnetic field for the arrangement according the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 1, Figure 3 shows a pest control arrangement according to a second embodiment of aspects of the invention, this embodiment comprises a single or one ground spike as a first electrode with resultant electromagnetic field emanating from that spike in an electrical circuit with an earth return of a voltage generator to act as a second electrode, Figure 4 shows a pest control arrangement according to a third embodiment of aspects of the invention, this embodiment comprises seven ground spikes or electrodes with resultant electromagnetic field, Figure 5 shows a pest control arrangement according to a fourth is embodiment of aspects of the invention; this embodiment comprises six ground spikes or electrodes with resultant electromagnetic field, Figure 6 shows a pest control arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; this embodiment comprises four ground spikes or electrodes

in a square and resultant electromagnetic field,

Figure 7 shows a pest arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; this embodiment comprises four ground spikes or electrodes in

line and resultant electromagnetic field,

Figure 8 shows a pest control arrangement according to seventh embodiment of the invention, this embodiment comprises eight ground spikes or electrodes and an appropriate electromagnetic field, and Figure 9 shows a representation of the electric field according to aspects of this invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention, a pest control arrangement 100 is provided comprising, an electrical voltage/current generator (1), a first phase output (2), a second phase output (3), wiring (4a, 4b) to two ground spikes or electrodes (5a, 5b), a live inward electrical power supply (6) from s a mains grid, an electrical neutral (7) from the mains grid and an electrical earth return (8). The outputs (2, 3) cause an electrical current and so an electromagnetic field between the two ground spikes or electrodes (5a, 5b). The strength of the electrical current between the electrodes (5a, 5b) will depend upon ground (101) conditions between the electrodes (5a, 5b) in terms of water content, minerals and other sub-terrain structure. The strength of the electrical current will determine the

electromagnetic field.

As indicated previously the electromagnetic field will deter burrowing animals such as moles in that their natural guidance and food finding' instincts will be impeded and deceived. The electromagnetic field may be fixed or pulsed or is variable and with embodiments described below may be variable in different zones within the arrangement. It will be understood that the generator will provide the electrical motivation to define the desired electromagnetic field pattern. The spikes or electrodes 5 will be dimensioned and driven into the ground 101 to a sufficient depth to provide the electromagnetic field pattern in a ground area to be protected.

As with all spikes or electrodes here described they may all be the same dimensions and driven to the same depth or not. It will also be understood that normally the spikes or electrodes will be driven into the ground to be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the ground or where necessary driven at an inclined angle due to ground conditions (near surface rock or clay strata) or to

adjust the electromagnetic field created.

Figure 1 provides a basic structure of an arrangement in accordance with aspects of the present invention in which two electrodes or spikes are provided and an electromagnetic field created about them. This arrangement is relatively simple and allows a convenient deterrent cordon to be created with a fixed or varied (pulsed or variably changing with time) but the full extent of the present invention may not be achieved due to the limited flexibility, adaptability and capability of the arrangement.

Figure 2 demonstrates the electromagnetic field pattern with the first embodiment of the invention according to Figure 1 showing the ground 101 area covered by the ground spikes (5) with figure 2a showing a plan view and figure 2b a cross-sectional view. The figures 2a, 2b demonstrates the strength levels of the electromagnetic field 9 as it diminishes with distance from the ground spikes; it shows that zones with a strong field (9a), a medium field (9b) and a weak field (9c) are provide with relative electromagnetic field strength graded there through. The distance between the two ground spikes 5 as well as their depth and structural configuration have been chosen to optimise the output from the electrical voltage/current generator 1 (figure 1) to create the field 9. A central part of the field 9 between the spikes 5 is relatively intense so overall a strong deterrent is provided to burrowing animals to avoid the protected area.

Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of aspects of the present invention. Figure 3a illustrates a pest control arrangement 300 which includes an is electrical voltage/current generator (31), a first phase output (32), a second phase output (33), wiring (34a, 34b), a ground spike (35) as a first electrode, a live electrical input (36) from a mains grid, a neutral (37) from the grid, and an electrical earth return (38). The second phase output (33) is, in this second embodiment, connected to the earth return (38) which takes the place of a second ground spike or electrode. Figure 3b illustrates the strength levels of the electromagnetic field as it diminishes with distance from the ground spikes; it shows zones with a strong field (39a), a medium field (39b) and a weak field (39c).

Figure 4 illustrates a third embodiment of aspects of the present invention with several second phase output ground spikes (43) for improved field generation and adaptability. In figure 4a an arrangement 400 is illustrated and includes an electronic voltage/current generator (41), a first phase output (42), a second phase output (43), wiring (44a, 44b), ground spikes with connection to the first phase output (45a), and a ground spike with connection to the second phase output (45b). Figure 4b demonstrates the strength levels of the electromagnetic field as it diminishes with distance from the ground spikes; it shows zones with a strong field (41 a), a medium field (41 b) and a weak field (41 c).

Figure 5 demonstrates a fourth embodiment of aspects of the present invention with more than one ground spike connected with each phase output.

Figure 5a illustrates a pest control arrangement 500 which includes an electrical voltage/current generator (51), a first phase output (52), a second phase output s (53), wiring (54), multiple ground spikes connected to the first phase output (55a) and multiple ground spikes connected to the second phase output (55b). Figure Sb demonstrates the strength levels of the electromagnetic field as it diminishes with distance from the ground spikes; it shows zones with a strong field (51a), a

medium field (51 b) and a weak field (51 c).

Figure 6 illustrates a fifth embodiment of aspects of the present invention with more than two phase outputs each connected to a ground spike for creating a complex shape. Figure 6a illustrates a pest control arrangement 600 which includes an electronic voltagelcurrent generator (61), a first phase output (62), a second phase output (63), a third phase output (64), a fourth phase output (65), is wiring (66), a ground spike connected to the first phase output (67a), a ground spike connected to the second phase output (67b), a ground spike connected to the third phase output (67c), and a ground spike connected to the fourth phase output (67d). Electrical currents can flow as illustrated in figure 6b between the electrodes to create desired electromagnetic field patterns as required.

Figure 7 illustrates a sixth embodiment of aspects of the invention which shows ground spikes in a straight configuration for creating a long, thin electromagnetic field. Figure 7a illustrates a pest control arrangement 700 which includes an electronic voltage/current generator (71), a first phase output (72), a second phase output (73), wiring (74), ground spikes connected to the first phase output (75a), and ground spikes connected to the second phase output (75b).

Figure 7b illustrates the electromagnetic field pattern about the ground spikes or electrodes 75.

Figure 8 illustrates a seventh embodiment of aspects of the invention which shows two phase outputs connected to multiple ground spikes. Figure 8a illustrates a pest control arrangement 800 which includes an electronic voltage/current generator (81), a first phase output switch (82), a second phase output switch (83), wiring (84), ground spikes connected to the first phase output (85a), and ground spikes connected to the second phase output (85b). The electronic voltage generator (81) includes a controller which acts through a set of switches that changes the ground spike that is charged, this creates a wider field area as depicted in figure 8b without increasing the voltage of the electronic s voltage generator. The charge pattern that this creates is detailed in Graph 1 above.

Figure 9 illustrates an electromagnetic field generated by an arrangement according to aspects of the invention and includes the electric field lines (91), a first field pole (92), and a second field pole (93). Figure 9 also includes a representation of a burrowing animal's food (94) such a worm or grub which has no discernible electromagnetic field as it has been affected and masked by the electromagnetic field of the device to the extent that it cannot be sensed by the burrowing animal.

The electrical current between the electrodes or spikes will determine the is electromagnetic field. The soil and other substrate composition including water content and minerals will affect electrical current flow and attenuation of the electromagnetic field so some adjustability in the arrangement is advantageous.

At a base level aspects of the present invention relate to providing a sustained or pulsed or variable or zonal electromagnetic field between the electrodes. This will allow and provide some flexibility and adjustability for presented conditions, appropriate usage of electrical power sources particularly if battery or solar based and for different types of animals! intensity of deterrent. It will be understood that some animals may be nocturnal so energy would be wasted when they are not active and if the electromagnetic field is fixed and consistent then it may affect other animals and plants which a user might not wish to deter or damage.

Furthermore, the animals to be deterred may become desensitised or accustomed to the electromagnetic field if consistent. Finally, by programmed phasing and zoning of the electromagnetic field the subject animals may be progressively urged and herded to or from areas for protection, monitoring and collection.

In its simplest form an electrical voltage generator EVG" generates a voltage between its two outputs Phase A and Phase B which are connected by cables to two ground spikes or electrodes spaced apart to create an electrical current through the ground thereby creating an electric field around and between the spikes.

The simplest EVG example shown uses an AC transformer connected to s mains AC to generate a safe isolated AC voltage between Phase A and B (typically 50V) connected to spikes (typically 5 to 8m apart).

Aspects of the present invention include the use of an EVG designed to generate any suitable voltage as DC or AC at any frequency or pulsed in any suitable waveform and at any suitable pulse or cycle repetition rate or any combination thereof. The voltage generated will be proportionate to the field need and the power supply available to provide an electrical current throught the ground.

The invention includes the use of any suitable EVG generating a continuous or discontinuous voltage output. Discontinuous will minimise power requirements and is therefore particularly suited to non mains powered EVG designs such as with batteries or where solar or wind power is used.

The invention includes the use of any suitable EVG designed to generate a singular constant voltage, a fluctuating voltage, a range of constant or fluctuating voltages selectable by the user or an automatic sequence of voltages or random sequence of voltages over a time period or any combination thereof.

The invention includes the use of any EVG constructed using normal electrical components, circuits and technology such as AC transformers, switched mode power conversion (eg. SMPSLJ), pulse transformers, microprocessors and any other electrical and electronic elements known to those skilled in the art of electrics and electronics.

The invention includes the use of any suitable EVG powered by any energy source for example AC mains, stand-alone generator, batteries, solar, wind or water power singular or in any combination.

The invention includes the use of any suitable EVG voltage limited to a level that is non harmful to humans, animals and the target burrowing creatures.

The invention includes the use of connecting cables of any suitable form of electrically conductive core with adequate insulation and mechanical protection and running above or below the ground surface.

The invention includes the use of ground spikes or any other object of any electrically conductive material and any dimensions but preferably of stainless steel to resist corrosion and at least 300mm long to ensure good ground contact part of which may be above the ground surface or all below the ground surface.

The electrodes are referred to simply as spikes as they are normally driven into the ground using a hammer but it will also be understood that ground screws is screwed into the ground or dug in elements could equally be used possibly with more electrical contact and less need for mechanical strength to enable driving spikes into the ground.

As can be seen in figure 2 because of the earth's conductivity acting as a bulk conductor then the deterrent electrical field spreads out from around and between the spikes to cover a roughly elliptical area in the plan view and a half ellipse in the cross section with reducing effectiveness, electromagnetic field intensity, as the distances are increased shown as strong X, medium Y and weak Z levels.

Whilst the precise effective deterrent ground area varies according to electromagnetic field due to soil conditions and the voltage applied between phases a typical simple 5OVAC installation with spikes 5m apart has been shown to be very effective over an elliptical area approximately 7m long by 5m wide and to a im depth as shown in Figure 2.

As will be understood from the above aspects and embodiments of aspects of the present invention include any one of a number of physical layouts of the EVG, connecting wires and spikes which can be devised and designed for particular ground area and installation.

Aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to, some of the exemplary embodiments and layouts which are illustrated in Figures 3 to 8.

Figure 3 -using the mains earth return as the equivalent of one of the spikes which generates a roughly circular deterrent area.

Figure 4 -using multiple spikes on one phase with a central spike from the other phase to create a roughly circular deterrent ground area.

Figure 5 -using multiple spikes on each phase in parallel rows to create a roughly square or rectangular deterrent ground area.

Figure 6 -using an EVG with multiple phase outputs to create a complex voltage pattern over a deterrent ground area -the arrows show some of the possible electric field orientations which may be generated by the multiple phases.

Figure 7 -using interleaved alternate Phase A and B spikes to create a long deterrent barrier.

Figure 8 -using an EVG that has multiple phase outputs that are switched to be active each in turn to sequentially energise particular spike pairs such that a single EVG can cover a large area with a voltage applied to each phase pair in a time divided sequence. The diagram shows the switch as a mechanical commutator for clarity but in practice this would be best implemented by an electric or an electronic device or devices as a controller or the arrangement. This layout is the most suitable for a permanent large grassed area deterrent using buried cables and spikes so that mowing is unaffected.

As indicated above the ground conditions can vary in terms of water content, minerals and strata structure so the response in terms of electrical current and so electromagnetic field can be different. Thus, a pest control arrangement in accordance with aspect of the present invention may be designed essentially theoretically based upon averaged results for ground conditions. In such circumstances the apparatus of the present invention will be provided with an installation instruction process or method to place the spikes or electrodes in a predetermined spacing and configuration and then connect the voltage/current generator with an essentially fixed or programmed variation in electrical voltage and current flow in the arrangement to provide the desired electromagnetic field pattern in the ground area to be protected by deterring target animals such as burrowing moles. The electrode or spike spacing and configuration used may be one of several configurations with particular configurations for particular types of target animal. Similarly the generator can be arranged or set to provide a respective voltage or electrical current and so desired electromagnetic field pattern for each target animal or a generic set or variably cycled voltage/current or a fixed is field pattern in all circumstances. In any event some form of control of voltage/current level even if that control is simply a gate or band voltage regulator at the output or outputs to ensure minimum voltage or maximum voltage or voltage/current is only operational or contacted within acceptable ranges.

More sophisticated controllers will allow programmed variations in voltage/current in pulses, waves or ramped over fixed or variable time periods to be presented to the electrodes or spikes to achieve probably better results and certainly an arrangement tuned to actual rather than predicted conditions. It will be understood that the disruptive electromagnetic field pattern provided by aspects of the present invention will disorientate animals such as burrowing moles and also present itself probably as an annoying hum' or effective noise to the animal. In such circumstances if the desired electromagnetic field pattern is fixed such animals may become desensitised to the deterrent electromagnetic field pattern particularly if a greater chance of a perchance food harvest is possible. Thus, cycling and pulsing the electromagnetic field pattern may reduce further even the limited possibility of such desensitisation.

It will be understood that the electrodes or spikes when not connected in a driven electrical circuit with the voltage/current generator are essentially electrical conductors in the ground area. In such circumstance these electrodes or spikes can have an electrical current flow induced into them by an electromagnetic field s about them particularly if that electromagnetic field is pulsed. This induced electrical current even though small can give an indication as to actual electromagnetic field strength due to ground conditions so a field strength signal may be provided to a controller which in turn can vary the voltage/current between electrodes to adjust the electromagnetic field pattern to the desired EM field pattern to deter a target animal in the ground area.

It will be appreciated that generally pest control arrangements in accordance with aspects of the present invention will tend to be located in situ for extended periods of time and subject to a wide range of weather conditions so the components will be robust and reliable in operation.

It will also be understood that the activities of animals may vary during the course of a day so the electromagnetic field may be arranged to vary at different times of the day to deter different animals at different times and avoid a consistent electromagnetic field which may be detrimental to plants and other fauna. It will also be understood that a detection mechanism for target animals may be provided so that the intensity and size of the pattern of the electromagnetic field varied dependent upon the level of threat and likelihood of burrowing animals in or approaching a ground area to be protected. It will be appreciated it is a desire of aspects of the present invention is to deter not kill so urging or herding the animals away to less sensitive areas is an ideal. Through a controller acting with a number of electrodes or spikes in pairs or other connected/associated combinations the electromagnetic pattern can be altered to a desired configuration which give the target animal a guide' towards less sensitive areas rather than a blanket no-go area which may eventually isolate or severely limit access to food and so effectively reduce life expectancy.

Aspects of the present invention provide an expandable arrangement in which electrodes or spikes can be added or taken away either physically or operationally by a controller as required to alter the ground area protected. This will allow variation in power consumption which may be a significant factor with S arrangements which are not connected to a mains grid power supply.

Furthermore, as indicated above some animals may provide beneficial effects at certain times such as with regard to churning and mixing soil strata so it may be beneficial at times to allow such animals into a ground area for periods when damage will not be too great so for example outside of the growing season for certain root vegetables.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the is scope of the invention described herein.

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS1. A pest control arrangement for deterring a burrowing animal, the arrangement comprising an electrical voltage/current generator connected in an electrical s circuit to at least one electrode suitable for embedding in the ground, the electrode capable of providing an electrical current in use through ground to provide an electromagnetic field about the electrode in a desired electromagnetic field pattern thereabout in a ground area dependent upon the generator, a controller associated in use with the generator and/or each electrode to predictably vary or set the electrical voltage/current through the ground so that an electromagnetic field pattern is provided capable of deterring a target burrowing animal from the ground area.
2. 2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller is configured so that the desired field pattern is fixed and consistent.is
3. 3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller is configured so that the desired field pattern is variable about the electrode.
4. 4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein the desired electromagnetic field pattern is pulsed relative to time and/or magnitude and/or shape.
5. 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the desired electromagnetic field pattern follows a known cycle of variations over a fixed or variable time period.
6. 6. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is a plurality of electrodes as spikes in a spaced arrangement about the ground area and connected to the electrical voltage/current generator by wires individually or collectively in electrical parallel or series as required.
7. 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein each electrode is individually associated with the electrical voltage/current generator to provide a voltage relative to other electrodes and the generator for an electrical current and so electromagnetic field thereabout as a local electromagnetic field between pairs of electrodes.
8. 8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 7 wherein the local electromagnetic fields provide zones of different electromagnetic field pattern in the ground area.s
9. 9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least some zones of electromagnetic field are consistent in terms of magnitude and shape in the ground area.lOAn arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein at least some zones of electromagnetic field are variable in terms of magnitude and shape in the ground area.11.An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one electrode is associated with a monitor to determine induced electrical current in the electrode to determine the strength of the electromagnetic field thereabout and so provide an electromagnetic strength signal to the controller.is 12.An arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the controller is arranged to adjust the voltage/current generator dependent upon the electromagnetic strength signal in order to adjust the voltage and so electrical current to each or at least one electrode to provide the desired electromagnetic field pattern in the ground area.13.An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim comprising two electrodes embedded in the ground.14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein each electrode is connected by wires to the electronic voltage generator configured to be capable of creating a two phase output in order that the electrodes create the desiredelectromagnetic field there between.15.An arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein each electrode is in the form of a spike capable of forcibly being driven into the ground in a desired ground area completely or substantially below ground level.16.An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the arrangement includes an earth return or earthing means connected by wiring to a second phase output of the generator to act as an alternative to an electrode.17.An arrangement as claimed in claim 16 wherein the earthing means is provided s as independent isolated part of the arrangement to the electrodes.18.An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the generator provides a two phase output from the electronic voltage generator capable of charging at least one embedded electrode and creating sufficient electromagnetic field to deceive the electromagnetic field sensitivity of a burrowing creature.19.A pest control arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.20.A method of pest control using an arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.is 21. A method of pest control comprising: a) Locating at least one electrode in a ground area and connection to a voltage/current generator in an electrical circuit; b) Controlling the voltagelcurrent generator to provide an electrical current about each electrode in the ground area so an electromagnetic field pattern in the ground area; and, c) Adjusting the generator and/or the electrodes to ensure the electromagnetic field is a desired electromagnetic field pattern to deter a target animal from the ground area.21. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the electrical current about each electrode is adjusted until a desired electromagnetic field pattern is achieved in the ground area and then fixed for at least a set time period.22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the electrical current about each electrode is adjusted until a desired electromagnetic field pattern is achieved in the ground area and then varied by a predetermined value by pulsing to vary thedesired electromagnetic field pattern.23. A method of pest control substantial as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.