WO2019084035A1

WO2019084035A1 - Methods of controlling darkling beetles in poultry housing

Info

Publication number: WO2019084035A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/057144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cody J. Holden
Original assignee: Holden Cody J
Priority date: 2017-10-23
Filing date: 2018-10-23
Publication date: 2019-05-02

Abstract

Methods of killing or controlling darkling beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof are provided, comprising, applying a composition to the inside of said housing, e.g., the floor of said housing, in amounts effective to kill or control said darkling beetles in the housing, said composition comprising (i) salicylic acid; and (ii) one or more mineral salts.

Description

METHODS OF CONTROLLING DARKLING BEETLES

IN POULTRY HOUSING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Related application U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/575,902, filed October 23,

2017, is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of agricultural biosecurity.

More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of killing or controlling darkling beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof, comprising, applying a composition to the inside of the housing in amounts effective to kill or control darkling beetles in the poultry housing, said composition comprising (i) salicylic acid; and (ii) one or more mineral salts.

Background Art

[0003] The darkling beetle (also known as Alphitobius diaperinus, the lesser mealworm, or black beetle) has always been and continues to be one of the most common pests in poultry facilities. Because of its tropical origin, the darkling beetle is well-suited for warm, humid conditions, such as frequently occur in chicken sheds. They are often found in the bedding litter material covering poultry house floors. Darkling beetles can be present in alarmingly high numbers, causing significant damage to facilities and reduced productivity:

[0004] Damages to Poultry Facilities: Darkling beetles can cause structural damage to almost every part of a poultry facility. They can burrow into wood structures and tunnel through insulation. They can cause damage to sill sealers and vapor barriers. They can even create spaces between walls, concrete, and flooring.

[0005] Disease Vectors: Darkling beetle infestations can contribute to disease

transmission and are known vectors and reservoirs for a number of viral poultry diseases (e.g., leucosis, Marek's disease virus, Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), reovirus, enterovirus, fowl pox, turkey coronavirus, astrovirus, avian influenza, and Newcastle disease virus); bacterial pathogens including bacteria of the genus Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia {i.e., E. coli), and Staphylococcus; fungal pathogens, including fungi of the genus Aspergillus; and they can act as intermediate hosts for caecal nematodes, tapeworms and protozoa, including protozoa of the genus eimeria associated with coccidiosis. Thus, the large populations of the pest that are prevalent in most broiler houses are a bio-security threat to the welfare of the flock and the production of safe food.

[0006] Direct Damage to Poultry: Poultry can be directly, negatively affected by darkling beetles in the facility. Aside from carrying diseases, as discussed above, darkling beetles may also pester the birds, causing excess movement and reducing feed efficiency. Poultry that feed on the pests instead of provided feed are suspect to lower bird nutrition. The darkling beetles are also known to crawl on the birds when deprived of moisture, and chew at the base of the feathers. The skin bites can be mistaken for skin leukosis at the processing plants. The bites also predispose the birds to certain diseases. In cases of heavy infestation, the beetles are known to kill weakened chicks in their pursuit of food and moisture.

[0007] Feed Loss: Darkling beetles can consume a significant amount of poultry feed.

They can be found in stored grains (i.e., flour, meal) and seeds such as wheat, rice, soybeans, and barley. Spilled feed can attract a darkling beetle infestation. The loss of chicken feed in broiler houses by the pest readily consuming spilt feed increases production costs, while feeding on lesser mealworms in preference to feed lowers bird nutrition. In addition, feeding on beetle larvae directly increases the likelihood of ingesting disease organisms or parasites.

[0008] Current prophylactic methods for controlling darkling beetle in poultry housings are limited. No acceptable field control strategies have been developed for darkling beetle control and therefore there has been little long term success in controlling the pest.

Current standard industry insecticides are not effective when applied to broiler house floors, and this situation is exacerbated by strong and widespread insecticide resistance that occurs in broiler house beetle populations. Studies have indicated that many beetles and larvae stay concealed in the floor, and/or in wall structures and/or insulation, especially when disturbed, thereby avoiding contact with toxic levels of the insecticides. This results in ever increasing starting populations of the pests in subsequent rearing cycles. More effective methods to control darkling beetles in poultry housings are needed.

[0009] In the absence of effective control, darkling beetle outbreaks in poultry flocks can be devastating, and estimates of potential economic losses are enormous. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a product and/or a method that can protect poultry flocks against darkling beetles, and also provide rapid inactivation of the beetle should an outbreak occur.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The methods described herein are suitable for killing or controlling darkling

beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof.

[0011] In one aspect, provided herein are methods for killing or controlling darkling beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof, comprising applying a composition to the inside of said housing in amounts effective to kill or control said darkling beetles, said composition comprising (i) salicylic acid; and (ii) one or more mineral salts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor of said housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the nesting areas or access panels in said housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the kill or control of darkling beetles occurs in about 5-10 days from application of said composition to said housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the floor of said housing comprises bedding material.

[0015] In some embodiments, said darkling beetles comprise darkling beetle larvae. In some embodiments, said darkling beetles comprises darkling beetle pupae.

[0016] In some embodiments, the poultry flock comprises 1-1000 domestic birds. In some embodiments, the poultry flock comprises 1,001-1,000,000,000 domestic birds.

[0017] In some embodiments, the poultry flock housing is selected from the group

consisting of barns, farms, hatcheries, chicken tractors, or any confined structure where one or more domestic birds reside.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bedding material on the floor of the housing comprises wood shavings, paper pulp, recycled waste paper, cotton fiber, cotton seeds, cotton gin waste, newspaper, chopped cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, hulls (e.g., peanut, cocoa, rice), hay, hemp, gypsum, sand, clay, straw, grass, reused poultry litter, compost, or any combination thereof.

[0019] In some embodiments, the poultry flocks comprise flocks of chickens, turkeys, quails, ducks, geese, pheasant, or guinea fowl. In some embodiments, the poultry flocks comprise flocks of chickens. [0020] In some embodiments, the composition comprises salicylic acid in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%; or from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. In some embodiments, the amount of salicylic acid in the composition ranges from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%. In some embodiments, the amount of salicylic acid in the composition ranges from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. In some embodiments, the amount of salicylic acid in the composition is about 4 wt%.

[0021] In some embodiments, the one or more mineral salts in the composition are

selected from the group consisting of Na₂S0_4; K₂S0_4; CaS0_4; ZnS0_4; MgS0_4; A1₂S0_4;

FeS0_4, Fe₂(S0₄)_3, Na₃P0_4; Na₂HP0_4; NaH₂P0₄, K₃P0_4; K₂HP0_4; KH₂P0_4; Ca₃(P0₄)_2;

Ca₂HP0_4; CaH₂P0_4; Zn₃(P0₄)_2; Zn₂HP0_4; Zn H₂P0_4; Mg₃(P0₄)_2; Mg₂HP0_4; MgH₂P0_4;

FeP0₄, and A1P0₄, or combinations thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more mineral salts comprise A1₂S0 and CaS0 .

In some embodiments, said one or more mineral salts comprise A1₂S0₄. In some embodiments, said one or more mineral salts comprise CaS0₄.

[0023] In some embodiments, the composition comprises A1₂S0₄ in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%; or from about 5 wt% to about

15 wt%.

[0024] In some embodiments, A1₂S0₄ is in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about

15 wt%. In some embodiments, A1₂S0₄ is in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%. In some embodiments, Al₂S0 is in an amount of about 8.5 wt%.

[0025] In some embodiments, the composition comprises CaS0₄ in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 90 wt%; 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 20 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 30 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%; or from about 85 wt% to about 90 wt %.

[0026] In some embodiments, the CaS0 is in an amount ranging from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%. [0027] In some embodiments, the CaS0₄ is in an amount ranging from about 85 wt% to about 90 wt%.

[0028] In some embodiments, the CaS0₄ is in an amount of about 87 wt%.

[0029] In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an odor abatement agent. In some embodiments, the odor abatement agent comprises at least one essential oil. In some embodiments, the at least one essential oil is selected from the group consisting of citrus oil, mint, fennel, geraniol, citronella, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, pelargonium, juniper, basil, and thyme, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one essential oil is citronella. In some embodiments, the at least one essential oil is geraniol. In some embodiments, the at least one essential oil is citronella and geraniol.

[0030] In some embodiments, the citronella oil is in an amount ranging from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.05 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.03 wt%; or in an amount of about 0.02 wt%; and said geraniol is in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; from about 0.06 wt% to about 0.09 wt%; or about 0.08 wt%.

[0031] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor of said poultry

housing at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5-20 square feet of housing, or about 1-2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor of said poultry housing at a rate of about 1 pound per 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor of said poultry housing at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor of said poultry housing at a rate of about 1/4 to 1/2 pound per square feet of housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the housing as a spot

treatment at a rate of about 1/4 to 1/2 pound per square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the spot treatment is carried out on areas of the housing that are wet.

[0033] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5-20 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1 pound per 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing. [0034] In some embodiments, the composition is in a solid form selected from the group consisting of a powder, a granule, a pastille, a pellet, a pulverized powder, and a tablet.

[0035] In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of a powder. In some

embodiments, the powder is indirectly applied in cracks in the walls or floor of said housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0036] To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, a number of terms and phrases are defined below.

[0037] As used herein, the term "darkling beetle" (also known as "black beetle" or "lesser mealworm") generally refers to an insect that is a member of the Tenebrionidae family, Alphitobius genus, and diaperinus species.

[0038] As used herein, the term "poultry, " or alternatively, "domestic bird," encompasses chickens, turkeys, quails, ducks, geese, pheasant, and guinea fowl without limitation on age of the domestic bird. For example, chicks, ducklings, and gosslings are encompassed by the term poultry, in addition to mature birds.

[0039] As used herein, the term "chicken" encompasses chicks (baby chickens from

hatching to about 6 weeks of age); broilers (6-8 weeks of age and about 2.5 lbs); fryers (6-8 weeks, weighing 2.5-3.5 pounds ); stewing chickens (chickens (usually hens) that are over 10 months old and weigh 5-7 pounds); roosters (male chickens over 10 months old and weighing 6-8 pounds ); capons (castrated male chickens weighing 6-8 pounds); and roasters (chickens less than 8 months old and weighing 3.5 -5 pounds).

[0040] As used herein, the term "poultry flock" refers to a poultry production unit or operation comprising one or more domestic birds, as defined herein. The term poultry flock encompasses small-scale or "backyard" poultry flocks or large-scale poultry flocks such as commercial poultry production units. In some embodiments, the poultry flock comprises 1-1000 domestic birds, which as used herein, would be considered a small- scale poultry flock. In some embodiments, the poultry flock comprises 1,001- 1,000,000,000 domestic birds, which as used herein, would be considered a large-scale poultry flock. The present invention, as described herein, is useful on all poultry flocks regardless of size or scale. [0041] As used herein, the terms "house," "housing," "poultry housing," or "poultry flock housing" are used interchangeably, and refer to any contained structure where one or more domestic birds reside. In some embodiments, the poultry housing comprises and encompasses farms, barns, sheds, coops, hatcheries, and chicken tractors. In some embodiments, the poultry housing comprises and encompasses nesting areas (also called breeder nests, nest areas, or nesting boxes) within the poultry housing. In some embodiments, the poultry housing comprises and encompasses access panels within the poultry housing. Those skilled in the poultry industry would be familiar with various types of poultry housing design. In some embodiments, the poultry housing comprises deep litter housing. In some embodiments, the poultry housing comprises slated housing. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a battery cage system. In some

embodiments, the housing comprises a force-fed palmiped housing.

[0042] As used herein, the term "poultry bedding" refers to the material or combination of materials that cover the floor of the poultry housing. In some embodiments, the poultry bedding material is comprised of wood shavings, paper pulp, recycled waste paper, cotton fiber, cotton seeds, cotton gin waste, newspaper, chopped cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, hulls (e.g., peanut, cocoa, rice), hay, hemp, gypsum, sand, clay, straw, grass, reused poultry litter, compost, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the poultry bedding on the floor of the poultry housing comprises a depth of 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches of material.

[0043] As used herein, "compost" refers to bedding material that is composed of poultry manure blended with carbonaceous materials, such as wood shavings, paper pulp, recycled waste paper, cotton fiber, cotton seeds, cotton gin waste, newspaper, chopped cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, hulls (e.g., peanut, cocoa, rice), hay, hemp, straw, and grass.

[0044] The poultry bedding, as defined herein, may be clean or dirty. "Clean poultry bedding" refers to poultry bedding that is applied to the floor of an empty (bird-free) house that is free of bedding material(s) on it, where the floor has been cleaned and disinfected prior to application of the bedding. "Dirty poultry bedding" refers to poultry bedding that is being applied to the floor of the housing that has bedding on it already. The birds may or may not be present in the housing during application of the dirty bedding. Composted poultry bedding refers to used poultry bedding that is stored and reapplied after a period of rest. [0045] As used herein, the term "production cycle" refers to the length of time required to grow various types of domestic birds from the hatching of eggs.

[0046] In the commercial poultry industry, turkey growers traditionally follow a 16 week growth cycle after birds are received from the hatchery. For chicken growers, broilers typically follow a 6 week growth cycle or a 37 to 42 day growth cycle from the receipt of chicks to the transmission to processing plants. Broiler breeders produce eggs for hatcheries to incubate, then distribute chicks to broiler operations. Each flock typically begins egg production in 20 weeks, and produces eggs for up to 40 weeks.

[0047] An "effective amount" of the composition disclosed herein, is an amount

sufficient to achieve the desired effect, i.e., to prevent, control, and/or kill darkling beetles in the housing of a poultry flock. The effective amount of the composition is the amount: i) that can prevent darkling beetles from infecting the poultry housing; (ii) that can control the amount of darkling beetles in the poultry housing; (iii) that can kill a portion of darkling beetles or 100% of darkling beetles in the poultry housing.

[0048] As used herein, the term "killing" refers to killing the darkling beetle in the larvae, pupae, or adult stages of its life cycle. In some embodiments, the darkling beetle is killed in the larvae or pupae stage of its life cycle. In some embodiments, the darkling beetle is killed in the larvae stage of its life cycle. In some embodiments, a portion of darkling beetles in the poultry housing can be killed. In some embodiments, about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of darkling beetles in the poultry housing are killed. In some embodiments, 100% of darkling beetles in the poultry housing are killed.

[0049] As used herein, the term "controlling" darkling beetle refers to any and all uses which prevent infestation of darkling beetles in a poultry house, or otherwise prevent, hinder, retard, or reverse the progression of existing darkling beetle infestation or reduce the number of live darkling beetles (i.e., larvae) in the poultry house.

[0050] In some embodiments, the killing or controlling of darkling beetles occurs within about five to ten days after application of said composition described herein. In some embodiments, the killing or controlling of darkling beetles (i.e., larvae) occurs within about ten days after application of said composition described herein.

[0051] All numbers in this disclosure indicating amounts, ratios of materials, physical properties of materials, and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about," except as otherwise explicitly indicated. The term "about" when referring to a number or a numerical range means that the number or numerical range referred to is an

approximation within experimental variability (or within statistical experimental error), and thus the number or numerical range can vary from, for example, between 1% and 15% of the stated number or numerical range.

[0052] As used in the present disclosure and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and

"the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] It is understood that wherever embodiments are described herein with the

language "comprising," otherwise analogous embodiments described in terms of

"consisting of and/or "consisting essentially of are also provided.

Methods of Killing or Controlling Darkling Beetles in Poultry Housing

[0054] In one aspect, provided herein are methods of killing or controlling darkling

beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof, comprising: applying a composition to the inside of said housing in amounts effective to kill or control said darkling beetles, said composition comprising (i) salicylic acid; and (ii) one or more mineral salts.

[0055] In some embodiments, the composition described herein is applied to the floor of said housing.

[0056] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the nesting areas in said

housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the access panels in said housing. In some embodiments, the composition is applied to the nesting areas and access panels in said housing.

[0057] In some embodiments, the composition described herein is applied to the bedding material on the floor of said housing. In some embodiments, the poultry bedding material is comprised of wood shavings, paper pulp, recycled waste paper, cotton fiber, cotton seeds, cotton gin waste, newspaper, chopped cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, hulls (e.g., peanut, cocoa, rice), hay, hemp, gypsum, sand, clay, straw, grass, reused poultry litter, compost, or a combination thereof. The poultry bedding on the floor of the poultry housing comprises a depth of 2, 3, 4, or 5 inches of material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the composition described herein can be applied to any interior structure of said poultry housing. Non-limiting examples of interior structures of the housing are walls, wall cracks, housing insulation, and spaces between walls, concrete, and flooring. In some embodiments, the composition described herein is not applied directly to said interior structures, but rather, is indirectly "applied" via airborne spread of the composition from the floor, bedding material, or nesting areas to the interior structure (i.e., wall cracks).

[0059] In some embodiments, the killing or controlling of darkling beetles (i.e., larvae) occurs within about five to ten days after application of said composition described herein. In some embodiments, the killing or controlling of darkling beetles (i.e., larvae) occurs within about ten days after application of said composition described herein. It is possible, however, for the darkling beetles or a portion of the darkling beetles to be killed or controlled before five days (i.e., 1, 2, 3, or 4 days).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the darkling beetles that are killed or controlled by the composition described herein are in the larval stage of the life cycle.

Life Cycle of the Darkling Beetle

[0061] The darkling beetle life cycle has four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The success of this insect's life cycle is dependent on temperature, relative humidity, litter moisture, and food availability. The life cycle of the darkling beetle ranges anywhere from 2 months to 400 days. Typically, female darkling beetles lay eggs in the poultry bedding litter, producing larvae that live in the litter, predominately under feed pans. These larvae then burrow into the earth floor of the broiler house to pupate, and from these pupae, the adult darkling beetle emerges. Earth floors of broiler houses are an important medium for pupation, but darkling beetles still occur, albeit in smaller numbers, in broiler houses with higher density flooring materials such as concrete or bitumen. Each stage is described further below.

[0062] Eggs: After mating, a female darkling beetle has the potential to lay over 2,000 eggs (with an average closer to 200 to 400), and does so in the cracks and crevices in the poultry house, in manure or litter, in grain hulls, and under feed and water lines. The eggs hatch in approximately 45-100+ days. Female darkling beetles continue to produce eggs most of their life at 1 to 5 day intervals. The reproductive potential of this insect is astounding if conditions are optimal. The highest hatchability of darkling beetle eggs is possible when poultry barn conditions are 30°C and 90% relative humidity.

[0063] Larva: After hatching, the beetles can remain in the mobile larval stage for up to

133 days if conditions are less than ideal. However, in optimal conditions, a new adult darkling beetle can be produced as early as 30 days after an egg is laid. The larvae can grow to 1 cm in length before they pupate. Larvae hatch in 4-7 days. Larvae consume spilled feed, manure, and in some cases dead or sick birds and cracked eggs. Environmental conditions required for optimal development of larvae are 30°C to 33°C with approximately 90% relative humidity. Mature larvae disperse, especially when crowded, to find sites to pupate (including small cracks in walls, dirt floors, underneath cement floors, and in thermal insulation materials), often tunnelling into these sites to construct pupal cells.

[0064] Pupa: The non-mobile pupa stage occurs in 40 to 140 days, depending on

temperature, humidity, and food quality. Development to the adult stage is complete after this stage and the adult beetle will emerge from the pupa. The pupal cell tunnels are expanded further when adult beetles eclose to leave the tunnels to find food.

[0065] Adult: Adult darkling beetle can reproduce almost immediately after emerging from the pupa. Both the larval and adult stages are primarily nocturnal, with greatest activity occurring at dusk. They are very active and quickly burrow into the litter when disturbed. Adults are long lived, normally persisting for more than a year. Adult darkling beetle can live about 60-400 days.

[0066] The compositions used in the methods disclosed herein can be used to control and/or kill all stages of darkling beetle, i.e., larval, pupal, and adult, in the poultry housing.

[0067] In some embodiments, the darkling beetles are in the pupal stage.

[0068] In some embodiments, the darkling beetles are in the adult stage.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the darkling beetles are in the larval stage.

Components of the Composition Used in the Claimed Methods

[0070] Unless stated otherwise, the components listed below {i.e., salicylic acid, mineral salts, and additional ingredients) can be used in combination. i) Salicylic Acid

[0071] The composition used in the methods described herein comprises salicylic acid or a salt thereof. Suitable salts include, but are not limited to, those formed by reacting salicylic acid with an organic base (such as an amine compound) or an inorganic base (such as NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)₂, Ba(OH)₂). In some embodiments, the composition used in the methods described herein comprises salicylic acid.

[0072] In some embodiments, the salicylic acid or salt thereof in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.0001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%; or from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the salicylic acid or salt thereof in the composition is in an amount no more than about 5 wt%, for example, ranging from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the salicylic acid or salt thereof in the composition is in an amount of about 4 wt%. ii) Mineral Salts

[0073] In addition to salicylic acid or a salt thereof, the composition used in the methods described herein comprises one or more mineral salts. In some embodiments, the one or more mineral salts are selected from the group consisting of Na₂S0₄, K₂S0₄, CaS0₄, ZnS0₄, MgS0₄, A1₂S0₄, FeS0₄, Fe₂(S0₄)₃, Na₃P0₄, Na₂HP0₄, NaH₂P0_4; K₃P0₄, K₂HP0₄, KH₂P0₄, Ca₃(P0₄)_2; Ca₂HP0₄, CaH₂P0₄, Zn₃(P0₄)₂, Zn₂HP0₄, ZnH₂P0₄, Mg₃(P0₄)₂, Mg₂HP0₄, MgH₂P0₄, FeP0₄, and A1P0₄.

[0074] In some embodiments, the composition used in the method described herein

contains aluminum sulfate (A1₂S0₄) or calcium sulfate (CaS0₄), or a combination of aluminum sulfate (A1₂S0₄) and calcium sulfate (CaS0₄). In a preferred embodiment, the composition used in the method described herein comprises aluminum sulfate (A1₂S0₄) and calcium sulfate (CaS0₄).

[0075] In some embodiments, the aluminum sulfate in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%; or from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the aluminum sulfate in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aluminum sulfate in the composition is in an amount of about 8.5 wt%.

[0076] In some embodiments, the calcium sulfate in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 90 wt%; 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 20 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 30 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%; or from about 85 wt% to about 90 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the calcium sulfate in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 85 wt% to about 90 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the calcium sulfate in the composition is in an amount of about 87 wt%. iii) Additional Ingredients

[0077] In some embodiments, the composition used in the methods described herein may further comprise one or more odor abatement agents, including but not limited to, essential oils, such as, e.g., citrus oil (e.g., bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), mint, fennel, geraniol, citronella, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, pelargonium, juniper, basil, and thyme. Those skilled in the art would be aware of other essential oils that can be included in the composition used in the methods described herein. See, e.g., Sell, C, Chapter 5: "The Chemistry of Essential Oils," in Can Baser, K.H. and

Buchbauer, G. (eds.), Handbook of Essential Oils:science, technology, and applications, pp. 121-150, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL (2010). In some embodiments, the odor abatement agent is citronella oil. In some embodiments, the odor abatement agent is geraniol. In some embodiments, the odor abatement agents are geraniol and citronella oil.

[0078] In one embodiment, the geraniol in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the geraniol in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.06 wt% to about 0.09 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the geraniol in the composition is in an amount of about 0.08 wt%.

[0079] In one embodiment, the citronella oil in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.05 wt%. In a preferred embodiment, the citronella oil in the composition is in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.03 wt%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the citronella oil in the composition is in an amount of about 0.02 wt%.

[0080] Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions used in the methods of the present invention. For example, the salicylic acid and mineral salts can be coformulated with one or more additional agents, such as activated carbon or silica gel, or claylike ingredients, including calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, fuller's earth, kaolin, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolite.

[0081] In some embodiments, the composition used in the methods described herein contains one or more inactive ingredients, such as absorbents, fillers, or carriers, for example, clay, sand, chlorite salt, carbonate salt, gypsum or limestone. iv) Forms of the Composition

[0082] The composition used in the methods described herein can be in any solid form, such as a powder, a granule, a pastille, a pellet, a pulverized powder, or a tablet. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is in a powder form.

[0083] An exemplary powdered composition suitable for use in the methods described herein is available from TIMAC AGRO USA (153 Angstadt Lane, Reading, PA) under the commercial product name Shield Plus. v) Application Rate of the Composition

[0084] As described below, the application rate of the composition will depend on

various factors, including, for example, the occupancy or density of birds in the poultry housing, the type of poultry housing, as well as the condition of the bedding on the floor of the poultry housing prior to application of the composition (i.e., clean, dirty, wet, dry).

[0085] Empty poultry house (no birds present). In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the bedding material on the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5-20 square feet of housing.

[0086] In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the bedding material on the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per about 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the bedding material on the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1 pound per about 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the bedding material on the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 2 pounds per about 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to clean bedding material on the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1 pound per 10 square feet of housing.

[0087] In some embodiments, the composition should be spread evenly on the bedding material on the floor of the poultry housing using a standard spreader or a drop lime spreader to ensure accurate coverage.

[0088] In some embodiments, the composition is applied on dirty bedding material in an empty poultry house at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing.

[0089] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to bedding material in a slated empty poultry house at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet. [0090] In some embodiments, the composition is applied to bedding material comprising compost in an empty poultry house at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet.

[0091] In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the floor of the poultry housing that does not have any bedding material on it. In some

embodiments, the composition is applied to the floor at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5- 20 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per about 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 1 pound per about 10 square feet of housing. In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is applied to the floor of an empty poultry house at a rate of about 2 pounds per about 10 square feet of housing.

[0092] The application can be as frequent as needed. For example, the composition can be applied multiple times a day, daily, weekly, or monthly. In some embodiments, the composition is applied about every day, about every 2 days, about every 3 days, about every 4 days, about every 5 days, about every 6 days, about every 7 days, or about twice every week, about once every 1 to 9 weeks, about once every week, about once every 2 weeks, about once every 3 weeks, about once every 4 weeks, about once every 5 weeks, about once every 6 weeks, about once every 7 weeks, about once every 8 weeks, or about once every 9 weeks.

[0093] In some embodiments, the composition, as described herein, is further applied to the manure area, walk alleys, and barn ends of confinement-style barns at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet. In some embodiments, the composition can be applied 2-4 times during the production cycle. There is no upper limit on the application rate of the composition described herein, except what may be determined to be an economic or financial limitation.

[0094] Occupied House (birds present). In some embodiments, when birds are present in the house, "spot treatment" of the disclosed composition can be applied. In some embodiments, spot treatment of the composition can be applied to feed areas, under water lines, wet areas, and corners of the house. In some embodiments, spot treatment can also be applied inside the access panels and nesting areas. In some embodiments, spot treatments can be done every one to two weeks at a rate of ¼ to ½ pound per square foot of housing. [0095] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the rate and frequency of application of the composition described herein can be modified (decreased or increased) based upon a variety of factors, such as, e.g., the number of birds in the housing, the health of the birds in the housing, the condition of the poultry bedding, the time interval between application of the composition, the timing of the production cycle, etc. In addition, the need to adjust (such as increase or decrease) application rate and/or application frequency can be based on poultry health and environmental conditions. For example, application rate and/or application frequency should be increased when darkling beetles are present in the geographical location of a poultry flock that is in need of preventing or controlling darkling beetle. There is no upper limit on the application rate of the composition described herein, except what may be determined to be an economic or financial limitation.

EXAMPLE

[0096] The following illustrative example is representative of several embodiments of the methods described herein and is not meant to be limiting in any way.

Example 1:

Efficacy of Shield Plus for Control of Adult and Larval Darkling Beetle

[0097] The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Shield Plus (Timac

Agro, USA) on the control of adult and larval darkling beetle {Alphitobius diaperinus) samples in poultry litter, applied at a rate of 1 pound per 10 square foot over a 10 day period of time.

[0098] Materials: Darkling beetles were obtained from S & J farms (Pine Level, NC).

The poultry litter was reused to simulate a realistic environment. Shield Plus was obtained from Timac Agro, USA. The amount of Shield Plus used in the study was one pound per 10 sq. foot.

[0099] Methods: Twenty-five (25) adult darkling beetles {Alphitobius diaperinus) and fifteen (15) larval darkling beetles {Alphitobius diaperinus) were placed into six (6) total 16 oz. cardboard containers (i.e., cups) containing poultry litter, and having a ventilated lid. Shield Plus powder was then applied to the 6 containers at a rate of 1 pound per 10 sq. ft. Three replicates ("Rep 1, Rep 2, Rep 3") were evaluated with 6 containers per replicate. [0100] The mortality and activity of the darkling beetles were observed and recorded over a 10 day period. A 10 day period of time was used in this study to reduce the possibility of false results; in some cases, darkling beetles can recover after application of an insecticide, such that a shorter time period for evaluation may provide an inaccurate result. An untreated control was not used due to known history of survival of adults and larvae being 90-100% in these type of studies.

[0101] Results: The Average Percent Control (% Avg. Control or % control) of adults and larvae Alphitobius diaperinus exposed to Shield plus after a 10 day exposure is shown in Table 1. The Average Percent Control for each replicate ("Rep 1, Rep 2, Rep 3") represents the percentage (on average) of beetles (broken down by adults and larval) that were alive following a 10 day exposure of Shield Plus. The calculations are discussed below.

Table 1

Average Percent Control of Darkling Beetle Larvae and Darkling Beetle Adults Following Treatment with Shield Plus

[0102] As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, Shield Plus was minimally effective against adult A. diaperinus, with average adult darkling beetle control ranging from about 20- 23.3%). The calculations are as follows:

[0103] In Rep L for the 6 containers, 120 adult darkling beetles were alive after

treatment with Shield Plus (i.e., 19 + 17 + 17 + 22 + 25 +20=120). Divide 120 by 6 to obtain the average number of adult beetles alive in Rep 1 (i.e., 20). If an average of 20 adult beetles were alive out of 25 adults per container, this means that 5 adult beetles were killed, out of 25. 5/25 x 100 = 20%> average control.

[0104] In Rep 2, for the 6 containers, 119 adult darkling beetles were alive after

treatment with Shield Plus (16 + 22 + 20 + 19 + 22 + 20 = 119). Divide 119 by 6 to obtain the average number of adult beetles alive in Rep. 2 (i.e., 19.8). If an average of 19.8 adult beetles were alive out of 25 adults per container, this means that 5.2 adult beetles were killed, out of 25. 5.2/25 x 100 = 20.8% average control. [0105] In Rep 3, for the 6 containers, 115 adult darkling beetles were alive after treatment with Shield Plus (20 + 15 + 19 + 20 + 22 + 19 = 115). Divide 115 by 6 to obtain the average number of adult beetles alive in Rep 3 (i.e., 19.2). If an average of 19.2 adult beetles were alive out of 25 adults per container, this means that 5.8 adult beetles were killed, out of 25. 5.8/25 x 100 = 23.2 % average control.

Table 2

Number of Live Adult Darkling Beetle

(out of 25 adults per container) Following Treatment with Shield Plus

[0106] As shown in Table 1 and Table 3, Shield Plus was highly effective against larval

A. diaperinus, with larvae darkling beetle control ranging from about 56-93.3%. The calculations are as follows:

[0107] In Rep L for the 6 containers, forty (40) darkling beetle larvae were alive after treatment with Shield Plus (5 + 7 + 13 + 7 + 1 + 7=40). Divide 40 by 6 to obtain the average number of beetle larvae alive in Rep. 1 (i.e., 6.6). If an average of 6.6 beetle larvae were alive out of 15 larvae per container, this means that 8.4 beetle larvae were killed, out of 15.

8.4/15 x 100 = 56% average control.

[0108] In Rep 2, for the 6 containers, sixteen (16) darkling beetle larvae were alive after treatment with Shield Plus (3 + 1 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 3=16). Divide 16 by 6 to obtain the average number of beetle larvae alive in Rep. 2 (i.e., 2.6). If an average of 2.6 beetle larvae were alive out of 15 larvae per container, this means that 12.4 beetle larvae were killed, out of 15.

12.4/15 x 100 = 82.7% average control.

[0109] In Rep. 3, for the 6 containers, six (6) darkling beetle larvae were alive after

treatment with Shield Plus (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 +1=6). Divide 6 by 6 to obtain the average number of beetle larvae alive in Rep. 3 (i.e., 1). If an average of 1 beetle larvae was alive out of 15 larvae per container, this means that 14 beetle larvae were killed, out of 15. 14/15 x 100 = 93.3% average control.

[0110] Conclusion: Shield Plus was highly effective against larval forms of darkling beetle over a 10 day time period. Shield Plus was minimally effective against adult forms of darkling beetle. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, the mode of action appeared to be desiccation.

Table 3

Number of Live Darkling Beetle Larvae Remaining

(out of 15 larvae per container) Following Treatment with Shield Plus

[0111] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0112] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. [0113] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0114] All publications, patents, patent applications, internet sites, and accession

numbers/database sequences cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, internet site, or accession number/database sequence were specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated by reference.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of killing or controlling darkling beetles in the housing of a poultry flock in need thereof, comprising: applying a composition to the inside of said housing in amounts effective to kill or control said darkling beetles, said composition comprising (i) salicylic acid; and (ii) one or more mineral salts.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition is applied to the floor of said housing.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition is applied to the nesting areas or access panels in said housing.

4. The method of claims 1-3, wherein said kill or control of darkling beetle occurs in about 5-10 days from application of said composition to said housing.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the floor of said housing comprises bedding material.

6. The method of claims 1-5, wherein said darkling beetles comprise darkling beetle larvae.

7. The method of claims 1-5, wherein said darkling beetles comprise darkling beetle pupae.

8. The method of claims 1-7, wherein said poultry flock comprises 1-1000 domestic birds.

9. The method of claims 1-7, wherein said poultry flock comprises 1,001-1,000,000,000 domestic birds.

10. The method of claims 1-9, wherein said poultry flock housing is selected from the group consisting of barns, coops, farms, hatcheries, chicken tractors, or any confined structure where one or more domestic birds reside.

11. The method of claims 5-10, wherein said bedding material comprises wood shavings, paper pulp, recycled waste paper, cotton fiber, cotton seeds, cotton gin waste, newspaper, chopped cardboard, dried leaves, sawdust, hulls (e.g., peanut, cocoa, rice), hay, hemp, gypsum, sand, clay, straw, grass, reused poultry litter, compost, or any combination thereof.

12. The method of claims 1-11, wherein said poultry flocks comprise flocks of chickens, turkeys, quails, ducks, geese, pheasant, or guinea fowl.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said poultry flocks comprise flocks of chickens.

14. The method of claims 1-13, wherein said composition comprises salicylic acid in an

amount ranging from about 0.0001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.001 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%; from about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%; or from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of salicylic acid in the composition ranges from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of salicylic acid in the composition ranges from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the amount of salicylic acid in the composition is about 4 wt%.

18. The method of claims 1-17, wherein said one or more mineral salts are selected from the group consisting of Na₂S0₄, K₂S0_4; CaS0_4; ZnS0_4; MgS0_4; A1₂S0_4; FeS0_4; Fe₂(S0₄)₃, Na₃P0_4, Na₂HP0_4; NaH₂P0₄, K₃P0_4; K₂HP0_4; KH₂P0_4; Ca₃(P0₄)_2; Ca₂HP0_4; Ca H₂P0_4; Zn₃(P0₄)_2; Zn₂HP0_4; Zn H₂P0_4; Mg₃(P0₄)_2; Mg₂HP0_4; Mg H₂P0_4; FeP04, and A1P0₄, or combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said one or more mineral salts comprise A1₂S0₄ and CaS0₄

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said one or more mineral salts comprise CaS0₄

21. The method of claim 18, wherein said one or more mineral salts comprise A1₂S0_4.

22. The method of claims 18, 19, or 21, wherein said composition comprises A1₂S0₄ in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%; or from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said composition comprises A1₂S0₄ in an amount ranging from about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein said composition comprises A1₂S0₄ in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said composition comprises A1₂S0₄ in an amount of about 8.5 wt%

26. The method of claims 18-25, wherein said composition comprises CaS0₄ in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt% to about 90 wt%; 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt%; from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%; from about 1 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 20 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 30 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 40 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 50 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%; from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%; or from about 85wt% to about 90 wt%.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein said composition comprises CaS0₄ in an amount ranging from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said composition comprises CaS0₄ in an amount ranging from about 85 wt% to about 90 wt%.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said composition comprises CaS0₄ in an amount of about 87 wt%.

30. The method of claims 1-29, wherein said composition further comprises an odor

abatement agent.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said odor abatement agent comprises at least one essential oil.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein said at least one essential oil is selected from the group consisting of citrus oil, mint, fennel, geraniol, citronella, clove, lavender, eucalyptus, pelargonium, juniper, basil, and thyme, or combinations thereof.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one essential oil is citronella.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one essential oil is geraniol.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one essential oils are citronella and

geraniol.

36. The method of claims 35, wherein said citronella oil is in an amount ranging from about 0.005 wt% to about 0.05 wt%; from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.03 wt%; or in an amount of about 0.02 wt%; and said geraniol is in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt% to about 0.1 wt%; from about 0.06 wt% to about 0.09 wt%; or about 0.08 wt%.

37. The method of claims 1-36, wherein said composition is applied to said housing at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5-20 square feet of housing.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said composition is applied to said housing at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said composition is applied to said housing at a rate of about 1 pound per 10 square feet of housing.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein said composition is applied to said housing at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing.

41. The method of claims 1-36, wherein said composition is applied to said housing as a spot treatment at a rate of about 1/4 to 1/2 pound per square feet of housing.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said spot treatment is carried out on areas of the

housing that are wet.

43. The method of claims 5-36, wherein said composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1-3 pounds per 5-20 square feet of housing.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein said composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1-2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 1 pound per 10 square feet of housing.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein said composition is applied to the bedding material at a rate of about 2 pounds per 10 square feet of housing.

47. The method of claims 1-46, wherein said composition is in a solid form, selected from the group consisting of a powder, a granule, a pastille, a pellet, a pulverized powder, and a tablet.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein said composition is in the form of a powder.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said powder is indirectly applied in cracks in the walls or floor of said housing.