Device for destroying an insect nest

Abstract

Device for inducing hyperpyrexia in an insect in an insect nest, the device comprising the following: a heating device to increase the internal temperature of the insect nest, so that the body temperature of an insect in the nest rises to 40 degrees Celsius or more, the heating device is configured to maintain the structural stability of the insect nest during use.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for inducing hyperpyrexia in an insect in an insect nest, in particular a device for inducing hyperpyrexia in a hornet queen in a hornet nest. Background of the invention

[0002] The survival of pollinators, such as honeybees, is currently threatened. Their way of life is already endangered by pollution, pesticides, and climate change.

[0003] Their survival in the western world is further affected by the arrival of invasive species, such as the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) and the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia), in their territory.

[0004] Asian giant hornets are responsible for up to 50 deaths per year in Asia alone and are capable of killing insects and even rodents.

[0005] Asian hornets have already established themselves on the European mainland, particularly in France, Spain, and Portugal. It is assumed that they arrived in Europe in 2002 via a shipment of ceramics from China.

[0006] A single nest full of Asian hornets is capable of consuming approximately 11 kg (24 lb) of pollinating insects, such as honeybees, in a single season. This can destroy a hive of 30,000 honeybees within hours.

[0007] Hornets raid honeybee hives by landing outside them and capturing worker bees as they fly in and out. They dismember the bees and feed them to their young.

[0008] The spread of the Asian giant hornet in the west could decimate the population of western honeybees on a regular basis.

[0009] The increase in items imported from Asia by Westerners leads to a high probability of the introduction of invasive species through imported plants, fruit, garden items such as furniture and planters, as well as through shipping containers.

[0010] Unlike Japanese honeybees, which co-evolved with Asian hornets and Asian giant hornets, western honeybees lack the ability to kill the invasive hornet.

[0011] Even if the invasive hornets do not attack a beehive, their mere presence can deter the frightened bees in the vicinity from flying out of their hives to collect honey, costing beekeepers a fortune.

[0012] Invasive hornets are opportunistic hunters and do not only feed on honeybees. Scientists have discovered that they feed on 1,400 different insect species, including other important pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, hoverflies, moths, and beetles.

[0013] As a result, the proliferation of invasive hornets could have serious negative effects on the animal and plant life already living there if a colony spreads.

[0014] Consequently, the negative impacts of invasive hornets must be addressed year after year. Control or eradication measures include locating and destroying their nests, ideally while they are still relatively small and a full colony has not yet established itself.

[0015] A nest can grow to a width of up to 60 cm and a height of 80 cm, and a fully settled hornet's nest can house up to 6000 workers and 350 queens.

[0016] Known methods for controlling hornet nests include the following: i) Burning the nest on site; however, this method poses a fire risk; ii) Use of chemicals to kill the hornets; however, this method risks undesirable damage to the surrounding environment, other animals and bodies of water (the use of chemicals to destroy hornet nests is already prohibited in Germany); iii) Removal of the nest from the open countryside for disposal at a more suitable and controlled location; however, nests are usually found in tall trees, requiring the use of aerial work platforms to access the nest. Access to the nest using an aerial work platform may not be possible in forests or areas with dense vegetation.

[0017] Therefore, there is a need for a new method to render a hornet's nest harmless that does not have the disadvantages of the known methods described above. Summary of the invention

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for inducing hyperpyrexia in an insect in an insect nest is provided, the device comprising the following: a heating device to increase the internal temperature of the insect nest, so that the body temperature of an insect in the nest rises to 40 degrees Celsius or more, the heating device is configured to maintain the structural stability of the insect nest during use.

[0019] Preferably, the heating device contains steam, ideally dry steam.

[0020] The device appropriately includes a steam supply pipe for supplying steam to an insect nest during use.

[0021] Preferably, the steam supply pipe has a plurality of steam outlets along a length of the steam supply pipe.

[0022] Preferably, the steam supply pipe has between 4 and 40 steam outlets along a length of the steam supply pipe.

[0023] In one exemplary configuration, the steam supply pipe has 16 openings that limit the steam outlets.

[0024] In another exemplary configuration, the steam supply pipe has 24 openings that limit the steam outlets.

[0025] The openings can be arranged in rows. It is practical to arrange them in 4 rows. For example, in the configuration with 16 openings, the steam outlets are arranged in 4 rows, each row having 4 openings.

[0026] Preferably, the steam supply pipe has a tip configured to pierce a wall in an insect nest.

[0027] Preferably, the tip is a hardened tip.

[0028] The steam supply pipe can essentially have a straight profile.

[0029] Alternatively, an upper section of the steam supply pipe can have a curved profile.

[0030] Preferably, the device further comprises a steam generator configured to provide steam for the heating device.

[0031] Preferably, the device also has a connecting line to fluidically connect the steam generator to the steam supply pipe.

[0032] Preferably, the device has a lance section. The lance section includes the steam supply pipe and the connecting line.

[0033] Preferably, the lance section has a pipe section that is positioned between the steam supply pipe and the connecting pipe.

[0034] The pipe section can be of a fixed length or of a telescopic design.

[0035] The lance section can be constructed in such a way that the components forming the lance section are inseparable from each other when assembled to form the lance section.

[0036] Alternatively, the lance section can have a modular design in which the components forming the lance section are able to be connected to and separated from one of the adjacent components forming the lance section.

[0037] Preferably, the device further comprises a removable rod for extending the length of the device, wherein the removable rod has a channel extending through it for providing a fluidic connection between the connecting line and the steam supply pipe in use, wherein the removable rod is configured to be coupled to one end of the steam supply pipe and to an opposite end of the connecting line.

[0038] In exemplary configurations, the removable pole is a telescopic pole.

[0039] The device may have two or more detachable rods for extending the length of the device, each of the two or more detachable rods having a channel extending through it to provide a fluidic connection between the connecting pipe and the steam supply pipe in use, each of the two or more detachable rods being configured to be connected to another of the two or more detachable rods to create an extension rod of a desired length.

[0040] If the device further comprises a removable rod or two or more removable rods for extending the length of the device, the removable rod(s) together with the steam supply pipe and the connecting pipe are contained in the lance section of the device.

[0041] Preferably, a first end of the extension rod is configured to be fluidically connected to the steam supply pipe, and a second end of the extension rod is configured to be fluidically connected to the connecting line.

[0042] The removable sections of the extension pole can be connected by partially inserting one end of a first removable section into one end of a second removable section.

[0043] Preferably, a plurality of interconnected removable rod sections are held in a connection configuration by retaining clamps which engage adjacent removable rod sections.

[0044] Preferably, a plurality of interconnected detachable rod sections define openings located near their connecting ends, configured to be aligned when one end of a first detachable rod section is partially inserted into one end of a second detachable rod section, and the retaining clamps have a projection element configured to be received in the connecting configuration through the aligned openings.

[0045] According to a second aspect, a steam supply pipe is provided for a device according to the first aspect, wherein the steam supply pipe has a plurality of steam outlets along a length thereof.

[0046] The steam supply pipe according to the second aspect may have one or more of the features of the steam supply pipe of the device of the first aspect specified above.

[0047] According to a third aspect, a set of parts for a device according to the first aspect is provided, wherein the set of parts comprises the following: a steam supply pipe for introducing dry steam into an insect nest; and a connecting line for fluidically connecting the steam supply pipe to a steam generator in use.

[0048] Preferably, the set of parts further comprises one or more detachable rods which are configured to be connected to the steam supply pipe, the connecting pipe or to one or more other detachable rods.

[0049] The steam supply pipe, the connecting pipe and / or the one or more removable rods of the set of parts according to the third aspect may each have one or more of the features of the steam supply pipe, the connecting pipe or the removable rod(s) of the device of the first aspect specified above.

[0050] Other aspects are defined in the protection claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it can be carried out, only specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 here schematically represents the use of an embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 where schematically a first configuration of the lance section which forms part of the device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b here schematically represents an embodiment of a steam supply pipe which forms part of the device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 4 here schematically represents an embodiment of a connecting line which forms part of the device in accordance with the invention; Fig. Figure 5 schematically represents an embodiment of a detachable rod which forms part of the device in accordance with the invention; Fig. Figure 6 schematically represents a second configuration of the lance section, which forms part of the device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 7 here schematically illustrates the use of the heating device from the steam supply pipe; and Fig. Figures 8a to 8c schematically illustrate the use of the tip of the steam supply pipe to penetrate a wall of a hornet's nest and the use of steam in the hornet's nest. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0052] A specific mode devised by the inventors will now be described as an example. Numerous specific details are given in the following description to provide a complete understanding. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented without limiting itself to these specific details. In other aspects, well-known methods and structures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0053] In this description, the term hyperpyrexia means a core body temperature that is greater than or equal to 40 degrees Celsius.

[0054] In relation to Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates the use of a device 100 according to a first specific embodiment in the destruction of an invasive hornet colony in a hornet's nest 30 (while the invention is described in relation to a hornet's nest, it is not limited to such an application. It is understood that it can be used to eradicate a colony of other insect species).

[0055] A user 10 uses the device 100 to reach a hornet's nest 30 that is located at a certain distance from the ground.

[0056] The hornet's nest 30 hangs from a branch 21 of the tree 20 and is usually hidden from clear view by leaves 22 (the foliage on the tree has been reduced to show the hornet's nest 30 more clearly).

[0057] The device 100 has a heating device configured to increase the internal temperature of the hornet's nest 30, so that the body temperature of a hornet 32 ​​in the nest rises to 40 degrees Celsius or more.

[0058] Unlike incineration on site, the structural stability of the hornet's nest 30 is essentially maintained during the process of increasing the internal temperature of the hornet's nest 30.

[0059] The heating device uses steam to increase the internal temperature of the hornet's nest 30, and the device 100 has a steam generator 160 configured to provide the required steam for the heating device 110.

[0060] The steam generator 160 is preferably portable and of a size that allows it to be easily transported in a vehicle that facilitates access to the location of a hornet's nest in the wilderness, for example an all-wheel drive or off-road vehicle, such as a quad bike.

[0061] In exemplary configurations, the steam generator is a wet steam generator for use in situations where access to a water source capable of providing the required amount of water for the extermination process is available at or near the location of the hornet's nest 30.

[0062] In situations where access to a suitable water source is challenging or preferably not required, the steam generator is a dry steam generator.

[0063] It is understood that the steam generator can be of a design that has capabilities for both wet and dry steam.

[0064] In relation to Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a lance section 101 which forms part of the device 100 in accordance with the invention.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the lance section 101 has a steam supply pipe 120 for supplying steam to the insect nest 30 and a connecting line 130 configured to fluidically connect the steam generator 160 to the steam supply pipe 120.

[0066] In relation to Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b The steam supply pipe 120 has a plurality of steam outlets in the form of openings 121 along a length of the steam supply pipe 120. The steam supply pipe 120 is made of high-speed steel, although it is possible to use a different suitable material.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the steam supply pipe 120 has 16 openings 121 which limit the steam outlets along its length.

[0068] The openings 121 are arranged in 4 rows of 4 openings 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, with each of the rows being offset with respect to the adjacent rows.

[0069] It is to be understood that the rows may instead be aligned with each other or that a different number of openings may be formed on the steam supply pipe 120.

[0070] The steam supply pipe has a tip 122 configured to pierce a wall of the nest 30.

[0071] The tip 122 has fluid outlets 1221 which allow it to function as a lateral exhaust nozzle, with the steam being discharged radially from the tip 122 when the device is used.

[0072] In alternative configurations, the tip is a solid point that does not allow the passage of steam or any fluid through it.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the tip is formed integrally with the rest of the steam supply pipe 120. However, in certain configurations, the steam supply pipe has a replaceable tip that is connected to the rest of the steam supply pipe by means of a suitable fastening mechanism. For example, the replaceable tip can be screwed onto an upper section of the steam supply pipe.

[0074] One advantage of a removable tip is that it allows it to be adjusted to meet requirements.

[0075] The tip 122 of the steam supply pipe 120 is a hardened tip to enable it to withstand the impact forces generated when piercing the wall of the hornet's nest 30.

[0076] The steam supply pipe 120 has an adapter section 123 which is configured to facilitate the connection of the steam supply pipe 120 to another component of the device 100.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the adapter section 123 of the steam supply pipe 120 is configured to be inserted into one end of a component of the device 100, to which it is to be physically connected. Fig. Figure 2 shows it is physically connected to the connecting line 130.

[0078] To facilitate a held connection between the steam supply pipe 120 and the adjacent component, the steam supply pipe 120 has a retaining clamp 170 which has a protruding element 171.

[0079] The projection element 171 is configured to be received in a professionally known manner through an aligned opening in the adjacent component.

[0080] While the steam supply pipe 120 is shown essentially with a straight profile, it is understood that the upper section of the steam supply pipe may instead have a curved profile without deviating from the invention.

[0081] It is understood that instead of using a retaining clamp arrangement, an alternative fastening mechanism arrangement suitable for the requirements can be used. For example, the steam supply pipe 120 can be connected to an adjacent component of the lance section 101 by means of a screw connection arrangement.

[0082] In relation to Fig. 4 The connecting line 130 has a line section 131 which has an upper end 1311 and a lower end 1312, and an adapter section 132 which is located at the lower end 1312 of the line section.

[0083] The connecting line 130 has an opening 133 located near the upper end 1311, which is configured to receive the protruding element of a retaining clip that forms part of a component of the device 100 which is to be physically connected to the connecting line 130.

[0084] The conductor section 131 is made of a composite material, and the adapter section 132 of the connecting conductor 130 has a section 1321 made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which has a first end that is connected to and terminates the lower end 1312 of the conductor section 131, and an adapter coupling 1322 at a second end that is opposite the first end. In the embodiment shown, the adapter coupling 1322 is a push-fit coupling made of brass.

[0085] The plug coupling 1322 facilitates the fluidic connection of the connecting line 120 with the steam generator 160.

[0086] The selected composite material for conduit section 131 is a high-strength, unidirectional, 2x2 twill carbon fiber material. However, it should be understood that conduit section 131 could be made of a composite material of a different composition or any material suitable for the required function.

[0087] In relation to Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a removable rod 140, which forms part of an extension rod segment 150 of the lance section 101 of the device 100.

[0088] The extension rod segment 150 is used to extend the length of the lance section 101 to a height required to reach the hornet's nest 30.

[0089] The detachable rod 140 has a first end 141 and a second end 142, which is opposite the first end 141. A channel 145 runs from the first end 141 of the detachable rod 140 to the second end 142 of the detachable rod 140 and is configured to provide a fluidic connection between the connecting line 130 and the steam supply pipe 120.

[0090] The removable rod 140 has a section near its first end 141 that has a reduced diameter compared to the rest of the removable rod 140. This allows the first end 141 of the removable rod to be inserted into an end of an adjacent component of the device 100.

[0091] A retaining clip 170, which has a projecting element 171, is located near the first end 141 of the removable rod 140. The retaining clip facilitates a connection between the removable rod 140 and the adjacent component of the device 100, to which it is connected at its first end 141.

[0092] The removable rod 140 has an opening 143 located near the second end 142, which is configured to receive the projection element 171 of a retaining clip 170, which forms part of a component of the device 100 that is to be physically connected to the removable rod 140.

[0093] In configurations where the extension rod segment 150 has a single detachable rod 140, the first end 141 of the detachable rod 140 is received in the upper end 1311 of the line section 131 of the connecting line 130. The adapter section 123 of the steam supply pipe 120 is received in the second end 142 of the detachable rod 140, with the projecting element 171 of the retaining clip 170 of the steam supply pipe 120 being received through the opening 143 that is near the second end 142 of the detachable rod.

[0094] The length of the extension rod segment can be adjusted using two or more removable 140 rods.

[0095] As can be understood, the detachable rod sections 140 of the extension rod segment 150 are connected to each other by partially inserting the first end 141 of a first detachable rod section into the second end 142 of a second detachable rod section 140.

[0096] The multitude of interconnected, detachable rod sections 140 are held in a connection configuration by the projecting element 171 of the retaining clamps 170, which engage with the opening 143 of an adjacent detachable rod section 140.

[0097] The removable rod section(s) 140 is / are made of a composite material that is a high-strength, unidirectional, 2x2 twill carbon fiber material. However, it should be understood that the removable rod section(s) may be made of a composite material of a different composition or of any suitable material for the required function.

[0098] The length of the removable rod section(s) 140 is selected for use with the assembly of the invention to be either 800 mm or 1600 mm. It is understood that the length of removable rod sections can be of different adjustable lengths, but they are limited to being either 800 mm or 1600 mm.

[0099] Fig. Figure 6 schematically represents an embodiment of a lance section 101' in accordance with a second configuration of the device 100'. The second configuration differs from the configuration of the previously described lance section 101 in that the lance section 101' in accordance with the second configuration includes an extension rod segment 150.

[0100] In an alternative configuration, the extension rod segment is formed by using a removable rod, which is a telescopic rod.

[0101] The extension pole segment 150 can include both a removable telescopic pole section and at least one removable pole section of a fixed length.

[0102] Fig. Figure 7 represents the use of steam 110 from the steam supply pipe 120. The steam supply pipe 120', which is located in Fig. Figure 7 shows 4 rows of 6 openings, 121.

[0103] In relation to Fig. Sections 8a to 8c now describe the use of a device in accordance with the invention.

[0104] The person tasked with dismantling hornet nest 30 takes the device to the location of hornet nest 30 and connects the components together.

[0105] The length of the lance section of the device is chosen to reach the hornet's nest 30 by extending the extension rod segment 150 to a suitable length.

[0106] A camera system comprising a camera 180 and a screen 190 can be used to assist a user / operator in positioning the steam supply pipe 120 correctly for insertion into the hornet's nest 20. The camera 180 can be mounted on the extension rod segment near the end connected to the steam supply pipe 120 (see Fig. 1) This allows the user / operator to easily position the tip 122 of the steam supply pipe 120. The screen 190 can be mounted at a convenient location on the lance section, for example on the connecting pipe, to allow the user to see what the camera sees.

[0107] It is understood that the screen 190 can be located at a distance from the lance section 101. For example, in situations where the user / operator is not working alone, the screen 190 could be with a colleague who uses it to guide the user / operator's movement and the positioning of the lance section 101.

[0108] The tip of the steam supply pipe is used to pierce a wall of the insect nest (piercing the bottom wall of the insect nest is shown).

[0109] The steam supply pipe is then inserted further into the nest until it can be assumed that it has passed through the outer shell and that at least one of the openings of the steam supply pipe is in or near a vertex 33 of the hornet's nest.

[0110] The steam generator is then activated and steam is expelled into the hornet's nest through the openings of the steam supply pipe (see Fig. 8c).

[0111] The steam produced by the steam generator is dry steam at a temperature of 184 degrees Celsius. This leads to a rapid increase in the internal temperature of the hornet's nest and kills the queen within minutes.

[0112] With the death of the queen, the colony dies out and the dead hornets can become food for other wild animals in the area.

Claims

[1] Device for inducing hyperpyrexia in an insect in an insect nest, the device comprising: a heating device to increase the internal temperature of the insect nest, so that the body temperature of an insect in the nest rises to 40 degrees Celsius or more, the heating device is configured to maintain the structural stability of the insect nest during use. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the heating device comprises steam. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the steam is dry steam. [4] Device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the device has a steam supply pipe for supplying the dry steam into an insect nest in use. [5] Device according to claim 4, wherein the steam supply pipe has a plurality of steam outlets along a length of the steam supply pipe. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of steam outlets are arranged in rows along the length of the steam supply pipe. [7] Device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the steam supply pipe has 8 to 24 openings that limit the steam outlets. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the 8 to 24 openings are arranged in 4 rows of openings. [9] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the steam supply pipe has a tip configured to pierce a wall in an insect nest. [10] Device according to claim 9, wherein the tip is a hardened tip. [11] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the steam supply pipe has a substantially straight profile. [12] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein an upper section of the steam supply pipe has a curved profile. [13] Device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the device further comprises a steam generator configured to provide steam for the heating device. [14] Device according to claim 13, insofar as dependent on claim 4 or any claims dependent on claim 4, further comprising a connecting line for fluidically connecting the steam generator to the steam supply pipe. [15] Device according to claim 14, further comprising a detachable rod for extending the length of the device, wherein the detachable rod has a channel extending through it for providing a fluidic connection between the connecting line and the steam supply pipe in use, wherein the detachable rod is configured to be coupled at one end to the steam supply pipe and at the opposite end to the connecting line. [16] Device according to claim 15, wherein the removable rod is a telescopic rod. [17] Device according to claim 14, further comprising two or more detachable rods for extending the length of the device, each of the two or more detachable rods having a channel extending through it for providing a fluidic connection between the connecting line and the steam supply pipe in use, each of the two or more detachable rods being configured to be connected to another of the two or more detachable rods to produce an extension rod of a desired length. [18] Device according to claim 17, wherein a first end of the extension rod is configured to be fluidically connected to the steam supply pipe, and a second end of the extension rod is configured to be fluidically connected to the connecting line. [19] Device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the removable rod sections of the extension rod are connected to each other by partially inserting one end of a first removable rod section into one end of a second removable rod section. [20] Device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of interconnected removable rod sections are held in a connection configuration by retaining clamps which engage adjacent removable rod sections. [21] Device according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of interconnected detachable rod sections define openings that are close to their connecting ends, which are configured to be aligned when one end of the first detachable rod section is partially inserted into one end of a second detachable rod section, and the retaining clamps have a projection element configured to be received in the connection configuration through the aligned openings. [22] Steam supply pipe for a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam supply pipe has a plurality of steam outlets along a length thereof. [23] A set of parts for a device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the following: a steam supply pipe for introducing dry steam into an insect nest; and a connecting line for fluidically connecting the steam supply pipe to a steam generator in use. [24] A set of parts as claimed in claim 23, further comprising one or more detachable rods configured to be connected to the steam supply pipe, the connecting pipe or to any other of the one or more detachable rods.

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