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

[0006] The physical and chemical formulation of the pest control composition of the invention includes a bait with broad spectrum performance against insect pests, many general arthropod pests, and also snails and slugs. The formulation provides excellent weathering capabilities and lasting protection with repeated applications. The chemical and physical formulation of the invention shows, in certain implementations, resistance to ultraviolet light, resistance to water, and resistance to oxidation and hydrolysis, while being highly effective against slugs and snails.

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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