Weather resistant granular slug, snail and insect bait

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a physical and chemical formulation designed to be attractive to, and eaten by, terrestrial mollusks, specifically slugs and snails. Optionally, the formulation is also attractive to and toxic to insects. Upon being eaten and after a set delay, the invention is designed to kill such pests and in so doing remove them from the premises or environment treated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Terrestrial mollusks, such as slugs and snails, are herbivores capable of extensively damaging plants, including flowers, vegetables, and some trees and shrubs. Not only can terrestrial mollusks be quite damaging, existing baits designed to exterminate them often have significant limitations. For example, the baits do not always perform well in the natural environments of mollusks, which is often permanently moist or frequently wet. Existing baits also sometimes lose their physical integrity under such circumstances or lose their efficacy upon prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, or both. [0002] In addition, many slugs and snails live in environments where damaging insects are also present. Although control of these insects is desirable, it is often preferable to exterminate the insects without use of a contact pesticide that will indiscriminately kill non-targeted insects, or that will function only for a short period of time after applicatio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a pest control composition that is attractive to and can be eaten by terrestrial mollusks, such as slugs and snails, and also insect pests. The composition contains a borate-containing agent that is toxic to both mollusks and insects, but not repellant to either. The composition is designed to kill the pests after they eat it. The composition has excellent weathering capabilities and can provide long-lasting protection with repeated applications. It is resistant to UV light, water, and oxidation and hydrolysis. The composition contains a carrier matrix that binds the borate-containing agent together with other materials, such as carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The carrier matrix can be an organic material that has food value to mollusks, such as oils, sugars, or vegetable materials. The composition is durable and retains its effectiveness even after being exposed to weather for an extended period of time. It can be used in various environmental conditions where mollusks thrive."

Problems solved by technology

Not only can terrestrial mollusks be quite damaging, existing baits designed to exterminate them often have significant limitations.

For example, the baits do not always perform well in the natural environments of mollusks, which is often permanently moist or frequently wet.

Existing baits also sometimes lose their physical integrity under such circumstances or lose their efficacy upon prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, or both.

In addition, many slugs and snails live in environments where damaging insects are also present.

A further challenge is that some slug and snail baits presently in use are not properly formulated for consumption by mollusks, either because they do not have a proper attractant in appropriate concentration, or because they are not physically formed in a manner that promotes consumption by mollusks, and especially not consumption by both mollusks and insects.

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