MXPA97008062A - Environmentally-friendly, controlled-release insect repellent device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a controlled-release insect repellent device and a method for repelling insects from food, tobacco, or other consumable items. The controlled-release insect repellent device comprises an insect repellent composition contacting a substrate. The controlled-release insect repellent device is prepared by a method comprising applying the insect repellent composition to the substrate wherein the repellent compound used is present in the controlled-release insect repellent device in an amount such that when it is released itis non-toxic to humans and animals. The method for repelling insects comprises placing the controlled-release insect repellent device in anárea where insects may be present. The insect repellent composition comprises a repellent compound and a controlled-release agent, the controlled-release agent which comprises a compound which may be synthetic and/or natural, and, optionally, a solvent. The repellent compound may be chosen from the group consisting of essential oils and activeingredients of essential oils.

Description

REPELLENT DEVICE OF CONTROLLED RELEASE INSECTS. FRIENDLY WITH THE ENVIRONMENT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an insect repellent device having a controlled release of an insect repellent compound, and a method of repelling food insects, tobacco, or other consumable items, using the insect repellent device of the invention. controlled release. The controlled release insect repellent device is safe for contact with consumable items, and can be used in any area where you want to exclude insects. The controlled release insect repellent device is also safe for the environment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Compounds that annihilate insects are known but are often unpleasant to come in contact with humans. Many have been found to be toxic to humans and the environment, and can not be brought into direct or indirect contact with food, tobacco, or other consumable items. In addition, it may take years to obtain FDA and EPA approval of new compounds for pest control. The present invention provides a device controlled release insect repellent containing compounds that are effective in repelling insects, agreeable to the majority that come into contact with them, and that do not adversely affect the environment. Many of the insect repellent compounds with which the controlled release insect repellent device of the present invention can be used, are already approved for medical and food use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an environmentally friendly, controlled release insect repellent device for repelling food insects, tobacco, or other consumable items, which is safe to use with food, including baby food, and it is not harmful to humans, animals, or the environment. The present invention also provides a method for repelling food insects, tobacco, or other consumable items, using the controlled release insect repellent device. The controlled release insect repellent device comprises an insect repellent composition in contact with a substrate. The controlled release insect repellent device is prepared by a method comprising applying the insect repellent composition to the substrate. The method for repelling insects involves placing the insect repellent device Controlled release insects in an area where there may be insects present. The insect repellent composition used in the controlled release insect repellent device is prepared by mixing a repellent compound, a controlled release agent, and optionally, a solvent to form a precursor composition, which is then applied to a substrate, and dry and it is necessary, to form the insect repellent composition. Other additives, such as coupling agents, agents for controlling release rate, and thickeners can also be used. The repellent compound can be selected from the group consisting of essential oils and active ingredients of essential oils. Essential oils are defined as any of a "class of volatile oils obtained from plants, and which possess the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant. The controlled release agent comprises a compound that can be synthetic and / or natural. The controlled release insect repellent device is beneficial because it contains only a small amount of the active ingredient in an insect repellent composition, the active ingredient is safe to use with food, tobacco, or other consumable items, and the ingredient vapor active is nice for the majority who come into contact with it. In addition, the Controlled release insect repellent device remains active for the desired period of time, which can be variable - from short to long. The active ingredient is present in the controlled release insect repellent device in an amount such that, when released from the device, it is not toxic to humans and animals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The advantages of the present invention will become clear upon reading the following detailed description, and upon a reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 shows the field design used in a test of the efficiency of Methyl salicylate as a repellent to the corn flour moth. Figure 2 shows the response of the corn flour moth to the methyl salicylate. Figure 3 shows the effect on the corn flour moth, of the exposure to a controlled release insect repellent device of the invention, containing methyl salicylate. Figure 4 shows an example of a controlled release insect repellent device of the present invention. Figure 5 shows an example of a device controlled release insect repellent of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention The environmentally friendly controlled release insect repellent device of the present invention allows controlled release of the insect repellent, thereby providing an insect repellent device that remains useful for the period of time desired, and that it will be safer and healthier to be used in products with which adults, children, and animals come into contact. The device also provides insect repellency without a noticeable odor by humans. The present invention teaches that, the vapor release rate of a compound having the ability to repel insects, can be adjusted by the addition of a controlled release agent. The mixing of a repellent compound with a controlled release agent, where the active ingredient of the miscible repellent compound can be mixed, allows to control the release of the vapor of the active ingredient in some cases, due to the affinity of the controlled release agent for the active ingredient. The alteration of the relative proportions of the repellent compound and the release agent contoured in the insect repellent composition, and the type selection, amount, and concentration of active (e.g., essential oil) and inactive (e.g., controlled release agent) compounds will allow to control in a more particularized manner the rate of release. In addition, the mixture of additives with the repellent compound will also contribute to the control. The ability to control the rate of release is a benefit of the controlled-release insect repellent device. The control of the release rate extends the duration of the effectiveness of the insect repellent device, thus lengthening its useful life. The control of the release rate also prevents excessive exposure of the repellent compound to the articles with which they are in contact, or in the vicinity of the device. The controlled-release insect repellent device has an additional advantage, in that it can be used to repel food insects, tobacco, or other consumable items, and can be used either in direct or indirect contact with the consumable items. In addition, the device can also be used with non-consumable items, i.e., textiles and leather. The repellent compound is present in an amount such that, when released, it is not toxic to adults, children, and animals. The control of the release rate of the repellent compound where the repellent device Controlled release insects are in contact with consumable items, will allow the repulsion of insects without releasing undue odors or changing the taste of consumable items - problems that are undesirable in consumer products. The insect repellent composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing a repellent compound with a controlled release agent, and optionally a solvent, and / or other additives, to form a precursor mixture, and then applying the precursor mixture to a substrate. The precursor mixture is then dried if necessary to form the insect repellent composition on the substrate. The pH of the precursor mixture that can be used is limited only by the effect on the substrate and the coating material. Preferably, the precursor mixture is dried after being applied to the substrate. It is believed that the drying temperature is not important, but the temperature scales that may be employed are in the range of about -17 ° C to about 315 ° C, preferably from about 37 ° C to about 205 ° C, and most preferably from about 37 ° C to about 150 ° C. Examples of the repellent compounds are essential oils such as bitter almond oil, anise oil, basil oil, bay oil, oil caraway, cardamom oil, cedar leaf oil, celery oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon leaf oil, citronella oil, clove oil, coriander oil, cumin oil, dill oil, eucalyptus oil , fennel oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, peppermint oil, parsley oil, pepper oil, rose oil, peppermint oil (menthol), sweet orange oil, thyme oil, tumérico oil, and winter crops oil (also known as Gaultheria oil). Examples of the active ingredients in essential oils are citronellal, methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, propyl salicylate, citronellol, safrole, and .D-limonene. The preferred repellent compound is the essential oil: oil from winter crops or its active ingredient methyl salicylate. The concentration of the repellent compound in the insect repellent composition, after the insect repellent composition has been applied and dried on the substrate, will be from about 0.1 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, preferably from about 0. 1 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, and most preferably about 0.1 weight percent to about 20 weight percent (dry weight), with the rest of the composition being repellent insects the amounts of agent of controlled release, solvent, and / or other additives that have not evaporated during the drying step. The controlled release agent comprises a compound that controls the rate of release of the repellent compound from the device. Any compound that is approved for use in direct or indirect contact with food, tobacco, or other consumable items, such as the controlled release agent, may be used. Examples of the controlled release agent are polymers, both inorganic and organic, including natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic organic polymers. Examples of these polymers are latex resins (eg styrenated acrylic resins and styrene-butadiene resins), acrylics in solution, polyvinyl resins, sodium alginates, natural gums or hydrocolloids (eg, gum arabic, sodium alginates, guar , and pectin), synthetic gums (e.g., modified fumaric resins), polyethylene waxes, wax emulsions, polymeric printing inks (e.g., special formulations such as UV and electron beam), polymeric aqueous foams, adhesives ( example, cold-setting, hot-melt type, printable and ultrasonic heat set types, and reactive and non-reactive types of lamination adhesives), polymeric protective coatings, primers and various resin formulations natural (for example, copal, zien, and protein). Examples of the non-polymeric controlled release agents that can be used are non-polymeric printing inks, non-polymeric aqueous foams, non-polymeric protective coatings, and fillers such as sawdust, clay, and zeolites. Other compounds not mentioned that allow the control of the release rate of the repellent compound from the device are also contemplated. The controlled release agent may also optionally comprise a solvent and / or additives, such as coupling agents or dispersants (e.g., 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol). The solvents that can be used are compatible with the repellent compound, and with the controlled release agents that are being used to form the precursor mixture. Examples of the solvents are water, alcohols, acetone, ammonia, ether, and glacial acetic acid. Where the compound used in the controlled release agent is in a liquid or molten state, a solvent in the controlled release agent may not be needed. The controlled release agent must not adversely affect the properties of the substrate (e.g., by discoloration or changing the shape or strength of the substrate), or interfere with the processing of the substrate (e.g., by interference with the substrate). another coating of the substrate after application of the insect repellent composition). The amount of the insect repellent compound present in the precursor mixture before application to the substrate to form the insect repellent composition is from about 0.05 percent to about 40 percent, preferably from about 0.05 to about 20 percent. percent, and more preferably from about 0.05 to about 10 percent (wet weight). The amount of insect repellent present in the insect repellent composition after application to the substrate, and optional drying, is from about 0.1 percent to about 80 percent, preferably from about 0.1 percent to about 40 percent, and most preferably from about 0.1 percent to about 20 percent (dry weight). All percentages are percentages by weight. Examples of the substrates on which the precursor mixture can be applied are materials such as paper, cardboard, corrugated boxes, as well as their individual components of coatings or medium, plastic, plastic sheet, cloth, metals such as aluminum, and films. metallic surfaces that may have additional layers or coatings on them. Preferably, the substrate is in the form of a container containing edible materials for adults, children, and animals. Examples of containers are bent boxes, corrugated boxes, piping boxes, sacks, bags, molded fibers, compressed trays, flexible packages, plastic and aluminum packages and wrappings. The substrate may also be in the form of an object that is to be placed in an area where insects are going to be repelled, for example, a piece of paper, cardboard, plastic or metal that is placed in a food storage area. , in a cupboard, or in a building. Examples of methods by which the controlled release insect repellent device can be coated with the precursor mixture are nozzle spray, rod coater, sheet coater, air knife coater, knife coater, multiple transfer roller , controlled or uncontrolled dripping, immersion in a wet bath, curtain coater, and impregnation in vacuum and not in vacuum. Where the controlled release insect repellent device is a package, an impression can also be applied to the package. The printing methods that can be employed with the formulation of the invention are recording, flexographic, screen, printing, tissue offset, sheet feeding offset, and inkjet. The vapor release rate of the active ingredient from the insect repellent composition is also It can be controlled by applying a directional barrier to the controlled-release insect repellent device. This barrier can also control the direction in which the steam is released. The barrier material may be a part of the substrate, or it may be applied directly on top of the controlled release insect repellent device. The barrier material can be made from a sheet for a complete barrier, or it can be formed from materials such as films, including multilayer films, paper, coated substrates, or even coated applied liquids of a solvent nature, without solvent, or watery for a less than complete barrier. Other examples of barriers are aluminum foil, paper, polymeric film, or layered structures thereof. Examples of the polymer films are polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, and layered structures thereof. The specific barriers that have been tested are aluminum foil, polyethylene, polyester film, polypropylene film, and paper. The tested paper was coated with both barrier coatings with aqueous and non-aqueous solvent. Examples of insects for which the composition can be used are insects such as mites (for example, the European dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, the dust mite of the American home, Dermatophagoides farinae and the moldy mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae), moth and moth larvae (such as the moth of cornmeal, Plodia int erpunct ella (order: family = lepidoptera: pyr al idae)), weevils (for example, the rice weevil, Si tophilus oryzae), beetles (for example, the beetle of legumes, Callosobruchus chinensis, and the beetle of the spices Stegobiu paniceum), and the common fly (Musca domestica). The controlled release insect repellent device of the present invention is intended to be used to repel food insects, tobacco, or other consumable items. The controlled release insect repellent device may be in direct contact with food or other consumables (eg, a box for storing baby cereal), or in the vicinity of the food (indirect contact, for example in a cupboard). EXAMPLE 1 An experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of methyl salicylate as a repellent for the corn flour moth in the controlled release insect repellent device of the present invention. The objectives of this study were to evaluate pure methyl salicylate (reactive grade) as a repellent; evaluate the salicylate of methyl with the pH stabilized (reactive grade) as a repellent; and evaluating two mixtures of an uncured (non-drying) controlled release agent - 45 percent solids (high solids, "A / S") and 10 percent solids (low solids), "B / S" ) - with two concentrations of methyl salicylate - (0.1 and 0.2 per volume / volume) as a repellent. Methods and Materials Efficacy studies were conducted on plastic petri dishes (radius = 10 centimeters, height = 2.54 centimeters) adapted with plastic caps (Figure 1). The covers were equipped with perpendicular flow ventilation, and were marked in four quadrants with a felt marker. The quadrants were numbered from 1 to 4, and the treatment was always placed in the external center of the number l. A Whatman Number 1 filter paper, which was adapted in the internal diameter of the space, was used as an underlying substrate. The Whatman Number 1 filter paper of 2.54 x 0.5 x 0.05 centimeters was bent into a z-shape, and placed in the middle of quadrant number 1 to be used as a treatment platform. This platform raised the treatment dosage to approximately 1.5 centimeters of the substrate, and facilitated evaporation without direct tactile contact with the insects. At the start of each experiment, one of eight treatments (replicated 3 to 5 times) of 0.5 milliliters each was pipetted on the platform as follows: 0.1 methyl salicylate (reactive grade) in ethyl alcohol (70 percent) (positive control) 70 percent ethyl alcohol (solvent control), methyl salicylate with pH stabilized 0.1 and 0.2 in polymer mixtures A / S and B / S (= 4 treatments), or the mixture of A / S: B / S (volume / volume) (polymer control). Before the treatments were placed on the dishes, 20 adult corn meal moths were sucked out of breeding jars, anesthetized with C02, and carefully placed in the chamber. The insects were allowed to acclimate for at least 5 minutes at approximately 25.6 ° C (78 ° F). After the treatment on the platform was pipetted, the number of corn meal moths in the treatment quadrant was determined against each of the other three quadrants at time intervals of 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes . If the treatment was a repellent, more moths would be found in quadrants 2, 3, and 4 on average. All data were plotted, and then subjected to a standard statistical summary before paired T tests and / or variation analysis with average separations were performed. A response of "no effect" must find the same number of moths in each quadrant on average. If repellency exists, significantly fewer moths will be found in quadrant number 1, where the treatment resides, than in the other quadrants. A typical example for all cases containing methyl salicylate, is shown in Figure 2, and is presented in Table 1. TABLE 1 Moth Response to Controlled Release Insect Repellent Device Table 1 shows that, after one minute, the average number of moths found in the treatment quadrant was 2, compared with 5 in quadrants 2, 3, and 4. Note that the distribution of the control moth among the four quadrants it averaged 4.7 + 0.62, and it was not different between the control quadrants, but it was significantly different (p <0.05) from the treatment quadrant. This indicates a strong repellence. After 5 minutes, the repellency remained strong with an average of 2 adult moths in the treatment quadrant, versus 5 in the other quadrants. From 10 minutes to the end of the test at 15 minutes, the adult moths became habituated, anesthetized, or died. Apparently, the dosage was too high to prevent attenuation of the recipient and / or caused mortality. Table 1 and Figure 3 reflect a typical average mortality rate for all cases containing methyl salicylate either in ethyl alcohol or in the controlled release agent. This treatment caused moribund moths in 10 minutes, and progressively more mortality with the time of exposure. After 15 minutes, the mortality averaged 35 percent. Discussion ? Conclusions Methyl salicylate is a potent repellent of adult corn meal moths. In each experiment and in each replication within an experiment, this was abundantly clear. At a high dosage (0.2 volume / volume), methyl salicylate caused hyperactivity, flutter, evasive behavior, and eventual death. At half the concentration (0.1 volume / volume) of the treatment mixes, these symptoms were delayed in time and intensity, but they occurred in each treatment replica. Both methyl salicylate formulations of reagent grade and stabilized pH, cause more mortality than polymeric formulations. They also habituated moths in shorter times than the other formulations. This means that the polymers slowed the release of methyl salicylate into the atmosphere. Therefore, the polymer will extend the repellent life of methyl salicylate. No deterrence or mortality was observed in any of the controls. That is, neither ethyl alcohol as a solvent for the reagent grade methyl salicylate nor the controlled release agent mixture A / S and B / S caused single mortality. However, all concentrations and mixtures of controlled release agent of methyl salicylate caused mortality. EXAMPLE 2 An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of the insect repellent composition of the present invention on the invasion of packaged baby cereal (rice with banana) by the corn flour moth. They were attracted adult moths to the food packs, and they laid their eggs on them. The eggs hatched, producing larvae that then perforated the packages, leaving holes that allowed the food to be exposed to the environment. After feeding on the food, the larvae grew, detaching from their skin - normally 4 to 5 times, they spun silk, they passed through the chrysalis stage, and they developed into adult moths. Moth larvae will grow inside the food pack to become pupae, and then into adult moths measuring as much as 1.25 centimeters (1/2 inch).

Life Cycle of Corn Flour Moth Adult moth the eggs Stage of Invasion Larvae Preparation of the Insect Repellent Composition Insect repellent precursor compositions were prepared by mixing a controlled release agent with a repellent compound. In some compositions, other additives were also used. Composition A was prepared by mixing the controlled release agent with additives in the following proportions: 80 weight percent styrenated acrylic resin (controlled release agent), 10 weight percent non-ionic poly-wax (coupling agent) , and 10 weight percent of a 2 percent aqueous solution of sodium alginate (thickener). The sodium alginate solution had a viscosity of 20 seconds, Zahn # 3 cup (ie, 44 milliliters needed 20 seconds to flow through a hole in the bottom of a metal cup with a diameter of 0.38 centimeters (0.148 inches As measured using a Zahn viscometer, the controlled release agent mixture was added to a repellent compound (methyl salicylate) and a solvent (deionized water) to form Composition A. Composition B was prepared by mixing the Release agent controlled directly with the repellent compound. The controlled release agent was a commercially available primer, and the repellent compound was methyl salicylate.

Compositions A and B were prepared with three different concentrations of the repellent compound. All compositions contained 90 percent controlled release agent mixture, and 0.5 percent, 2.5 percent, or 5.0 percent repellent compound (wet weight), with the remainder being the solvent. The viscosity of the compositions before the addition of the solvent was measured as 18 to 20 seconds, Sahn cup # 2, (ie, 44 milliliters needed 18 to 20 seconds to flow through an orifice with a diameter of 0.27 centimeters. (0.108 inches)). The pH of the final compositions was between about 9 and about 9.5. Cardboard Treatment The precursor insect repellent compositions A and B were applied to paperboard by Method A and Method B, respectively, to produce insect repellent compositions on a substrate having three different dry weight concentrations [1 percent, percent, and 10 percent dry weight of a coating of 0.976 kilograms / square meter of board surface (0.2 pounds / 1,000 square feet)]. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the substrate consisted of cardboard 1 coated with an internal polyethylene coating 2 and an external clay coating 3. The insect repellent composition 4 was applied to this substrate at either of two locations. The Figure 4 shows the result of Method A, wherein the insect repellent composition 4 was applied on the outer clay coating 3 of the paperboard at about the same time that the polyethylene coating 2 was being extruded towards the inner side of the paperboard. Figure 5 shows the result of Method B, where the insect repellent composition 4 was applied to the back side of the board before the extrusion of the polyethylene 2 on the back side of the board (ie, the polyethylene was extruded onto the repellent composition. of insects). Then, the cardboard was converted into boxes of the commercially used type for cereal, which have a polyethylene coating covering the back side of the board, and a clay coating on the outside of the cereal box. Then the boxes treated with insect repellent were filled with rice cereal with banana, and sealed with adhesive. Corn Flour Moth Invasion Test More than six weeks after the cardboard with the insect repellent composition was treated, the boxes were exposed to the cornmeal moth in test chambers. The treated boxes were divided into 8 groups (2 control groups (not treated), 3 groups treated with the insect repellent composition by Method A, and 3 groups treated by Method B). One of the groups of control was tested in isolation in a separate chamber, while the other was placed between the treated groups. The difference between the 3 groups treated for both Methods A and B, is in the content of methyl salicylate in the dry coating of 1, 5, and 10 percent. The total duration of the invasion test was 8 weeks. From the beginning of the test, and at the beginning of each following week, fresh mature adult moths were introduced to the test chambers. At the beginning of the test, these moths were able to produce larvae (the invading stage of the moth) in a calculated ratio of 156 / box. The boxes that were randomly placed in the test chambers were sampled by taking 6 boxes from each group at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The total number of boxes used was 288 boxes, of which 48 were not exposed to the insect repellent composition, and the total number of larvae was approximately 37,500. For each addition of new moths, these total larvae did not change, whereas because the sample was removed, the number of boxes in the test chambers declined. Therefore, in the last week of testing, the proportion of larvae to the box, which was increasing incrementally with each saccade, increased from 156 to 1,250. In addition, the boxes that remained until the full 8 weeks of testing were exposed to a total of 5,600 larvae / box for the duration of the test. The separation between the boxes was approximately 1.3 centimeters (0.5 inches) during the first week of the test, increasing gradually with each sample taken up to approximately 15.2 centimeters (6.0 inches) at the end of the test, due to the removal of boxes for the sampling. The conditions in the test chambers were controlled to simulate the conditions in a home cupboard; the temperature was maintained at approximately 25 + 1.9 ° C (77 + 3.5 ° F), and the air was completely replaced 12 times a day. The invasion of the boxes by the moth larvae was noted as a percentage of boxes infested by a moth of any of the stages of development in moth growth, the number of larvae per box, and whether the development of the growth of the moths. Larvae were normal at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after exposure to the moth. The boxes were individually incubated in sealed plastic bags for two additional weeks, to allow the larvae to grow, so that they were large enough to be counted. The results are presented in the following table.

TABLE 2 The results presented in Table 2 show that none of the boxes were infested during packing and transport, as evidenced by the lack of infestation at the beginning of the test, which occurred approximately two months after treatment with the repellent composition of insects The isolated control boxes were infested at a level of 33 percent after the first week, by 2-5 moth larvae usually developed per box. After the second week, the percentage doubled to 67 percent, and rose to 100 percent infestation by more than 15 moths normally developed per box after the sixth week. Uninsulated control boxes that were placed and tested in the vicinity of the treated boxes showed a 17 percent infestation by only one atrophied moth larva after the first and fourth weeks, but none after the second week. After the sixth week, the boxes were infested at a level of 17 percent by a moth larva of normal development. For the eighth week, 83 percent of the boxes were infested by a moth normally developed per box. The slower infestation of the control boxes placed in the vicinity of the treated boxes indicates that the treated boxes provided some secondary protection to the control boxes.

The treated boxes were infested with a single atrophied larva after the second and sixth weeks, but none were infested with moth larvae of normal development until after the eighth week. In addition, the boxes treated with the insect repellent composition containing the highest concentration of the repellent compound (10 percent), contained only atrophied larvae after the eighth week, when they were treated using Method B, and did not contain larvae at all. when treated using Method A. The success of the insect repellent composition to prevent infestation of boxes is impressive in view of a number of factors. The cumulative intensity of the larvae (5,600 per box, 156 per box at the start of the test to 1,250 per box in the eighth week of the test), was much higher than what would be possibly exposed to a box of food packed in its normal home In addition, more than four months had passed since the application of the insect repellent composition to the boxes and the termination of the experiment. Finally, it was observed that, when the moths were first introduced into the test chamber, they tried to escape instead of finding their way to the boxes containing food. Therefore, it is possible that the infestation of the treated boxes would have been reduced, perhaps in a significant way, if they had tested the boxes soon after application of the insect repellent composition, if the cumulative intensity of the larvae had been in a normal range, and the moths would not have been forced to stay in the vicinity of the boxes.

Claims (37)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty, and therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A controlled-release insect repellent device to repel food insects, tobacco , or other consumable articles, which comprises an insect repellent composition in contact with a substrate; wherein the insect repellent composition comprises: (a) a repellent compound selected from the group consisting of essential oils and active ingredients of those essential oils, (b) a controlled release agent, and optionally, (c) a solvent , wherein the repellent compound used in the controlled release insect repellent device is present in an amount such that, when released, it is not toxic to humans and animals, and wherein the controlled release agent will control the speed of the insect repellent. release of the repellent compound from the device.
2. 2. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellent compound is an essential oil.
3. 3. The insect repellent device of controlled release according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition before application to the substrate, in an amount in the range from about 0.05 to about 40 weight percent .
4. 4. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 3, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition before being applied to the substrate, in an amount on the scale of about 0.05 to about 20 weight percent.
5. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition before being applied to the substrate, in an amount on the scale of about 0.05 to about 10 percent by weight.
6. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition after being applied to the substrate, and dried, in an amount in the scale from 0.1 percent to approximately 80 percent by weight.
7. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 6, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition after being applied to the substrate and dried, in an amount on the scale of approximately 0.1 percent to about 40 percent by weight.
8. 8. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 7, characterized in that the repellent compound is present in the insect repellent composition after being applied to the substrate and dried, in an amount on the scale of approximately 1 percent to about 20 percent by weight.
9. 9. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the repellent compound is selected from the group consisting of bitter almond oil, anise oil, basil oil, bay oil , caraway oil, cardamom oil, cedar leaf oil, celery oil, chamomile oil, cinnamon leaf oil, citronella oil, clove oil, coriander oil, cumin oil, dill oil, oil from Eucalyptus, fennel oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, lemon oil, lime oil, peppermint oil, parsley oil, pepper oil, rose oil, spearmint oil, sweet orange oil, thyme oil, turmeric oil, and winter crop oil, citronella , methyl salicylate, ethyl salicylate, propyl salicylate, citronellol, safrole, and D-limonene.
10. 10. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 9, characterized in that the repellent compound is an active ingredient in an essential oil.
11. 11. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 10, characterized in that the repellent compound is oil from winter crops.
12. 12. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 9, characterized in that the repellent compound is methyl salicylate.
13. 13. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the substrate is selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, corrugated boxes, corrugated box coatings, corrugated box media, plastic, plastic sheet, rag and metals
14. 14. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 13, characterized in that the substrate is cardboard.
15. 15. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 13, characterized in that the substrate is in the form of a container.
16. 16. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 15, characterized in that the container contains food.
17. 17. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 15, characterized in that the container contains tobacco
18. 18. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the agent Controlled release is selected from the group consisting of polymers, non-polymeric printing inks, non-polymeric aqueous foams, non-polymeric protective coatings, and fillers.
19. 19. The controlled-release insect repellent device in accordance with the claim in the claim 18, characterized in that the controlled release agent is selected from the group consisting of latex resins, acrylics in solution, polyvinyl resins, natural gums, synthetic gums, polyethylene waxes, wax emulsions, polymeric printing inks, foams polymeric aqueous solvents, adhesives, polymeric protective coatings, primers, and natural resin formulations
20. 20. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that the controlled release agent is a latex resin.
21. 21. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 20, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a styrenated acrylic resin.
22. 22. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 20, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a styrene-butadiene resin.
23. 23. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that the agent of controlled release comprises a natural or synthetic rubber.
24. 24. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 23, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises gum arabic.
25. 25. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a polyethylene wax or a wax emulsion.
26. 26. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises an adhesive.
27. 27. The controlled release insect repellent device as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a lamination adhesive.
28. 28. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a primer.
29. 29. The controlled-release insect repellent device as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that the agent of controlled release comprises a sodium alginate.
30. 30. The controlled release insect repellent device according to claim 23, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a modified fumaric resin.
31. 31. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 19, characterized in that the controlled release agent is copal, zien, or protein.
32. 32. The insect repellent device of controlled release f in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the controlled release agent comprises a styrenated acrylic resin, the repellent compound comprises methyl salicylate, the solvent is water, and the composition Insect repellent further comprises a non-ionic polyethylene wax.
33. 33. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the solvent is water.
34. 34. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a directional barrier in contact with the substrate, to control the direction from which the vapor is released from the repellent compound.
35. 35. The controlled-release insect repellent device according to claim 34, characterized in that the directional barrier comprises sheets of aluminum, paper, or a polymeric film, or layered structures thereof.
36. 36. The controlled-release insect repellent device as claimed in claim 35, characterized in that the directional barrier comprises a polymeric film selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylvinyl alcohol, or structures in layers of them.
37. 37. A method for repelling insects from food, tobacco, or other consumable items, which comprises placing the controlled-release insect repellent device in accordance with claim 1, in the vicinity of the food, tobacco, or other consumable items.