JP5270676B2 - Method for monitoring and controlling termites using heat treated wood - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling termites using heat-treated wood.

  Wood drying is known in the field of wood sawing and storage. There are a wide range of processes that are used to dry wood. One of these processes occurs naturally for wood maintained at atmospheric conditions, such as by the aging of cut logs on wooden piles. This drying reduces the moisture content of the wood, but the wood remains susceptible to corrosion and cell degeneration, for example by fungal pathogens. Other drying techniques utilize a heat chamber such as a kiln maintained at a high temperature such as about 40 ° C. (105 ° F.) to about 90 ° C. (195 ° F.) in order to dry the wood more quickly. The wood thus dried is conventionally used as a material for construction plans, for example. Another conventional drying process utilizes high temperature steam to dry the wood at a temperature of about 90 ° C. (195 ° F.) to about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). Compared to the process described above, at this temperature level the drying time is shorter and the material is more dimensionally stable. Such conventional materials are typically marketed with a moisture content of about 15% to about 18%. If such lumber has been used for some time in an ambient environment such as a wooden house, the wood has a moisture content of about 10% to about 15%.

  Another conventional wood drying process utilizes higher temperatures such as about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) to about 215 ° C. (420 ° F.) to change the color of the wood itself. The upper limit for heating can be higher than the above 215 ° C. (420 ° F.) as long as the temperature remains below the carbonization temperature of the wood being treated. Such treatment is conventionally utilized to create the appearance of dyed wood without the use of chemical dyes. Because such wood is superheated to high temperatures, most of the moisture content is removed from the wood, resulting in a moisture content of the heat treated wood of about 2% to about 10%.

  Although the above process is known in the field of wood sawing and storage, the wood products produced by the process have not been used previously as a medium for monitoring or controlling termites.

  Furthermore, prior art and knowledge regarding termite monitoring and control teaches that this wood is not useful for termite monitoring and control. First, wood with a high moisture content, such as about 10% to about 20%, is conventionally thought to attract more termites. Secondly, heat treatment of such wood results in heat treated wood products that are less hygroscopic than untreated wood or wood dried at lower temperatures. Therefore, the traditional wisdom about termite feeding is that heat treated wood is difficult to absorb moisture (e.g., underground), even if additional moisture is available, so such wood should not attract termites. Is shown. Without absorbing moisture, termites are not interested in feeding, as is conventional.

  In contrast to this conventional idea of termite food selection, and in contrast to previous understandings and teachings about termite wood preferences, the present invention is relatively low in moisture content than traditional treated wood, and Utilizing such heat treated wood, which has low hygroscopicity, has been unexpectedly successful as a termite food source and attractant. Additional benefits include increased resistance to microbial attack and increased amounts of extractable compounds that attract foraging termites. Thus, this termite monitoring and control method utilizing heat-treated wood provides an unexpected benefit over conventional wood-based termite stations.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring termite populations in an area accessible to termites generally comprises placing wood heat treated to a temperature above about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) in the region. Monitoring the heat treated wood for the presence of termites.

  In another embodiment, a method for monitoring and controlling termite populations in an area accessible to termites generally comprises placing wood heat treated in the area to a temperature of at least about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). Placing toxic baits in the area.

  In another embodiment, a method for controlling a termite population in an area accessible to termites generally includes toxic baits comprising wood and toxic materials heat treated to a temperature of at least about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). Including the step of installing in

  In another embodiment, a method for at least monitoring or controlling a termite population in a termite accessible area according to one embodiment is generally a heat treated wood extract that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than about 150 ° C. Including a step of placing an extract extracted from wood in the region.

  In another embodiment, a method for at least monitoring or controlling a population of termites in an area accessible to termites generally provides communication between the interior and exterior of the termite station housing to the area that is generally accessible to termites. Installing a termite station housing having at least one opening. The aggregation base is positioned inside the housing. The heat treated wood extract is deposited on at least one of the interior of the housing and the exterior of the housing environment, the heat treated wood extract being extracted from wood that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than about 150 ° C.

  In another embodiment, the attractant used to monitor and control termite populations includes heat treated wood extract, wherein the extract is extracted by hot water extraction of wood that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than about 150 ° C. Is done.

  In another embodiment, a method for monitoring and controlling termite populations generally includes installing a termite station housing generally in an area accessible to termites. The termite station housing has at least one opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the termite station housing. Particulate heat treated wood is deposited in the station housing, and the heat treated wood has been heat treated to a temperature above about 150 ° C.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a termite station with the termite station container lid shown in the closed position of the lid. FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with the termite station in its storage configuration with the cartridge disposed in the container and the container lid shown in an open position. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a termite station container with the container lid in its open position. FIG. 6 is a side view of the access tab removed from the container. FIG. 6 is a front view of another access tab removed from the container. It is a top perspective view of a termite station container. FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. It is a front view of the termite station cartridge which removed the cartridge from the container. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the termite station cartridge of FIG. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, with the cartridge only partially disassembled. It is the top view which clarified the internal structure of the holder, omitting the holder of the cartridge, the cover, the aggregation member, and the bait matrix of the cartridge. It is a bottom view of a cartridge holder. FIG. 6 is a side view of a termite station in its operating configuration with the lid in its closed position, with the container side panel and cartridge holder and cover partially broken and the access tab removed from the container. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a termite station container (with cartridge removed) fastened on a vertical mounting surface along an ant path extending up the mounting surface. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of a circled portion of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line 12-12 in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an opening and access tab of a container installed along a side surface of the container. It is an enlarged view of the opening part and access tab of a container installed in the corner of the container. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a termite station container according to a second embodiment of the termite station, with the container lid in its open position. FIG. 6 is a side view of a termite station container according to a second embodiment of the termite station. FIG. 6 is a front view of a termite station container according to a second embodiment of the termite station. It is a perspective view of one embodiment of the pest control device of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the pest control device of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an agglomeration base used with the pest control device of FIG. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a container used in the pest control device of FIG. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a bait container with bait installed therein, similar to the structure of the monitoring container of FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cup portion of the container of FIG. FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the cup of FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a lid portion of the container of FIG.

  Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a termite station is generally designated 21 and is also referred to herein as a storage configuration, such as when the termite station is initially packaged or unused. Shown in the form of a termite station. The termite station 21 of this embodiment can be, but is not limited to, on soil, on a substantially horizontal surface, a sloped surface, or a vertical mounting surface (such as an interior or exterior wall of a house or building, wood, fence posts or piles, etc. A ground termite station intended to be used on soil, such as by being fixed on a suitable ground mounting surface. Termite station 21 generally includes a base panel 25 (or bottom panel in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, generally referred to herein as the base of the container) that together define a container interior space 33 (FIG. 3). It comprises a rectangular box-shaped container, generally indicated at 23, having end panels 27 that are longitudinally opposed, side panels 29 that are laterally opposed, and a lid 31 (generally a closure). Both the end panel 27 and the side panel 29 of the illustrated embodiment generally define what is referred to herein as the side of the container 23. Thus, the container 23 is cylindrical (having a generally annular side) or another suitable shape, etc. as long as the base panel 25, side and lid 31 are constructed and arranged to define the interior space 33 of the container together It will be understood that it may be other than a rectangular box shape.

  The base panel 25 suitably has an outer surface 35 (FIG. 4) facing the mounting surface M (FIG. 10) on which the termite station is mounted, and an inner surface 33 of the container, facing the inside of the container. And an internally defined inner surface 37 (FIG. 3). The illustrated base panel 25 is rectangular and suitably substantially flat or planar so that when the termite station 21 is installed, substantially the entire outer surface 35 of the base panel faces and abuts the mounting surface M. is there. However, the base panel 25 has a concave, convex, or other non-planar configuration such that less than the entire outer surface 35 of the base panel abuts the mounting surface without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be appreciated that, for example, it may be substantially flat or other than planar. The illustrated end panel 27 and side panel 29 are also flat or flat and are oriented substantially perpendicular to the base panel 25. Alternatively, the end panel 27 and / or the side panel 29 may be other than perpendicular to the base panel 25, such as angled outwardly or angled inwardly, and It may be other than flat or flat. Also, the end panel 27 and / or the side panel 29 may be curved, such as concave or convex, or other non-planar configurations. In one suitable embodiment, the container 23 may be made of a durable material that termites do not preferentially eat, such as acrylic or high strength plastic. In another suitable embodiment, the container 23 may be made from a biodegradable material that termites do not preferentially eat, such as biopolymers derived from organic materials. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the container 23 is substantially opaque, but it is understood that the container may instead be substantially translucent or even transparent.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 10, the base panel 25 is more suitably configured to attach the base panel itself (and thus the termite station container 23) to the desired mounting surface M. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one, suitably a plurality of openings 39 are provided in the base panel 25 in a spaced relationship with the peripheral edge 41 (FIG. 4) of the base panel, i.e. inside. (The “periphery” of the base panel is defined as the intersection of the base panel and the side, eg, the end panel 27 and the side panel 29). As best seen in FIG. 11, each of the illustrated openings 39 has a generally plus or cross shape (ie, composed of intersecting elongated slots). However, these openings 39 may be of any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, all the openings 39 do not necessarily have the same shape. Eleven such openings 39 are formed in the base panel 25 of the illustrated embodiment, one of the openings being located in the center (both longitudinal and lateral) of the base panel. It will be appreciated that the spacing between all eleven openings 39 is not uniform, but instead the spacing between the openings may be uniform. In addition, more or fewer than eleven openings 39 including a single opening may be formed in the base panel 25. In addition, when a plurality of openings 39 are present in the base panel 25 as in the illustrated embodiment, the pattern or arrangement of openings may be other than that shown in FIGS.

  These base panel openings 39 are formed using a suitable fastener, such as a screw-type fastener 43 (FIG. 10) that extends partially through the opening and into the mounting surface. 23) used to mount on mounting surface M. As shown in FIG. 11, the openings 39 are each of the axis of the fastener 43 so that the fastener can extend through the opening along a relatively large fastener location range. It is appropriately sized with a planar dimension substantially larger than the cross-section (eg, length and width, or diameter if the opening is circular). The term “fastener positioning range” is intended herein to mean the length of space in which the fastener 43 may be positioned along a particular direction within the opening 39. In one suitable embodiment, for example, the fastener positioning range defined by the opening 39 is the maximum of the fastener axis (i.e., the portion that extends through the opening when the base panel is fastened on the mounting surface). At least about twice the diameter, more suitably at least three times the maximum diameter, and even more suitably at least about four times the maximum diameter. In other embodiments, the fastener positioning range defined by the opening 39 ranges from about twice to about six times the maximum diameter of the fastener shaft, more suitably from about three times to about six times. Even more suitably, it is in the range of about 4 to about 6 times the maximum diameter of the fastener shaft. In another embodiment, the fastener positioning range defined by the opening 39 and fastener 43 shown in FIG. 11 is at least about 0.25 inches, more suitably from about 6.35 mm to about 31.75 mm ( About 0.25 inches to about 1.25 inches).

  By providing a plurality of such openings 39 in the base panel 25, one or more openings are positioned over the openings (not shown) formed by termites in the mounting surface and the mounting surface. A more stable (e.g. less damaged) or stronger segment that provides sufficient further openings through which the fasteners 43 can extend through the base panel and into the mounting surface The base panel (and thus the termite station 21) can be placed at a desired location on the mounting surface M. Thus, in such an embodiment, the number of openings 39 is at least one more than the number of fasteners used to fasten the base panel on the mounting surface M. The opening 39 also allows the termite station 21 to be secured to the mounting surface M by passing the fastener 43 through its single structural member, ie, the base panel 25, facing multiple components of the container 23. become. For example, the lid 31 of the container 23 does not have an opening that may otherwise be used as in the case of conventional designs, but it requires that the fasteners be attached so that they extend through the lid. This is because there is not. This arrangement makes it easier to visually position the termite station 21, in particular the base panel 25, at the desired location on the mounting surface M, and also particularly with the termite station mounted on the mounting surface. The lid 31 can be opened and closed without having to loosen or remove the fastener.

  The opening 39 in the base panel 25 also provides a plurality of entry points through which termites enter and exit the interior space 33 of the container 31. For this purpose, the base panel opening 39 is generally chamfered or the tapered portion acts as an inlet ramp 45 into the interior space 33 of the container 23 so that termites entering the container To reduce or minimize the cuts encountered, taper outwardly from the outer surface 35 of the base panel to its inner surface 37 as shown in FIG. 12 (e.g., increased planar dimensions). It has become. As an example, in one embodiment, the tapered opening 39 allows the angle of the ramp 45 from the outer surface 35 to the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25 to be between about 15 and about 60 degrees, and more suitably about 45 degrees. Specified in the range.

  A perimeter (ie, side inlet) opening 47 is formed in the illustrated end panel 27 and side panel 29 (ie, generally side) of the container 23 in spaced relation to each other around the container. More suitably, these peripheral openings 47 extend from the end panel 27 and the side panel 29 respectively to the base panel 25 (i.e. to the corner where the end panel and the side panel contact the base panel), and the termites are connected to the base panel. Instead of from behind, along the dovetail formed along the mounting surface M (Fig. 10), etc. (i.e. through other than the opening 39 formed in the pace panel), the interior of the container 23 from its side It is possible to enter the space 33. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the peripheral opening 47 formed in the end panel 27 and the side panel 29 continues into the base panel 25 so that termites that pass through the peripheral opening are the container (i.e., the base panel). It enters deeper in the interior space 33 of the container 23 before it comes into contact. However, the peripheral opening 47 does not necessarily extend into the base panel 25 in order to remain within the scope of the present invention. Further, the base panel 25 may be chamfered or tapered in the same manner as the tapered opening 39 formed in the base panel where the peripheral opening 47 comes into contact with the base panel.

  As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the perimeter opening 47 formed in one end panel 27 is aligned with the corresponding perimeter opening in the opposite end panel and the perimeter opening of one side panel 29. Are aligned with corresponding peripheral openings in the opposite side panels. The perimeter opening 47 formed in the side of the container 23 (e.g., the end panel 27 and the side panel 29) breaks the ant road and aligns with one or more of the perimeter openings as shown in FIG. The termite station 21 can be mounted on the mounting surface M along the ant road T, for example, by placing the base panel 25 in contact with the mounting surface within the demolished portion of the ant path. The number of peripheral openings 47 provided in the container 23 may be greater or fewer than the illustrated container 23 including only a single peripheral opening without departing from the scope of the present invention. Understood.

  In the illustrated embodiment (best shown in FIG. 4), the perimeter opening 47 is at least partially closed by each access closure 50 that can be removed from the container and provide access through the perimeter opening. ing. As a result, the container can be substantially sealed around its periphery, except for the peripheral opening 47 aligned with the ant path as shown in FIG. With particular reference to FIG. 13 (showing a single access closure 50 installed along the side of the termite station 21) and FIG. 14 (showing a single access closure installed at the corner of the termite station), the illustrated access The closure 50 is removably connected to the container 23 at the peripheral opening 47 and more suitably tangentially or breakable so that the closure can be removed from the container (manually or with a suitable drilling tool). , By pliers, screwdriver, or other suitable tool) may be provided to access the interior space of the container. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the access closure 50 is tangibly connected to the container 23 at each of the peripheral openings 47 in three connecting webs 52. The access closure 50 is generally L-shaped in cross section and has an upstanding portion 54 that closes a portion of the peripheral opening on the side of the container 23 and a base portion 56 that closes a portion of the peripheral opening of the base panel 25 of the container. . In one particularly suitable embodiment, the access closure 50 is integrally formed (eg, molded as part thereof) with the container 23.

  However, the access closure 50 may be formed separately from the container without departing from the scope of the present invention and removed to it at the peripheral opening 47, such as by heat welding, adhesive, or other suitable connection technique. It may be connected as possible. Also, in some embodiments, within the scope of the present invention, the access closure 50 is placed in the container 23 so that the termite station 21 can be reconfigured and reused when handling different ant trails or other occurrences. It may be refastened (eg, by adhesive, Velcro fasteners (Magic Tape®), or other suitable mechanical fasteners, etc.).

  In another suitable embodiment shown in FIGS. 15, 15A and 15B, the access closure 50 is omitted from the container.

  One or more raised spacing elements (e.g., nabs, ribs, bumps, or other suitable as shown in FIG. 3) extending from the surface of the base panel into the interior space 33 of the container 23. Positioning elements) are provided on the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25. Specifically, the spacing element 49 is formed integrally with the base panel 25 of the container 23 (eg, molded in the illustrated embodiment). However, these spacing elements 49 may alternatively be formed separately from the base panel 25 without departing from the scope of the present invention, and adhesive, welding or other suitable fastening techniques may be applied to the inner surface 37 thereof. Or the like. However, it is understood that these spacing elements 49 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the lid 31 (generally the closure of the container 23) is properly positioned between the closed position (FIG. 1) and the open position (FIG. 2) where the internal space 33 of the container 23 is accessible. Can be positioned. More specifically, the illustrated lid 31 is located on the peripheral side wall of the container between the closed and open positions of the lid (e.g., on one of the container side panels 29 as in the illustrated embodiment, (Or one of the end panels 27), more suitably hinged to the peripheral side wall so as to move hinged relative to the base panel 25. For example, as seen in FIG. 3A, the lid 31 is a “one-piece hinge” (thin or creased that is flexible enough to allow the lid to move hinged relative to the side panel. Along the connecting web 53, the lid may be hinged to the side panel 29 in the form that the lid is integrally formed (molded) with the side panel. However, the lid 31 may be formed separately from the end panel 27 and the side panel 29 without departing from the scope of the present invention and mechanically hinged to them by an appropriate hinge mechanism (not shown). It is understood that it is good. Referring to FIG. 3, in order to releasably secure the lid in its closed position, a conventional latch and catch device (e.g., one or more latch members 55 are mounted on the lid 31 as in the illustrated embodiment. 1 or a plurality of corresponding metal fittings 57 are provided on the side panel 29 and / or the end panel 27 of the container 53, or vice versa.

  In other embodiments, the lid 31 may instead be formed separately from the rest of the container 23, and may be placed over and removed from the rest of the container 23 Good. Also, any suitable releasable securing device other than the latch and catch device may be used to releasably secure the lid 31 in its closed position, and may be within the scope of the present invention. Understood. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the sides (i.e., end panel 27 and side panel 29) of container 23 are secured to (and more suitably formed integrally with) base panel 25. Instead, the side is fixed to the lid 31 and positioned between its closed and open positions along the lid to provide access to the interior space 33 of the container relative to the base panel 25. May be numbered.

  The cartridge 51 is appropriately sized and configured to be at least partially disposed within the container 23, more suitably fully within the interior space 33 of the container at the closed position of the container lid 31. With particular reference to FIG. 6, the cartridge 51 comprises one or more internal components, in the illustrated embodiment all of the internal components of the termite station 21. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 51 holds the agglomeration member (generally indicated by 61), at least one bait matrix separate from the agglomeration member (generally indicated by 63), and the agglomeration member. And the bait matrix and the holder are combined into and out of the container 23 as a single unit. However, the cartridge 51 may comprise only the holder 65 and the aggregating member 61 or only the bait matrix 63 without departing from the scope of the present invention. In one such embodiment, components omitted from the cartridge 51 may alternatively be disposed in the interior space 33 of the container 23 separately from the cartridge, or disposed outside the container. Or all may be omitted.

  The aggregating member 61 of one embodiment includes an attractant, more suitably what is referred to herein as an intangible attractant. “Intangible” attractant is used herein to refer to attractants that do not require termites to come into physical contact to induce foraging. For example, in one particularly suitable embodiment, the intangible attractant is wood that has been heat treated at an elevated temperature, such as at least about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.), more suitably between about 150 ° C. and 215 ° C. (420 ° F.). including.

  Wood is an organic material found as the main component of the trunk of woody books (eg trees and shrubs). Dried wood is made of fibers of cellulose (about 40 to about 50% by dry weight) and hemicellulose (about 20 to about 30% by dry weight) bound together by lignin (about 25 to about 30% by dry weight) . Wood can also be extracted using a variety of solvents, often containing extracts that are compounds with a molecular weight of less than 500 grams / mole. In general, these extracts constitute about 2% to 8% (dry weight) of the wood component.

  Cellulose is the most abundant component of wood and plays a major role in giving wood its mechanical strength. Cellulose molecules are composed of β-D-glucose units linked by β (1 → 4) lingages to form long linear chains with molecular weights ranging from thousands to hundreds of grams / mole. Molecular chains in cellulose form elementary fibrils or micelles. The micelles are aligned with the cellulose fibrils oriented in the same direction and are closely packed together. The cellulose base fibers are then layered together in parallel with the intervening hemicellulose and pectin to form microfibrils. As the microfibrils aggregate into larger bundles within the structure and impregnated with lignin, fibrils form, which in turn form wood fibers.

  Hemicellulose contains about 20 to about 30% by dry weight. The average molecular weight of hemicellulose is less than cellulose molecules and ranges from about 10,000 grams / mole to about 30,000 grams / mole. The composition of hemicellulose varies between hardwood (ie oak, mahogany) and softwood (ie pine, cedar). Hardwood hemicellulose is mainly glucuronoxylan (about 15% to about 30%) and a trace amount of glucomannan (about 2% to 5%). Softwood hemicellulose consists mainly of gract glucomannan (about 20%) and a small amount of arabinoglucuroxylan (about 5% to about 10%).

  Pectin and starch are also found in wood, but generally in trace amounts of less than about 1% each. Pectin is similar to hemicellulose in the structure and is found in the middle layer of the perforated wall pores, the primary cell wall, and the torus, and again in small amounts in the fibril structure. Starch can be found in parenchyma, which serves as a nutrient store for raw wood, and consists of amylase and amylopectin.

  Lignin is an amorphous polymer with various configurations. Lignin is often considered an adhesive for wood structures. The backbone of the lignin structure is based on three types of phenylpropane units: guaiacyl, syringe, and p-hydroxyphenyl. Softwood mainly consists of guaiacyl units and some p-hydroxyphenyl units. In contrast, hardwood lignin consists of syringe units and guaiacyl units.

  When wood is dried, these compounds that make up the structure of the wood undergo various changes. Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present specification, the aggregating member 61 comprises wood dried at a high temperature of about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) to about 215 ° C. (420 ° F.), and this temperature Their chemical changes in are different from those produced by drying in a lower temperature range, such as less than about 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). In another exemplary embodiment herein, the agglomerating member 61 comprises wood dried at an elevated temperature of about 185 ° C. (365 ° F.) to about 215 ° C. (420 ° F.). In particular, heat treated wood is believed to undergo changes that affect the available space for air and moisture in the wood. In particular, the porosity and permeability of wood vary. Porosity defines the ratio of volume fraction of voids in a solid. Permeability defines the diffusion rate of fluid through the porous body.

  After such treatment, it is believed that the porosity may increase because the liquid and other compounds are not strongly bonded to the structure of the wood and are removed by evaporation, etc. as the wood is heated. Considered alone, this change indicates that such heat treated wood is more hygroscopic due to more available space in the wood than untreated wood. However, this conclusion ignores changes to the permeability of the treated wood. Permeability exists when cells and / or voids can be interconnected with each other. For example, in the case of a hard material, an opening may be made in the membrane by pitching between vessels, and the permeability may be improved. However, it is believed that after such a heat treatment, these films may become clogged or covered with a jacket. Such occlusion reduces the overall permeability. In addition, the pits are also aspirated so that the wood can take a closed cell structure that also reduces the overall permeability. It is also believed that such heat treatment may cause substantial fragmentation of adjacent microfibrils in the heat treated wood. On the other hand, in the case of raw or unheated wood, these adjacent microfibrils provide a structure in which liquid is transported through the wood by normal interlaminar vascular flow of phloem and xylem fibers. Their separation creates a break in the wood that impedes liquid flow, thereby reducing hygroscopicity (ie, increasing hydrophobicity). Also, an increase in the shrinkage of the wood that occurs at the heat treatment temperature may lead to an increase in the separation of adjacent xylem fiber cells and adjacent phloem fiber cells (i.e., vascular cells), thereby causing the normal of the fiber cells. The passage of liquid through the path is obstructed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these changes depend on the starting porosity, permeability, and density of the wood, but such changes are generally considered to apply to many wood species. Furthermore, such heat treatment processes may cause other changes to the structure and properties of the wood not mentioned here without departing from the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

  In addition to changes in hygroscopicity and hydrophobicity, wood thus heat treated also contains changes associated with other compounds normally bound to the cellulosic material in the wood. While not being bound by a particular theory, as part of the heat treatment process, these compounds (e.g., volatile, semi-volatile, and naturally extractable compounds such as tannins, terpenes, and oil-derived compounds in particular) (E.g. aromatic compounds)) breaks the bond that normally binds to the cellulose of the wood, so that compared to conventional wood decay, the compound goes from the wood into the area surrounding the wood (e.g. soil). It becomes possible to move more easily. As such, these compounds may be extracted from, released from, or more easily diffused from the wood, thereby attracting termites to the wood.

  The heat treatment of wood in this method generally proceeds as follows. First, the wood is dried to remove most of the liquid from the wood. In one embodiment, the drying process occurs in the range of about 110 ° C. (230 ° F.) to about 175 ° C. (345 ° F.). The dried wood is then brought to a high temperature, such as from about 150 ° C (302 ° F) to about 215 ° C (420 ° F), more suitably from about 185 ° C (365 ° F) to about 215 ° C (420 ° F). Heat and maintain there. In other embodiments, the high temperature at which the wood is heat treated may exceed 215 ° C. (420 ° F.) as long as the temperature remains below the ignition temperature of the wood specimen to inhibit carbonization or burning of the treated wood. . The treated wood is suitably maintained at this temperature for a time sufficient to cause the above-described changes in an exemplary embodiment, and the wood is maintained at an elevated temperature for about 2 hours to about 3 hours. The dried wood material is then cooled by a suitable cooling method, such as air cooling, liquid cooling, or other known methods.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the dried heat treated wood may then be partially rehydrated to increase the liquid content of the cellulosic material to a level of about 1% to about 18%. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the heat treated wood may be partially rehydrated to a level of about 1% to about 10%. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the dry wood material may be partially rehydrated to a level of about 2% to about 10%. However, it is understood that the heat treated wood need not be partially rehydrated such that the liquid content in the dry wood is less than about 1% without departing from the scope of the present invention.

(Experiment)
In this experiment, samples of poplar wood that had been heat-treated according to one suitable embodiment, and poplar wood that had been subjected to conventional treatment were evaluated to determine the termite of Reticulitermues flavipes species between these wood samples. Eating preference was evaluated.

  The heat-treated wood was treated as follows. The wood was cut into common board dimensions such as a standard two-by-four plank (i.e., about 38 mm (1.5 inches) by about 89 mm (3.5 inches) in cross section)). The wood was then placed in a kiln or high temperature / high pressure vessel. The temperature in the vessel was quickly raised to about 100 ° C. (212 ° F.) and held until the wood evenly reached a moisture content of about 0%. The temperature was then gradually increased and maintained at about 185 ° C. (365 ° F.) for a period of about 120-180 minutes. After drying, the temperature of the wood was reduced from about 80 ° C. (176 ° F.) to about 90 ° C. (194 ° F.). During the cooling period, steam spray was used to reduce the temperature of the wood and increase the moisture content of the wood from 2% to about 10%. The entire heating and cooling process took approximately 36 hours to complete.

  Conventionally treated poplar material was kiln dried at a temperature of about 85 ° C. (185 ° F.) to about 90 ° C. (195 ° F.) for about 5-6 days. After drying, the poplar material subjected to conventional treatment was cooled to ambient temperature.

  Experiments were performed using both selected and unselected laboratory bioassays. The purpose of the study was to determine the preference between the two wood samples described above based on association and / or intake. For the selected laboratory bioassay, 300 grams of termites by weight and 20 grams (0.7 ounces) of 12% water sand are added to the Petri dish and placed in each opposing half of the Petri dish across all iterations. The average weight of wood was about 4 grams (0.141 ounces). Termites were placed between the pieces of wood so that they could move to the wood they prefer and ingest it. After 31 days, termites on or near each piece of wood were counted. In addition, termites were removed from the wood and the wood was weighed to determine the amount consumed. This selection test was repeated 17 times with 17 sets of 300 gram termites and a new wood sample.

  For the non-selective bioassay, 300 grams of termites by weight are added to a Petri dish with 20 grams (0.7 ounces) of 12% moisture sand and the average weight of one part of the wood sample is approximately 4 throughout all replicates. Grams (0.141 ounces). Termites were placed across the wood piece so that they could move freely through the test chamber and ingest the wood. After 31 days, termites were removed from the wood and the wood was weighed to determine the amount consumed. This selection test was repeated using 5 sets of 300 gram termites and a new wood sample for each of two different types of wood samples (heat treated and traditionally treated).

  For ingestion in a selection bioassay, wood heat-treated at high temperatures achieved an average ingestion rate of 19.0 milligrams per gram of termites per day (19.0 milliounces per ounce of termites), and the standard deviation across 17 selection tests Was 2.9. In contrast, traditionally treated wood achieved an intake rate of 15.1 milligrams per gram of termites per day (15.1 milliounces per ounce of termites), with a standard deviation of 5.0 across 17 selection trials. there were. In the non-selective bioassay, wood heat-treated at high temperature achieved an average uptake of 42.4 milligrams per gram of termites per day (42.4 milliounces per ounce of termites per day), and the standard deviation across all five non-selective tests is 1.6. In contrast, traditionally treated wood achieved an intake rate of 37.5 milligrams per gram of termite per day (37.5 milliounces per ounce of termite per day) with a standard deviation of 5.6 across all five non-selected trials. Met. Thus, for both selected and unselected bioassays, wood heat treated at high temperatures achieved higher uptake rates than wood treated with conventional treatment.

  Furthermore, taking into account the community rather than ingestion, the average number of termites located in the half of the Petri dish containing the heat-treated wood was 183 with a standard deviation of 34 throughout the 17 selected bioassay tests. there were. In contrast, the average number of termites located in the half of the Petri dish containing the traditionally treated wood was 72 with a standard deviation of 40. Of the 300 gram termites included in each experiment, an average of 47 grams died during the experiment. This result occurred even though the wood heat-treated at a high temperature was much dryer than the wood treated with the conventional treatment, and the internal moisture content was lower. This was somewhat unexpected, but the low moisture content of the wood heat-treated at high temperatures did not prevent termites from eating the wood, and even more unexpectedly, the physical and Indicates that termites are more attracted by chemical properties. In this study, it was demonstrated that termites were much more attracted to and preferred to wood heat treated at high temperatures than wood that had been subjected to conventional heat treatment.

  In view of the above experiments, increased intangible attraction and community preferences in wood heat treated at high temperatures can significantly improve the efficiency of termite monitoring and / or feeding stations containing such wood. As a more specific example, the illustrated agglomeration member 61 includes a solid wood block 67 that has been heat treated at a high temperature as described above. However, it is understood that the heat treated wood from which the agglomerated member 61 is made may be made in a rooted form, powder form, or other suitable form. Aggregating member 61 is also suitably free of toxic materials. For example, the heat treated wood described above has no additive or natural toxics.

  In other embodiments, the aggregating member 61 may instead include a non-toxic physical attractant, ie, an attractant that promotes further foraging of termites when they are consumed. Suitable examples of such physical attractants include, but are not limited to, paper, cardboard, wood (eg, other than wood that has been heat treated as described above), and other cellulosic materials. In addition, the agar matrix alone, or a combination of sugars (i.e., xylose, mannose, galactose) and / or purified cellulosic material, as aggregating member 61 that attracts termites due to its moisture content and / or feeding attractant. May be used.

  The bait matrix 63 suitably contains a non-toxic attractant and may or may not have toxic substances to eliminate or inhibit termite development. As an example, the illustrated bait matrix 61 comprises purified cellulose powder compressed into one or more tablets 69. Without adding toxic substances to the bait matrix 61, the bait matrix may be used appropriately to monitor the presence of termites within the termite station 21. Where a toxic substance is added to the bait matrix 61, it is suitably one or more of a slow acting type of toxic substance, or an insect growth regulator, pathogen, or metabolic inhibitor. One such toxic bait matrix 61 is disclosed in commonly assigned US Pat. No. 6,416,752, entitled “Termite Bait Composition and Method”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It is understood that other suitable known monitoring and / or toxic bait matrix materials and / or compositions may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, four such toxic bait matrix tablets 69 are used in the cartridge 51. However, any number of bait matrices including a single bait matrix may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  The illustrated cartridge holder 65 is generally configured as a pair of cylindrical cups 73 (e.g., each having a closed end 75, an open end 77, and a sidewall 79 extending therebetween) 71 And the cup portion has overlapping segments so as to define a generally eight-shaped bait matrix pocket 81. The pocket 81 is more suitably received and retained to receive at least the bait matrix 63 therein, and more suitably to receive and retain one or more of the illustrated circular tablets 69. Appropriately sized and configured. For example, the 8-shaped pocket 81 of FIGS. 6 and 7 suitably includes at least two circular bait matrix tablets 69 arranged in a side-by-side relationship (e.g., a generally cylindrical cup defining the pocket). 73) (one for each), and more suitably, each cup with an exposed surface of the top bait matrix tablet approximately level with the open end 77 of the cup. The size (eg, depth) is sized to accept a pair of stacked tablets. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the pocket 81 may be made in a shape other than that shown in FIG. 7, and the tablet 69 or other bait matrix placed in the pocket may be in a shape other than circular. It is understood that it may be made. In addition, the cartridge holder 65 may comprise two or more separate pockets instead of the single pocket 81 shown in FIG.

  A plurality of protrusions, such as in the form of ribs 83 in the illustrated embodiment, are arranged longitudinally along the inner surface of the side wall 79 of each cup, inside the pocket 81 formed by a generally cylindrical cup 73 Extend sideways. For example, the rib 83 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 extends longitudinally from the closed end 75 of the cup 73 to its open end 77 and protrudes sufficiently inward from the inner surface of the cup side wall 79, An interference fit or friction fit of the bait matrix tablet within the pocket 81 is provided to securely retain the tablet within the pocket. However, it will be appreciated that the rib 83 may not extend the entire length from the closed end 75 to the open end 77 of the cup 73 in order to remain within the scope of the present invention. Also, more or fewer ribs 83 or other suitable protrusions may be used to retain one or more bait matrices 61 within the pocket 81 of the cartridge holder. Separating elements in the form of a plurality of nubs 85 (FIGS. 6 and 7) are provided on the inner surface of the cup portion 71 at the closed end 75 of each cup 73 and extend into each pocket 81. The spacing element 85 separates the tablet 69 from the closed end 75 of the cup 73 so that termites can move between them in the pocket 81. In one particularly suitable embodiment, the spacing element 85 is provided by a corresponding socket 87 (FIG. 8) formed on the outer surface of the closed end 75 of each cup 73. These sockets 87 are configured and arranged to receive spacing elements 49 extending outwardly from the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25 to allow the cartridge to fit well within the container 23 in the storage configuration of the termite station 21. As a result, the lid of the container can be closed.

  With further reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cartridge holder 65 also has a generally rectangular tray portion 91 formed integrally therewith and extending around the cup portion 71 of the cartridge holder so that the aggregating member 61 In the cartridge holder, and more suitably accept and hold it. The support panel 93 of the illustrated tray portion 91 (including the peripheral side wall 95 defining the depth of the tray portion) is suitably longitudinally spaced from the open end 77 of the generally cylindrical cup 73. As such, the aggregating member 61 is held by a tray portion that at least partially surrounds the cup in which the bait matrix 63 is disposed. However, the support panel 93 of the tray portion 91 may be installed in virtually any portion between the closed end 75 and the open end 77 of the cup 73 without departing from the scope of the present invention. . In one particularly suitable embodiment, the agglomeration member 61 and the tray portion 91 of the holder 65 are sized relative to each other to interferencely or frictionally fit the agglomeration member within the tray portion, thereby retaining the agglomeration member within the holder. The As best seen in FIG. 6, the heat treated wood block 67 defining the agglomeration member 61 of the illustrated embodiment is generally rectangular and has a central opening 97 so that it is contained in the tray portion 91 of the holder 65. When this occurs, the wood block surrounds the cup 73 of the cup portion 71 proximate to the open end 77 of the cup, with the bait matrix 69 exposed in the center.

  In the state referred to herein as the operational configuration of the termite station 21 (FIG. 9), at least a portion of the aggregating member 61 is separated from the base panel 25 so that the termites can easily move between the aggregating member and the base panel. A suitable spacing structure is provided. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the spacing structure comprises four spacing elements 99 secured to the heat treated wood block 67 and more specifically formed integrally therewith. It will be appreciated that more or fewer than four separation elements 99 may be provided. Alternatively, in the operation configuration of the termite station 21, the space holding structure is arranged so that an area smaller than the entire outer surface of the wood block (for example, a place where a groove is installed) is located in contact with the base panel 25. It may be formed in the aggregating member 61 such as a groove, slot, or other void formed in the outer surface of 67. In other embodiments, a suitable spacing structure may be integrally formed with the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25, or one or more of the aggregating members 61 in contact with the termite station 21 operating configuration. In place, it may be formed separately from and attached to the inner surface. Although less preferred, other suitable spacing structures are formed and placed in the container between them while remaining separated from both the cartridge 51 and the container 23 so that at least a portion of the aggregating member 61 is removed from the base panel. May be separated.

  As best seen in FIG. 9, the spacing structure (e.g., spacing element 99 in the illustrated embodiment) allows termites to freely feed between the aggregating member and the base panel (i.e., through the aggregating member). The outer surface of the aggregating member 61 (facing the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25 in the operating configuration of the termite station 21) is separated by a distance sufficient to allow movement. More suitably, the spacing between the aggregating member 61 and the base panel 25 is such that the termite antennae can remain in contact with the aggregating member as the termites pass the aggregating member. As an example, the spacing structure of one embodiment may separate the aggregating member 61 from the base panel 25 by a distance in the range of about 0.20 cm to about 0.6 cm. Spacing elements 49 on the base panel 25 suitably move the bait matrix 63 (eg, tablet 69) away from the base panel to allow termites to move between the base and the bait matrix.

  As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the cartridge 51 is optionally for releasable fixation to the aggregating member 61 and / or cartridge holder 65, and more suitably to the peripheral side wall 95 of the tray portion 91 of the cartridge holder. The cover 101 may be adapted to define an interior space of the cartridge in which they are placed so as to reduce exposure of the agglomeration member and bait matrix 63 to air and other environmental conditions. However, it is understood that the cover 101 may be omitted from the cartridge 51 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the storage configuration of the termite station 21, the cartridge cup portion socket 81 receives the base panel spacing member 49 to position the cartridge within the container so that the cartridge holder cup The cartridge 51 is disposed in the internal space 33 of the container 23 with the outer surface of the closed end 75 of the 73 facing the inner surface 37 of the base panel 25. Therefore, in this configuration where the lid is in its closed position, the cover 101 of the cartridge 51 faces the lid 31 of the container 23. To mount the termite station 21 on the desired mounting surface M, the container lid 31 is moved to its open position to provide access to the interior space 33 of the container 23 and the cartridge 51 is removed from the container. As shown in FIG. 10, with the lid 31 open and the cartridge 51 removed, the outer surface 35 of the base panel 25 is placed against the mounting surface M and using appropriate fasteners 43 (i.e. , Extending through the base panel opening 39), the base panel (and thus the container 23) is secured on the mounting surface. When the cartridge 51 is further stored in the storage configuration of the termite station 21, it is simply returned into the container 23 in the above-described direction, and the lid 31 is fixed in its original closed position.

  To use the termite station 21 for monitoring and / or processing for termite generation, the lid 31 is opened and the cartridge 51 is removed from the container 23. The cartridge cover 101 (if present) is removed from the cartridge 51, exposing the aggregating member 61 and the bait matrix tablet 69. The cartridge 51 is reinserted into the container 23 first from the open end, so that the agglomeration member 61 now faces the base panel 25, otherwise it is separated by a separating element 99 (generally a spacing structure). As shown in FIG. 9, the bait matrix tablet 69 is separated from the base panel by the spacing element 49. Next, the lid 31 is fixed in its closed position so as to completely enclose the cartridge 51 in the container 23, thereby defining the operation configuration of the termite station 21. Aggregating member 61 (e.g., heat treated wood block 67 of the illustrated embodiment), bait matrix 63 (e.g. bait matrix tablet 69), and cartridge holder 65 are such that the aggregating member is closer to base panel 25 than the bait matrix, And the size and configuration of each other so that it is closer in both the lateral and longitudinal directions to the peripheral opening 47 formed at the end of the end panel 27 and side panel 29 than the bait matrix in the operating configuration of the termite station Is decided.

  In operation, the termite station 21 is configured in its operating configuration so that when the termites approach the base panel 25 either from the outside of the container 23, either from the back of the base panel or from the side of the container, the termites are attached to the base panel. It quickly enters through the formed opening 39 or through the peripheral opening 47 formed in the end panel 27 and / or the side panel 29 from which the corresponding access panel has been removed. Due to the arrangement and arrangement of the agglomeration members 61 relative to the bait matrix 63 (i.e. closer to the base panel 25, end panel 27 and side panel 29 than the bait matrix), termites first enter the interior space 33 of the container. Facing the agglomeration member. If the aggregating member 61 is an intangible attractant, such as the heat treated wood block 67 described above, termites may be attracted or even drawn into the termite station 21 by the aggregating member. Termites guided into the container 23 by the aggregating member 61 and further foraging in the container 23 are eventually guided to find the bait matrix 63 and ingest it.

  If the bait matrix 63 does not contain toxic substances and is used instead for monitoring, termites will be able to visually identify the bait matrix, such as exploratory tunnels built when the termites ingest the bait material. As evidence is left, signs of termite development are left on the surface of the material or on mud tubes built across the surface of the material or in the cup portion of the cartridge holder. By adding toxic substances to the bait matrix 63, the foraging termites ingest the toxic-containing bait and bring part of the bait back to the nest through the existing channel network, thereby effectively treating the occurrence. Made.

  Over time, cartridge 51 may be removed after exposure to environmental conditions without long-term outbreaks, or after long-term outbreaks in which a substantial amount of food matrix 63 (e.g., tablet 69 in the illustrated embodiment) has been ingested. It needs to be replaced. The cartridge 51 may be replaced by opening the lid 31, removing the old cartridge (eg, as a single unit), and inserting a new one including a new agglomeration member 61 and a new tablet 69. Alternatively, when the new aggregating member 61 is unnecessary, only the bait matrix 63 (for example, the tablet 69) in the old cartridge 51 may be replaced, and the old cartridge may be reinserted into the container 23. Since the aggregating member 61, the bait matrix 63, and the holder 65 are held together as a single unit, the cartridge 51 can be easily replaced without having to reach into the termite station 21, i.e., the cup portion of the holder 65. The cartridge may be removed from the container 23 by gripping only 71 and pulling it outward.

  In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-15B, the termite station is in the form of an above-ground termite station, but agglomerated members comprising wood heat treated at high temperatures as described herein are It will be appreciated that the station may be used. Subterranean termite stations, or other subterranean insect (e.g., ant) stations, generally include a station housing that fits in an underground cavity, where termites (or other insects) enter the housing for subsequent processing. Having an opening to allow An example of a suitable subterranean termite station is illustrated and described in commonly assigned US Patent No. 7,086,196 entitled "Pest Control Device And Method" issued August 8, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Incorporated herein by reference to the extent consistent with the written description. However, other suitable subterranean termite stations or other insect treatment stations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, one suitable subterranean termite station 510 includes a generally hollow housing 512 having an annular sidewall 514, a top surface 516, and a bottom surface 518 that define an interior volume 520. A portion of the upper surface 16 of the housing 512 is open to expose the internal volume 520. Station 10 receives one or more of agglomeration base 522, monitoring container 524, and / or bait container 525 (not shown but described below with reference to FIG. 20) within an interior volume 520 of housing 12. .

  Cap 528 is removably received on top surface 516 to close housing 512. Cap 528 is removably secured to top surface 516 of housing 512. In one embodiment, the cap 528 has a pair of tabs 530 that extend into slots 532 on the top surface 516 of the housing 512. As a result, the cap 528 is rotated either counterclockwise or clockwise to engage the cap 528. The tab includes a bite 534 along the leading edge 536 of the tab 530. As the cap 528 rotates into place, the bite 534 helps guide the tab 530 into place in the slot 532. Other suitable means for securing the cap 528 to the top surface 516 may be used.

  Preferably, the housing 512 is formed from a durable and corrosion resistant material, such as acrylic or high strength plastic. Although shown as having a generally cylindrical shape, the housing 512 may be any other suitable shape, such as a rectangle. Preferably, station 510 has a maximum height of less than about 457 mm (18 inches) and a maximum diameter or width of less than about 305 mm (12 inches), more preferably the station is less than about 229 mm (9 inches). It has a maximum height and a maximum width of less than about 102 mm (4 inches).

  Station 510 includes at least one opening 537 through side wall 514 to allow termites to enter and exit the internal volume 520 of the station. Preferably, the side wall 514 has a number of vertical elongated openings 537 that extend substantially the entire length of the side wall. As used herein, vertical is used to refer to the preferred orientation of station 510 with top surface 516 facing in an upward direction. However, other shapes and orientations of the openings may be used. For example, the openings may be horizontal elongated openings, or may be circular openings that are randomly placed or formed in a repeating pattern. In addition, there may be an opening 537 connected to the inner volume 520 on the bottom surface 518. In the alternative, the opening 537 is formed only in the lower portion 538 of the side wall 514 of the housing 512 so that the upper portion 539 of the side wall 514 near the top surface 516 of the housing 512 is non-porous.

  In use, the station 510 is at least partially received in a cavity that is accessible to termites while still being accessible to the user on the ground. The cavities may be underground cavities or may be cavities in the walls or other frames of buildings or other ground structures. The cavities may be formed in the soil or the cavities may be formed in a paving material such as concrete or asphalt where the soil is under the paving material. Preferably, the station 510 is received almost completely within the cavity such that only the top surface 516 and the cap 528 are accessible from the ground. However, in some situations, the station 510 may be completely above the ground and the cavity may be very shallow.

  In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the agglomeration base 522 is positioned adjacent to the lower portion 538 of the side wall 514 such that the elongated opening 537 exposes the agglomeration base 522 to the underground cavity. , Received within the internal volume 520 of the housing 512. A monitoring container 524 or bait container 525 is then received within the housing interior volume 520 such that it is received adjacent to the aggregation base 522. The agglomeration base may also be formed as a tube and a replaceable monitoring container 524 or bait container 525 configured to be received within the hollow interior of the tube.

  Alternatively, the agglomeration base 522 is received directly in the cavity. For example, if the agglomeration base 522 is used in a more durable environment, such as in a pavement material, where the cavity sidewalls are unlikely to collapse around the agglomeration base 522, the agglomeration base 522 is within the cavity. Can be installed directly. As a result, a monitoring container 524 or bait container 525 may be positioned adjacent to, preferably just above, the agglomeration base 522. In such embodiments, the station need not receive the agglomeration base 522 and containers 524, 525. A suitable cap, whose design is known in the art, is then placed over the cavity and the agglomeration base 522 and container 524 or 525 are secured within the cavity. However, in the embodiments described above, the agglomeration base 522 is installed in the cavity or station 510 in a substantially fixed manner so that the agglomeration site while the container 524 or 525 is being inspected, removed, and / or replaced. And interference with termites is minimal.

  FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of the aggregation base 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the agglomeration base is formed in a generally cylindrical shape such that when installed and in use, the outer surface 540 of the agglomeration base faces the interior of the station 510 or the side wall 514 of the cavity. . Other variations of the agglomerated base may have different geometries suitable for use depending on the cavity in which the base is received. In one embodiment, where the agglomeration base 522 is received within the interior volume 520 of the station 510, the agglomeration base 522 may have a width such that the agglomeration base 522 may be removably received in a sliding fit within the housing 512. Preferably has a shape similar to the shape of the housing 512, slightly shorter than the inner width of the housing 512. Preferably, the agglomeration base 522 has an approximately centrally located void 542 within the agglomeration base 522 that is suitable for a termite aggregation site. Aggregation base 522 includes a channel 544 that passes through aggregation base 522 inwardly from outer surface 540 to void 542. Preferably, the channel 544 guides termites from the outer surface 540 to the aggregation site in the void 542 of the aggregation base 522. Preferably, the agglomerated base 522 is made from a cellulosic material that attracts termites such as wood.

  Alternatively, the agglomeration base 522 may be made of plastic or other suitable material and filled with a cellulosic material such as paper, cardboard, compressed tablet, or other suitable feeding material. There may be holes to provide access. In such variations, the agglomeration base 522 may be similar in structure to the container 524. In addition, the agglomerated base may be made from a foam material. In some of these embodiments, the agglomeration base may not have a void space that does not contain material, but the base still has termites that feed on the agglomeration base or material within the agglomeration base within the base. Is preferably configured to form.

  Referring now to FIG. 19, the monitoring container 524 includes a cup 550. Cup 550 may have an associated lid 552. As shown, the cup 550 has a bottom surface 554 opposite the lid 552 so that the monitoring container 524 is configured as a closed cylinder defining an internal chamber 553 that complements the configuration of the housing 512. The bottom surface 554 is described as the surface adjacent to the agglomeration base 522 when the monitoring container 524 is installed in the station 510 in a manner of operation, and for convenience, the lid 552 includes opposing surfaces. However, the monitoring container 524 may also be inserted into the station 510 with the lid 552 adjacent to the aggregation base 522. Since the outer width of the cup 550 is slightly shorter than the inner width of the housing 512 (FIG. 16), the cup can be removably received within the housing. Preferably, the container 524 is made of plastic. Referring now to FIG. 20, the bait container 525 is preferably of a structure similar to the monitoring container 524, and corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

  Referring to both FIGS. 19 and 20, a suitable material, such as a monitoring medium 555 that attracts termites (shown in FIG. 19), may be received within the chamber 553 of the monitoring container 524. A suitable material such as bait 557 that attracts termites and is harmful to termites may be received in chamber 553 of bait container 525. Monitoring medium 555 and bait 557 are preferably in the form of tablets that can be easily inserted into chamber 553. The use of the monitoring medium 555 and the bait 557 will be described in more detail later.

  Preferably, the combined length of one container 524 or 525 and the agglomeration base 522 is shorter than the length of the housing 512, so that it does not interfere with the installation of the cap 528 for covering the upper surface 516 of the housing 512, Container 524 or 525 can be received within housing 512. Preferably, lid 552 and / or cup 550 are transparent (or at least partially transparent) for reasons described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the cup 550 has at least one opening 566 in the bottom surface 554 facing the aggregation base 522. When the container 524 or 525 is received in the housing 512 in the operating position, the opening 66 in the bottom surface 554 leads to the interior of the cup 550, thereby allowing termites to move from the aggregation base 522 into the interior of the cup. . It is preferable that there are a plurality of openings 566 on the bottom surface, but it may have a single opening. For example, the cup 550 may have a single opening 566 that is slightly irregularly shaped (eg, clover shaped). In addition, in some variations, the cup 550 may have a hole in its sidewall. Termites must have access to the opening 566 of the cup 550 from the aggregation base 522. In one embodiment, the small legs 568 on the bottom surface 554 of the cup 550 move the cup away from the aggregation base 522, creating a gap for termites to search.

  Without interfering with the agglomeration base 522, the monitoring container 524 can be removed, inspected, and / or replaced so that any aggregation sites formed by termites in the agglomeration base 522, such as in the void 542, can be preserved. The monitoring container 524 is configured to be replaceably received adjacent to the aggregation base 522 (see, eg, FIG. 17). Similarly, the bait container 525 is configured to be interchangeably received adjacent to the agglomeration base 522 so that, during use, either the monitoring container 524 or the bait container 525 is positioned adjacent to the agglomeration base. .

  The lid 552 of the containers 524, 525 may also have at least one opening 570 that allows termites to enter and exit the container through the container lid 552 (see FIG. 23). In addition, the opening 570 prevents the containers 524, 525 from floating when the station 510 or cavity is filled with water. Also, if the monitoring medium 555 or bait 557 received in the containers 524, 525 expands when immersed in water, the openings 566, 570 provide room for expansion and nevertheless keep the bait in the containers. Since the side 572 of the cup 550 preferably does not include an opening, termites that pass through the opening 537 of the housing 512 are driven to the aggregation base 522, resulting in the formation of an initial aggregation site within the aggregation base. However, when the cup 550 is used as the monitoring container 24, the opening may also be included on the side.

  The lid 552 is removably secured to the cup 550 using any suitable means. Referring to FIG. 22, in one embodiment, cup 550 has a number of recesses 559 near its upper edge 558. FIG. 23 shows a corresponding flange 560 on the lid 552 that is received in the recess 559 to secure the lid 552 to the cup 550. Alternatively, the circular threaded portion (not shown) of the cup 550 can extend upward and the complementary threaded base portion (not shown) of the lid 552 can be removably secured to the cup 550 by a screw thread.

  In operation, a suitably sized cavity for positioning the station 510 can be created in the soil or other structure. Generally, the agglomeration base 522 and monitoring vessel 524 are installed inside the station housing 512, and then the station 510 is inserted or pressed into the cavity until the top surface 516 of the station housing 512 is near the soil surface. However, in some instances, such as when the presence of termites is known or when there are conditions that encourage termites, it is desirable to begin using bait container 525 directly with agglomeration base 522 and not use monitoring container 524 Sometimes. Alternatively, the agglomeration base 522 is installed directly in the cavity. Next, either container 524 or 525 is placed in the cavity adjacent to the agglomeration base 522. The following description describes the agglomeration base 522 as being installed in the station 510, but the agglomeration base is installed adjacent to the monitoring container 524 or bait container 525 without using the station 510 as described above. May be. Termites find the station 510 and the agglomeration base 522 as a result of searching for food sources and foraging.

  As termites approach the outside of the station 510, they quickly enter through the openings 537 and move inside to find a potential food source, the aggregation base 522. Station opening 537 prompts termites to quickly pass through side wall 14 to agglomeration base 522. When termites enter through the opening 537 and contact the container 524 or 525 above the agglomeration base 522, the non-porous side walls of the container guide the termites along the elongated opening 537 to the agglomeration base 522. The channel 544 prompts the termites to enter the agglomeration base 522 and begin to use the internal void 542 created by the base as an agglomeration site. The void 542 is created around the stop area for agglomeration. Once inside, termites move into the monitoring container 524 toward the top of the aggregation base 522. Since only the monitoring container 524 is removed to monitor termite activity, the agglomeration base 522 remains undisturbed, thereby maintaining the void 542 in the agglomeration base 522 and the aggregation sites therein intact.

  Station 510 can periodically check for evidence of termite development by visually inspecting monitoring vessel 524 for signs of occurrence. Inspection of the station 510 can be performed as needed or desired, such as weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc. Inspection is performed by removing cap 528 and visually inspecting chamber 553 or aggregation base 522 of monitoring container 524 for termite attacks. Due to the nature of termite attacks on cellulosic materials such as monitoring media 555 or agglomeration base 522, visual signs or evidence of such attacks are always left on the monitor. This evidence may include, for example, a sign indicating the occurrence of a termite on the surface of the material and / or on the interior surface of the station housing 512 or the monitoring vessel 524 or on a mud tube constructed across it. In a way that is left behind, you can cite the exploration path that termites have built when ingesting material. Such signs of occurrence will be apparent to any person skilled in the field of termite damage detection. If a termite attack is detected, the station 510 is fed by replacing the monitoring container 524 with the bait container 525. Alternatively, the monitoring medium 555 can be removed and replaced with bait 557. If no termite attack is found, the monitoring vessel 524 is returned to the station 510. The cap 528 is replaced and the station 510 is inspected again after an appropriate interval.

  A termite that ingests the agglomeration base 522 finds a nearby monitoring medium 555 in the monitoring container 524 and migrates to eat it. There may be one or more reasons for this. If the monitoring medium 555 is of a consistency that is more favorable to termites than the aggregation base 522, the termites stop taking the aggregation base 522 before ingesting all of the aggregation base 522 and transition to ingestion of the monitoring medium 555 There are things to do. If termites continue to ingest the agglomerated base 522, they also transition to ingestion of the monitoring medium 555 once they have ingested all of the agglomerated base 522 in the normal process of termite foraging. Since the monitoring medium 555 is in the vicinity and the termites are apt to ingest, the termites always start to ingest the monitoring medium.

  If termites are found attacking the surveillance medium 555 or the agglomeration base 522, the station 510 is fed with toxic-containing bait 557. Preferably, monitoring container 524 is removed and replaced with bait 557 in container 525. The toxic-containing bait may be in the form of a purified cellulose toxic delivery tablet. One suitable termite composition is described in commonly assigned US Pat. No. 6,416,752, entitled “Termite Bait Composition and Method,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The toxic substances in bait 57 are preferably of the slow acting type, or insect growth regulators, pathogens or metabolic inhibitors. Preferably, it contains a non-toxic bait composition to which an insecticide toxicant is added. Any suitable termite insecticide composition may be used in connection with the present invention. In one embodiment, the bait is in the form of a tablet. For example, in one suitable embodiment, bait 557 is from about 10 grams (0.35 ounces) to about 45 grams (1.6 ounces), more preferably from about 25 grams (0.88 ounces) to about 40 grams (1.4 ounces), and even more. Preferably, it comprises at least one compressed tablet having a mass of about 35 grams (1.2 ounces).

  Since the base is not displaced during the removal and replacement of the containers 524, 525, the removal, inspection, and / or replacement of the containers 524, 525 in the housing 512 can be performed between the termite colony or nest and the aggregation site in the aggregation base 522. Do not disturb the existing network of access galleries or passages already established in between. Thus, interference with aggregation sites within the aggregation base 522 is minimized, reducing the likelihood that termites will discard the feeding site. Also, replacing the monitoring container 524 with the bait container 525 quickly establishes communication and access between the insecticide-containing container 525 and the termite colony. Foraging termites ingest pesticide-containing bait 557 and bring some of the toxic bait back to the nest through the existing network of passageways.

  Station 510 is inspected at regular intervals (eg, every 15-120 days) to assess the extent of ingestion of bait 557 by termites. When the food 557 in the container 525 is almost ingested, remove the lid 552 and insert more food into the container 525, or simply replace the container with a new container, Can be added. Thus, during normal inspection and / or replacement of the containers 524, 525, the agglomeration base 522 is not removed and interference with the agglomeration site is minimized. It may be necessary to replace the agglomeration base 522 periodically (eg, once a year to renew the agglomeration base 522). However, this is usually not done while termites are actively eating from the site.

  According to another embodiment of the method of treating insects, more suitably subterranean insects, and even more suitably the termites, the heat-treated wood described herein above comprises a coagulation base 522. Alternatively or in addition, it may be deployed in the station housing. For example, in one embodiment, the agglomerated base may be formed of heat treated wood, but in another method is constructed similar to the agglomerated base shown in FIGS. In another embodiment, the agglomerated base 522 is formed of heat treated wood, but may be deployed within the station housing as a root enclosure, powder, chip, or other particulate form. In yet another embodiment, the agglomeration base may be constructed similarly to the agglomeration base shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and may not necessarily be formed from heat treated wood. In one such embodiment, heat treated wood in the form of roots, powders, chips, or other particulate forms may be additionally placed in the station housing adjacent to the agglomeration base.

  In each of the above embodiments, the heat treated wood is suitably in an environment surrounding the container, such as by being directly exposed to the environment surrounding the station housing, or suitably liquid permeable, for example. By being placed in a container that is exposed to moisture, it is exposed to a humid environment (eg, humid air, soil, and / or groundwater) surrounding the station housing. In such an arrangement, when exposed to sufficient moisture, the liquid extract containing one or more compositions of the heat treated wood is transferred from the heat treated wood out of the station housing and into the surrounding soil. Leach. Thus, the liquid extract generally defines a liquid attractant and generally forms an attractant area surrounding the station housing to further attract termites to the station housing.

  In another embodiment of the method of monitoring insects, more suitably monitoring and / or controlling insects, and even more suitably monitoring and / or controlling termites, the heat treated wood extract suitably comprises: Soil generated from heat-treated wood and then deposited in areas to be monitored and controlled (e.g., in the cavity if the station housing is not used) to attract and monitor termite activity, or soil outside the station housing Alternatively, deposit in the station housing to be deposited in other environments and / or released into the soil surrounding the station housing and absorbed by it. As used herein, a “heat treated wood extract” generally refers to a liquid extract, such as an aqueous or non-aqueous extract of heat treated wood, or a solid extract of a liquid extract of heat treated wood ( Solid, particulate, or other dry form).

  As an example of a particularly suitable embodiment, the dried heat treated wood described above is subjected to water extraction to generate an aqueous heat treated wood extract. More suitably, according to one process for generating an aqueous extract, a particular form of dry heat treated wood is combined with a large amount of water and the mixture is heated, more suitably at least about 10 minutes. Boiling for a period of time, more suitably for a period ranging from about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes, even more suitably for a period ranging from about 30 minutes to about 120 minutes. The mixture is then filtered to remove particles leaving an aqueous heat treated wood extract containing an extract from the heat treated wood. The liquid extract may occur outside of water to provide a non-aqueous heat treated wood extract without departing from the scope of the present invention. The liquid heat treated wood extract generated by the extraction can be used to facilitate the attraction of insects, eg termites, by itself or monitoring insects such as the ground system of FIGS. 1-15B or the underground system of FIGS. And / or may be used as an attractant in conjunction with a control system.

(Experiment 2)
In this experiment, an aqueous heat treated wood extract of poplar wood heat treated according to one suitable embodiment and filtered water were evaluated to determine the termite of Reticulitermues flavipes species between these samples. The eating preference was judged.

  The heat treated wood was treated as follows to generate an aqueous extract. The wood was cut into common board dimensions such as a standard two-by-four plank (i.e., about 38 mm (1.5 inches) by about 89 mm (3.5 inches) in cross section)). The wood was then placed in a kiln or high temperature / high pressure vessel. The temperature in the vessel was quickly raised to about 100 ° C. (212 ° F.) and held until the wood evenly reached a moisture content of about 0%. The temperature was then gradually increased and maintained at about 185 ° C. (365 ° F.) for a period of about 120-180 minutes. After drying, the temperature of the wood was reduced from about 80 ° C. (176 ° F.) to about 90 ° C. (194 ° F.). During the cooling period, steam spray was used to reduce the temperature of the wood and increase the moisture content of the wood from 2% to about 10%. The entire heating and cooling process took approximately 36 hours to complete.

  The heat treated wood was ground by a mechanical process until the material particle size ranged from 1 to 250 microns. A measured volume equal to about one third of the volume of 3.8 L (1 gallon in standard US gallons) was then placed in the filtered water and boiled for 20 minutes. After boiling, the water / heat treated wood mixture was cooled and then filtered to remove particles from the mixture leaving an aqueous heat treated wood extract.

  Whatman brand filter paper, catalog number 1001-150 (diameter 150 mm), was immersed in an aqueous heat treated wood extract and air dried. Additional filter paper was soaked in filtered water (eg, without heat treated wood extract) and air dried. Next, the dried filter paper was placed about 30.5 cm (12 inches) apart on the soil where termites were generated in the aquarium for two weeks, during which time the aquarium was visually inspected to observe termite activity. After two weeks, the filter paper treated with the aqueous heat-treated wood extract was visually ingested and invaded extensively, but the filter paper treated with filtered water had significantly less feeding activity and in some cases none. It became clear.

  In a suitable embodiment of a method for monitoring and / or controlling an insect population, more suitably a termite population, an aqueous heat treated wood extract (generally a liquid heat treated wood extract, and more broadly, The heat treated wood extract) is delivered to the termite monitoring and control system station housing, such as the system of FIGS. 1-15B, the system of FIGS. 16 and 17, or another suitable system. For example, in an underground system as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, if the station housing is already positioned in the cavity, the aqueous heat-treated wood extract flows into the station housing and the extract passes through the opening. An attraction area is created outside the station housing, flowing out of the station housing and dispersed in the soil surrounding the station housing. In other embodiments, the agglomeration base (and other components such as monitoring vessels in some examples) is already loaded into the station housing when the aqueous heat treated extract flows into the housing. Also good.

  In another embodiment, the liquid heat treated wood extract is impregnated into or coated on a substrate such as cardboard, paper, wood, or other suitable substrate, or the solution leaks therefrom. It may be placed on or in a suitable carrier, such as by being contained in a suitable container (generally a carrier) that can be made to be. In such embodiments, the carrier may be placed in the station housing of the ground system (FIGS. 1-15B) or underground system (FIGS. 16 and 17) instead of or in addition to the agglomeration base. In another aspect, the substrate support to which the liquid heat treated wood extract is added may be dried prior to loading the substrate into the station housing.

  In other embodiments, the liquid heat treated wood extract may be, without limitation, lyophilized, vapor induced evaporation, another suitable de-solventization process, or May be subjected to desolvation, such as any combination of, to produce a heat treated wood extract in solid form (ie solid, or particles such as powder or crystalline form). The heat treated wood extract may then be placed in the station housing, similar to the liquid heat treated wood extract and / or particulate heat treated wood described above.

  In introducing elements of the present invention or one or more embodiments thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” mean that one or more elements are present. Shall. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

  Since various changes may be made in the above-described products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings is illustrative and not restrictive. It should be interpreted.

Claims (30)

A method of monitoring said termite population in an area accessible to termites, comprising:
Placing wood heat treated to a temperature in excess of 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) in the region;
Monitoring the heat treated heat treated wood for the presence of termites. The step of installing in the region is heat treated to a temperature above 150 ° C. (302 ° F.), (i) untreated wood of the same species, and (ii) the same heat treated to less than 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). 2. The method according to claim 1, which is a step of placing a wood having a moisture content lower than at least one of the seed woods in the region. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing in the region is a step of placing in the region wood that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) and having a moisture content of less than 10%. . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing in the region is a step of placing in the region a particulate form of wood that has been heat treated to a temperature in excess of 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing in the region is the step of placing in the region wood that has been heat treated to a temperature of at least 185 ° C. (365 ° F.). A method for monitoring and controlling said termite population in an area accessible to termites, comprising:
Installing heat treated wood that has been heat treated to a temperature of at least 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) in the region;
Placing a toxic bait within said area.   7. The method of claim 6, wherein the steps of removing the heat treated wood from the area and replacing the heat treated wood with the toxic bait include placing the toxic bait within the area.   7. The method of claim 6, wherein placing the toxic bait in the area includes placing the toxic bait adjacent to the heat treated wood in the area. Further comprising the step of installing a housing having an internal space within the underground cavity;
Positioning the heat-treated wood in the internal space of the housing includes installing the heat-treated wood in the region;
The method of claim 6, wherein placing the toxic bait within the interior space of the housing includes placing the toxic bait within the region adjacent to the heat treated wood. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein placing the heat treated wood in the region includes placing the heat treated wood to a temperature of at least 185 ° C. (365 ° F.) in the region. The step of placing the heat treated wood in the region is a step of placing in the region a wood having a water content of less than 10% that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). Item 7. The method according to Item 6. A method for controlling a population of termites within an area accessible to termites, comprising:
Placing in the area a toxic bait comprising wood and a toxic material heat treated to a temperature of at least 150 ° C. (302 ° F.). Placing the toxic bait in the region comprising the wood and toxic material heat treated to a temperature of at least 185 ° C (365 ° F). The method described. Installing the toxic bait in the region, wherein the toxic bait is heat-treated to a temperature exceeding 150 ° C. (302 ° F.) and having a moisture content of less than 10% and wood. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step comprises. A method for at least monitoring or controlling said termite population in an area accessible to termites, comprising:
Placing the heat treated wood extract extracted from the heat treated wood heat treated to a temperature of at least 150 ° C. in the region.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein the heat treated wood extract is a liquid heat treated wood extract. The method further includes forming an underground cavity;
17. The method of claim 16, wherein depositing the liquid heat treated wood extract in the subsurface cavity comprises installing in the region. Further comprising disposing a monitoring device within the underground cavity;
The monitoring device has at least one opening to communicate the interior of the device with the environment surrounding the outside of the monitoring device;
The liquid heat treated wood extract is allowed to flow out of the housing through the opening to disperse the liquid heat treated wood extract through the opening to disperse the environment surrounding the station. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of depositing in the interior comprises the step of placing in the region.   16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the heat treated wood extract is in particulate form. Further comprising the step of depositing a heat treated wood extract on and / or in said extract carrier;
15. The step of installing in the region is a step of extracting the extract from wood that has been heat-treated to a temperature exceeding 150 ° C. and placing the carrier in the region together with the heat-treated wood extract. The method described in 1. A method for at least monitoring or controlling said termite population in an area accessible to termites, comprising:
Installing a termite station housing having at least one opening communicating between the inside and outside of the termite station housing in an area accessible to the termites;
Positioning an agglomeration base within the interior of the housing;
Depositing heat treated wood extract extracted from wood that has been heat treated to a temperature greater than 150 ° C. in at least one of the interior of the housing and the environment outside the housing.   24. The method of claim 21, wherein the heat treated wood extract is a liquid heat treated wood extract. The area includes an underground cavity;
Installing the station housing at least partially within the cavity includes installing the station housing in an area accessible to the termites;
The liquid heat treated wood extract flows out of the housing through the at least one opening and is dispersed in the external environment surrounding the station to form an attractant zone; 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of depositing comprises flowing a heat treated wood extract into the interior of the termite station housing.   24. The method of claim 21, wherein the heat treated wood extract is in particulate form. An attractant used to monitor and control termite populations, including heat treated wood extract extracted from wood heat treated to temperatures above 150 ° C.   26. The attractant of claim 25, wherein the heat treated wood from which the extract is produced has been heat treated to a temperature of at least 185 ° C.   26. The attractant of claim 25, wherein the heat treated wood extract is a liquid heat treated wood extract.   26. The attractant of claim 25, wherein the heat treated wood extract is a particulate heat treated wood extract. A method for monitoring and controlling termite populations, comprising:
Installing a termite station housing having at least one opening communicating between the inside and outside of the termite station housing in an area accessible to the termites;
Positioning particulate heat-treated wood that has been heat-treated to a temperature in excess of 150 ° C. within the station housing.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein the heat treated wood has been heat treated at a temperature of at least 185 ° C.

Images