Pest control composition

Abstract

A pest control composition comprising from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt% sodium lauryl sulfate; from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a C6-C22 fatty acid or a salt thereof; from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight of an active ingredient, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of corn mint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citionella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedar oil, garlic oil, pelargonium oil, lemon grass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor and methyl salicylate; the component A is prepared from p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, cineole / 1, 8-cineole, alpha-pinene, bornyl acetate, gamma-terpinene and a mixture of the p-isopropyltoluene, the linalool and the cineole / 1, 8-cineole; from about 0.1% to about 45% by weight of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; and from about 60% to about 95% by weight of water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to pest control compositions and methods for controlling pests, including plant pests and arthropod pests. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a pest control composition that is substantially clear and colorless, and remains effective, particularly under a range of environmental conditions. Background Technology

[0002] The market for pest control products (such as products for arthropod pests and weeds) is growing due to factors such as increased urban housing, changing weather patterns, increased home gardening, and a desire for neat and aesthetically pleasing lawns and flower beds. Simultaneously, consumer demand for natural products (e.g., insecticides and herbicides) is increasing. Consumers also prefer products containing limited quantities of ingredients and / or easily identifiable ingredients, as conveyed through simpler ingredient descriptions. However, these products are still expected to offer efficacy comparable to traditional chemical pest control or insecticide products and effectively control pests (such as arthropods and weeds).

[0003] Existing pest control products contain natural ingredients, such as plant essential oils. However, these existing products have several drawbacks: some products may be unstable at low temperatures (i.e., approximately 5°C to 10°C) and / or separate into multiple phases. Separation into multiple phases can lead to inconsistent consumer experiences and uneven efficacy, as the active ingredients can accumulate in phases that cannot be dispersed without considerable effort from the user (e.g., vigorous mixing). Furthermore, this can be exacerbated when the pest control composition is contained in opaque containers, as the user may not be aware that the composition is separated. Other products fail to provide an optimal fragrance experience, for example, emitting a persistent, unpleasant odor, and / or fail to provide optimal aesthetics, for example, appearing cloudy or muddy and / or discolored. Other products may leave stains on treated surfaces (e.g., countertops, floors, driveways, patios, sidewalks, etc.). Therefore, there is a need for an effective pest control composition that contains fewer and / or natural ingredients, is stable even at low temperatures, provides improved aesthetics, and / or provides an improved fragrance experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A pest control composition comprises: (a) sodium lauryl sulfate at about 1% to about 10% by weight of the pest control composition; (b) a fatty acid or a salt thereof comprising 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, at about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition; and (c) an active ingredient selected from corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and borneol acetate. The composition comprises (d) a solvent comprising, by weight of the composition, from about 0.1% to about 45%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 20%, of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent comprising, from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; (e) optionally, urea; and (f) water comprising, by weight of about 60% to about 95%, of the pest control composition; wherein the pest control composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 11.0.

[0005] A pest control composition comprises: (a) about 4% to about 15% by weight of the composition a fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms; (b) about 5% to about 25% by weight of the composition an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, citronella oil, gentian oil, eugenol, spearmint oil, geranium oil, eucalyptol, gentian oil, eucalyptol ... The composition comprises (c) about 15% to about 35% by weight of the composition, of the following: (d) optionally, about 5% to about 25% by weight of the composition, of the following: (e) a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; wherein the composition is substantially free of water and substantially free of alcohols selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, isomers thereof, and mixtures thereof. Detailed Implementation

[0006] Consumers are seeking effective and natural ways to kill and control broad-spectrum pests, including broad-spectrum arthropods and weeds. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for insecticides (including sucraloses and herbicides) that are natural, non-toxic, contain a limited number (preferably identifiable) of ingredients (with simpler ingredient statements), are stable under a range of environmental conditions (e.g., phase stable), and / or offer improved product aesthetics. Essentially clear, aqueous, single-phase pest control compositions are particularly desirable because clarity often implies purity to consumers. Consumers expect such pest control compositions to be consistently effective against pests (e.g., weeds and arthropod pests) compared to conventional chemical insecticides. Compositions with lower surface tension are often preferred because they wet the target surface better and can create a more consistent film on the target surface, thus providing a better barrier against pests. Surprisingly, it has been found that aqueous compositions containing combinations of fatty acids or their salts (e.g., a first fatty acid and a second fatty acid or their salts) can exhibit lower surface tension, in addition to hydrophobic surfactants and anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate). In particular, combinations of fatty acids or their salts can provide a synergistic reduction in surface tension, which is greater than the reduction provided by individual fatty acids or their salts.

[0007] Currently available pest control products labeled "natural" or containing "plant-based ingredients" have limited efficacy, often cause mess when used, are unstable at hot and / or cold temperatures, and / or provide unpleasant and / or inconsistent consumer experiences, such as by requiring consumers to shake the product before use, by discoloration, and / or by exhibiting an unpleasant odor. This document describes a stable aqueous pest control composition comprising one or more plant essential oils and / or one or more components or ingredients of plant essential oils that are effective against a wide range of pests, including a wide variety of plants and arthropods. As used herein, "stable" means a pest control composition that is substantially clear and free from phase separation or precipitation, wherein no stirring or mixing is required when using the pest control composition for its application.

[0008] The features and beneficial effects of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which includes examples of specific embodiments intended to give a broad representation of the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this description and from practice of the invention. The scope is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, and the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0009] As used herein, when used in claims, articles such as “a” and “an” are understood to refer to one or more substances protected or described by the claims.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “including,” “comprising,” and “containing” are intended to be non-restrictive.

[0011] As used herein, the term "natural oil" refers to oil derived from plant or algal substances. Natural oils are not based on kerosene or other fossil fuels.

[0012] As used herein, "non-staining" refers to embodiments of the pest control compositions of this disclosure that impart minimal or no discoloration to outdoor surfaces (such as slate, concrete, asphalt, paving materials, stone, wood, and / or metal sidewalks) when applied to contact with or to treat pests (such as weeds). In the case of barrier or repellent compositions, the non-staining composition may impart a non-staining film or residue that may remain after the applied pest control composition has dried to form a barrier against pests. The non-staining film may be removed, for example, by rinsing, washing, or soaking with water, rainwater, or other aqueous liquids. Some embodiments of the pest control compositions described herein may be non-staining.

[0013] As used herein, “pest control” means the management of pest species, including any animals such as insects and other arthropods, plants, or fungi that have an adverse impact on human activities or the environment, wherein management includes preventing, killing, eliminating, repelling, or attracting pest species. Pest control products and compositions may include products and compositions for managing pest species inside and outside buildings, such as residential or commercial premises, including but not limited to areas such as garages, patios, balconies, corridors, lawns, and / or gardens. Pest control products and compositions may include products and compositions for use on and / or in patios, lawns, shrubs, trees, and / or outdoor plants, as well as for use on or around indoor plants. Pest control products and compositions may include selective and non-selective products and compositions, such as selective and non-selective herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Pest control products and compositions may also include products and compositions for topical application to humans to prevent or repel pest species such as insects (including reptiles such as cockroaches and ants) and other arthropods.

[0014] The terms “pest control” and “insecticide” are used interchangeably, and it should be understood that compositions or ingredients having “biocidal” activity (e.g., insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) may or may not kill and / or eliminate target pests, such as arthropods, insects, weeds, or fungi. As used herein, “biocidal agent” and “biocide” include compositions, compounds, components, ingredients, materials, etc., that effectively kill, remove, destroy, defoliate, eliminate, eradicate, or eliminate target pests, as well as those that delay, repel, regulate, inhibit, or prevent the survival, growth, and / or reproduction of such pests.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “target surface” or “target area” include any place where the target pest is not expected to be present, including any type of location, which can be indoors, such as in a house, barn, tent and other temporary structure, garage, commercial building, transport or storage container (including boxes and crates), or outdoors, such as the outer perimeter of a house, barn, garage or tent or other temporary structure.

[0016] As used herein, “contact” means to treat, apply, spray, wet, soak, dredge, impregnate, submerge, spray, wipe, smear, spread, splash, or smear a target surface or target pest (e.g., arthropods or weeds) with the pest control composition described herein.

[0017] As used herein, “effective amount” refers to the amount of pest control composition that significantly and effectively kills, repels, removes, destroys, defoliates, eliminates, eradicates, or eliminates pests (e.g., insects, weeds) when the target pest or target surface comes into contact with the pest control composition.

[0018] As used herein, “substantially free” or “substantially absent” means that the component is completely absent or exists only as an impurity or unintended byproduct of another component in the smallest possible quantity. A composition that is “substantially free” or “does not contain” a component means that the composition contains less than about 0.05%, or less than about 0.025%, or less than about 0.010%, or less than about 0.005%, or less than about 0.0025%, or less than about 0.001% of the component by weight.

[0019] As used herein, “weed” refers to the term in its common sense, such as any herbaceous plant, vegetation, leaves, grass, etc., that is considered undesirable or unwanted, for example, that is considered to obstruct the ground, hinder, impede, or suppress the growth of plants, vegetation, leaves, grass, etc., that are considered desirable or more desirable. Weeds to which herbicide compositions are effective may include one or more of the following: broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, clover, plantain, chickweed, undesirable grasses, mosses, other common weeds, etc.

[0020] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as organic compounds that participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions, except for compounds whose photochemical reactivity is negligible. VOCs are typically emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. EPA regulations define chemicals with a vapor pressure less than 0.1 mmHg (at 20°C) as “VOC exempt”. If the vapor pressure is unknown, a chemical is defined as “VOC exempt” if: a) the chemical consists of more than 12 carbon atoms; or b) the chemical has a melting point above 20°C and does not sublimate (i.e., it does not change directly from a solid to a gas without melting).

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, all component or composition levels refer to the active portion of the component or composition and do not include impurities, such as residual solvents or byproducts, that may be present in commercially available sources of such components or compositions.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and ratios are by weight. Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and ratios are based on the total composition. It should be understood that every maximum numerical limit given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limit, as such lower numerical limit is expressly stated herein. Every minimum numerical limit given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limit, as such higher numerical limit is expressly stated herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range falling within such wider range, as such narrower numerical ranges are all expressly stated herein.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, all weights, measurements and concentrations in this article were measured at 25 degrees Celsius (°C) and 50% relative humidity.

[0024] Pest Control Combination

[0025] The pest control composition is preferably in liquid form. The pest control composition is preferably an aqueous composition.

[0026] The pest control compositions disclosed herein may contain fewer than about 15 ingredients, preferably fewer than about 10 ingredients, more preferably fewer than about 15 ingredients and more than about 5 ingredients.

[0027] The pest control compositions disclosed herein may contain renewable components. The compositions disclosed herein may contain renewable components ranging from about 1%, or from about 5%, or from about 10%, or from about 20%, or from about 30%, or from about 40%, or from about 50%, to about 40%, or to about 50%, or to about 60%, or to about 70%, or to about 80%, or to about 90%, or to about 100% by weight. The compositions disclosed herein may be at least partially or entirely bio-based. Therefore, the composition may contain about 50% to about 100%, preferably about 70% to about 100%, more preferably about 75% to about 100%, even more preferably about 80% to about 100%, and most preferably about 90% to about 100% of a bio-based carbon content. The percentage of bio-based carbon content can be calculated as the “modern carbon percentage (pMC)” derived using the methodology of ASTM D6866-16. The compositions disclosed herein may be substantially free of petroleum-derived solvents or petroleum-derived surfactants.

[0028] The compositions disclosed herein may contain ingredients listed in Section 25(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. The compositions disclosed herein may contain naturally occurring compounds or extracts or derivatives thereof. The compositions disclosed herein may contain at least one organic, certified organic, USDA National Organic Program (“NOP-Compliant”) ingredient. The compositions disclosed herein may contain at least one food-grade or Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) ingredient. GRAS ingredients may include any agent listed on the FDA's GRAS list, including direct food additives (see, for example, Sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, November 2016). GRAS ingredients may also include, but are not limited to, substances generally recognized by scientifically trained experts with experience in assessing their safety, which have been adequately demonstrated to be safe through scientific processes (or, for substances used in food prior to January 1, 1958, through scientific processes or based on experience commonly used in food). The use of food-grade or GRAS ingredients enables the compositions disclosed herein to be used by consumers without requiring post-use rinsing of treated surfaces. The compositions disclosed herein may contain ingredients with permissible levels or permissible level exemptions for use on food contact surfaces under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (see, for example, 40 CFR 180, November 2016, December 2015).

[0029] water

[0030] Aqueous liquid compositions are convenient to use because they can be easily applied directly to target arthropod pests, target surfaces, or target weeds. Pest control compositions may be substantially free of geologically derived (e.g., petroleum-based) carrier oils, such as mineral oils, as products containing carrier oils can be messy to use.

[0031] The pest control composition may contain about 40% to 99%, or about 40% to about 95%, or about 45% to about 98% water by weight of the composition. The pest control composition may also contain about 40% to about 97%, or about 60% to about 95%, or about 50% to about 92%, or about 70% to about 90%, or about 55% to about 83%, or about 78% to about 80%, or about 58% to about 78%, or about 60% to about 75%, or about 62% to about 72% water by weight of the total composition.

[0032] Active ingredients

[0033] The pest control composition may contain one or more active ingredients (also referred to herein as active substances). The pest control composition may contain one or more active ingredients in amounts of about 0.005% to about 30%, or about 0.005% to about 15%, or about 0.05% to about 25%, or about 0.15% to about 20%, or about 0.15% to about 12%, or about 0.5% to about 15%, or about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 12%, or about 1% to about 10%, or about 2% to about 10%, or about 3% to about 8%, or about 4% to about 7% by weight of the composition. The pest control composition may contain a first active ingredient and a second active ingredient.

[0034] Suitable active ingredients may include plant oils / plant essential oils (including synthetic analogs) and / or compositions thereof (including synthetic analogs). One or more active ingredients may be natural oils. Non-limiting examples of active ingredients include aldehyde C16 (pure), almond oil, α-terpineol, verbenatone, α-cedrene, cinnamaldehyde, pentylcinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, pentyl salicylate, anisaldehyde, cedrol, benzyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, carvacrol, carvacrol, citral, citronellal, citronellol, dimethyl salicylate, eucalyptol (also known as 1,8-cineole), thujone, 3-thujone, α-thujone, β- Thujone, anisole, eugenol acetate (e.g., isoeugenol acetate), d-limonene, linalool, α-pinene, tetrahydrolinalool, ethyl cinnamate, eugenol, isoeugenol, methyl isoeugenol, galactocyanate, geraniol, guaiacol, ionone, menthol (e.g., L-menthol), menthone, carvone (e.g., L-carvone), camphor, p-isopropyltoluene, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, γ-pine Oilseed oil, methyl anthranilate, methyl ionone, methyl salicylate, nerol, α-phellandrene, peppermint oil, perillaldehyde, 1- or 2-phenylethanol, ethyl 1- or 2-phenylpropionate, piperaldehyde, piperyl acetate, piperyl alcohol, D-menthol, terpinene-4-ol, terpineyl acetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, thymol, trans-anetinoside, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, castor oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon, cinnamon oil Lemongrass, lemongrass oil, cloves, corn oil, corn peppermint oil, cottonseed oil, garlic, garlic oil, flaxseed oil, peppermint, peppermint oil, thyme, peppermint, peppermint oil, spearmint, spearmint oil, rosemary, sesame, sesame oil, soybean oil, white pepper, licorice oil, wintergreen oil, star anise oil, clove flower oil, black seed oil, grapefruit seed oil, grapefruit, lemon oil, orange oil, tea tree oil, marigold oil, lavender oil, lippia javancia oil, bergamot oil, galangal oil, angelica pubescens oil, and combinations thereof.

[0035] Examples of essential oils may include thyme (thymol, carvacrol), oregano (carvacrol, terpenes), lemon (limonene, terpinene, phellandrene, pinene, citral), neroli (linalool, β-pinene, limonene), orange (limonene, citral), fennel (anesinol, safrole), clove (eugenol, eugenol acetate, caryophyllene), rose (geraniol, citronellol), rosemary (borneol, borneol, camphor), geranium (geraniol, citronellol, linalool), lavender (linalool acetate, linalool), lemongrass (geraniol, citronellol, citronellol, camphene), eucalyptus (eucalyptol), peppermint (mint). (Alcohol, Menthyl ester), Spearmint (Carvone, Limonene, Pinene), Wintergreen (Methyl salicylate), Camphor (Safrole, Acetaldehyde, Camphor), Laurel (Eugenol, Myrcene, Piperol), Cinnamon (Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamyl acetate, Eugenol), Tea Tree (Tineene-4-ol, Eucalyptol), Cedar Leaf (α-Thujone, β-Thujone, Funkleene), Geranium (Citronellol, Geraniol, Guaiacadiene), Corn Mint (Menthol, Menthone), Garlic (Dimethyl Trisulfide, Diallyl Disulfide, Diallyl Sulfide, Diallyl Tetrasulfide, 3-Vinyl-[4H]-1,2-Dithiain) and combinations thereof.

[0036] The pest control composition may contain one or more active ingredients selected from about 0.005% to about 15%, preferably about 0.05% to about 15%, more preferably about 0.15% to about 12%, and even more preferably about 0.5% to about 10%, of the following active ingredients: eugenol, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, amyl butyrate, geraniol, limonene (e.g., d-limonene), p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, methyl salicylate, pinene (e.g.) Examples of such pesticides include α-pinene, β-pinene, eucalyptol, piperaldehyde, piperol, tetrahydrolinalool, thymol, carvone (e.g., L-carvone), vanillin, ethyl vanillin, isoeugenol, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, terpinene (e.g., γ-terpinene), cinnamyl acetate, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, ethyl cinnamate, pyrethroids, abamectin, azadirachtin, rotenone, boric acid, spinosad, biopesticides, synthetic pesticides, and mixtures thereof.

[0037] The pest control composition may contain one or more synthetic insecticides. Examples of synthetic insecticides may include pyrethroids such as bifenthrin, cis-cypermethrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin, allethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin; synthetic agents such as piperonyl butyl ether; juvenile hormone analogs such as tebufenozide, tebufenozide, and tebufenozide; and neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam, and mixtures thereof. The pest control composition may contain less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 2%, or less than about 1%, or less than about 0.5%, or less than about 0.1% of synthetic insecticide by weight. Alternatively, the pest control composition may be substantially free of synthetic insecticides.

[0038] Pest control compositions may contain one or more biological insecticides. Examples of biological insecticides may include pyrethrum, rotenone, neem oil, and mixtures thereof.

[0039] The pest control composition may contain one or more active ingredients in amounts of about 0.05% to about 15%, or about 0.15% to about 15%, or about 0.5% to about 15%, or about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition, wherein the active ingredient is a plant essential oil and / or a composition thereof. The pest control composition may contain an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of: corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, eugenol, geraniol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of: geraniol, corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, and mixtures thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of geraniol, corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and combinations thereof.

[0040] The pest control composition may comprise, by weight of about 0.15% to about 10%, preferably about 0.50% to about 10%, of an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of citronella oil, spearmint oil, corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof, preferably from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the pest control composition may comprise, by weight of about 0.005% to about 10%, alternatively about 0.50% to about 10%, alternatively about 1% to about 10%, alternatively about 1% to about 8%, of one or more active ingredients selected from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, citronellol, citronellol, geraniol, limonene, carvone, pinene, and combinations thereof, preferably from the group consisting of menthol, menthone, geraniol, and combinations thereof.

[0041] surfactants

[0042] The pest control composition may be formulated with one or more surfactants. The pest control composition may contain one or more surfactants in amounts of about 0.01% to about 15%, or about 0.1% to about 12.5%, or about 0.1% to about 11%, or about 0.1% to about 10%, or about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 9%, or about 1% to about 15%, or about 2% to about 12.5%, or about 4% to about 8% by weight of the pest control composition, preferably one or more anionic surfactants, more preferably sodium lauryl sulfate and one or more fatty acids or salts thereof.

[0043] The spray droplets of the pest control composition are preferably capable of wetting the target surface and spreading or covering the target area to perform its intended function. Surfactants typically reduce the surface tension of water on the surface of the spray droplets by lowering the interfacial tension between the spray droplets and the target surface, allowing the spray droplets to spread on the target surface and / or form a more uniform barrier film. Surfactants also wet and disperse the particles of the active ingredient in the composition before spraying, thereby enabling more uniform coverage and wetting of the target surface during spraying. Surfactants can also act as emulsifiers for hydrophobic surfactants (such as oils) that are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, surfactants include a variety of agents known to be used as emulsifiers or wetting agents. Suitable surfactants include anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or mixtures thereof.

[0044] Anionic surfactants are surfactant compounds containing both long-chain hydrocarbon hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in their molecular structure, including salts such as carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, or phosphate groups. These salts can be sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, iron, ammonium, and amine salts of such surfactants. Anionic surfactants include alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, and alkyl alcohol ammonium salts of organosulfur reaction products, which have alkyl or alkylaryl groups containing about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms and sulfonate or sulfate groups in their molecular structure. Examples of such anionic surfactants include alkylbenzene sulfonates (e.g., linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonate and its salts) having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms in the allyl group, alkyl sulfates and their alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate), water-soluble salts of alkyl ether sulfates having about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and about 2 to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide, and mixtures of their salts. The aryl group typically includes one or two rings, the alkyl group typically includes about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, and the ether group typically includes about 1 mole to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) and / or propylene oxide (PO), preferably EO.

[0045] Preferred anionic surfactants are sodium lauryl sulfate or "SLS" (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate). The pest control composition may contain sodium lauryl sulfate in amounts of about 1% to about 12.5%, about 1% to about 10%, about 2% to about 8.5%, about 3% to about 9%, or about 4% to about 8% by weight of the pest control composition.

[0046] Another preferred anionic surfactant is fatty acids and their salts. Fatty acids and their salts are organic molecules comprising a single carboxylic acid moiety (the carboxylate anion in the salt) and at least 6 carbon atoms, or about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms, or about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms. Fatty acid salts are also called soaps, and the counterions of the salts can be sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, barium, iron, ammonium, and amine salts of the fatty acid. Fatty acids and their salts can be straight-chain, branched, saturated, unsaturated, cyclic, or mixtures thereof. Fatty acids and their salts can have odd or even chain lengths. Preferred fatty acids are straight-chain, have no more than one unsaturated unit, and have an even chain length. Non-limiting examples of fatty acids and their salts include octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, benzanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, myristone acid, palmitoleic acid, hexadecenoic acid, oleic acid, transoleic acid, isoleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, their sodium salts, calcium salts, potassium salts, or zinc salts, or mixtures thereof. Fatty acids or their salts may be selected from the group consisting of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, capric acid, oleic acid, their sodium salts, calcium salts, potassium salts, or zinc salts, and mixtures thereof, preferably sodium octanoate and oleic acid.

[0047] The composition may contain two or more fatty acids and their salts. The composition may contain a first fatty acid or a salt thereof containing about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms. The first fatty acid may be linear and saturated. The first fatty acid may be selected from the group consisting of hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. The first fatty acid may be octanoic acid. The liquid composition may contain about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight of the first fatty acid or its salt. The composition may contain a second fatty acid or a salt thereof containing about 14 to about 22 carbon atoms. The second fatty acid or its salt may be linear and unsaturated, preferably containing a single unsaturated unit. Suitable second fatty acids or their salts include pentadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, icosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, oleic acid, hexadecenoic acid, linoleic acid, or their salts. The second fatty acid may be oleic acid or its salt. The composition may contain about 0.01% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.05% to about 1% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of a second fatty acid. The composition may contain a first fatty acid or a salt thereof and a second fatty acid or a salt thereof in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 15:1, or about 2:1 to about 14:1, or about 3:1 to about 13:1, or about 5:1 to about 7:1.

[0048] Other suitable anionic surfactants include alkyl succinate sulfonates, alkyl ether succinate sulfonates, olefin sulfonates, alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl monoglyceride sulfates and ether sulfates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alkane sulfonates, acylmethyl taurate, sulfoacetates, acyl lactates, and sulfosuccinamides.

[0049] The pest control composition may comprise one or more active ingredients, such as one or more hydrophobic active ingredients (such as natural oils or compositions thereof), and a surfactant, preferably an anionic surfactant, more preferably sodium lauryl sulfate and one or more fatty acids or salts thereof. The weight ratio of sodium lauryl sulfate to the total active ingredient may be about 1:3 to about 30:1, or about 1:3 to about 20:1, or about 1:1 to about 30:1, or about 1:1 to about 20:1, or about 1:1 to about 10:1, or about 1:1 to about 5:1, or about 1:1 to about 3:1, or about 1:3 to about 3:1, or about 1:2 to about 2:1, or about 1:1.5 to about 1.5:1, or about 1:1.2 to about 1.2:1. Surprisingly, it has been found that if the ratio of the total (hydrophobic) active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate is too high, there may not be enough sodium lauryl sulfate to emulsify the (hydrophobic) active ingredient, especially in the temperature range of about 5°C to about 40°C. If the hydrophobic active ingredient is not sufficiently emulsified, a layer of hydrophobic component, such as oil, may form on top of the composition, causing the composition to appear cloudy. However, if the ratio of the hydrophobic active ingredient to sodium lauryl sulfate is too low, there may be excessive free sodium lauryl sulfate, which may precipitate at low temperatures.

[0050] Pest control compositions may comprise amphoteric surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof (other than or in place of anionic surfactants). Amphoteric surfactants are surfactants containing at least one anionic group and at least one cationic group, and can be used as an acid or base depending on pH. Some of these compounds are aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines, wherein the aliphatic substituents may be straight-chain or branched, at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains about 6 to about 20, or about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms, and at least one of the aliphatic substituents contains anionic water-soluble groups, such as carboxyl, phosphonate, phosphate, sulfonate, or sulfate groups.

[0051] Amphoteric surfactants are surfactants that possess both positive and negative charges within the same molecule, meaning the molecule is amphoteric at all pH values. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include betaine and sulfobetaine. Amphoteric surfactants typically contain a quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphorus, or tertiary sulfonium moiety. They contain at least one straight-chain or branched aliphatic substituent having about 6 to 20, or about 8 to about 18, carbon atoms, and at least one aliphatic substituent containing an anionic water-soluble group (e.g., carboxyl, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate, or phosphonate).

[0052] Examples of suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, or substituted ammonium salts of alkyl amphoteric carboxyglycinates and alkyl amphoteric carboxypropionates, alkyl amphoteric dipropionates, alkyl monoacetates, alkyl diacetates, alkyl amphoteric glycinates, and alkyl amphoteric propionates, wherein the alkyl group has 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. Other suitable amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants include alkylimino monoacetates, alkylimino diacetates, alkylimino propionates, alkylimino dipropionates, and alkyl amphoteric propyl sulfonates (wherein the alkyl group has about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms), as well as alkyl betaines, alkyl acylamino imide alkyl betaines, alkyl sulfobetaine, and alkyl acylamino imide alkyl hydroxy sulfonates.

[0053] Nonionic surfactants can be any known nonionic surfactant, examples of which include condensates of ethylene oxide with a hydrophobic moiety. Nonionic surfactants include ethoxylated primary or secondary aliphatic alcohols having about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms in a straight-chain or branched configuration, having about 2 to about 40 moles of alcohol per mole, or about 2 to about 9 moles of ethylene oxide per mole. Other suitable nonionic surfactants include condensates of alkylphenols having about 6 to about 12 carbon atoms with about 3 to about 30 moles, or about 5 to about 14 moles of ethylene oxide. Nonionic surfactants also include ethoxylated castor oil and silicone surfactants such as Silwet L-8610, Silwet L-8600, Silwet L-77, Silwet L-7657, Silwet L-7650, Silwet L-7607, Silwet L-7604, Silwet L-7600, and Silwet L-7280.

[0054] The pest control composition may optionally contain one or more cationic surfactants. Suitable cationic surfactants include quaternary ammonium surfactants and amino surfactants that are positively charged at the pH of the pest control composition.

[0055] Urea

[0056] The pest control composition may optionally contain urea at a concentration of about 0.1% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 10%, about 0.5% to about 8%, or about 1% to about 6% by weight of the composition. Without being bound by theory, urea can improve the stability, availability, and / or solubility of one or more active ingredients in the composition, thereby improving the efficacy of the composition without increasing the concentration of VOCs. Furthermore, urea can improve the low-temperature stability of compositions containing anionic surfactants (such as SLS).

[0057] solvent

[0058] The pest control compositions described herein may contain a solvent in amounts of about 0.01% to about 50%, or about 0.05% to about 45%, or about 0.1% to about 45%, or about 0.1% to about 40%, or about 0.1% to about 35%, or about 0.5% to about 30%, or about 1% to about 25%, or about 1% to about 15%, or about 1% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. Liquid pest control compositions may contain one or more solvents and water.

[0059] Suitable solvents include alcohols, such as monohydric or polyhydric alcohols. Preferred monohydric alcohols are low molecular weight primary or secondary alcohols, exemplified by ethanol, propanol, and isopropanol, with isopropanol being preferred. Polyhydric alcohols, such as those containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerol, and 1,2-propanediol (also known as propylene glycol)), may also be used.

[0060] Suitable solvents also include esters. The pest control composition may contain one or more esters in amounts of about 0.005% to about 15%, about 0.05% to about 12%, about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 7% by weight of the composition. Examples of suitable esters may include triethyl citrate, diethyl citrate, monoethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, tetradecyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl palmitate, isothermal isopropyl citrate, butyl lactate, ethyl lactate, butyl stearate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl dicaprylate, glyceryl dimyristate, glyceryl dioleate, glyceryl distearate, glyceryl monomyristate, glyceryl monocaprylate, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, decyl oleate, glyceryl stearate, octyl stearate, octyl stearate, oleic stearate, isostearyl neopentanoate, PPG myristyl propionate, diglyceryl monooleate, and diglyceryl monostearate. The pest control composition may contain triethyl citrate, preferably in amounts of about 0.005% to about 15%, or about 0.05% to about 12%, or about 0.5% to about 10%, or about 1% to about 8%, or about 1% to about 7% by weight of the composition.

[0061] Additional solvents may include lipophilic fluids, including siloxanes, other organosilicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, glycerol derivatives (such as glycerol ethers), perfluorinated amines, perfluorinated and hydrofluoroether solvents, low-volatility nonfluorinated organic solvents, glycol solvents, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Suitable solvents listed in Section 25(b) of the Federal Pesticides, Fungicides, and Rodenticides Act (FIFTRA) include butyl lactate (including its enantiomers), acetic acid, 1,2-propanediol carbonate, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate (including its enantiomers), isopropanol, and glycerol.

[0063] Preferred solvents include isopropanol, triethyl citrate, ethanol, glycerol, ethyl lactate, their renewable forms, and mixtures thereof. The pest control compositions described herein may contain a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, and mixtures thereof. In some aspects, the pest control compositions may contain less than about 2.5% glycerol by weight of the pest control compositions. In some aspects, the pest control compositions are substantially free of glycerol.

[0064] pH adjuster

[0065] The pest control composition may include a buffer system. The buffer system may include one or more pH adjusters, such as acids. The buffer system may include an acid (such as citric acid and / or acetic acid) and its conjugate base (such as a salt of citric acid and / or acetic acid). When the pest control composition includes a buffer system, the acid may be citric acid or acetic acid, and the conjugate base may be a sodium salt of the corresponding acid.

[0066] The pest control composition may contain, by weight of the composition, about 0.00001% to about 5%, or about 0.01% to about 5% of citric acid or a salt thereof, or about 0.1% to about 4%, or about 1% to about 3.5% of a pH adjuster, such as a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, for example, citric acid or a salt thereof. Alternatively, the pest control composition may contain, by weight of the composition, about 0.00001% to about 1.5%, or about 0.0001% to about 1%, or about 0.001% to about 0.8%, or about 0.01% to about 0.6% of a pH adjuster, such as a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, for example, citric acid or a salt thereof. Non-limiting examples of pH adjusters may include malic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, humic acid, acetic acid, monosodium citrate, sodium citrate, disodium citrate, trisodium citrate, trisodium citrate dihydrate, trisodium citrate pentahydrate, sodium acetate, or combinations thereof. pH adjusters may be selected from the group consisting of citric acid or its salts, malic acid or its salts, acetic acid or its salts, fumaric acid or its salts, humic acid or its salts, and mixtures thereof, preferably citric acid or its salts, more preferably anhydrous citric acid or citric acid monohydrate. Preferably, the pH adjuster is selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, citric acid, sodium acetate, acetic acid, and combinations thereof. Carboxylic acids, such as citric acid or its salts, may also be used as chelating agents.

[0067] preservative

[0068] The pest control composition may contain one or more preservatives. As used herein, "preservative" is any substance or compound added to prevent rotting, decomposition, or spoilage. Preservatives may be natural or synthetic. Preservatives may be antimicrobial preservatives that inhibit the growth of bacteria or fungi (including molds), or antioxidants. Examples of preservatives may include potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, tocopherols (e.g., tocopheryl acetate), calcium propionate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sulfites (sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, etc.), tetrasodium EDTA, and disodium EDTA. The pest control composition may contain about 0.02% to about 4% preservative by weight of the pest control composition, alternatively about 0.1% to about 2%, alternatively about 0.2% to about 1%, alternatively about 0.3% to about 0.5% preservative, preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, tocopherol, and mixtures thereof. In some respects, pest control compositions may be essentially preservative-free.

[0069] The pest control composition may have a surface tension in the range of about 10 mN / m to about 60 mN / m, or about 15 mN / m to about 50 mN / m, or about 18 mN / m to about 40 mN / m, or about 20 mN / m to about 30 mN / m, or about 22 mN / m to about 28 mN / m, as measured according to the methods described herein. It is believed that the droplets can be preferably used to deliver directional spraying while also adequately covering the target area.

[0070] The pest control composition may comprise particles having an intensity average particle size of about 2 nm to about 500 nm, alternatively about 4 nm to about 400 nm, and alternatively about 5 nm to about 100 nm. The composition may comprise particles with an intensity average particle size of less than about 1 micrometer, preferably less than about 500 nm. The intensity average particle size may be measured according to the particle size testing method described below.

[0071] The pest control composition may comprise particles with a volume average size ranging from about 1 nm to about 100 nm, or from about 2 nm to about 50 nm, or from about 2 nm to about 25 nm, or from about 2 nm to about 10 nm. The composition may comprise particles with a volume average size of less than about 1 micrometer, preferably less than about 500 nm. The average volume particle size may be measured according to the particle size testing methods described below. The volume average particle size may be selected to provide a transparent or translucent composition and to effectively deliver the active agent to the target surface or area.

[0072] Pest control compositions may be affected by temperature fluctuations during transport, storage, and / or use. Pest control compositions can be stable (clear and single-phase) at low temperatures (i.e., from about 5°C to about 10°C). Pest control compositions can be stable (clear and single-phase) at 25°C because clarity may mean purity to the user. In some respects, pest control compositions are also clear and single-phase at 5°C and maintain clarity and single-phase when heated to 25°C. Maintaining clarity and phase stability within a temperature range below 25°C may be important for insecticides, as they are often stored in areas without temperature control (e.g., garages, sheds).

[0073] Pest control compositions may have a relatively high level of clarity (i.e., low turbidity). Some consumers prefer clear products to cloudy or murky (i.e., higher turbidity) products. A clear, transparent, or translucent composition as a single phase may indicate purity, quality, and / or the composition is less likely to leave stains on surfaces. Compositions may exhibit turbidity of less than about 200 NTU, or less than about 100 NTU, or about 0.5 NTU to about 50 NTU, or about 1 NTU to about 25 NTU. Pest control compositions may exhibit turbidity of less than about 20 NTU, or less than about 15 NTU, or less than about 10 NTU, or less than about 8 NTU. Pest control compositions may exhibit turbidity of about 1.5 NTU to about 20 NTU, or about 1.5 NTU to about 15 NTU, or about 1.5 NTU to about 10 NTU, or about 1.5 NTU to about 8 NTU. The turbidity of the composition is measured using a laboratory turbidimeter as described below in the turbidity methods section.

[0074] Pest control compositions may be pale yellow or substantially colorless. Some consumers prefer colorless or substantially colorless products to yellow ones. Yellowing may be a characteristic of the decomposition of certain active ingredients in the composition, particularly vegetable oils such as corn peppermint oil. The reduction of yellowing can be measured by any colorimetric or spectroscopic method known in the art.

[0075] The CIELAB color scale (according to ASTM D5386-93b) is used to quantify the color of arthropod pest control compositions. Also known as L*a*b*, the CIELAB color scale was defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in 1976. The CIELAB color scale represents color as three values: L* represents perceived lightness, and a* and b* represent the four distinct colors of human vision (red, green, blue, and yellow), where b* represents blue / yellow. Compositions can have b* values ​​of about 0 to about 5, or about 0 to about 4, or about 0 to about 3, or about 0.01 to about 4, or about 0.05 to about 3.5, or about 0.1 to about 3. Pest control compositions can have b* values ​​of about 0.4 to about 5, or about 0.4 to about 4, or about 0.4 to about 3. Compositions having b* values ​​within the disclosed range may be perceived by consumers as having a colorless appearance, while b* values ​​outside the disclosed range, particularly b* values ​​greater than 5, may present a yellow color to consumers, which may indicate that the composition contains impurities, has degraded, and / or is unsuitable for use. Pest control compositions may be substantially free of dyes or colorants.

[0076] The pest control composition may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range of about 1 cps to about 500 cps, or about 1 cps to about 300 cps, or about 1 cps to about 200 cps, or about 1 cps to about 100 cps, or about 2 cps to about 100 cps, or about 3 cps to about 50 cps, as measured by the methods described herein. Brookfield viscosity enables aerosol dispensing devices to dispense the composition in droplet form. For some products, such as insecticides, droplets may be preferred, particularly compared to mist, stream, or foam.

[0077] Pest control compositions may be supplied as concentrated compositions that are mixed with a diluent (e.g., water) before use, or as ready-to-use compositions that can be applied directly to pests (such as arthropods and weeds) (e.g., as a spray) without prior dilution by the consumer. Ready-to-use compositions may be preferred by some consumers because they do not require dilution, which can be messy, inconvenient, and / or require multiple containers. Pest control compositions may contain selected ingredients suitable for direct spraying onto pests at selected levels.

[0078] The pest control composition may have a pH in the range of about 3.0 to about 11.0, or about 4.0 to about 11.0, or about 4.0 to about 9.0, or about 5.0 to about 9.0, or about 5.0 to about 8.0, or about 6.0 to about 8.0, or about 6.0 to about 7.0.

[0079] The pest control composition may be a "low volatile organic compound (VOC)" composition and contain about 3% or less VOC by weight. Alternatively, the pest control composition may contain more than 3% volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by weight. The pest control composition may contain more than 3% to about 35% volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by weight. It may be desirable to keep the total VOC level in the pest control composition less than or equal to about 3% by weight. VOCs may be measured according to California Air Resources Board (CARB) method 310 for VOC determination (May 25, 2018).

[0080] VOCs may originate from one or more components in the composition, including solvents and / or essential oils. It has been found that by varying the level of solvents, particularly isopropanol, the total VOC level in the pest control composition can be maintained at less than or equal to about 35%, or less than or equal to about 20%, or less than or equal to about 10%, or less than or equal to about 5%, or less than or equal to about 4%, or less than or equal to about 3%, while still maintaining a substantially clear and colorless pest control composition. The pest control composition may contain about 0.01% to 15%, or about 0.1% to about 15%, or about 0.5% to about 14% isopropanol by weight of the pest control composition. The pest control composition may contain about 0.01% to about 5%, or about 0.1% to about 5%, or about 0.1% to about 4%, or about 0.5% to about 3% isopropanol by weight of the pest control composition. The levels of isopropanol and / or essential oils in the pest control composition can be selected such that the total VOC level of the pest control composition is about 0% by weight to about 35% by weight.

[0081] The pest control composition may be a micelle dispersion or an oil-in-water emulsion. The pest control composition may be stored outdoors or in a garage, where it may be subjected to fluctuating temperatures, such as daytime and nighttime temperature variations and / or seasonal temperature changes. The pest control composition described herein may be stable at low temperatures (i.e., from about 5°C to about 10°C). The pest control composition has a b* value of about 0 to about 5 and / or a turbidity of less than about 20 NTU, preferably even after repeated exposure to low temperatures and / or after recovery from low-temperature exposure to room temperature.

[0082] The pest control composition may comprise: (a) sodium lauryl sulfate in an amount of about 0.5% to about 12%, preferably about 1% to about 10%, more preferably about 2% to about 8.5%, and even more preferably about 3% to about 7.5% by weight of the composition; and (b) a fatty acid or a salt thereof comprising 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms, in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10%, preferably about 0.1% to about 5%, more preferably about 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the composition. (c) An active ingredient comprising, by weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 5%, the active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of: corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, eugenol, geraniol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, and thiamethoxam. The following are ingredients: phenanthrene, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of geraniol, corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and mixtures thereof; (c) about 0.1% to about 45% by weight of the composition, preferably about 0.1% to about 35%, more preferably about 0.1% to about 20%, or even more. More preferably, about 1% to about 15% of a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; and (d) about 60% to about 95%, preferably about 65% to about 85%, more preferably about 70% to about 80% of water by weight of the composition.

[0083] The pest control composition may optionally contain about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition, of urea. The pest control composition may also optionally contain carboxylic acids or salts thereof, selected from the group consisting of citric acid or salts thereof, malic acid or salts thereof, acetic acid or salts thereof, fumaric acid or salts thereof, humic acid or salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, preferably citric acid or salts thereof. The pest control composition may also optionally contain components selected from pH adjusters, propellants, preservatives, thickeners, fatty acids or salts thereof, and combinations thereof. The pest control composition may contain about 3% or less by weight of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0084] Waterborne pest control compositions are described in U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 865943, U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 082,891, U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 334,004, and U.S. Application Serial Nos. 63 / 509,339 and 63 / 509,380, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Suitable herbicide compositions may also comprise about 40% to about 99% water by weight of the composition, and are described in WO Application Serial No. PCT / US23 / 68554 and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 355134, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] Packaging and Distribution

[0086] The pest control compositions described herein can be packaged in any suitable container, including those constructed of paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and any suitable laminates. Containers can store about 50g to about 5,000g, or about 2,000g to about 5,000g, or about 3,000g to about 5,000g, or about 50g to about 2,000g, or about 50g to about 500g, or about 150g to about 400g, or about 200g to about 350g of the composition. Containers can store about 400g to about 8,000g, or about 500g to about 6,000g, or about 1,000g to about 5,000g, or about 1,500g to about 4,000g. The weight of a pest control product including the composition can be selected to allow the user to comfortably manipulate and actuate the product with one hand, while providing enough composition to treat one or more target areas / surfaces of different sizes in one or more applications, such as a multi-purpose product (e.g., a multi-purpose product).

[0087] Pest control compositions can be dispensed in any quantity and in any suitable manner, such as spraying, pouring, etc. Pest control compositions can be dispensed by spraying using any number of known spray dispensers, such as pump-action sprayers, trigger sprayers, aerosol sprayers, etc. Spray dispensers can be attached to plastic or metal containers and may include known components such as dip tubes, valves, actuators, and / or nozzles for dispensing the composition into the environment. Valves can control the flow and / or seal the composition, such as within a pressurized plastic or metal container. Spray dispensers (e.g., motorized spray sticks, manually triggered sprayers) can be connected to the container via tubes or hoses, allowing a user to hold the container with one hand and the spray dispenser with the other.

[0088] In the case of pressurized containers, in addition to the pest control composition, the container may also contain a propellant. Examples of suitable propellants include compressed gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and air; liquefied hydrocarbons such as butane, isobutane, and propane; hydrofluoroolefins and mixtures thereof. The propellant may be selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and mixtures thereof. The pressurized container may have an internal gauge pressure of about 414 kPa to about 1,100 kPa, or about 600 kPa to about 1,000 kPa, or about 700 kPa to about 900 kPa.

[0089] As detailed below, in the spray droplet size testing method, the spray droplet volume size distribution measurements, including spray D(50) normalized values, spray D(90) normalized values, and spray D(2,3) normalized values, are determined using a Malvern Spraytec 2000 laser diffraction spray droplet size measuring instrument (supplied by Malvern Instruments, Worcestershire, UK). When dispensed via a spray dispenser, the pest control composition may have a spray D(90) in the range of about 100 micrometers to 900 micrometers, or about 125 micrometers to about 800 micrometers, or about 150 micrometers to about 700 micrometers. The spray D(90) can be selected to effectively deliver the active agent to the target surface or area. Furthermore, spray D(90) within the disclosed range can be considered capable of traveling a distance of one meter or more and depositing on the target surface. Particles with a spray D(90) less than 100 micrometers may produce a spray that produces too much mist or a spray with insufficient velocity to travel to the target surface.

[0090] The spray dispenser may have a spray rate of about 0.5 g / s to about 5 g / s, or about 0.75 g / s to about 4 g / s, or about 1.25 g / s to about 3.5 g / s, or about 1.5 g / s to about 3 g / s. The spray rate can be selected to enable targeted dispensing and delivery of the composition without over-spraying or spraying the composition outside the target area.

[0091] Unbound by theory, the pest control products disclosed herein are believed to be particularly advantageous for directional spraying of pest control compositions (e.g., insecticides or herbicides) from a distance of about 0.3 m to about 1.5 m, preferably about 0.3 m to about 1 m from the target pest or surface. Selectable compositions (including characteristics such as viscosity and surface tension), dispensing pressure, and / or nozzle designs can be chosen to provide optimal spray exit velocity and particle size distribution (PSD) for spraying the pest control product onto the target pest or surface at a distance of about 0.3 m to about 1.5 m, preferably about 0.3 m to about 1 m.

[0092] The pest control composition may be packaged in a container or bottle that is at least partially transparent or translucent. In some aspects, the container may include a transparent portion, such as a window. The transparent or translucent bottle may have a light transmittance of greater than 25% at wavelengths of about 410 nm to 800 nm. Bottle materials that may be used include, but are not limited to: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC); and polystyrene (PS).

[0093] A transparent or translucent container, or the transparent portion of a container, may have a transmittance greater than 25% in the wavelength range of about 410 nm to 800 nm. A transparent or translucent container may have a transmittance greater than about 25%, or greater than about 30%, or greater than about 40%, or greater than about 50%, or greater than about 60%, or greater than about 80%, or greater than about 95% in the visible portion of the spectrum (about 410 nm to 800 nm). Alternatively, the absorbance of the container / bottle may be measured as less than about 0.6 or by having a transmittance greater than about 25%, wherein the percentage of transmittance is equal to: .

[0094] For the purposes of this disclosure, a wavelength in the visible light range is considered to be transparent / semi-transparent if it has a transmittance of more than about 25%.

[0095] Transparent or translucent containers may be desirable for containing clear, colorless, and / or single-phase insecticide compositions because such containers allow users to observe the contents, enabling them to confirm the suitability / availability of the composition. For example, users can easily observe the clarity, colorlessness, and / or single-phase characteristics of the composition at the time of purchase and at later points in time, such as after seasonal (e.g., winter) storage, to confirm its suitability / availability. Furthermore, if the user observes that the composition is no longer clear or has separated into multiple phases, steps can be taken to restore the clarity or single-phase characteristics of the composition, such as by shaking, mixing, and / or changing the ambient temperature of the composition.

[0096] Method for preparing pest control compositions

[0097] A method for preparing an insect control composition may include the following steps: a. combining sodium lauryl sulfate, a fatty acid or a salt thereof, an active ingredient and a solvent to prepare an active ingredient premix; b. combining the active ingredient premix with an aqueous phase comprising water and optional ingredients selected from urea, pH adjusters, preservatives or mixtures thereof; wherein the insect control composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 11.0. The active ingredients may be selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, geraniol, menthol, menthone, camphor, α-pinene, and mixtures thereof.

[0098] Methods for controlling weeds

[0099] This disclosure also relates to methods for controlling unwanted weeds. In some aspects, the method for controlling weeds may include the steps of: (a) providing a pest control composition (e.g., a herbicide composition); and (b) contacting the weeds with an effective amount of the pest control composition. The pest control composition may be applied (e.g., by spraying as an aqueous liquid) to a target area in an amount ranging from about 0.5 ml / ft to about 40 ml / ft, alternatively from about 0.9 ml / ft to about 36 ml / ft.

[0100] Pest control compositions (e.g., herbicides) can be used to suppress the growth and / or development of weeds such as, for example, dandelion, milk thistle, broadleaf plantain, white clover, green foxtail, amaranth, yellow sedge, crabgrass, evening primrose, chickweed, common bermudagrass, morning glory, wild carrot, ryegrass, umbrella sedge, or ivy. The pest control composition (e.g., herbicide) can be sprayed onto the leaves of the target weed. The pest control composition (e.g., herbicide) can be used to treat existing weeds or to prevent weed growth. In the latter case, the pest control composition (e.g., herbicide) can be used for pre-emergence pest control.

[0101] Pest control compositions (e.g., herbicides) can be used to control weeds growing from a variety of surfaces. For example, pest control compositions (e.g., herbicides) can be sprayed on hard surfaces with openings in dirt where weeds may be present or may develop, such as asphalt, concrete, interlocking bricks, roads, and highways. Pest control compositions (e.g., herbicides) can be applied to lawns, golf course greens, or flower beds where weeds may be present or may develop.

[0102] Pest control compositions (e.g., herbicides) can be applied as a single treatment or multiple treatments, such as applying for several consecutive days or weeks.

[0103] Methods for controlling arthropod pests

[0104] This disclosure also relates to methods for controlling unwanted arthropods, such as insects. In some aspects, methods for controlling arthropod pests may include the steps of: (i) providing a pest control composition (e.g., an insecticide composition); (ii) contacting a target area, surface, and / or arthropod pest with the pest control composition as described herein; and (iii) optionally wiping away any excess pest control composition from adjacent surfaces. The arthropod pests can come into contact with an effective amount of the pest control composition. Because of the presence of a surfactant, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, in the composition, optionally wiping adjacent surfaces can provide a beneficial cleaning effect on the surfaces.

[0105] Adjacent surfaces can be dried without wiping or rinsing, particularly in the context of barrier pest control products designed to deter or repel pests such as arthropods. Therefore, this disclosure also relates to a method of pest control comprising: (i) contacting a target surface with a pest control composition according to this disclosure; and (ii) drying the composition on the surface. The target surface can be a hard surface selected from the group consisting of ceramics, vinyl resins, composite materials, stainless steel, glass, wood, stone, concrete, plastics, and mixtures thereof. The target surface can be located at the threshold of a building, such as a door sill, window sill, door frame, window frame, or a combination thereof. The target surface can be the building foundation, floor, baseboard, or an outdoor area adjacent to the perimeter of the building or foundation.

[0106] After drying, the pest control composition may leave an insect repellent or insect barrier film. In some aspects, after drying, the pest control composition may comprise: a. about 4% to about 15% by weight of the composition a fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms; b. about 5% to about 25% by weight of the composition an active ingredient selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably ... eucalyptol, ceramide, eucalyptol, eucalyptol, eucalyptol, eucalyptol, eucalyptol, The composition comprises: c) a. about 15% to about 45% sodium lauryl sulfate by weight of the composition; d) optionally, about 5% to about 25% citric acid by weight of the composition; e) about 20% to about 50% solvent by weight of the composition, the solvent being selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; wherein the composition is substantially free of water and substantially free of alcohols selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, their isomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0107] In some respects, after drying, the pest control agent may comprise: a. about 4% to about 14.5% by weight of the composition a first fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the first fatty acid is saturated; b. about 0.5% to about 3% by weight of the composition a second fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 16 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the second fatty acid is unsaturated; c. about 10% to about 25% by weight of the composition an active ingredient selected from corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-propionic acid. The composition comprises, but is preferably free from, the group consisting of phenethyl ester, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof; d. about 20% to about 45% by weight of the composition of sodium lauryl sulfate; e. optionally, about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of the composition of a polyol containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms (an alcohol containing two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule); wherein the composition is substantially free of water.

[0108] In some aspects, after drying, the pest control composition may contain about 1% to about 25% by weight, or about 2% to about 20% by weight, or about 5.5% to about 15% by weight of a first fatty acid or a salt thereof, and about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.25% to about 3% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 2.5% by weight of a second fatty acid or a salt thereof.

[0109] Pest control compositions (e.g., insecticides) can be applied as a single treatment or multiple treatments, such as applying for several consecutive days or weeks.

[0110] Test methods

[0111] Brinell viscosity

[0112] Brookfield DV-E viscometer was used to measure Brookfield viscosity at 23°C ± 2°C. The liquid was contained in a wide-mouth glass bottle with a width of approximately 5.5 cm to 6.5 cm and a height of approximately 9 cm to 11 cm. A spindle LV2 was used at a rotation speed of 60 RPM. The test was performed according to the instrument's instructions.

[0113] pH testing method

[0114] pH should be measured using a standard pH meter, such as, for example, the Beckman Coulter PHI1410 pH meter (manufactured by Beckman Coulter, Brea, California, USA, or equivalent) equipped with a universal probe. Calibrate the pH meter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Measure the composition after storing it at room temperature (approximately 23°C ± 2°C) for approximately 24 hours.

[0115] Particle size testing methods

[0116] Particle size was measured using light scattering data techniques. Particle size was determined using a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, United Kingdom). The software used for instrument control and data acquisition was Malvern Zetasizer Software version 8.01.4906 (Malvern Panalytical). Unless otherwise specified, all samples were stored at 25°C.

[0117] In BRAND ® Measurements are performed using disposable polystyrene cuvettes (catalog number 759070D or equivalent). Add 1 mL of sample to the cuvette using a disposable pipette (VWR, catalog number 414004-004 or equivalent), swirl, and then discard. Add another 1 mL of sample to the cuvette using the same disposable pipette. Place the cap on the cuvette and wipe all surfaces of the cuvette with lint-free lens paper. Install the cuvette into the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring that light enters the sample correctly during measurement, and then cap the cuvette.

[0118] Prepare the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions. Perform particle size measurement using software with the following settings:

[0119] 1) Under the "Measure" section, select the "Manual" option. Then set the "Measurement Type" to "Size".

[0120] 2) Then select the “Sample” section. In the “Material” subsection: select “SDS” for “Material”; set “RI” to 1.461; and set “Absorption” to 0.001. In the “Dispersant” subsection: select “Water” for “Dispersant”; set “Temperature” to “25.0℃”; set “Viscosity” to 0.8872cP; and set “RI” to 1.330. In the “General options” subsection, select “Mark-Houwink Parameters”, set “A Parameter” to 0.428; and set “K Parameter (cm² / s)” to 7.67e-05. In the "Temperature" subsection: set "Temperature" to 25.0℃; set "Equilibration Time (second)" to 120. In the "Cell" subsection: select "Disposable cuvettes" for "Cell Type"; and select the "DTS0012" option.

[0121] 3) Then select the "Measurement" section. Set the "Angle of Detection Measurement Angle" to "173° Backscatter (NIBS default)"; set the "Measurement Duration" to "Automatic"; set the "Number of Runs" to 11; set the "Runduration (seconds)" to 10; set the "Number of Measurements" to 3; set the "Delay between Measurements (seconds)" to 0; select "Append Measurement Number to Sample Name"; and do not select "Allow Results to be Saved Containing Correlation Data Only". In the "Advanced" sub-section: set "Measurement duration, Extend Duration for Large Part" to "No"; set "Measurement settings, Positioning method" to "Seek for Optimum Position"; and set "Automatic attenuation selection" to "Yes".

[0122] 4) Then select the “Data Processing” section and choose the following option: Select “General Purpose (Normal Resolution)” for “Analysis Model”. Set "Size Analysis Parameters" to "Analysis Details"; set "Name" to "Customized" and "Description" to "Customized Analysis"; set "DisplayRange" to "Lower Limit" of 0.6 and "Upper Limit" of 6000; select "Normal" for "Multimodal – analysis, Resolution"; set "Size classes, Number of size classes" to 70; set "Lower Size Limit" to 0.4; set "Upper Size Limit" to 10,000; set "Lower Threshold" to 0.05; and set "Upper Threshold" to 0.01. In the "Reports" subsection: do not select "Print Report", and in the "Export" subsection: do not select "Export Results".

[0123] Spray droplet size test method

[0124] The term "Dv10 value" describes the average particle size of 10% by volume of particles with a smaller size. Similarly, the term "Dv50 value" describes the average particle size of 50% by volume of particles with a smaller size, and the term "Dv90 value" describes the average particle size of 90% by volume of particles with a smaller size. The Sauter average diameter (D[3,2]) is the weighted average surface diameter, assuming that spherical particles have the same surface area as actual particles.

[0125] .

[0126] The spray droplet volume size distribution, including spray D(50), spray D(90), and spray D(2,3) normalized values, was determined using a Malvern Spraytec 2000 laser diffraction spray droplet size measurement instrument (supplied by Malvern Instruments, Worcestershire, UK). This instrument is equipped with a 300mm lens with a focal length of 150mm and an air purging system (not exceeding 14.5 psi). The system was controlled using Mie theory and Fraunhofer approximate optics theory, via a computer and accompanying software (such as Spraytec software version 3.20 or equivalent). The system was placed in a fume hood under atmospheric control, carefully positioned directly opposite the actuated spray plume trajectory to prevent saturation, with an airflow rate between 50 L / min and 70 L / min (60 L / min being the target rate). The distance from the dispensing nozzle orifice to the laser was 30 cm during measurements. A new spray bottle was used for each sample analyzed repeatedly. Illumination conditions remain constant during or between background control and test sample data collection cycles. A light occlusion value below 95% is considered suitable for providing accurate results.

[0127] The samples analyzed included “Example” samples (which are samples according to this disclosure) and comparative samples. All newly generated Example samples were tested within three hours of preparation and measured at a temperature between 20°C and 22°C. Deionized water was used as a standard reference spray and labeled “Control”.

[0128] Use the following spray SOP instrument configuration for spray measurement: Select the "Rapid SOP" type and choose the following settings: Set "Hardware Configuration" to "Default", "Measurement Type" to "Rapid", "Data Acquisition Rate" to "250Hz", and "Lens Type" to "300". In the "Measurement" menu: Set "Background" to "3 seconds", select "Inspection", and uncheck the box under "Output Trigger". Under the "Measurement" tab, select "Rapid", set "Events Number" to "1", "DurationPer Event" to "4000.0", and "Units" to "ms". In the MeasurementTrigger section, set "Trigger Type" to "Transmission drops to level" and "Transmission" to "96". For DataCollection, set "Start" to "52", "Units" to "ms", and select "before the trigger" from the drop-down menu. In the Advanced tab window, deselect all boxes and set "Grouping" to "no grouping"; set "Background Alarms" to "default values". In the Analysis tab, under Optical Properties, set "Particle Set" to "Water", "Dispersant" to "Air", and "Multiple Scattering Analysis" to "Enable".On the "Data Handling" tab, under "Detector," set "Range" to "first: 1 and last: last," select the "No extinction analysis" box, and set "Scattering threshold" to "1." On "Data Handling / Spray Profile," set "Path Length" to "100.0," select "Alarm," and check the "Use default values" box. On the "Additional Properties" tab, set "Curve Fit" to "no fit," set "User Size" to the "enable" box, and set the drop-down menu to "Default." On the "Additional Properties / Advanced" tab, set the particle diameter to a minimum of "0.10" and a maximum of "900," and set "Result Type" to "Volume Distribution." On the "Output" tab, set "Export Option" to "not selected", select "Derived Parameter", select the "Use AveragingPeriod" box, and set it to "0.0" and "ms". On the "Average" menu, select "Average scatter data".

[0129] Use the following spray procedure to perform spray measurements: First, spray the sample from the spray bottle for 1 to 2 seconds to ensure the nozzle is unobstructed and free of blockages; then load the sample into the holding device at the front of the Spraytec 2000 system. Fully depress the actuator. Observe the spray droplet size data and save it as "Average Scatter Data".

[0130] a. The values ​​measured from each sample are normalized to the control sample values ​​based on the following calculations:

[0131] Normalized value of spray D(50) = D(50)实施例 / D(50) 对照 ;

[0132] Normalized value of spray D(90) = D(90) 实施例 / D(90) 对照 ;

[0133] Normalized value of spray D(3,2) = D(3,2) 实施例 / D(3,2) 对照 ;

[0134] in:

[0135] Spray D(50), spray D(90), and spray D(3,2) are the values ​​of the example sample and the control sample obtained from the instrument software, respectively.

[0136] The normalized values ​​of spray D(90) and spray D(3,2) reported for each sample are the average values ​​calculated from five repeated spray plumes for each sample.

[0137] Hunter Lab's determination (CIE) b* value

[0138] Yellow formation was measured using Hunter Lab (CIE) methods. HunterLab ColorFlex EZ was used. ® b* values ​​were determined using a spectrophotometer (HunterLab, 11491 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, Virginia 20190). The methods used are described in detail in the “User's Manual for ColorFlex EZ Version 2.2”.

[0139] HunterLab ColorFlex EZ ® A spectrophotometer uses a xenon flash lamp to illuminate the sample. The light reflected from the sample is then separated into its component wavelengths by a dispersion grating. The relative intensities of light at different wavelengths along the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) are then analyzed to produce digital results indicating the color of the sample.

[0140] Turbidity method

[0141] A turbidimeter is used to measure the turbidity of a composition. This instrument measures the turbidity of liquids in turbidimetric units (NTU). The method for measuring turbidity is described in detail in the following reference: Hach 2100Q and 2100Qis User Manual, Hach Corporation, 6th Edition, August 2021. If the sample is not homogeneous before analysis, invert the sample until it appears homogeneous, then pour it into an analyte vial for measurement.

[0142] This measurement method determines a quantitative value of turbidity by evaluating the ratio of the primary turbidity light scattering signal to the transmitted light scattering signal. This specific evaluation method provides values ​​between 0 and 1000 NTU, where a higher NTU value indicates a more turbid composition. A water control group can be measured between each test sample to ensure proper equipment operation. For example, water may have a turbidity of approximately 1.11 NTU, and isopropanol may have a turbidity of approximately 0.15 NTU. It is believed that improved emulsification of the active ingredient, particularly the hydrophobic active ingredient, results in lower NTU values.

[0143] Surface tension method

[0144] Surface tension should be measured using an EZ-Pi tensiometer (Kibron, Parrish, Fla.) or equivalent, according to ASTM 1331-14 (published January 2015). Calibrate the instrument using DI water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Perform measurements and report values ​​in mN / m.

[0145] Temperature stability

[0146] The sample was prepared by combining all components in a 4-ounce glass vial under ambient conditions (25°C). The sample was mixed, and the initial stability of the sample was observed five minutes after mixing.

[0147] Low-temperature cycling stability was measured by filling 4-ounce glass vials with the sample composition. The vials were sealed and stored at 5°C for 12 to 14 hours. The vials were then moved to 25°C and stored for 10 to 12 hours to complete one low-temperature cycle. This was repeated twice more, for a total of three low-temperature cycles. After a final incubation at 25°C, the stability of the vials was visually observed (and turbidity and b* values ​​could be assessed using the turbidity and Hunter Lab (CIE) methods described above).

[0148] Insect test

[0149] Material :

[0150] The insects used in the test were male German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) from Benson Research, Inc., 7 Kuhn Dr, Carlisle, PA17015, and pavement ants (Tetramorium immigrans) collected in the wild in Cincinnati, OH. The insects were contained in clear PET cups (c-kc24) covered with clear PET flat caps (c-kc626ts) with straw holes (cup and cap available from Karat). The spray bottle was a clear PET bottle with 1.1% 66SA7600 antistatic additive (PMP-91690456) and a Silgan Mixor MP 1.3 CC sprayer (PMP-91690457). Additional materials used in the test included filter paper and Ol' Roy... ™ Dog food, a 9-inch pie dish purchased from Gordon Food Service Store, Grand Rapids, MI, and a 200mm glass petri dish purchased from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA.

[0151] method :

[0152] First, place the cockroaches in a 4°C refrigerator (in the container holding the cockroaches) for 10 to 20 minutes to achieve cold anesthesia. If the cockroaches are still active after 10 to 20 minutes of cold anesthesia, return them to the 4°C refrigerator for another 5 minutes to reduce their activity and facilitate sample cup preparation. Anesthetize the ants using CO2 dispensed from a compressed cylinder to facilitate sample cup preparation.

[0153] test :

[0154] The cockroaches were then reinserted into 9-inch pie pans, each with its base covered in foil. Half of the foil-covered base of each pan was treated with the test formulation, while the other half remained untreated. The walls of the pie pans were treated with petroleum jelly to prevent cockroach escape. The pie pans (with cockroaches) were left in a closed laboratory drawer for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the cockroaches were removed, and fecal spots were counted on each pie pan. The ratio of fecal spots on the untreated half of the pie pan to the total number of fecal spots on the same pie pan was calculated and converted to a percentage (repellency percentage). Finally, the repellency percentages of all pie pans were averaged to generate an overall average repellency.

[0155] Ants were placed in 200mm glass petri dishes, each with its base inner surface covered with foil. Half of the foil-covered base of each dish was treated with the test formulation, while the other half remained untreated. The walls of the dishes were treated with a Teflon dispersion to prevent ant escape. A small cap was placed on each foil-covered half of the dish to provide a resting place for the ants. The dishes were observed approximately every thirty minutes until the ants stopped moving around the area. The number of ants on each dish was counted. The ratio of ants on the untreated half of the dish to the total number of ants in the same dish was calculated and converted to a percentage (repellency percentage). Finally, the repellency percentages of all the dishes were averaged to generate an overall average repellency.

[0156] Example

[0157] The following data and examples are provided to help illustrate the pest control compositions described herein. The example compositions are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention, as many variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all parts, percentages, and ratios herein are by weight.

[0158] The sample formulation is prepared according to the method described above. Sodium lauryl sulfate, fatty acids or their salts, a specified active ingredient (e.g., corn peppermint oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil), and a specified solvent (e.g., triethyl citrate, isopropanol) are mixed in a first container to prepare an active ingredient premix. The sodium lauryl sulfate may be neutralized before mixing with the active ingredient and solvent. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate can be neutralized with a carboxylic acid such as citric acid. Water and a pH adjuster (e.g., a salt of citric acid, such as sodium citrate) are mixed in a suitable second container until the pH adjuster is completely dissolved to form an aqueous phase. The active ingredient premix is ​​then transferred to the second container and mixed with the aqueous phase to form the sample formulation. Additional citric acid may also be added to the sample formulation as needed until the pH reaches approximately 6.0 to approximately 7.0.

[0159] Example 1 - Combination of sodium octanoate and oleic acid reduces surface tension

[0160] Reducing the surface tension of the pest control composition allows it to spread on the target surface and form a more uniform barrier film, as opposed to a barrier containing discrete droplets. The pest control compositions in Table 1 were prepared by mixing the raw materials in an intermittent process. The pest control compositions of Examples A through D differ in the concentration of sodium octanoate and / or oleic acid. The results in Table 1 indicate that the combination of sodium octanoate and oleic acid reduces surface tension more than sodium octanoate or oleic acid alone.

[0161] Table 1 .

[0162]

[0163] Example 2 - Liquid Formulation Example

[0164] Table 2 includes a range of possible liquid formulations according to this disclosure.

[0165] Table 2 .

[0166]

[0167] Example 3 - Membrane Formulation Example

[0168] When the liquid formulation according to this disclosure is applied to a target surface and allowed to dry, the formulation may leave an insect repellent or insect barrier film. Alternatively, such an insect repellent or insect barrier film may be applied to the target surface in the form of an adhesive strip (e.g., using a roller) rather than as a liquid formulation dried into a film. Table 3 includes a range of possible formulations of insect repellents or insect barrier films according to this disclosure.

[0169] Table 3 .

[0170]

[0171] Example 4 - Repellency Data

[0172] Table 4 .

[0173]

[0174] combination

[0175] Paragraph A: A pest control composition, said pest control composition comprising:

[0176] a. Sodium lauryl sulfate, about 1% to about 10% by weight of the composition;

[0177] b. From about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition a fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms;

[0178] c. An active ingredient comprising, by weight of the composition, from about 0.01% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.1% to about 10%, more preferably from about 0.1% to about 8%, said active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, geraniol, menthol, menthone, camphor, α-pinene, and mixtures thereof;

[0179] d. A solvent comprising about 0.1% to about 45%, preferably about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the composition, said solvent being selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; and

[0180] e. About 60% to about 95% water by weight of the pest control composition; wherein the pest control composition has a pH of about 3.0 to about 11.0.

[0181] Paragraph B. The pest control composition according to paragraph A, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 15%, preferably about 0.1% to about 5% isopropanol by weight of the composition.

[0182] Paragraph C. The pest control composition according to paragraph A or B, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 12%, preferably about 0.5% to about 10%, more preferably about 1% to about 8% of triethyl citrate by weight of the composition.

[0183] Paragraph D. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to C, wherein the weight ratio of sodium lauryl sulfate to the total active ingredient is from about 1:1 to about 3:1.

[0184] Paragraph E. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to D, wherein the fatty acid or salt thereof comprises a first fatty acid or salt thereof and a second fatty acid or salt thereof, preferably wherein the first fatty acid or salt thereof is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid salt containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and the second fatty acid or salt thereof is a straight-chain unsaturated fatty acid containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0185] Paragraph F. The pest control composition according to paragraph E, wherein the weight ratio of the first fatty acid or its salt to the second fatty acid or its salt is about 3:1 to about 10:1, preferably about 5:1 to about 10:1.

[0186] Paragraph G. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to F, wherein the composition comprises about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 8% of geraniol by weight of the composition.

[0187] Paragraph H. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to G, wherein the composition further comprises a pH adjuster selected from the group consisting of citric acid or a salt thereof, malic acid or a salt thereof, acetic acid or a salt thereof, fumaric acid or a salt thereof, humic acid or a salt thereof, and mixtures thereof, preferably citric acid or a salt thereof.

[0188] Paragraph I. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to H, wherein the composition further comprises about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 6% of urea by weight of the pest control composition.

[0189] Paragraph J. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to I, wherein the composition comprises about 3% to about 35% by weight of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0190] Paragraph K. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to J, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5.0 to about 8.0, more preferably about 6.0 to about 7.0.

[0191] Paragraph L. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to K, wherein the composition has a turbidity of less than about 20 NTU and greater than about 0 NTU, preferably less than about 10 NTU and greater than about 0 NTU.

[0192] Paragraph M. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to L, wherein the composition is substantially free of synthetic insecticides, mineral oils, colorants or combinations thereof.

[0193] Paragraph N. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to M, wherein the composition is packaged in a transparent or translucent container.

[0194] Paragraph O. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to N, wherein one or more of the ingredients are food safe.

[0195] Paragraph P. Pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to O, wherein the composition is a spray composition.

[0196] Paragraph Q. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to P, wherein the pest control composition has a b* value of about 0 to about 5.

[0197] Paragraph R. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to Q, wherein the composition is an oil-in-water emulsion or a micelle dispersion.

[0198] Paragraph S. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to R, wherein the composition has a viscosity in the range of about 1 cps to about 300 cps.

[0199] Paragraph T. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to S, wherein the composition comprises about 0.2% to about 3% of rosemary oil by weight of the composition.

[0200] Paragraph U. Pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to T, wherein the composition comprises about 0.5% to about 5% corn peppermint oil by weight of the composition.

[0201] Paragraph V. The pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to U, wherein the composition comprises about 0.1% to about 2% peppermint oil by weight of the composition.

[0202] Paragraph W. A pest control composition, said pest control composition comprising:

[0203] a. About 4% to about 15% by weight of the composition of a fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms;

[0204] b. An active ingredient comprising about 5% to about 25% by weight of the composition, said active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, geraniol, menthol, menthone, camphor, α-pinene, and mixtures thereof.

[0205] c. Sodium lauryl sulfate, in amounts of about 15% to about 45% by weight of the composition;

[0206] d. Optionally, about 5% to about 25% citric acid based on the weight of the composition;

[0207] e. About 20% to about 50% by weight of the composition, said solvent being selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof.

[0208] The composition is substantially free of water and substantially free of alcohols selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, their isomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0209] Paragraph X. A method for controlling pests, the method comprising: i) contacting a target surface with a pest control composition according to any one of paragraphs A to W; and ii) optionally drying the composition on the surface.

[0210] Paragraph Y. According to the method described in paragraph X, the target surface is a hard surface selected from the group consisting of ceramics, vinyl resin, composite materials, stainless steel, glass, wood, stone, concrete, plastics, and mixtures thereof.

[0211] Paragraph Z. The method according to paragraph X or Y, wherein the target surface is located at the threshold of the building, preferably a door sill, window sill, door frame, window frame or a combination thereof.

[0212] Paragraph AA. The method described in paragraph X, paragraph Y or paragraph Z, wherein the pest is a crawling insect, preferably a cockroach, an ant or a combination thereof.

[0213] Paragraph BB. A pest control composition, said pest control composition comprising:

[0214] a. About 4% to about 14.5% by weight of the composition of a first fatty acid or a salt thereof comprising 6 to 14 carbon atoms, wherein the first fatty acid is saturated;

[0215] b. About 0.5% to about 3% by weight of the composition of a second fatty acid or a salt thereof comprising 16 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the second fatty acid is unsaturated;

[0216] c. About 10% to about 25% by weight of the composition of the active ingredient, said active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, geraniol, menthol, menthone, camphor, α-pinene, and mixtures thereof;

[0217] d. Sodium lauryl sulfate, about 20% to about 45% by weight of the composition;

[0218] e. Optionally, about 0.1% to about 8% by weight of the composition of a polyol comprising 3 to 6 carbon atoms (an alcohol containing two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule).

[0219] The composition is substantially water-free.

[0220] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and the range surrounding its functional equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0221] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0222] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pest control composition, said pest control composition comprising: a. Sodium lauryl sulfate, 1% to 10% by weight of the composition; b. 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition of a fatty acid or a salt thereof containing 6 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms; c. 0.01% to 15%, preferably 0.1% to 10%, more preferably 0.1% to 8% by weight of the composition, said active ingredient being selected from the group consisting of: corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, clove oil, cinnamon oil, cedarwood oil, garlic oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, geraniol, eugenol, nerol, vanillin, 2-phenylethyl propionate, menthol, menthone, thymol, carvone, camphor, methyl salicylate, p-isopropyltoluene, linalool, eucalyptol / 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, borneol acetate, γ-terpinene, and mixtures thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of: corn peppermint oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, rosemary oil, geraniol, menthol, menthone, camphor, α-pinene, and mixtures thereof; d. A solvent comprising 0.1% to 45%, preferably 0.1% to 20% by weight of the composition, said solvent being selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl lactate, butyl stearate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof, preferably a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropanol, triethyl citrate, glycerol, and mixtures thereof; and e. 60% to 95% water by weight of the pest control composition; The pest control composition described herein has a pH of 3.0 to 11.0, preferably 5.0 to 8.0, and more preferably 6.0 to 7.

0.

2. The pest control composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% to 15%, preferably 0.1% to 5% isopropanol by weight of the composition.

3. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% to 12%, preferably 0.5% to 10%, more preferably 1% to 8% of triethyl citrate by weight of the composition.

4. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight ratio of sodium lauryl sulfate to the total active ingredient is 1:1 to 3:

1.

5. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid or its salt comprises a first fatty acid or its salt and a second fatty acid or its salt, preferably wherein the first fatty acid or its salt is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid salt containing 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and the second fatty acid or its salt is a straight-chain unsaturated fatty acid containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms.

6. The pest control composition according to claim 6, wherein the weight ratio of the first fatty acid or its salt to the second fatty acid or its salt is 3:1 to 10:1, preferably 5:1 to 10:

1.

7. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.5% to 10%, preferably 1% to 8% geraniol by weight of the composition.

8. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition further comprises 0.5% to 10%, preferably 1% to 6% urea by weight of the pest control composition.

9. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 3% to 35% by weight of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

10. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition is substantially free of synthetic insecticides, mineral oils, colorants, or combinations thereof.

11. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.2% to 3% rosemary oil by weight of the composition.

12. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.5% to 5% corn peppermint oil by weight of the composition.

13. The pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composition comprises 0.1% to 2% peppermint oil by weight of the composition.

14. A method for controlling pests, the method comprising: i) To bring the target surface into contact with the pest control composition according to any one of the preceding claims; and ii) optionally, the composition is dried on the surface.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the target surface is a hard surface selected from the group consisting of: ceramics, vinyl resins, composite materials, stainless steel, glass, wood, stone, concrete, plastics, and mixtures thereof.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the target surface is located at the threshold of a building, preferably a door sill, window sill, door frame, window frame, or a combination thereof.

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