Novel solid compositions for controlling pests and the protection of livestock premises

Abstract

The present invention relates to solid compositions comprising combinations of conventional insecticides selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon, and insect growth regulators for the control of pests and the protection of livestock premises from these pests.

Description

[0001] TITLE: NOVEL SOLID COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLING PESTS AND THE PROTECTION OF LIVESTOCK PREMISES

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION:

[0003] The present invention relates to solid compositions comprising combinations of conventional insecticides and insect growth regulators for the control of pests and the protection of livestock premises from these pests.

[0004] SUMMARY:

[0005] The present invention is directed to a ready-to-use solid composition comprising: a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon. b) optionally at least one insect growth regulator c) a solid carrier d) optionally a pheromone

[0006] This invention is further directed to a method for controlling Alphitobius diaperinus comprising treating livestock premises with an effective amount of the ready-to-use solid composition as described therein.

[0007] This invention is further directed to a method for protecting livestock premises from Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus comprising application of an effective amount of the ready-to-use solid composition as described therein to the livestock premises. BACKGROUND:

[0008] Pesticides play an important role in livestock production in several ways. They are used to protect animals and their premises from parasites, such as ticks, flies, beetles, and mites, which cause disease and reduce growth and productivity. Pesticides can also be used to protect feed crops and stored feed from pests, which can help maintain the quality and quantity of feed available for livestock.

[0009] The use of pesticides in livestock production must be done correctly and measuredly, especially when applying pesticides within the livestock premises, to minimize potential harm to animals and the environment. Excessive use of pesticides can lead to residue buildup in animal products, potentially leading to health concerns for consumers.

[0010] In many cases, pesticides are organic compounds that, when applied to the site of the pest infestation, reduce the harmfulness of the pests. One major challenge in this field is identifying a suitable method of applying the pesticide on the infested area.

[0011] To overcome this challenge, pesticides are typically incorporated into concentrated liquid formulations which are mixed / diluted in water before application. These concentrated formulation systems comprise the pesticide active ingredient(s) and inert (non-active) ingredients that enhance the ability of the pesticide active ingredient(s) to remain dissolved or suspended in the water. The concentrated liquid formulations advantages include: ease of spray application of the active pesticide ingredient(s) on the target area, ease of storage and use of the active pesticide ingredient and its increased stability and effectiveness.

[0012] However, the drawbacks of liquid application in livestock and livestock premises are not negligible. Most of the active pesticide ingredients are solid organic compounds which are difficult to dissolve or suspend in water, and some inert ingredients are usually added to the formulation to overcome the unfavorable properties of these active pesticide ingredients. Some of the inert ingredients are also organic compounds, such as organic solvents, that might cause damage to rubber or plastic hoses, gaskets, and surfaces to deteriorate. In some cases, it might be easily absorbed through skin of humans or animals and lead to health concerns. Most liquid concentrate formulations are usually diluted in a large amount of water prior use, and one must have the necessary application equipment. In addition, a major drawback of these liquid formulations is the inevitable wetting of the treated premises, which leads to moisture problems such as the growth of fungi (e.g. mold and mildew) in the livestock premises.

[0013] A solid matrix is a type of pesticide formulation that consists of a dry solid carrier. This type of formulation may be used for pest control in agricultural and livestock farming. The solid matrix can be applied as solid particles, such as fine powder or granules, either by manual spreading or by using specialized application equipment. The combined solid matrix and active ingredient adheres to the surfaces of premises area or pests, providing a long-lasting residual effect.

[0014] Beetles infesting livestock premises, Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus, also known as litter beetles, darkling beetles, lesser mealworms, and hide beetles, are pests commonly found in poultry facilities. They are small, dark brown beetles that consume poultry feed and decaying organic material, such as feathers and manure, which can be found in poultry housing. These beetles, specifically Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus, are a nuisance to poultry farmers, as they can contaminate feed and carry and transmit organisms that cause diseases in poultry. To prevent or control beetle infestations, poultry farmers should regularly inspect their premises for signs of beetle activity, clean and replace the litter as needed, and use insecticides when necessary.

[0015] Currently, most of the available insecticide products for the purpose of controlling beetles in poultry premises are liquid formulations. Few products are available as solid formulations, despite their clear advantages. Both liquid and solid products are comprised of "conventional" insecticides that damage the central nervous system of both adult and larval stages of the beetles. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are compounds which disrupt insects' development and metamorphosis. IGRs are occasionally applied along with "conventional" insecticides to improve overall pest insect control. The few products for controlling beetles, which are solid formulations, contain only "conventional insecticides", either an organophosphate or a pyrethroid insecticide. IGRs are only available in liquid formulations.

[0016] To address this concern, new solid formulations containing new combinations of insecticides and carriers for treatment of pests in livestock premises are necessary.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION:

[0018] DEFINITIONS:

[0019] Prior to setting forth the present subject matter in detail, it may be helpful to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one with skill in the art to which this subject matter pertains. The following definitions are provided for clarity.

[0020] The term "a" or "an" as used herein includes the singular and the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms "a," "an," or "at least one" can be used interchangeably in this application.

[0021] As used herein, the verb "comprise" as is used in this description and in the claims and its conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded.

[0022] As used herein, the term "about" when used in connection with a numerical value includes ±10% from the indicated value. In addition, all ranges directed to the same component or property herein are inclusive of the endpoints, are independently combinable, and include all intermediate points and ranges. It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the invention.

[0023] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount of the active component that is commercially recommended for use to control and / or prevent pests. The commercially recommended amount for each active component, often specified as application rates of the commercial formulation, may be found on the label accompanying the commercial formulation. The commercially recommended application rates of the commercial formulation may vary depending on factors such as the type of livestock, premises, and the pest to be controlled.

[0024] As used herein the term "pesticide" refers to any substance, or mixture of substances, intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating pests.

[0025] As used herein, the term "insecticide" broadly refers to compounds that kill, control, repel, or mitigate one or more species of insects. For chemical classes and applications, as well as specific compounds of each class, see "The Pesticide Manual Thirteenth Edition" (British Crop Protection Council, Hampshire, UK, 2003), as well as "The e-Pesticide Manual, Version 3" (British Crop Protection Council, Hampshire, UK, 2003-04), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0026] As used herein the term "livestock" broadly refers to poultry (including egg-producing poultry), cattle, elk, reindeer, bison, cow, buffalo, horses, deer, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, alpacas, live fish, crawfish, and other animals that are part of a foundation herd (including dairy cattle) or offspring. For livestock classes, as well as specific animal of each class, see the Emergency Livestock Feed Assistance Act of 1988, as amended by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA).

[0027] As used herein the term "premises" broadly refers to a property consisting of the land and buildings on it, place, property, site, or establishment usually where the livestock lives, includes hatching, growing, or breeding house, their support braces, walls, floorboards, and insulation or other confined area of habitation. The livestock's houses, pens, cages, nests, their feed or water supply, and their litter and manure. The term "locus" as used herein refers not only to areas where the pest such as an insect may already be present and developed, but also to areas that have not yet been attacked by said pest. "Locus" includes the premises and the material of the premises (all the generative parts of the premises such as equipment and working tools, which can be used for the multiplication and productivity of the livestock. Examples of equipment and working tools include the livestock houses, pens, cages, nests, their feed or water supply, and their litter and manure, compressors, drills, hammers, shovel, sprinklers, sprayers, wheelbarrow, watering can, fertilizer, hose, irrigation machinery, spade, hoe, rake, spading fork, tractors, cattle crates, safety equipment such as gloves, boots, coats etc. Locus also includes the area surrounding the premises and the growing media of the livestock, such as soil and manure.

[0028] As used herein, the term "treating a livestock or locus against insect and / or mite pest" includes protecting the livestock or locus against insect and / or mite pest.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "protect" or "protecting" refers to blocking, restricting, limiting, securing, blocking, or barring the presence of the insect and / or mite pest.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "control" or "controlling" refers to preventing, reducing, killing, mitigating or eliminating the presence of the insect and / or mite pest.

[0031] As used herein the term "dust" broadly refers to fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air.

[0032] As used herein the term "granules" broadly refers to grains, particles, pellets or crumbs.

[0033] As used herein the term "edible" refers to eatable, fit to eat, digestible.

[0034] As used herein the term "inedible" refers to not eatable, not fit to eat, not digestible.

[0035] As used herein, the term "mixture" or "combination" refers to a combination in any physical form, e.g., blend, solution, suspension or the like.

[0036] As used herein, the term "beetles" refers to insects of the Coleopteran families Tenebrionidae and Dermestidae. The scientific names of these beetles are Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus. Common names for these beetles are "lesser mealworms", "darkling beetles", "litter beetles", and "hide beetles".

[0037] As used herein, the term "insect growth regulator" also refers to an "insect growth disruptor".

[0038] Brief Description of the Figures

[0039] Figure 1. Photographs of two test materials after passing through the funnel to rest on top of the cylinder. The material on the right had a lower angle of repose and cone height, indicating it had greater flowability than the material on the left.

[0040] Figure 2. Cumulative total counts of adult A. diaperinus collected from the eight study houses during the two flocks. The percentages are the reductions in total adult beetles collected in each pair of houses treated with the three insecticidal dusts compared to the total collected from the two "standard treatment" houses.

[0041] Figure 3. Cumulative total counts of larval A. diaperinus collected from the eight study houses during the two flocks. The percentages are the reductions in total larvae collected in each pair of houses treated with the three insecticidal dusts compared to the total collected from the two "standard' treatment houses.

[0042] Figure 4. Mean adult A. diaperinus counts / sample for both flocks.

[0043] Figure 5. Mean larval A. diaperinus counts / sample for both flocks.

[0044] Figure 6. Mean larval A. diaperinus mortality rates at DAA-7 and DAA-14.

[0045] Figure 7. Mean adult A. diaperinus mortality rates at DAA-7 and DAA-14.

[0046] The agrochemical composition subject of invention: The present invention provides a ready-to-use solid composition comprising a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon; b) optionally at least one insect growth regulator; c) a solid carrier; d) optionally a pheromone.

[0047] The present invention also provides a ready-to-use solid composition comprising a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon; b) optionally at least one insect growth regulator; c) a solid carrier; d) a pheromone.

[0048] The present invention also provides a ready-to-use solid composition comprising a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon; b) at least one insect growth regulator; c) a solid carrier; d) optionally a pheromone.

[0049] The present invention also provides a ready-to-use solid composition comprising a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon; b) at least one insect growth regulator; c) a solid carrier; d) a pheromone.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) competitive modulator selected from the group comprising neonicotinoids, nicotine, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, triflumezopyrim, dicloromezotiaz, flupyrimin, and the mixtures thereof.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a neonicotinoid selected from the group comprising imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and the mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a selected from the group comprising imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and the mixtures thereof.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is imidacloprid.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is acetamiprid.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a sodium channel modulator selected from the group comprising pyrethroids, pyrethrins, DDT, methoxychlor and the mixtures thereof.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a pyrethroid or pyrethrin selected from the group comprising acrinathrin, allethrin, d-cis allethrin, d-trans allethrin, bifenthrin, bioallethrin, bioallethrin S-cyclopentenyl isomer ,bioresmethrin, cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, [(lR)-trans-isomers], deltamethrin, empenthrin (E,Z)-[(lR)-isomers], esfenvalerate, etofenprox, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate, flucythrinate, flumethrin, tau- fluvalinate, halfenprox, imiprothrin, kadethrin, permethrin, phenothrin [(lR)-trans- isomer], prallethrin, pyrethrins, (pyrethrum), resmethrin, silafluofen, tefluthrin, tetramethrin, tetramethrin [(lR)-isomers], tralomethrin, transfluthrin, and the mixtures thereof.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a pyrethroid selected from the group comprising bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, gamma- cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, tau-fluvalinate, zeta-cypermethrin, tetramethrin and the mixtures thereof.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a pyrethroid selected from the group comprising bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, and the mixtures thereof.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a pyrethroid selected from the group comprises bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, and the mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is bifenthrin.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCI) allosteric modulators, macrolide selected from the group comprising abamectin, emamectin benzoate, lepimectin, milbemectin and the mixtures thereof.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is abamectin.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) allosteric modulator - site I, spinosyns and the mixtures thereof.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a spinosyn selected from a group comprising spinosad, spinetoram and the mixtures thereof.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is spinetoram.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is spinosad.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is a GABA-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators, selected from a group comprises meta-diamides and isoxazolines and the mixtures thereof.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is an isoxazoline selected from a group comprising fluxametamide, isocyloseram and the mixtures thereof.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is isocyloseram.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is selected from a group comprising imidacloprid, abamectin, spinosad, indoxacarb and the mixtures thereof.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is imidacloprid.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is indoxacarb.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the insecticide a) is spinosad.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) is from 0.01 % to 6.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) is from 0.05 % to 5.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) is from 0.1 % to 4.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) is from 0.5 % to 2.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the amount of insecticide a) is from 1 % to 1.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is a benzoylurea.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is a benzoylurea selected from the group comprising bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron and the mixtures thereof.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is diflubenzuron.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is novaluron.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is a juvenile hormone mimic growth regulator selected from the group comprising juvenile hormone mimics, fenoxycarb, pyriproxyfen and the mixture thereof.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is pyriproxyfen.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the insect growth regulator b) is juvenile hormone analogue selected from the group comprising hydroprene, kinoprene, methoprene and the mixtures thereof.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the amount of insect growth regulator b) is from 0.01 % to 2.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the amount of insect growth regulator b) is from 0.05 % to 1.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the amount of insect growth regulator b) is from 0.1 % to 1.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the amount of insect growth regulator b) is from 0.1 % to 0.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the amount of insect growth regulator b) is from 0.2 % to 0.3 % by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the insect growth regulator b) is in a range of from about 600:1 to 1:200.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the insect growth regulator b) is in a range of from about 100:1 to 1:100.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the insect growth regulator b) is in a range of from about 10:1 to 2:1.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the insect growth regulator b) is in a range of from about 6:1 to 4:1.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is selected from a group comprising inedible solid carriers, edible solid carriers, and the mixtures thereof.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is an inedible solid carrier selected from the group comprising sand, palygorskite clay, limestone (calcium carbonate), gypsum, kaolin, sodium montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, diatomaceous earth, hydrated amorphous silica, talc, chalk, and the mixtures thereof.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is an edible solid carrier selected from the group comprising cereal grains, amylaceous commodities, non-amylaceous commodities and the mixtures thereof. According to an embodiment, the edible solid carrier c) is a cereal grain selected from the group comprising cracked hard wheat, cracked soft wheat, hard wheat, soft wheat, barley, oat, rye, maize, rice, and the mixtures thereof.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the edible solid carrier c) is an amylaceous commodity selected from the group comprising oat flakes, rye flakes, corn grit, defatted corn grit, corn flour (fines), corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, rice straw, sawdust, wheat bran, oat bran, rice flour, semolina, durum wheat flour, whole meal flour, barley flakes and the mixture thereof.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the edible solid carrier c) is a non-amylaceous commodity selected from the group comprising sucrose, brewer's yeast, bean flour, chickpea flour, coconut flour, dry cat food, egg layer hen feed, egg yolk powder, fava flour, linseed flour, lentil flour, lupine flour, milk-based feed, soybean flour, sunflower meal, whole egg powder and the mixtures thereof.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is either corn flour or cracked wheat.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is from 75 % to 99.989 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is from 85 % to 99.989 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is from 90 % to 99.989 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the solid carrier c) is from 97 % to 99.989 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the solid carrier c) is in a range of from about 1:12.5 to 1:10000.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the solid carrier c) is in a range of from about 1:50 to 1:1000. According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the solid carrier c) is in a range of from about 1:90 to 1:100.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the solid carrier c) is in a range of from about 1:97 to 1:100.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the ready-to-use solid composition comprises a pheromone d).

[0105] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is selected from a group comprising (R)- limonene, (E)-[3-ocimene, (S)-linalool, (E,E)-ot-farnesene, (R)-(+)-daucene, 2-nonanone, and the mixtures thereof.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is a mixture comprising (R)-limonene, (E)-p-ocimene, (S)-linalool, (E,E)-ot-farnesene, (R)-(+)-daucene, 2-nonanone.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is a mixture comprising (E)-[3-ocimene,

[0108] (R)-(+)-daucene, (R)-limonene, (S)-linalool and 2-nonanone.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the ratio of (E)-[3-ocimene, (R)-(+)-daucene, (R)-limonene,

[0110] (S)-linalool and 2-nonanone in the mixtures of the pheromone d) is from 50-70 : 15-25 : 5-20 : 5-20 and 1-10, correspondingly.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the ratio of (E)-[3-ocimene, (R)-(+)-daucene, (R)-limonene, (S)-linalool and 2-nonanone in the mixtures of the pheromone d) is from 55-65 : 15-20 : 5-12 : 5-12 and 2-7, correspondingly.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the ratio of (E)-[3-ocimene, (R)-(+)-daucene, (R)-limonene, (S)-linalool and 2-nonanone in the mixtures of the pheromone d) is from 58-62 : 16-18 : 8-10 : 8-10 and 3-4, correspondingly.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is from 0.01 % to 5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is from 0.02 % to 2 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is from 0.05 % to 0.5 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the pheromone d) is from 0.07 % to 0.15 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the pheromone d) is in a range of from about 150:1 to 1:1000.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the pheromone d) is in a range of from about 50:1 to 1:10.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the pheromone d) is in a range of from about 20:1 to 1:1.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the pheromone d) is in a range of from about 15:1 to 5:1.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the ready-to-use solid composition further comprises an insecticide synergist e).

[0121] According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is selected from a group comprises piperonyl butoxide (PBO), n-octyl bicycloheptane dicarboximide, sesamex, n- propyl isome, sulfoxide, S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate and the mixtures thereof.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is piperonyl butoxide (PBO).

[0123] According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is from 0.02 % to 15 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is from 0.1 % to 12 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is from 0.5 % to 10 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition. According to an embodiment, the insecticide synergist e) is from 1.0 % to 5.0 % by weight, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the synergist e) is in a range of from about 1500:1 to 1:300.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the synergist e) is in a range of from about 150:1 to 1:100.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the synergist e) is in a range of from about 15:1 to 1:10.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the synergist e) is in a range of from about 2:1 to 1:2.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the synergist e) is in a range of from about 2:1 to 1:2.

[0131] Methods of preparation and application of ready-to-use solid agrochemical composition:

[0132] Methods for preparing the ready-to-use solid compositions are well known in the art and include agitating, mixing, blending, ball-milling, bead-milling, sand-milling, colloid milling, and air-milling. The listed methods can be used in the preparation of the compositions of the present invention.

[0133] According to an embodiment the ready-to-use solid composition is a dust formulation.

[0134] According to an embodiment the ready-to-use solid composition is a granular formulation.

[0135] According to an embodiment the ready-to-use solid composition is prepared by mixing required ingredients and blending it for 10 minutes to 24 hours to obtain a homogeneous solid composition. According to an embodiment the ready-to-use solid composition is prepared by mixing a required carrier and adding the active ingredients to obtain a homogeneous solid composition.

[0136] This invention further relates to a method for controlling a pest comprising contacting the pest, or its environment with an effective amount of said ready-to-use solid composition. The preferred method for applying the ready-to-use solid compositions of the present invention is spreading, scattering, diffusion, distribution, atomizing or pouring the said composition on the locus where control of said pest is desired. Nevertheless, the preferred method for applying the ready-to-use solid composition will depend on the desired objectives and the given circumstances, and can be readily determined by one skilled in the art.

[0137] In a particular aspect, the present invention discloses a method of controlling a pest comprising applying an effective amount of the ready-to-use solid composition as defined in any one of the embodiments above to a locus where control of said pest is desired.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the pests are larval and adult stages of the beetles.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the beetles are selected from Alphitobius diaperinus, (darkling beetles, litter beetles, lesser mealworms), and Dermestes maculatus (hide beetles).

[0140] According to an embodiment, the beetles are Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the protection of livestock premises especially from beetles, comprising contacting the larval and adult forms of said beetles, their habitat, breeding sites, food supply, nest area, cages, pens, material or environment in which the beetles are growing or may grow, or the materials, equipment, manure, feathers waste, litter, plants, soils, surfaces, walls, roofs or spaces to be protected from attack or infestation by said beetles.

[0142] According to an embodiment the livestock is poultry. According to an embodiment the livestock is poultry from the species of indigenous and commercial breeds of chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl, geese, quail, pigeons, ostriches, and pheasants.

[0143] The compositions of the invention are applied by usual means which are familiar to a skilled person.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the application involves the spreading of said ready to use solid composition on the locus in premises inhabited by livestock.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the application involves the spreading of said ready to use solid composition on the floor, beddings, walls, posts, braces, manure, feeds, and waste in premises inhabited by livestock infested by said pests.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the application involves the spreading of said ready to use solid composition on the manure of the livestock.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the ready-to-use solid composition has high flowability.

[0148] According to an embodiment, the application involves the spreading of said ready to use solid composition between the livestock stock batch cycles when the premises is empty, or through the cycle when the premises are full of livestock.

[0149] According to an embodiment the application involves the spreading of said ready to use solid composition concomitantly or sequentially.

[0150] The present invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.

[0151] EXAMPLES:

[0152] Example 1: Preparation procedure for inventive Composition 1 (Tablel) to make 1,000 lbs, of dust formulation (inedible carrier)

[0153] To a dry mixing vessel equipped with a dust collection and filtration system the following substance were added: 1. 737.75 lbs. of Attapulgite Clay (73.60%)

[0154] 2. 250.00 lbs. of 14 / 20 Corn Cob Grit (25.00%)

[0155] 3. 10.20 lbs. of 98% pure Imidacloprid technical material (1.02%).

[0156] 4. 2.04 lbs. of 98% pure Novaluron technical material (0.20%)

[0157] The content of the mixing vessel was then agitated and mixed for at least 1 hour until all components have been fully incorporated. Samples were taken from different sections of the mixing vessel to ensure homogeneity.

[0158] Table 1. Composition 1: Dust (Inedible Carrier)

[0159] Table 2. Composition 2: Dust (Inedible Carrier)

[0160] Table 3. Composition 3: Dust with Synergist (Inedible Carrier)

[0161] Example 2: Preparation procedure for inventive Composition 4 (Table 4) to make 1,000 lbs, of bait formulation (edible carrier) Liquid Component

[0162] To an appropriate liquid mixing vessel:

[0163] 1. Add 7.5 lbs of heated (50°) soybean oil (0.75%)

[0164] 2. Begin agitation

[0165] 3. Add 5.0 lbs. of spinosad technical (0.5%)

[0166] 4. Mix until homogeneous

[0167] Dry Component

[0168] To a dry mixing vessel preferably equipped with a ribbon blender and an internal manifold sprayer:

[0169] 1. Add 882.5 lbs. of corn flour (88.25%)

[0170] 2. Add 100 lbs. of cracked wheat (10.0%)

[0171] 3. Add 5.1 lbs. of hydrated amorphous silica (0.50%%)

[0172] 4. Mix until homogeneous

[0173] 5. Add the Liquid Component

[0174] Agitate and mix the contents of the mixing vessel for at least 1 hour until all components have been fully incorporated. Sample from different sections of the mixing vessel to ensure homogeneity.

[0175] Table 4. Composition 4: Bait (Edible Carrier)

[0176] Table 5. Composition 5: Bait with Pheromone (Edible Carrier)

[0177] * Table 6. Pheromone (see Table 5) composition (%w / w)

[0178] Table 7. Composition 6 (A): Bait (edible carrier) Table 8. Composition 7 (B): Bait (edible carrier)

[0179] Table 9. Composition 8 (C): Bait (edible carrier)

[0180] Example 3: Laboratory Evaluation of the Flowability of Composition 1 and Composition 9 Objective: To evaluate the flow characteristics Compositions 1 and Composition 9 compared to some raw materials used in their production (corn flour, attapulgite clay) and three commercial insecticide dust formulations.

[0181] Background: Dust formulations are increasingly being used in the poultry industry for A. diaperinus control. These formulations must have a good flowability so they can easily be applied using commercially available equipment such as a drop spreader. Sometimes this can be difficult, as many dusts are highly cohesive and do not flow. Often this is due to dusts caking during prolonged storage or in transport due to climatic conditions, e.g., high relative humidity. Compositions 1 and 9 are solid compositions intended for application using drop spreaders to control A. diaperinus. Their flowability needs to be greater than or equal to competitive dust products.

[0182] Table 10. Composition 9 (CSI 23-487):

[0183] Table 11: Test Materials

[0184] Study procedures: The test apparatus consisted of a funnel (3.5 cm bottom diameter) inserted into a ring stand. A cylinder (3.5 cm diameter) was positioned 3 inches directly under the funnel to collect each test material as it flowed through the funnel. For each replicate of each test material, 50 mL of material was poured through the funnel onto the cylinder. Using a camera positioned 8 inches from the test apparatus, a photograph was taken of each replicate afterthe test material collected on top of the cylinder. The cylinder and funnel were wiped clean with a paper towel between each replicate.

[0185] Two endpoints were measured from each photograph: 1) cone height, from the top of the cylinder to the peak of the cone; and 2) angle of repose (the slope of the cone;

[0186] Figure 1). Each photograph was enlarged on the computer screen so that the diameter of the cylinder was equal to 10 cm. Cone height was measured in millimeters using a ruler, and the angle of repose was measured in degrees using a protractor positioned at the top of the cylinder, at the left edge of the cone. Mean cone height and angle of repose were calculated for each test material. A lower height and smaller angle of repose indicated better flow characteristics. Results: Based on both end points, Composition 1 flowability was superior to all other test materials (Table 12).

[0187] Based on cone height, Composition 9 flowability was superior all other test materials (Table 12). Based on angle of repose, Composition 9 flowability was superior to corn flour (the carrier used in this Composition) and Beetle Shield and attapulgite clay (Table 12). Conclusions: Composition 1 and Composition 9 had better flowability than their base carriers (corn flour and attapulgite clay, respectively). Flowability of both these formulations was similar to or better than the three commercial dust products tested.

[0188] Table 12. Average angle of repose and cone height for the test materials. Example 4: Field evaluation of the efficacy of two imidacloprid formulations for the control of A. diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in commercial broiler (poultry) houses in California (USA)

[0189] Objectives: To determine the efficacy of two test substances against A. diaperinus, compared to three control substances, on a commercial broiler (poultry) farm.

[0190] Table 13. Test Materials

[0191] Test species: Natural populations of A. diaperinus inhabiting the poultry houses.

[0192] Study procedures: The study was conducted for 2 consecutive flocks. Each test material was applied to the same 2 houses prior to bird placement for each flock (Table 1). Houses treated with Zone Defense before the 1st flock were treated with Tempo SC Ultra before the 2nd flock. After bird placement, houses were sampled approximately bi-weekly for A. diaperinus. Samples were collected along transects; one in the brood chamber and one in the non-brood area of each house. Moving along a transect, straight across each house, samples were collected adjacent to the side wall, under a feed pan, in the center of the house, under a feed pan, and adjacent to the opposite side wall. Samples were collected using a 0.5-liter plastic cup, pushing the container's open end down into the litter until filled. Litter samples were returned to the laboratory where adult and larval beetles were counted.

[0193] Results: Adult beetles: Adult beetle numbers s were unusually low and highly variable. There were negligible differences in adult counts between the treatments for either flock (Table 14). However, some of the percent differences between the insecticidal dusts and the "standard" treatments were large. For example, during the 2nd flock, the average adult beetle counts in houses treated with the Composition 1 were > 90% lower than those in for the "standard" treatment (Tempo SC Ultra).

[0194] Larval beetles: Larvae were much more abundant, and there were substantial differences in larval counts between the treatments during both flocks (Table 14). The most consistent difference was between the "standard" treatments and the Composition 1. On the final three sampling dates of the 1st flock and the 2nd (final) date of the 2nd flock, average larval counts in the houses treated with the Composition 1 were 82% - 96% lower than those in houses receiving the "standard" treatments.

[0195] Sampling beetles at discrete times (e.g., bi-weekly) gives efficacy "snap shots" of the populations. Plots of the cumulative total numbers of adult and larval beetles collected from each pair of houses for the entire study (Figs. 2 and 3) illustrated the overall efficacy or each insecticide. The differences in the areas under the "standard" curve and those for each insecticidal treatment showed the reduction in beetle pressure due to each treatment. Viewed this way, the data suggested that all three insecticidal dusts, especially Composition 1, had superior efficacy compared to the "standard" treatments.

[0196] Conclusions: Compositions 1 and 2 and ZetaGard substantially reduced overall A. diaperinus populations compared to the "standard treatments (Zone Defense and Tempo SC Ultra). Composition 1 (which contained the insect growth regulator novaluron) achieved the highest overall percent reduction of both adult and larval A. diaperinus and was more effective than Composition 2 and ZetaGard, which did not contain an IGR.

[0197] Table 14. Mean adult and larval A. diaperinus counts during both flocks. Percent reduction is in comparison to the "standard" treatments (Zone Defense or Tempo SC Ultra).

[0198] Example 5: Field evaluation of the efficacy of Composition 1 for the control of A. diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in commercial broiler (poultry) houses in North Carolina (USA) Objectives: The objective of this field study was to compare the efficacy of Composition 1 to a commercial insecticide against A. diaperinus on a commercial broiler farm.

[0199] Table 15. Test Materials Test Species: Natural populations of A. diaperinus inhabiting the poultry houses.

[0200] Study Procedures: STUDY PROCEDURES: Both test materials were applied prior to bird placement for each of the 3 consecutive study flocks using a drop spreader at the rate of 12.5 lbs. / 500 linear feet in 4 bands / house: 1 band at the base of each side wall and 1 under each of the 2 feed lines. Beetle numbers were monitored by collecting 10 litter samples / house from all 4 broiler houses at approximately weekly intervals after placement of each flock. Samples were collected along 2 transects; 1 in the brood chamber and 1 in the non-brood area of each house. Moving along a transect (across the house) samples were collected at the base of the side wall, under a feed pan, in the center of the house, under a feed pan, and at the base of the opposite side wall.

[0201] Each sample was placed into a labeled bag and taken to the lab for counting. Each litter sample was sieved to remove big litter, and adults and larvae were collected in the small sieve and counted.

[0202] Results: Larvae: Mean larval counts for the two materials were similar during the 1st flock (Table 16). During the final six weeks of the 2nd flock and the entire 3rd flock, mean larval counts in the Composition 1 treated houses were substantially than the ZetaGard houses (Table 16). This indicated that Composition 1 with novaluron insect growth regulator (IGR) was more efficacious against larval beetles than ZetaGard LBT which does not contain an IGR.

[0203] Adult beetles: During the 1st flock there were no significant difference (overlapping 95% confidence intervals) in adult beetle counts between the treatments (Table 16). However, in the 2nd and 3rd flocks mean adult beetle counts were significantly lower (nonoverlapping 95% confidence intervals) in the Composition 1 houses on all sampling dates (Table 16). The higher larval mortality caused by the novaluron IGR in Composition 1 ultimately resulted in fewer adult beetles in these houses than those treated with ZetaGard LBT.

[0204] Table 16. Mean adult and larval A. diaperinus counts per sample for each study flock.

[0205] Conclusions: Composition 1 provided superior control of adult and larval A. diaperinus compared to ZetaGard LBT over the course of this study. This difference was due to the inclusion of the insect growth regulator novaluron in Composition 1. Example 6: Field evaluation of the efficacy of Composition 1 for the control of A. diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in commercial broiler (poultry) houses in Georgia (USA)

[0206] Objectives: To compare the efficacy of Composition 1 to a tank mix of 2 commercial insecticides against A. diaperinus on a commercial broiler farm.

[0207] Table 17. Test Materials

[0208] Test Species: Natural populations of A. diaperinus inhabiting the poultry houses.

[0209] Study Procedures: Six 30,000 square foot (50 ft. X 600 ft.) broiler houses were used in the study. Test materials were applied prior to bird placement for each of 2 consecutive flocks. Composition 1 was applied with a commercial drop spreader in 5 (3 ft. wide) bands / house: 1 band at the base of each side wall and 1 under each of the 3 feed lines (total area treated - 9,000 square feet). The tank mix of Tekko 10 + Dominion 4L was applied to 3 (10 ft. wide) bands / house: 1 adjacent to each side wall and 1 under the center feed line (total area treated - 18,000 square feet).

[0210] Beetles were monitored by collecting 10 litter samples / house from all 6 houses at weekly intervals after placement of each flock. Samples were collected along 2 transects; 1 in the brood chamber and 1 in the non-brood area of each house. Each sample was placed in a labeled bag and taken to the lab where adults and larvae were counted.

[0211] Results: Both treatments had a similar effect on larval and adult beetles, with mean larval and adults counts for the two treatments trending together over time (Figs. 4 and 5; Spearman rank correlations - 0.924 and 0.952, respectively; p < 0.001).

[0212] On some dates there were noticeable differences in mean counts between the treatments; however, neither treatment was consistently superior (or inferior) to the other. For example, on day 42 (flock 1), larval counts were significantly higher for Composition 1 , but on day 36 (flock 2) larval counts were significantly higher for Dominion 4L + Tekko 10 (Table 18).

[0213] The occurrences of noticeable differences between the treatments were greater for adult beetles (Table 18). However, for most of these, the magnitude of the difference was small and of no practical significance. For instance, some of the differences were 6.7 vs. 9.6, 7.3 vs. 4.3, 62 vs. 69, and 11 vs. 19 beetles per sample.

[0214] The results suggested Composition 1 efficacy was equivalent to the liquid tank mix; however, closer examination of the data told a different story. Treatments of the liquid tank mix applied 43.5 and 7.6 grams of imidacloprid and novaluron, respectively, per 1,000 square feet. Composition 1 applications delivered similar quantities of these actives per 1,000 square feet: 37.8 and 7.6 grams, respectively (Table 19). However, the tank mix was applied to 18,000 square feet / house, while CSI20-374 was applied to 9,000 square feet / house. So, Composition 1 treated houses received < 50% of the active ingredients vs. those treated with the liquid tank mix. Consequently, Composition 1 achieved efficacy equivalent to the liquid tank mix using only < % the amounts of the active ingredients.

[0215] Table 18. Mean larval and adult A. diaperinus counts (per sample).

[0216] Table 19. Test material application rates and actual quantities of active ingredients applied per house for the two treatments.

[0217] Conclusions: Composition 1, applied at rate that delivered < 50% of the active ingredients compared to the liquid tank mix of Tekko 10 and Dominion 4L, provided equivalent control of A. diaperinus. These study results clearly demonstrated the superior efficacy that can be achieved using a solid composition compared to liquid insecticides.

[0218] Example 7: Laboratory Evaluation of Compositions 6, 7 and 8 against adult and larval Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) compared to commercial bait product and an untreated control Objective: To determine the efficacy of Compositions 6-8 against field-collected larval and adult A. diaperinus compared to a commercial bait.

[0219] Table 20. Test Materials

[0220] Test species: Natural populations of adults and larvae of A. diaperinus collected from a commercial broiler house.

[0221] Study procedures: Sterile used broiler house litter (0.2 kg) was added to each 0.5-gallon test container. Treatments were applied once, on Day 0. Each test material was applied to 10 containers: 5 for adult beetles and 5 for larvae. Compositions 6, 7 and 8 were all applied at the rate: 1.13 grams per test container (Table 20) by spreading them evenly on the litter's surface. Conquest bait was applied by placing 1 tablet in the center of each test container (Table 20).

[0222] After applications were complete, 5 of the 10 containers per treatment were infested with 50 adult beetles and 5 of the 10 containers were infested with 50 beetle larvae. Five containers of untreated litter infested with adult beetles and five containers of untreated litter infested with larval beetles were used as untreated controls. Food (a piece of potato) was added to each container, and all containers were covered with cloth and held the at approximately 80°F. Additional food was added as needed.

[0223] Seven days after application (DAA-7) and addition of the insects, each container was opened, the total number of live adults and larvae were counted, and all insects were returned to their respective containers. At DAA-14 each container was opened again, and the total number of live adult beetles and larvae were counted.

[0224] Results: Larvae: On both DAA-7and DAA-14, Compositions 6, 7 and 8 demonstrated similar efficacy, and at both times all three were superior to Conquest (Table 21; Fig.6).

[0225] Adults: At DAA-7 efficacy of Compositions 7 and 8 was similar to Conquest, but on DAA- 14 Compositions 7 and 8 were more efficacious than Conquest (84% and 85% vs. 74%, respectively, Table 21; Fig. 7). Composition 6 was inferior to Compositions 7 and 8 at both DAA-7 and DAA-14 (Table 21; Fig. 7).

[0226] Conclusions: Efficacy of all three fine powder bait Compositions (6, 7 and 8) against larvae was superior to the Conquest bait tablet at both DAA-7 and DAA-14. Efficacy of Compositions 6, 7 and 8 against adults was super to the Conquest bait tablet at DAA-14.

[0227] Table 21. Efficacy of the 4 test materials against A. diaperinus at DAA-7 and DAA-14.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A ready-to-use solid composition comprising: a) at least one insecticide selected from the group consisting of: neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, macrolides, spinosyns, oxadiazines, isoxazolines, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, indoxacarb, and hydramethylnon; b) optionally at least one insect growth regulator; c) a solid carrier; d) optionally a pheromone.

2. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and the mixtures thereof.

3. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is pyrethroid selected from the group consisting of bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, beta- cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, tau-fluvalinate, zeta-cypermethrin and the mixtures thereof.

4. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is macrolide selected from a group consisting of abamectin, emamectin benzoate, and the mixtures thereof.

5. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is a spinosyn selected from a group consisting of spinosad, spinetoram and the mixtures thereof.

6. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is isocyloseram.

7. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 1, wherein the insecticide a) is selected from imidacloprid, abamectin, spinosad, indoxacarb and the mixtures thereof.

8. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the amount of the insecticide a) is from 0.01 % to 6.0 % by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

9. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-8, comprising insect growth regulator (IGR) b).

10. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the insect growth regulator b) is a benzoylurea selected from the group consisting of novaluron, bistrifluron, chlorfluazuron, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron, hexaflumuron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, pyriproxyfen, and the mixtures thereof.

11. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the insect growth regulator b) is novaluron, pyriproxyfen and the mixtures thereof.

12. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the amount of the insect growth regulator b) is from 0.01 % to 2% by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

13. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the insect growth regulator b) is from 600:1 to 1:200.

14. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the solid carrier c) is selected from a group consisting of inedible solid carriers, edible solid carriers, and the mixtures thereof.

15. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-14, wherein the solid carrier c) is an inedible solid carrier selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, palygorskite clay, sodium montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, diatomaceous earth, hydrated amorphous silica, talc, chalk, and the mixtures thereof.

16. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-15, wherein the solid carrier c) is an edible solid carrier selected from the group consisting of cereal grains, amylaceous commodities, non-amylaceous commodities and the mixtures thereof.

17. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 16, wherein the edible solid carrier c) is a cereal grain selected from the group consisting of cracked hardwheat, cracked soft wheat, hard wheat, soft wheat, barley, oat, rye, maize, rice, and the mixtures thereof.

18. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 16, wherein the edible solid carrier c) is an amylaceous commodity selected from the group consisting of: oat flakes, rye flakes, corn grit, defatted corn grit, corn flour (fines), corn cob, wheat bran, oat bran, rice flour, semolina, durum wheat flour, whole meal flour, barley flakes and the mixture thereof.

19. The ready-to-use solid composition according to claim 16, wherein the edible solid carrier c) is a non-amylaceous commodity selected from the group consisting of: sucrose, brewer's yeast, bean flour, chickpea flour, coconut flour, dry cat food, egg layer hen feed, egg yolk powder, fava flour, linseed flour, lentil flour, lupine flour, milk-based feed, soybean flour, sunflower meal, whole egg powder and the mixtures thereof.

20. The solid composition according to any of claims 1-19, wherein the amount of the solid carrier c) is from 75 % to 99.989 % by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

21. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-20, wherein the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the solid carrier c) is from 1:12.5 to 1:10000.

22. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-21, wherein the ready-to-use solid composition comprises a pheromone d) is selected from the group consisting of: (R)-limonene, (E)-(3-ocimene, (S)-linalool, (E,E)-ot-farnesene, (R)-(+)-daucene, 2-nonanone, and the mixtures thereof.

23. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-22, wherein the amount of the pheromone d) is from 0.01 % to 5 % by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

24. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-23, wherein the weight ratio of insecticide a) to the pheromone d) is from 150:1 to 1:1000.

25. A ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-24, further comprising an insecticide synergist e).

26. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-25, wherein the insecticide synergist e) is piperonyl butoxide (PBO).

27. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-26, wherein the amount of the insecticide synergist e) is from 0.02 % to 15 % by weight, based on the weight of total composition.

28. The ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-27, wherein the ratio of insecticide a) to insecticide synergist e) is from 1500:1 to 1:300.

29. A method for controlling of beetles comprising treating livestock premises with an effective amount of the ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-28.

30. A method for protection of livestock premises against the beetle species Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus, comprising application of an effective amount of the ready-to-use solid composition according to any of claims 1-28 to the livestock premises.

31. The method according to any of claims 29-30, wherein the beetle species are Alphitobius diaperinus and Dermestes maculatus, also called lesser mealworms, darkling beetles, litter beetles and hide beetles.

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