WO2010140988A1

WO2010140988A1 - Device for baiting termites

Info

Publication number: WO2010140988A1
Application number: PCT/TH2010/000007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nuchanart Tangchitsomkid; Khwanchai Charoenkrung; Sitthisak Saepaisal; Nuttima Kositcharoenkul
Original assignee: Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization)
Priority date: 2009-06-03
Filing date: 2010-02-26
Publication date: 2010-12-09
Also published as: JP2012528592A; AU2010254637A1; SG175837A1

Abstract

A termite baiting composition including a termite attractant (e.g., sawdust) for luring termites; a nematode population (e.g., Steinernema sp.) for infesting the termites; and a gel- like medium (e.g., polymer gel) is disclosed. The gel-like medium helps to prolong the lifespan of the nematodes and reduces loss of nematodes to the surroundings when the composition is used in a baiting device. The baiting device includes an outer housing having walls with openings for allowing termites to enter the device. The device also includes an inner housing for holding the termite baiting composition. The inner housing includes walls having openings for allowing termites that has entered into the device to come into contact with the termite baiting composition. In order to reduce loss of nematodes to the surroundings, the walls of the inner housing having openings are spaced at a distance apart from the walls of the outer housing having openings.

Description

DEVICE FOR BAITING TERMITES

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a device for baiting termites. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of termite baiting devices, including a device having a simple, non-toxic and easy to implement design that is capable of eradicating termites, and corresponding processes for preparing and using a termite bait device.

Background

Various methods and techniques have been used for controlling termites. Generally, the methods and techniques can be classified based on the nature of the type of killing agent used. For instance, methods such as dusting of termite habitat with arsenic trioxide, fumigation and termite baiting with an attractant and an ingestible toxin utilize poisonous, toxic chemical agents to kill termites for controlling termite infestation. On the other hand, biological killing agents include predators of termites (e.g., birds and beetles), disease causing agents (e.g., fungi) and parasites (e.g., nematodes). Although chemical killing agents are generally effective for controlling infestation, most of the toxic chemicals used in the extermination of termites are hazardous to the environment and humans. Hence, due to its non-toxicity to the environment and humans, biological killing agents are increasingly preferred to chemical killing agents for controlling termites.

One termite control technique which uses biological killing agents includes the direct application of nematodes to termite habitats and termite trails. As nematodes are sensitive to changes in the conditions of their surrounding environment, direct application of nematodes to termite habitats and trails usually results in death of most nematodes before they can infest the termites. Hence, such a method of using nematodes is ineffective and unreliable for controlling termite populations. In conjunction with the increasing trend to control termite infestation using agents that are non-hazardous to the environment and humans, a need exists for a termite controlling technique that is non-toxic, simple, easy to implement which is also reliable and effective for killing and eradicating termites. Summary

In one aspect of the disclosure, a termite bait station includes an inner housing configured to carry a nematode-containing termite bait composition, the inner housing having a wall with at least one inner housing opening configured to allow termites to access the termite bait composition; and an outer housing having a wall with at least one outer housing opening configured to allow termites to enter the termite bait station. The inner housing is carried by the outer housing in a manner such that the wall of the inner housing with the at least one inner housing opening is spaced at a distance apart from the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a termite bait composition includes a termite attractant; a nematode population comprising the Kampangphet strain of Steinernema; and a gel-like medium for carrying the nematode population.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a termite bait station includes an inner housing comprising a set of walls and having at least one wall that includes at least one inner housing opening configured to allow the passage of termites; an outer housing comprising at a set of walls and having at least one wall that includes at least one outer housing opening configured to allow the passage of termites; and a termite bait composition disposed within the set of walls of the inner housing, the termite bait composition including a termite attractant; a nematode population; and a gel-like medium for carrying the nematode population, wherein the inner housing is carried by the outer housing in a manner such that the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening is spaced at a distance apart from the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Particular embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a representative device for baiting termites according to an embodiment of the disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a representative pre-packed termite baiting composition according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 3 shows a representative device for baiting termites according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward structural and functional aspects of a simple termite bait or baiting station or device that facilitates the storage of a nematode-containing termite baiting composition for (1) attracting termites to the station; and (2) supplying a reasonable quantity of nematodes for effecting infestation of termites trespassing the termite baiting device, thereby effecting eradication of the termite colony. As described in detail below, multiple embodiments of a termite baiting device can include subsystems, devices, and/or structural elements that facilitate or enable a supply of nematodes to infest and control the population of termites (e.g., in a reliable and/or effective manner).

Systems, devices, techniques, and processes in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure enable reduced loss of nematodes, and prolonged lifespan and increased survival rate of nematodes carried by a nematode bait composition and/or the termite baiting device such that when a termite bating station is deployed in accordance with the present disclosure, a suitable amount of healthy nematodes is available to infect a reasonable number of termites, in contrast to prior techniques used in existing termite controlling systems. Representative embodiments of the disclosure that are directed toward baiting termites in a manner that addresses or overcomes one or more problems or limitations associated with prior termite controlling systems and techniques are detailed below with reference to FIGs. 1 - 3.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, aspects of various embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in the context of particular configurations suitable for baiting termites using a multiple compartment device. This, however, does not preclude the applicability of aspects of the disclosure to other systems, subsystems, devices, and/or processes, where certain principles in accordance with the disclosure, such as structural, operational, functional or performance characteristics, are desired.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a representative device 100 for baiting termites according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In an embodiment, the device 100 includes an inner compartment, box, container, or housing 110; an outer compartment, box, container or housing 120; and a cover 130. The device 100 can further include a termite bait composition (not shown in Fig. 1).

Particular elements of the termite baiting device 100 are structured in a manner that provides a multiple compartment baiting station to enable or facilitate the deployment, retention, and/or storage of a termite bait composition for (1) luring termites to the device and (2) providing a reasonable supply of nematodes for infesting the trespassing termites. For instance, an inner housing 110 can be structured, shaped, and/or machined for holding, receiving or carrying a termite bait composition that contains both termite attractants for luring termites to the device 100 as well as nematodes for infesting and killing the termites. In various embodiments, the inner housing 110 and outer housing 120 can be structured, shaped, and/or machined for allowing termites to crawl through the walls of both the inner housing 110 and the outer housing 120 in order to access, reach, come into contact with, and consume the termite bait composition. This allows nematodes to infest termites without having to leave the favourable environment present within the inner housing 110. Additionally, to ensure that a reasonable supply of nematodes is carried within the termite baiting station 100 for infestation of termites, the outer housing 120 can be structured, shaped, and/or machined for carrying or holding an inner housing 110 in particular location, position and/or orientation for reducing nematode loss due to nematode migration from the interior of the inner housing 110 to the outer housing 120 and/or the exterior of the termite baiting device 100.

REPRESENTATIVE TERMITE BAIT COMPOSITION A termite bait composition in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure generally includes at least one type of termite attractant, which is capable of attracting or luring termites; and a nematode population which is capable of infesting, poisoning, and/or exterminating termites. The composition can additionally include a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier for embedding, holding or carrying the nematode population such that the nematodes exhibit a reduction in their motility and/or mobility. Reduction in the motility and/or mobility and activity of the nematodes result in prolonged lifespan of the nematodes and correspondingly, increased shelf-life of the termite bait composition. In most embodiments, the gel-like medium, substance, or carrier remains unconsumed by the nematodes.

The termite attractant can contain essentially any compounds or material(s) that can attract termites. In various embodiments, essentially any food source that termites feed on can be a suitable termite attractant. Since the primary food source of termites is cellulose, the termite attractant can contain materials that include cellulose or which are cellulose-based. Examples of termite attractants include cellulose powder, sawdust, tree bark, paper and the like, hi a representative embodiment, the termite attractant can be a combination of cellulose powder and sawdust. In some embodiments, the termite attractant can be added in a moistened state as termites tend to be more attracted to moistened attractants than termite attractants in a dry state. In alternate embodiments, the termite attractant can be added in a dry state. In various embodiments, the termite attractant can be mixed with the gel-like medium, substance, or carrier, as further detailed below, to obtain moistening of the termite attractant with the water or other liquid present in the gel-like medium, hi some embodiments, the termite attractants can additionally include a termite trail pheromone, which is generally non-toxic to nematodes present in the termite bait composition. Examples of termite trail pheromone include unsaturated aliphatic alcohol (3Z,6Z,8E)-3,6,8- dodecatrien-1-ol, diterpene (£,.E,£)-neocembrene, and the like.

The amount of termite attractant in the termite baiting composition should be sufficient for detection by termites so as to serve as an effective lure for the termites. Depending on the dimension of a baiting device 100 and the intended location for the placement of the termite baiting composition, the weight of termite attractant present in a termite baiting composition can be suitably varied. In various embodiments, the amount of termite attractant present in a termite baiting composition is at least about 5 gram (g) for about every 36 g of termite baiting composition (e.g., at least about 0.13 g of termite attractant per gram of termite baiting composition). In some embodiments, for example, termite baiting compositions that are intended for use in an indoor setting, a dose of about 70 g of the termite baiting composition can contain about 10 g of sawdust and in some embodiments, for example, termite baiting compositions which are intended for use in an outdoor setting, a dose of about 13Og of the termite baiting composition can contain about 30 g of sawdust. In some embodiments where the termite attractant contains sawdust and powder cellulose, a dose of about 36 g of termite baiting composition can contain about 0.5 g to about 1 g of cellulose powder and about 5 g to about 1O g of sawdust.

The termite baiting composition includes at least one nematode population. Nematodes are considered non-toxic to human as they do not have any effect on humans. However, nematodes can induce poisoning of termites. Specifically, nematodes within the nematode population can invade a termite through the termite's spiracles, mouth or anus. Typically, up to about 25 nematodes can infest a termite at one time, with infestation by about one to ten nematodes expected to be sufficient or generally sufficient to trigger the death of a termite. The nematodes usually migrate to the bloodstream of the termite and release their phoretic bacteria (for example, bacteria in the genus Xenorhabdus) into the bloodstream of the termite upon gaining entry into the termite's body. As the phoretic bacteria produce and secrete toxins that can poison and kill the termite, termites infested by nematodes typically die within about 24 to about 48 hours after invasion by nematodes.

Other than toxins, the phoretic bacteria also release antibiotics to prevent putrefying bacteria from initiating the decay of the termite cadaver. As the decay of the cadaver is delayed, the phoretic bacteria within the cadaver can continue to reproduce and multiple for days within the cadaver. The phoretic bacterial mass serves as a food source for the nematodes present within the termite cadaver. As the nematodes mature, they go through several molts and lay eggs, thereby producing more nematode offspring that are capable of infesting other live termites (e.g., within a termite colony or nest). In some embodiments, the nematode offspring can exit the cadaver and forage for new termites to infest. In alternate embodiments, the nematode offspring can be transferred directly to the body of the other termites when an infested, dead termite is consumed by some other termites within a colony.

With the widespread propagation and spread of the nematodes and their phoretic bacteria into the bloodstream of other termites within the colony, eradication and elimination of the termite colony can be achieved. In representative embodiments, at least one nematode population can be selected from the genus Steinemema. Particularly, the nematode population of the termite bait composition can include a nematode strain of the genus Steinemema isolated and obtained from the Kamphaeng Phet province of Thailand (strain hereafter referred to as Steinemema sp.). Typically, conventional strains of nematodes can be reproduced only using a monoxenic culture medium which requires an addition of bacteria to aid the growth of the nematodes. Cultivation of nematodes via this method involves undesirable and complicated manufacturing steps and costs related to the addition of bacteria and the subsequent removal of bacteria after cultivation of the nematodes. However, unlike the conventional strains of nematodes, Steinemema sp. can be produced in mass batches using an axenic culture medium which does not require the additional complicated steps of adding and removing bacteria from the culture medium.

In addition, Steinemema sp. demonstrates a higher reproductive capability than other nematode strains. For instance, an average of about 15 million to 20 million of nematodes per 25 g of KDSM medium can be yielded from about 20,000 nematodes within 10 days of cultivation. Furthermore, this particular strain of nematodes also demonstrate a high growth rate (for example, two fold faster than conventional strains). With a high growth and reproductive rate, a shorter period (for example, 10 days) is required for cultivation of the nematodes. Hence, given the suitability of Steinemema sp. for cultivation using axenic culture medium and its high growth and reproductive rate, Steinemema sp. can be manufactured in bulk using a simpler, more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process, in comparison to the mass production of conventional nematode strains.

Conventional nematodes are generally sensitive or very sensitive to changes in their surrounding environment. Small or relatively small variations in factors such as temperature, humidity and moisture level can adversely affect the survival rate of the nematodes. However, unlike conventional nematode strains, Steinemema sp. are less susceptible to the conditions of their surrounding environment. Particularly, Steinemema sp. demonstrates an ability to withstand fluctuations over a wider range of temperatures and has heat resilient properties. Specifically, Steinemema sp. can withstand temperatures between about 20 to 37⁰C, whereas conventional strains can only withstand temperatures between about 15 to 27⁰C. Accordingly, Steinemema sp. nematodes are less susceptible to g

temperature changes in its surrounding environment and hence, have a relatively higher chance of survival in comparison to a conventional strain. As a result, the potency of a termite bait composition containing Steinemema sp. is less affected by the conditions of the surrounding environment, and can be transported, stored, and used under harsher temperature conditions in comparison to a termite bait composition containing a conventional nematode strain.

In various embodiments, the termite killing performance of Steinemema sp. is also better than that of conventional nematode strains used for termite eradication. Particularly, invasion of termites by Steinemema sp. can result in termite death as early as about six hours after infestation by the nematode. Mortality rate of the termites can reach about 100% after about 28 to 30 hours. In view of the high potency of Steinemema sp. on termites, this particular strain of nematodes is particularly suitable for eradicating termites. Furthermore, Steinemema sp. can also demonstrate high adaptability to survive and reproduce within dead termites. For instance, the number of nematodes (for example, about 25) present in the body of the dead termite can multiply to about 200 to 720 nematodes within 9 days after the death of the termite. With rapid expansion of the population of nematodes, nematodes can be quickly and widely propagated and spread for the infestation of other termites and/or the remaining termites within a termite colony.

For the termite baiting composition to be effective against termites, the termite baiting composition should contain a sufficient number of nematodes that possess the ability to infest termites. In various embodiments, the termite baiting composition contains at least approximately 5000 - 10000 (e.g., about 7000) nematodes per gram of the termite baiting composition. In some embodiments, the termite baiting composition, for example, compositions intended for indoor use, can include at least about 500,000 nematodes in about 70 g of termite baiting composition. In a representative embodiment, the termite baiting composition can include about 500,000 per 70 g of termite baiting composition, hi an alternate embodiment, for example, compositions intended for outdoor use, the termite baiting composition can include about 1,000,000 nematodes in about 13Og of termite baiting composition. The termite baiting composition additionally includes a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier for embedding, holding or carrying the nematode population. In various embodiments, containment of nematodes within a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier effectively extends the lifespan of the nematodes. In order to prolong the lifespan of the nematodes within the termite baiting composition, the gel-like medium can be selected so as to (1) reduce the activity or motility of nematodes contained therewithin and to (2) create a favourable environment for the survival of the nematodes. To restrict the activity of the nematodes, a viscous gel-like medium can be selected to restrict the movement of the nematodes. The viscosity of the gel-like medium should be sufficiently high for reducing the motility or mobility of the nematodes. However, the gel-like medium should not completely immobilize the nematodes or restrict the ability of the nematodes to migrate towards and into termites that are trespassing the termite bait composition.

Additionally, for restricting the activity of the nematodes, food reserves available to the nematodes can be restricted. To achieve that, the gel-like medium, substance, or carrier should be selected such that the medium, substance, or carrier does not provide or act as a food source for the nematodes. With a reduced intake of nutrients by the nematodes, the nematodes will have a reduced energy level and accordingly display a lower level of activity, thereby expending a reduced amount of energy. With lower energy consumption, the lifespan and viability of the nematodes can be prolonged. Correspondingly, the shelf-life of the termite baiting composition can also be extended.

To create a favourable environment for the survival of the nematodes, the gel-like medium, substance, or carrier should demonstrate an ability to retain water. As water is essential for the survival of nematodes, the amount of water that is available to the nematode population within the termite baiting composition can directly affect the survival rate of the nematodes. Hence, to provide sufficient moisture for maintaining the viability of the nematodes, water (e.g., distilled water) is usually included in the termite baiting composition. However, as termite attractants (for example, cellulose) are generally hydrophilic, the termite attractant components present in the termite baiting composition may soak up most of the water present in the composition, thereby restricting the quantity of water that is available to nematodes over a period of time. In order to overcome this problem, a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier within the termite baiting composition can be selected so as to lock and retain some moisture for the needs of the nematodes. In some embodiments where a polymer (e.g., a crushed polymer) is used for creating the gel-like medium, a termite baiting composition can contain at least about 0.5 mL of water per gram of the termite baiting composition. In some embodiments, for example, a termite baiting composition intended for indoor use, a weight or mass of about 70 g of termite baiting composition can contain about 60 mL of water. In alternate embodiments, for example, a termite baiting composition intended for outdoor use, about 130 g of termite baiting composition can contain a volume of about 100 mL of water. In other embodiments where polymer gel is used as the medium or carrier, less water can be added as the polymer gel already contains some water. In such embodiments, for about 36 g of termite baiting composition, at least 10 mL of water can be added to the composition, hi a representative embodiment, about 10 mL to 40 mL of water can be added with the polymer gel.

Additionally, a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier can also be suitably selected based on its temperature insulating properties. Particularly, by selecting a medium or carrier which is a good thermal insulator, nematodes embedded within the medium or carrier are substantially or effectively protected from temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures that may occur in the surrounding environment. This effectively creates a favourable living environment for the nematodes and reduces the mortality rate of nematodes due to undesirable or extreme temperature changes.

With selection of a suitable gel-like medium, substance, or carrier, the lifespan of the nematodes contained within a termite baiting composition can be extended from one month to four months. In some embodiments, a nematode survival rate as high as about 86% can be observed at the end of four months. In addition to the increased survival rate of nematodes, a suitably selected gel-like medium, substance, or carrier also reduces nematode loss to the environment surrounding the composition. This is because nematodes tend to migrate towards areas that are more favourable for their survival. Hence, if a gel-like medium of the termite baiting composition is selected such that the conditions for survival is more favourable within the termite baiting composition than in the surrounding environment, the termite baiting composition can effectively retain a higher number of nematodes within the composition for consumption by infesting termites. Specifically, as nematodes tend to be attracted to media that (1) have a suitable or optimal temperature for the survival of nematodes, (2) exhibit a high or generally high moisture level, and (3) are capable of shielding the nematodes from temperature fluctuation, the gel-like medium can be selected accordingly to suit the needs of the nematodes. With a favourable environment within the termite baiting composition, nematodes have lower tendencies to migrate out of the composition. Hence, the composition is able to supply a reasonable quantity of nematodes for infesting and controlling the population of termites.

Examples of gel-like media, substance, or carrier suitable for use in a termite baiting composition include polymers such as polymer gel, polymer gel obtained from addition of water to crushed polymer crystals, commercially available crystal soil or polymer soil, and the like. Polymers suitable for creating a gel-like medium, substance, or carrier include one or more of polyacrylamide, vinylacetate-ethylene copolymer, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, and alginate hydrogel. These polymers are particularly suitable for creating a gel-like medium due to their commercial availability, low-cost and non-toxicity. In a representative embodiment, the gel-like medium can include polyacrylamide. In various embodiments, the termite baiting compositions can include at least approximately 0.0035 g of crushed polymer per gram of the termite baiting composition. In some embodiments, for example, termite baiting compositions intended for indoor use, about 70 g of termite baiting composition can contain at least about 0.3 g of crushed polymer with about at least 60 mL of water. In alternate embodiments, for example, termite baiting compositions intended for outdoor use, about 130 g of termite baiting composition can contain at least about 0.5 g of crushed polymer with about 100 mL of water. In some embodiments, the termite baiting composition can include at least approximately 0.25 g of termite baiting composition per gram of the termite baiting composition. For example, about 36 g of termite baiting composition can contain at least about 1O g of polymer gel.

In some embodiments, the termite baiting composition additionally includes natural killing agents, other than nematodes, that also have the ability to kill termites. These agents act as secondary killing agents to enhance the eradication of termites. To avoid reducing the effectiveness of the primary killing agent, i.e., nematodes, the additional natural killing agents in the termite baiting composition should not pose any harm to the survival of nematodes. Examples of suitable termite controlling agents include entomopathogens, fungi pathogens, yeast and the like. Components of the termite baiting composition can be assembled and packaged in separate carriers, containers, or compartments. Particularly, the termite attractants are usually packed and stored separately from the gel-like medium and nematodes. This is because termite attractants are generally hydrophilic. Hence, if the termite attractants are stored together with the nematodes and the gel-like medium, the water present in the nematode and gel-like medium mixture will be absorbed by the termite attractants, leading to a shortage in supply of water to meet the needs of the nematodes. Without a sufficient supply of water, nematodes will have a shorter lifespan and hence, the composition will have a shorter shelf- life.

Generally, the termite attractants can be stored in a first container or container portion, and nematodes with the gel-like medium can be stored in a second container or container portion. The content in the first and second container or container portions can be mixed or blended together to obtain the termite baiting composition before the composition is administered or used. In some embodiments, the first and second container or container portions can be two separate pouch bags, boxes, or tubes. The content in the first or second container can be prepackaged and sealed in their respective container or container portion before use. In order to prepare a termite baiting composition, the content in the first and second container can be mixed, shaked or blended together. In some embodiments, the content in either the first container or the second container can be transferred to the other container for mixing before administration or bait composition deployment. Alternatively, content from both containers can be mixed in a third container before administration.

Referring to Fig. 2, a first container or container portion 210 and a second container or container portion 220 can be a first and second compartment within a multi-compartment container 200, respectively. In such configurations, the first compartment 210, which contains termite attractants 212, can be separated from the second compartment 220, which contains the nematodes 222 and the gel-like medium 224, by a separator or a partition 230. The separator 230 can be a stable, impermeable material that includes a frangible portion that can be broken, punctured, and/or removed easily to allow mixture of the termite attractants with the nematodes and polymer prior to the administration of such mixture to the termite baiting device 100. Representative examples of the separator 230 include cardboard, plastic, and polymer film. As the separator 230 separates the hydrophilic termite attractants from the gel-like medium, the gel-like medium is able to retain water and provide water for sustaining the needs of the nematodes present in the gel-like medium. Hence, such packaging of the termite baiting composition effectively extends the shelf life of the composition and provides an easier and more convenient way of administrating of the composition to a termite baiting device, as described in detail hereafter.

REPRESENTATIVE DEVICE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION Referring again to FIG. 1, a termite baiting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is suitable to be placed in an outdoor setting. The termite baiting device 100 is typically placed in or proximate to an area where damage caused by termite infestation has been detected. In several embodiments, a lower portion or body 102 of the device 100 can be embedded into the soil, leaving an upper portion 104 of the device exposed 100 above ground. Typically, termites have a tendency to travel underground so as to avoid direct exposure to the sunlight. Hence, by embedding a portion of the device 100 in the soil to intercept the underground path of the termite trail, the chances of attracting termites to the device 100 can be effectively increased in relative to a device 100 that is placed on or entirely above the ground surface. In addition, by leaving the upper portion 104 exposed above ground, a user can easily access and monitor the termite baiting device 100.

In general, the termite baiting device 100 includes an outer housing 120. The outer housing 120 is used for receiving, carrying, or containing a second, inner housing 110 therewithin. The outer housing 120 can be a rectangular, cylindrical, or otherwise-shaped container having a base and sidewall(s). In embodiments where the outer housing 120 is a rectangular container, the outer housing 120 can be between approximately 6 and approximately 11 centimeters in length and width. In various embodiments, the length and width of a rectangular outer housing can be approximately 9 centimeters (for example, about 8.7 centimeters) in length and width. In embodiments where the outer housing 120 is a cylindrical container, the outer housing 120 can be between approximately 6 and approximately 11 centimeters in external diameter. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the cylindrical container can be approximately 9 centimeters (for example, about 8.7 centimeters). In various embodiments, the outer housing 120 can have a height of between approximately 10 and 13 centimeters. In some embodiments, the height of the outer housing 120 can be approximately 12 centimeters.

Depending on embodiment details, the outer housing 120 can be made from any material that is stable and opaque. As it is desirable for a termite baiting device 100 to be used over a period of time, the material for the outer housing can also be selected such that the shelf-life of the material is longer than the intended period of use. Generally, the shelf-life of the material should be at least about 10 to 12 months. Examples of materials suitable for making the outer housing 120 include plastic. In a representative embodiment, the housing can be made from biodegradable plastic.

In various embodiments, the outer housing 120 includes at least one outer housing hole, aperture or opening 122. The opening(s) 122 act as access point(s) for termites to enter the termite baiting device 100. The size, quantity, shape, and distribution of openings 122 on the outer housing 120 can be varied so as to provide easy access for the termites to enter the termite baiting device 100. For instance, the dimension of the openings 122 can vary between different embodiments as long as entry of termites into the termite baiting device 100 is not obstructed by the size of the openings. Thus, the outer housing's openings 122 can have a cross sectional area that corresponds to an expected size or maximum cross sectional area of a termite body (e.g., an expected diameter of an adult worker or larger termite). In various embodiments, the size of the openings 122 can be between approximately 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters in length, between approximately 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters in width or approximately between 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters in diameter. In representative embodiments, the openings 122 can be approximately 10 millimeters in length and approximately 3 millimeters in width or approximately 4 millimeters in diameter. Depending on the size of each of the openings 122, the number of openings can also be varied. For embodiments where the openings are large, fewer openings are required. Correspondingly, for an outer housing 120 with smaller openings, more openings can be created on the outer housing 120 to increase accessibility of the interior of the device 100 to the termites. Although the outer housing 120 includes elliptical openings 122 in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, particular openings 122 can be of essentially any shape as long as any given opening 122 is sufficiently large enough to allow termites to enter or pass through easily. For example, the openings 122 can be of a rectangular, triangular or circular shape.

The openings 122 can be distributed along a portion of the height of the device 100. The distribution of the openings 122 is dependent on the intended location and/or manner of installing or deploying the device 100. The openings on the outer housing 120 are generally arranged such that the openings 122 lie above the ground level after installation of the device 100. As the primary function of the openings 122 is to allow termites to enter into the device 100, the openings 122 should generally be positioned and distributed such that they are not obstructed by objects. Particularly, clogging and blockage of the openings 122 by objects, such as stones or sand, should be avoided so as to provide a free passage for termite access. In addition, such above ground level arrangement substantially or generally prevents water and soil particles from falling or seeping into the termite baiting device 100 through the openings 122. Seepage of water and soil particles into the device, especially into the space between the inner housing 110 and outer housing 120, may lead to undesirable loss of nematodes to the surrounding environment, as described in detail later.

In embodiments such as that illustrated in Fig. 1, which are intended to be partially embedded in the soil outdoors, the openings 122 can be distributed or approximately distributed about an upper portion 104 of the housing that spans approximately the top 20% - 50% of the height of the outer housing's sidewalls so that when a bottom portion 102 of the device 120 that lacks openings 122 is embedded in the ground, the upper portion 104 of the housing 120 that carries the openings 122 remains above the ground level. In such embodiments, termites that are crawling underground or attracted to the termite baiting device 100 may be intercepted by the lower portion 102 of the outer housing. However, by using their sensory system, termites generally can detect the termite attractant carried by the device 100 and find their way towards the termite baiting composition through the openings 122 that are located above the ground level. For embodiments where the device is directly placed on the ground surface, for example indoor devices, the openings 122 can be distributed along a larger or different portion of the device 100 (e.g., substantially along the entire height of the device 100). Referring again to FIG. 1, in an embodiment the device 100 can include an inner housing 110. The inner housing 110 is used for receiving, carrying, or containing a nematode- containing termite baiting composition. The nematode-containing termite baiting composition can be any of the commercially available form of termite baiting compositions or formulations; or any compositions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as described earlier. Generally, the nematode-containing termite baiting composition contain a termite attractant for attracting termites to the device 100 and a population of nematodes which can act as agents for killing termites.

In various embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be substantially or essentially entirely filled with a termite baiting composition, hi representative embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be filled with termite baiting composition to at least approximately 95% of the height of the inner housing walls. Typically, a pre-packed or pre-measured amount of termite baiting composition, in accordance with the embodiments as described earlier, contains a volume of termite baiting composition which is sufficient to provide a single dose for filling up an empty inner housing 110 to a full state (for example, at least approximately 95% of the inner housing 110). For example, in an embodiment, where the pre-packed termite baiting composition is intended for use with an outdoor termite baiting device, the pre-packed termite baiting composition can be about 125 to 130 g. In an embodiment, where the pre-packed termite baiting composition is intended for use with an indoor termite baiting device, the pre-packed termite baiting composition can be about 70 g. Depending on the prevalence of termites trespassing the device 100, the termite baiting composition can be regularly topped up to fill the inner housing 100. Generally, a single dose can be fully consumed within several days (for example, about 7 days) by the termites, and a new dose can be added to the termite baiting device 100. In alternate embodiments, the pre-packed termite baiting composition may also be packed in varying masses, weights or volumes, for example, 30% or 50% of the normal single dose. This allows a user to use the pre-packed doses of smaller quantity to top up the remaining termite baiting composition in the inner housing when the level of termite baiting composition falls below a certain level. This can effectively maintains and optimizes the performance of the termite baiting device 100.

In various embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be shaped and dimensioned such that the inner housing 110 can be carried by (e.g., centrally disposed within) the outer housing 120. In some embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be a non-removable structure that forms a unitary structure with the outer housing 120. The inner housing 110 can also be a unitary structure that is attached permanently to the outer housing 120. In other embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be a removable structure, for instance, a single unit that can be separated from the outer housing 120. The inner housing 110 can also be formed from a set of walls (for example, two sidewalls) that section off part of the interior area of the outer housing 120. In some embodiments, the inner housing 110 can be a hollow rectangular, cylindrical, or otherwise-shaped structure, having sidewall(s) and a base. In embodiments where the inner housing 110 forms a rectangular structure, the inner housing 110 can be between approximately 4 and 6 centimeters in length and width. In representative embodiments, the rectangular inner housing can be approximately 5 centimeter in length and width. In embodiments where the inner housing 110 is a cylindrical structure, the inner housing 110 can be between approximately 4 and 6 centimeters in external diameter. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the cylindrical container can be approximately 5 centimeters. In various embodiments, the inner housing 110 has a height of between approximately 7 and 12 centimeters. In some embodiments, the height of the inner housing 110 can be approximately 10.5 centimeters.

Similar to the outer housing 120, the inner housing 110 can be made from any material that is stable, opaque and has a shelf-life longer than the intended period of use. Additionally, the material of the inner housing 110 should be a stiff material that does not disintegrate over the intended period of use of the device 100 due to exposure to water or the nematode- containing termite baiting composition, as the inner housing is required to hold or carry the termite baiting composition there within over the intended period of use. Examples of materials suitable for making the inner housing 110 include plastic. In a representative embodiment, the inner housing 110 can be made of biodegradable plastic.

The inner housing 110 includes one or more inner housing holes, apertures, or openings 112. The openings 112 in the inner housing 110 allow termites to enter the inner housing 110 and to come into contact with the nematode-containing termite baiting composition contained within the inner housing 110. Thus, the inner housing's openings 112 can have a cross sectional area that corresponds to an expected size or maximum cross sectional area of a termite body (e.g., an expected diameter of an adult worker termite). Correspondingly, the size and shape of the openings 112 should be sufficiently large to allow termites to crawl through or past and easily enter into the inner housing 110. Additionally, the size of the openings 112 can be selected so as to prevent excessive loss of termite attractants from the inner housing 110. In some embodiments, the openings 112 can be circular in shape with a diameter of approximately 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters. In a representative embodiment, each of the circular openings 112 can be at least 4 millimeters in diameter. In alternate embodiments, the openings 112 can be rectangular in shape with a length of between approximately 8 millimeters and approximately 12 millimeters and a width of between approximately 3 millimeters and approximately 6 millimeters. In a representative embodiment, the rectangular openings can be at least 3 millimeters in width and 10 millimeters in length.

In order to provide more access points for termite entry, the openings 112 can be positioned over substantially the entire height of the inner housing 110. In various embodiments, the openings 112 can be distributed over the entire height except for a lower portion of the inner housing 110 (for example, approximately 1 centimeter from the base of the inner housing 110). This helps to reduce loss of nematodes from the inner housing 110 to the surroundings.

As nematodes have a tendency to migrate to a more favourable environment for their survival, for example, soil surrounding the device 100, there is a possibility for the nematodes to crawl through the openings 112 of the inner housing 110 to the exterior of the device 100. To avoid loss of nematodes due to such migration, the inner housing 110 can be configured so that it is carried by the outer housing 120 in a manner such that the wall of the inner housing 110 having the openings 112 is spaced at a distance apart from the wall of the outer housing 120. For instance, the inner housing 110 can be placed proximate to a corner or in a central position of the base of the outer housing 120 to provide a space or barrier between the inner housing wall(s) (e.g., the inner housing's opening 112) and all the outer housing wall(s) (e.g., the outer housing's opening(s) 122). The space between the wall(s) of the inner housing 110 and the outer housing 120 prevents excessive loss of nematodes from the inner housing 110. Specifically, if a device 100 does not include a space or barrier between the inner housing 110 and the outer housing 120 or is a single compartment container with opening(s) on its wall(s), nematodes contained in the device 100 are likely to crawl out of the container directly into the surrounding soil. Under such circumstances, the number of nematodes present in the termite baiting device may not be sufficient to satisfactorily infest trespassing termites. On the other hand, in embodiments according to the present disclosure, the spacing between the wall of the inner housing 110 and the wall of the outer housing 120 forms a dry and undesirable medium in the nematodes' path to the exterior of the device 100. Hence, nematodes crawling out of the inner housing 110 can be deterred from crawling to the exterior of the device 100 due to their tendencies to avoid media that are undesirable for their survival. Additionally, by having a spacing between the wall of the inner housing 110 and the wall of the outer housing 120, any nematodes that crawl out of the inner housing 110 can still be caught or retained within the space between the inner housing 110 and the outer housing 120. This can allow the consumption of nematodes between the inner and outer housing walls by termites, and can further allow users to transfer nematodes back to the inner housing 110 if needed.

In various embodiments, the distance of separation between the wall of the inner housing 110 having the inner housing opening 112 and the wall of the outer housing 120 having the outer housing opening 122 can be at least greater than about 0.5 cm (for example, more than approximately 1 cm). In a representative embodiment, the distance between the wall of the inner housing 110 and the wall of the outer housing 120 can be between approximately 1 cm and 3 cm.

The termite baiting device 100 additionally includes a cover 130. The cover 130 can be placed over an open top portion or end of the device 100 to prevent loss of nematodes from the inner housing 110 of the device 100. Typically, nematodes tend to move towards the base of the device. However, in some instances, nematodes can crawl away from the base in a bid to obtain more air. In such cases, the cover 130 blocks or substantially prohibits the migration of the nematodes to the outside of the device 100 from the top open end of the device 100. This helps in reducing or preventing the loss of nematodes from the device 1.00. The cover 130 additionally prevents water or any material from falling into and depositing within the space between the inner and outer housing. Deposition of water and any materials may create a desirable medium for bridging the migration of nematodes from the inner housing 110 to the exterior of the outer housing 120. The cover 130 can be shaped and dimensioned to matingly couple with the outer housing 120. More specifically, the cover 130 can be shaped and dimensioned for fit coupling to a receiving surface of a top open end of the outer housing 120 (e.g, adjacent to the outer housing's upper portion 104). In some embodiments, the cover 130 can be coupled to the outer housing 120 so that the cover 130 can be easily moved to an open position from a closed position. The ease of opening the cover 130 allows a user to easily refill the device 100 with fresh termite baiting composition on a regular basis. In representative embodiments, the cover 130 can be coupled to the outer housing 120 by a hinge or other retaining mechanism. Typically, the termite baiting composition can be monitored about every 3 to 5 days or every 1 to 2 weeks, and the composition can be refilled or changed whenever necessary.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the termite baiting device 100 is structured, shaped and configured to be placed in the outdoors. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that termite baiting devices with different structures and configurations can be provided by other embodiments of the present disclosure for installation in an indoor setting. For example, FIG. 3 shows a termite baiting device 300 that is structured, configured and dimensioned for baiting termites in an indoor environment. The termite baiting device 300 also includes an inner housing 310, hole(s) or opening(s) 312 on the inner housing, an outer housing 320, hole(s) or opening(s) 322 on the outer housing, a cover 330, and a termite baiting composition. In most embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the inner housing 310, opening(s) 312 on the inner housing, the outer housing 320, opening(s) 222 on the outer housing and the cover 330 of the termite baiting device 300 has a similar or analogous type of construction, and function, to the inner housing 110, opening(s) 112 on the inner housing, the outer housing 120, opening(s) 122 on the outer housing and the cover 130 of the termite baiting device 100 of FIG. 1, correspondingly. However, as the termite baiting device 300 is typically placed on a ground surface in proximity to or in an area where damage due to termite infestation has been detected, the openings 322 carried by the outer housing 320 can exhibit a different configuration, and/or be spread over a different portion of the device 300. For instance, the outer housing's opening(s) 312 can be distributed over or along a lower portion (e.g., a lower 10% - 50%) of the outer housing's height, for example, in an embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the outer housing 320 can include a single opening 322 at the lower portion of the outer housing 320. It will be understood that in embodiments of the present disclosure, the ability to prolong lifespan, increase survivability of the nematodes, and reduce nematode loss to the surroundings provide a reasonable supply of nematodes for infecting termites to control termite infestation. Furthermore, the components used in the termite baiting composition and device are generally readily available and low cost. More importantly, the materials used do not include any material that is toxic to humans or the environment. Accordingly, the termite baiting composition and device can be a more effective, more reliable, faster, non-toxic, and cost-effective technique than other current techniques that are used for controlling termite infestation. In addition, in several embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 100, 200 is portable and easy to use and implement, and therefore is suitable for installation indoors or outdoors by users. Accordingly, the composition and device according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure can be a versatile, convenient, fast, and cost-efficient technique for controlling termite infestation.

It will be understood that particular embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for baiting other pests or insects other than termites. For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for baiting insects that are susceptible to nematode poisoning (for example, grubs and fungus gnats).

In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the figures. Numerous changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A termite bait station, comprising: an inner housing configured to carry a nematode-containing termite bait composition, the inner housing comprising a wall having at least one inner housing opening configured to allow termites to access the termite bait composition; an outer housing comprising a wall having at least one outer housing opening configured to allow termites to enter the termite bait station, wherein the inner housing is carried by the outer housing in a manner such that the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening is spaced at a distance apart from the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

2. The termite bait station of claim 1, further comprising: a dry area between the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening and the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

3. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the distance between the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening and the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening is at least approximately 0.5 cm.

4. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the distance between the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening and the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening is between approximately 1 cm and approximately 3 cm.

5. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein each of the inner housing and the outer housing comprises an open top end.

6. The termite bait station of claim 5, further comprising a cover for covering the open top end of the inner housing and the outer housing.

7. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the inner housing and the outer housing is made from plastic.

8. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the inner housing and the outer housing is made from materials having a shelf-life of at least about 10 months.

9. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the inner housing can be a cylindrical or rectangular container.

10. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the outer housing can be a cylindrical or rectangular container.

11. The termite bait station of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner housing opening and the at least one outer housing opening have a cross sectional area larger than an expected size of a termite.

12. A termite bait composition, comprising: a termite attractant; a nematode population comprising the Kampangphet strain of Steinernema; and a gel-like medium for carrying the nematode population.

13. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the gel-like medium comprises a polymer.

14. The termite bait composition of claim 13, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of polyacrylamide, vinylacetate-ethylene copolymer, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate and alginate hydrogel.

15. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the gel-like medium comprises at least one of a polymer gel, and a mixture of crushed polymer and distilled water.

16. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the termite attractant comprises at least one of termite feed and termite pheromone.

17. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the termite attractant comprises at least one of cellulose, sawdust, and tree bark.

18. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the termite attractant comprises approximately at least 0.13 g of saw-dust per gram of the termite bait composition.

19. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the termite attractant comprises approximately 0.5 g to approximately 1 g of cellulose powder per approximately 36 g of the termite bait composition.

20. The termite bait composition of claim 15, comprising at least 0.0035 g of crushed polymer per gram of the termite bait composition.

21. The termite bait composition of claim 15, comprising at least 0.25 g of polymer gel per gram of the termite bait composition.

22. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the nematode population comprises at least approximately 7000 nematodes per gram of the termite bait composition.

23. The termite bait composition of claim 12, further comprising distilled water.

24. The termite bait composition of claim 12, further comprising at least approximately 0.5 mL distilled water per gram of the termite bait composition.

25. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the shelf-life of the composition is at least 4 months.

26. The termite bait composition of claim 12, wherein the termite attractant is prepackaged in a first container and the nematode population and the gel-like medium are pre-packaged in a second container.

27. The termite bait composition of claim 26, wherein the first container is a first compartment of a multiple compartment container and the second container is a second compartment of the multiple compartment container, and wherein the multiple compartment container comprises a frangible separator between the first and second compartments.

28. A termite bait station, comprising: an inner housing comprising a set of walls and having at least one wall that includes at least one inner housing opening configured to allow the passage of termites; an outer housing comprising at a set of walls and having at least one wall that includes at least one outer housing opening configured to allow the passage of termites; and a termite bait composition disposed within the set of walls of the inner housing, the termite bait composition comprising: a termite attractant; a nematode population; and a gel-like medium for carrying the nematode population, wherein the inner housing is carried by the outer housing in a manner such that the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening is spaced at a distance apart from the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

29. The termite bait station of claim 28, further comprising: a dry area between the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening and the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening.

30. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the distance between the wall of the inner housing having the at least one inner housing opening and the wall of the outer housing having the at least one outer housing opening is at least approximately 0.5 cm.

31. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein each of the inner housing and the outer housing comprises an open top end.

32. The termite bait station of claim 31, further comprising a cover for covering the open top end of the inner housing and the outer housing.

33. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the nematode population comprises the Kampangphet strain of Steinernema.

34. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the gel-like medium comprises at least one of polyacrylamide, vinylacetate-ethylene copolymer, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate and alginate hydrogel.

35. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the gel-like medium comprises at least one of a polymer gel, and a mixture of crushed polymer and distilled water.

36. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the termite attractant comprises at least one of cellulose, sawdust, tree bark, and termite pheromone.

37. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the termite attractant comprises approximately at least 0.13 g of saw-dust per gram of the termite bait composition.

38. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the termite attractant comprises approximately 0.5 g to approximately 1 g of cellulose powder per approximately 36 gram of the termite bait composition.

39. The termite bait station of claim 35, wherein the termite bait composition comprises at least approximately 0.0035 g of crushed polymer per gram of the termite bait composition.

40. The termite bait station of claim 35, wherein the termite bait composition comprises at least 0.25 g of polymer gel per gram of the termite bait composition.

41. The termite bait station of claim 28, wherein the nematode population comprises at least approximately 7000 nematodes per gram of the termite bait composition.

42. The termite bait station of claim 28, further comprising distilled water.

43. The termite bait station of claim 28, further comprising approximately at least 0.5 mL of distilled water per gram of the termite bait composition.