Remote monitoring system for detecting termites

Abstract

The subject invention pertains to materials and methods useful for management of certain pests. The invention is particularly well suited for the control of social insect pests and, particularly, termites. The invention concerns unique toxicant-containing matrices as well as apparatuses for monitoring pest activity and presenting a toxicant. The invention is useful as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and can greatly reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 161,519, filed Jun. 3, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 467,552, filed Jun. 6, 1995 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,516, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 323,582, filed Oct. 17, 1994, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 062,868, filed May 17, 1993, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 975,317, filed Nov. 12, 1992, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 891,896, filed Jun. 1, 1992, abandoned.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Subterranean termites most often enter structures from the surrounding soil to feed on wood, or other cellulosic material of the structure and its contents. If unchecked, termites can cause considerable damage. As a result, efforts to erect physical or chemical barriers to prevent the entrance of termites int...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control step of the process can utilize pests which have been captured in the monitoring step. Specifically, these captured pests can be used to attract or recruit other pests to the toxicant-containing matrix, herein referred to as “self-recruitment,” and, in some instances, to deliver toxicant to a nest or colony of the pests. The unique use of captured pests to make the toxin matrix more attractive to nestmates is referred to herein as “self-recruitment.” As described herein, a captured pest can be induced to chew or move through a toxicant-containing matrix before travelling to the nest. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the toxicant is relatively slow-acting so the pest can travel through the colony territory before dying. Because the termite leaves the toxicant-containing matrix before dying, this method prevents the tainting of the carrier and vicinity of the matrix with dead or dying termites. In the course of traveling within the nest, the pest can leave a chemical trail directing or recruiting other of the target pests to the toxicant-containing matrix. Also, the captured pests can leave chemical signals in the toxicant-containing matrix itself, communicating the desirability of the food. Because these chemical markers are species- and even colony-specific, these chemicals are highly advantageous for self-recruitment of nestmates to the toxicant-containing matrix. Also, the pest may deliver toxicant to the nest, for example, via trophallaxis or cannibalism, where the toxicant can kill other nestmates. The effect of this method is to make the toxicant-containing matrix much more attractive to the termites. This attractiveness can result from the highly specific trail pheromones which direct other nestmates to the toxicant-containing matrix and, more importantly, the deposit in the toxicant-containing matrix of feeding-initiating pheromones which can be highly specific for the particular termite colony which is to be eliminated.

[0024] Certain novel apparatuses are also used according to the subject invention. Specifically disclosed are apparatuses for monitoring and controlling populations of insects, particularly termites. For example, one such apparatus for monitoring the presence of termites simply comprises a food source as a monitoring device which can be strategically placed at sites surrounding a structure, or at an agricultural location. These monitoring devices are accessible to the pest management operator or property owner so that they can be periodically monitored for evidence of the presence of termites. Other apparatuses, such as electronic devices, can be incorporated in the monitoring devices to alert the homeowner or pest control operator to the presence of termites. Where ground or soil surrounds a structure to be monitored for termites, the monitoring device can be placed in the soil near the structure or area to be monitored. Where no soil is around a structure or when foraging galleries are detected above ground, the monitoring device or toxicant-containing matrix can be placed above ground. Advantageously, the monitoring device can be constructed so that pests can be removed easily and without substantial harm resulting to the pest, thereby allowing the pest to be used to recruit other nestmates to the matrix.

[0025] Another apparatus useful according to the subject invention comprises a housing which is specifically designed to enclose either a monitoring device or toxicant-containing matrix. This housing is useful for protecting the monitoring device and / or toxicant-containing matrix from the environment. The monitoring device or matrix can be enclosed within the housing in such a manner so they can be removed with minimal disruption to the foraging termites. This housing is preferably made from a durable, non-biodegradable material.

[0026] The present invention provides an environmentally safe termite control system requiring no complex machinery. The invention provides apparatuses and methods for the monitoring of, and delivery of a toxicant to, a target pest wherein the apparatuses may be easily and safely serviced by property owners as well as professional pest management workers.

[0027] Advantageously, the disclosed materials and procedures minimize the risk of exposure to persons handling toxicants and increase toxicant intake by termites. The methods of the subject invention can drastically reduce pesticide use in the urban environment. Moreover, this invention can be an important part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. The first phase of the IPM can be designed to monitor termite activity. No pesticide need be used until termite activity is detected. When activity is detected, the second phase of the IPM can be employed wherein only a small quantity of pesticide is used to control the entire colony population. Once control is achieved, the monitoring step can be repeated, as can the control step, if necessary, thus providing indefinite protection to the structure or agricultural site.

Problems solved by technology

The use of toxicant is confined in terms of the very limited quantity and coverage of the toxicant, and in terms of the period during which the toxicant is used.

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