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Controlling Bed Bugs with Solvent Vapors

a technology of bed bugs and solvent vapors, which is applied in the direction of insect catchers and killers, fumigators, applications, etc., can solve the problems of difficult and expensive bed bug detection and control, high turnover of occupants, and bed bugs that are difficult and expensive to kill and/or control, etc., to achieve the effect of killing bed bugs

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-07-31
FMC CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text states that certain solvent vapors, such as isopropyl alcohol, can effectively kill bed bugs. These vapors can be released in low concentrations and can kill bed bugs on items like personal belongings and bed bug monitors. The technical effect of this invention is a more effective and safe way to rid bed bugs from enclosed spaces.

Problems solved by technology

Because of their cryptic behavior, the detection and control of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is often very difficult and time consuming
Bed bugs are difficult and expensive to kill and / or control once they have established a presence in a location.
As a result, buildings where turnover of occupants is high, such as hotels, dormitories and apartments, are especially vulnerable to bed bug infestations.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs in Sealed Containers

[0021]Into 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bags was placed a plastic insect monitor which took up about ¾ of the available space in the sealable bag. Five adult bed bugs (BB) (Cimex lectularius) or five bed bug nymphs (nymphs were contained in an open 20 mL glass vial) were introduced into the bag. A 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch square of paper towel was treated with an alcohol and placed into the plastic bag on top of the plastic fan so the bed bugs could not directly contact the alcohol dosed towel. Each plastic bag was sealed and maintained at ambient temperature, about 22° C., throughout the test. The percent mortality was determined at certain time intervals. Table 1 below summarizes the experimental data.

TABLE 1Bed Bug Mortality Caused by AlcoholVapors In Sealed Containers% MortalityTreatment45 minutes60 minutes75 minutesControl 0 0 0(Nosolvent)Methanol100%Adult BB2.0 mLND 80ND*Ethanol70%Adult BB2.0 mLND 60NDEthanol100%Adul...

example 2

Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Sealed Containers

[0023]Into a 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bag was placed a glass HPLC vial containing a small strip of filter paper and 5 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and a 20 mL glass vial containing a 1 inch by 1 inch piece of paper towel treated with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The plastic bag was sealed and maintained at ambient temperature, about 22° C., throughout the test. The percent bed bug mortality was determined at certain time intervals. Table 2 below summarizes the experimental data.

TABLE 2Bed Bug Mortality Caused by IsopropylAlcohol Vapors In Sealed ContainersIPATreatmentamount% MortalitymL30 minutes45 minutes60 minutes75 minutesControl0000(N0solvent)2.020401001001.0204080800.5001001000.2506080800.125204060600.62502060800.312202040600.1562040801000.0780201001000.03902060100

[0024]Isopropyl alcohol vapors contained in a sealed plastic bag effectively killed bed bugs in less than two hours.

example 3

Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Sealed Containers

[0025]Into a 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bag was placed a glass HPLC vial containing a small strip of filter paper and 2 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and a 20 mL glass vial containing isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The plastic bag was sealed and maintained at ambient temperature, about 22° C., throughout the test. The percent bed bug mortality was determined at certain time intervals. Table 3 below summarizes the experimental data.

TABLE 3Bed Bug Mortality Caused by IsopropylAlcohol Vapors In Sealed ContainersIPATreatmentamount% MortalitymL15 minutes30 minutes45 minutesControl000(Nosolvent)2.0001001.0001000.5001000.25001000.125001000.625001000.312001000.156001000.078001000.03900100

[0026]Isopropyl alcohol vapors contained in a sealed plastic bag effectively killed bed bugs in less than 1 hour.

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention provides an environmentally safe and highly effective method for killing bed bugs by enclosing infested items, belongings or possessions in a sealed container along with a small amount of certain solvents, the vapors of which kill bed bugs that are present.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to using solvent vapors to control bed bugs. In particular, solvent vapors kill and / or control bed bug populations within an enclosed space.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Blood feeding insects such as bed bugs are nuisance pests that afflict humans, pets and domestic animals. Because of their cryptic behavior, the detection and control of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is often very difficult and time consuming[0003]Bed bugs are difficult and expensive to kill and / or control once they have established a presence in a location. Common methods for controlling bed bugs include vacuuming and steam cleaning affected areas, washing bedding in very hot water, enclosing an infested mattress or bedding in a black plastic bag and placing the bag in direct sunlight on a hot day, contacting the insects with insecticides or desiccant powders or whole house fumigation with dangerous chemicals such as Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride). Extreme ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A01M1/20
CPCA01M1/20A01M1/2022A01M13/003
Inventor BLACK, BRUCE C.SHETH, SHREYA N.VARANYAK, LINDAJOHNSON, KENNETH W.MANNING, MICHAEL J.
Owner FMC CORP
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