Natural termite-proof bait capable of preserving moisture for long time as well as preparation method and application of natural termite-proof bait

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of termite control, in particular to a long-acting moisturizing natural termite-proof bait and a preparation method and application thereof.The long-acting moisturizing natural termite-proof bait is prepared from, by mass, 0.05-0.5% of natural product source insecticide, 60-70% of attractant, 0.5-1% of natural rosin, 0.5-5% of binder, 20-30% of humectant and 0.05-0.2% of preservative, and the balance of deionized water. The natural product source insecticide is matrine or rotenone. The natural termite-proof bait has the advantages of long-acting moisture retention performance, strong attractive property, good plasticity and environmental compatibility, and has important significance in improving the prevention and control effects of soil-series termites and civil-series termites and promoting the development of a green prevention and control technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of termite control technology, specifically to a long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Termites are a major global pest, posing a serious threat to water conservancy projects, civil engineering, and agricultural and forestry crops. Among them, soil-dwelling termites and wood-dwelling termites, due to their unique habitats (mostly distributed in soil, wood, and the interface between soil and wood), exhibit highly concealed activities, wide spread, and rapid reproduction, making them extremely difficult to control. Statistics show that global economic losses due to termite infestations exceed tens of billions of US dollars annually. In my country alone, termite damage rates to buildings, water conservancy projects, communication cables, and other infrastructure reach over 30%, posing a significant safety hazard to social production and daily life. Currently, termite control technologies mainly include chemical spraying, physical barrier construction, biological control, and baiting. Among these, baiting technology has become an important means of termite control due to its advantages such as strong targeting, minimal impact on non-target organisms, and sustainable control. Traditional termite baits typically consist of insecticides, attractants, and carriers, but they still have many shortcomings in practical applications: On the one hand, existing baits mostly use chemically synthesized insecticides (such as fipronil and imidacloprid). Although these agents have highly effective insecticidal activity, they are prone to leaving residues in the environment, causing damage to non-target organisms, and posing a potential threat to ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation in the food chain. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the promotion of green pest control concepts, the risks associated with the use of chemically synthesized agents have attracted much attention, and there is an urgent need to develop alternative products with low toxicity and low residue from natural sources. On the other hand, both soil-borne and wood-borne termites have stringent humidity requirements for their habitat, and their feeding behavior is highly dependent on moist conditions. Traditional baits are generally made into dry flakes, which are not very palatable to termites, significantly reducing their effectiveness in attracting and killing them. At the same time, the attractant components of existing baits mostly use cellulose-based substances, which have limited targeted attraction effects on soil-borne and wood-borne termites, making it difficult to quickly attract termites to feed and spread the bait throughout the nest, thus affecting the efficiency of control. In addition, some baits have problems such as poor compatibility between attractants and insecticides, insufficient stability of the formulation, and short effective period (usually only 1-2 months) due to unreasonable formulation design. They need to be reapplied frequently, which increases the cost of prevention and control and the complexity of operation. Therefore, developing a termite bait with natural product-derived insecticides as active ingredients, which also has long-lasting moisturizing properties, strong attraction, good formability, and environmental compatibility, is of great significance for improving the control effect of soil-borne and soil-wood-borne termites and promoting the development of green control technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait, its preparation method, and its application. The bait uses natural product-derived insecticides matrine or rotenone as active ingredients, and has the properties of long-lasting moisturizing, strong attraction, good plasticity, and environmental compatibility. It is of great significance for improving the control effect of soil-borne and soil-wood-borne termites and promoting the development of green control technology.

[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This invention provides a long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait, comprising the following components by weight percentage: 0.05-0.5% natural product-derived insecticide, 60-70% attractant, 0.5-1% natural rosin, 0.5-5% binder, 20-30% moisturizer, 0.05-0.2% preservative, with the balance being deionized water; wherein the natural product-derived insecticide is matrine or rotenone.

[0005] Furthermore, the attractant is selected from one or a mixture of two of cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose.

[0006] Furthermore, the adhesive is selected from one or more of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0007] Furthermore, the humectant is selected from one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

[0008] Furthermore, the preservative is selected from one or a mixture of two of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

[0009] Furthermore, it includes the following components by weight percentage: matrine 0.05%, cellulose 65%, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.3%, starch 1%, natural rosin 0.5%, glycerol 25%, ethylene glycol 5%, sodium benzoate 0.2%, and the balance being deionized water.

[0010] Furthermore, it includes the following components by weight percentage: rotenone 0.5%, microcrystalline cellulose 60%, starch 10%, polyvinyl alcohol 0.5%, natural rosin 1%, glycerol 20%, propylene glycol 10%, potassium sorbate 0.05%, and the balance being deionized water.

[0011] This invention also provides a method for preparing the aforementioned long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait, comprising the following steps: (1) A solid mixture is obtained by mixing a natural product-derived insecticide with an attractant, an adhesive, and natural rosin; (2) The solid mixture is mixed evenly using a low-temperature pulverizer; (3) Dissolve the preservative in the humectant and deionized water, add it to the mixed solid mixture, stir and knead thoroughly to obtain the termite bait.

[0012] The present invention also provides an application of the aforementioned long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait in termite control.

[0013] Furthermore, the specific method of application involves burying the natural termite bait in areas where termites are present, allowing the termites to feed on it, and eliminating the entire termite colony through the termites' feeding behavior.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention uses matrine or rotenone (naturally derived insecticides) as active ingredients, which are highly effective against termites and have low toxicity to non-target organisms such as mammals and birds. They are easily degraded and leave no residue, solving the potential hazards of traditional chemically synthesized insecticides and aligning with the concepts of green pest control and sustainable development. Through a scientific formulation of glycerol and other moisturizing agents combined with deionized water, the bait remains moist in the wild for extended periods, preventing termites from refusing to feed. Tests have shown that it can maintain moisture in soil for more than 3 months, extending its effective duration. The invention innovatively combines cellulose and other nutrient attractants with natural rosin to form a dual attraction mechanism of "olfactory + gustatory," quickly attracting termites to gather and feed, improving trapping efficiency and accelerating the initiation of whole-nest control. Hydroxypropyl methyl... The binder, such as cellulose, makes the bait a loose, solid powder (it can be clumpted together by hand), which is convenient for transportation and storage and remains stable after burial. The addition of preservatives such as sodium benzoate inhibits microbial growth, ensuring chemical stability and physical integrity. The preparation method uses a simple process of low-temperature pulverization and mixing, which is easy for industrial production and large-scale application. When used, it is buried in areas where termites are present, utilizing the termite feeding behavior to kill the entire colony, avoiding large-scale environmental pollution. Frequent re-application is unnecessary, reducing control costs and labor intensity. Specifically designed for the ecological habits of both soil-based and wood-based termites, the formula is highly matched to the termite habitat and feeding preferences, making it widely applicable to termite control in various scenarios such as water conservancy projects and building foundations, demonstrating strong practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 The images show the effectiveness of the bait in controlling subterranean termites, as tested in this invention. The left image shows termites feeding on the bait, and the right image shows termite deaths. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While only preferred methods and materials have been described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention. All references to this specification are incorporated by way of citation to disclose and describe methods and / or materials associated with those references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the content of this specification shall prevail.

[0020] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. This specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0021] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0022] The active pharmaceutical ingredient of the natural termite bait with long-lasting moisturizing properties in this invention is the natural insecticide matrine or rotenone, with a mass percentage of 0.05-0.5%. The remaining components include 60-70% attractant, 0.5-1% natural rosin, 0.5-5% binder, 20-30% moisturizer, 0.05-0.2% preservative, and water to make up 100%. The attractant is selected from one or more of cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, natural rosin, etc. The binder is selected from one or more of the following: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. The moisturizer is selected from one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc. The water is deionized water; The preservatives are one or more of sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, etc.

[0023] The preparation method of the long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait of the present invention includes mixing the above-mentioned agent with solid components such as attractant and binder, pulverizing them together using a low-temperature pulverizer, and then stirring them thoroughly with other components to obtain the termite bait.

[0024] The present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0025] Example 1: Preparation of a natural termite bait containing matrine In this embodiment, the raw material composition of the natural termite bait containing matrine, by mass percentage, includes 0.05% matrine, 65% cellulose, 0.3% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 1% starch, 0.5% natural rosin, 25% glycerol, 5% ethylene glycol, 0.2% sodium benzoate, and deionized water to make up to 100%. The preparation steps of the natural termite bait containing matrine in this embodiment are as follows: (1) Weigh out the above-mentioned mass percentages of matrine, cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, and natural rosin, add these solid components to a mixing container, and stir evenly; (2) The mixed solid components are transferred to a low-temperature pulverizer and pulverized at a low temperature of -5℃ to 5℃ until the particle size is below 200 mesh to obtain mixed powder; (3) Dissolve sodium benzoate in glycerol, ethylene glycol and deionized water, add mixed powder, stir and knead to make the components fully mixed and uniform, and then obtain a natural termite bait containing matrine. The natural termite bait containing matrine prepared in this embodiment is a light brown loose powder that can be easily shaped by hand and does not easily crumble after being shaped. It has a distinct natural pine scent and can remain moist without clumping after being placed in an environment of 25°C and 60% relative humidity for 3 months. In indoor testing, the termite mortality rate was 100% within 10 days, and it has good palatability.

[0026] Example 2: Preparation of a natural termite bait containing rotenone In this embodiment, the raw material composition of the natural termite bait containing matrine, by mass percentage, includes 0.5% rotenone, 60% microcrystalline cellulose, 10% starch, 0.5% polyvinyl alcohol, 1% natural rosin, 20% glycerol, 10% propylene glycol, 0.05% potassium sorbate, and deionized water to make up to 100%. The preparation steps of the natural termite bait containing rotenone in this embodiment are as follows: (1) Weigh out the above-mentioned mass percentages of rotenone, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, polyvinyl alcohol and natural rosin, add these solid components to a mixing container and stir until uniformly mixed; (2) The mixed solid components are placed in a low-temperature pulverizer and pulverized at a low temperature of 0℃~8℃ until the particle size is below 200 mesh to obtain a fine mixed powder; (3) Dissolve potassium sorbate in glycerol, propylene glycol and deionized water, add the mixed powder, stir, knead and beat to make the components fully mixed and uniform, and then obtain the natural termite bait containing rotenone.

[0027] The natural termite bait containing rotenone prepared in this embodiment is a light brown loose powder with excellent hand-kneading properties. It remains moist even after being buried in the soil for 3 months. It has a long-lasting natural rosin aroma and a significant attraction effect on both soil-based and wood-based termites. The feeding rate is higher than that of the control group without added natural rosin. Tests have shown that termites can quickly transmit toxicity through feeding behavior after feeding, and the overall colony kill rate can reach 90% within 30 days.

[0028] Comparative Example 1 The only difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that no natural rosin was added. The final product obtained in this comparative example is a light brown loose powder that can be shaped by hand, but it has no natural rosin aroma.

[0029] Comparative Example 2 The only difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that glycerol and propylene glycol were not added. The final product obtained in this comparative example is a light brown powder that dries into a hard solid within two days after being hand-molded, and has poor palatability to termites.

[0030] Comparative Example 3 The only difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that matrine is replaced with fipronil. The final product obtained in this comparative example is a light yellow, loose powder that can be shaped by hand. It has a natural pine scent, good moisture retention, and termites that feed on it die quickly from poisoning, preventing further transmission of toxicity.

[0031] Experimental Example 1 To verify the effectiveness of the baits prepared in Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-3 of this invention, the following comparative experiments were conducted to evaluate their attractiveness, moisture retention, and ant-killing effect. Attraction Test: In the same termite-infested environment, baits from Examples 1, 2, 1 (Comparative Example), and 2 (Comparative Example) were placed respectively, and the number of termites gathered was observed over 12 hours. The results showed that the number of termites around the bait from Example 1 was 120, and the number around the bait from Example 2 was 110; the number of termites around Comparative Example 1 was only 50 due to the absence of natural rosin; and the termites around Comparative Example 2 were less active after 2 days due to poor moisture retention. Therefore, the bait of the present invention, due to the presence of natural rosin and good moisture retention, has a stronger attraction to termites. Moisturizing effect test: The baits of Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 were placed in an environment of 25°C and 60% relative humidity, and their state was observed periodically. The baits of Example 1 and Example 2 remained moist after 3 months; Comparative Example 1 maintained a certain level of moisture, but lacked natural rosin; Comparative Example 2 became a hard solid after 7 days. This indicates that the moisturizing agent formulation of the present invention can effectively achieve long-lasting moisturizing. Termite control efficacy test: Termite nests of the same size were selected, and the baits used in Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3 were applied for control. Example 1 achieved a 90% kill rate within 30 days, and Example 2 achieved an 85% kill rate within 30 days. Although Comparative Example 3 also achieved an 80% kill rate within 30 days, fipronil caused some environmental pollution and did not meet environmental protection requirements. Environmental impact assessment: Environmental residue testing was conducted on the baits from Examples 1, 2, and 3. The baits from Examples 1 and 2 were easily degraded in the environment with no residue; however, the bait from Comparative Example 3 had a longer residual time of chlordane, which caused some harm to the soil and water sources.

[0032] As can be seen from the above comparative examples and effect verification examples, the natural termite bait of the present invention with long-lasting moisturizing properties has significant advantages in terms of attraction, moisturizing effect, termite killing effect and environmental protection.

[0033] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A long-lasting, moisturizing natural termite bait, characterized in that, The product comprises the following components by weight percentage: 0.05-0.5% natural product-derived insecticide, 60-70% attractant, 0.5-1% natural rosin, 0.5-5% binder, 20-30% humectant, 0.05-0.2% preservative, with the balance being deionized water; the natural product-derived insecticide is matrine or rotenone.

2. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attractant is selected from one or a mixture of two of cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose.

3. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive is selected from one or more of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, starch, and polyvinyl alcohol.

4. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humectant is selected from one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

5. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preservative is selected from one or a mixture of two of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.

6. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product comprises the following components by weight percentage: matrine 0.05%, cellulose 65%, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.3%, starch 1%, natural rosin 0.5%, glycerol 25%, ethylene glycol 5%, sodium benzoate 0.2%, and the balance being deionized water.

7. The long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composition includes the following components by weight percentage: rotenone 0.5%, microcrystalline cellulose 60%, starch 10%, polyvinyl alcohol 0.5%, natural rosin 1%, glycerol 20%, propylene glycol 10%, potassium sorbate 0.05%, and the balance being deionized water.

8. A method for preparing a long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) A solid mixture is obtained by mixing a natural product-derived insecticide with an attractant, an adhesive, and natural rosin; (2) The solid mixture is mixed evenly using a low-temperature pulverizer; (3) Dissolve the preservative in the humectant and deionized water, add it to the mixed solid mixture, stir and knead thoroughly to obtain the termite bait.

9. The application of a long-lasting moisturizing natural termite bait as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 in termite control.

10. The application as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The specific method of application is to bury the natural termite bait in the area where termites are present, so that the termites can feed on it and eliminate the entire termite colony through the termites' feeding behavior.

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