Device for pest control

Abstract

A device for pest control is disclosed. The device may include: a housing configured to hold a pesticide, accessible to pests, and comprising at least one opening configured to allow pests to reach the pesticide; and an attachment unit, including one or more connectors designed to detachably connect the device to a longitudinal element, selected from, a pipe, a branch, and a rod.

Description

DEVICE FOR PEST CONTROLCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 705,531, titled “DEVICE FOR PEST CONTROL”, filed October 10, 2024, and of Israel Patent Application No. 322473 titled “DEVICE FOR PEST CONTROL”, filed July 30, 2025, the contents of both are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for pest control. More specifically, the present invention relates to mountable devices for pests’ control and methods of using same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Ants are a common pest in gardens and fields, often causing significant damage to plants and crops. They can disrupt the growth of plants by feeding on seeds, roots, and foliage, and by fostering aphid populations, which can further harm plant health. In gardens and fields that are irrigated artificially with pipes and drip systems, ants can also cause blockages and damage to the irrigation infrastructure, leading to inefficient water distribution and increased maintenance costs.

[0004] Common practices for controlling ant populations in such environments include the use of chemical pesticides, bait stations, and natural deterrents. Chemical pesticides are often applied directly to ant trails and nests, but they can pose risks to non-target organisms and the environment. Bait stations, which contain attractants mixed with slow-acting insecticides, are strategically placed to lure ants and allow them to carry the poison back to their colonies. This method is effective in reducing ant populations over time but requires careful placement and monitoring.

[0005] In gardens and fields with drip irrigation systems, it is crucial to use pest control methods that do not interfere with the irrigation process. This often involves the use of targeted bait stations or natural deterrents, such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils, which can repel ants without harming the plants or irrigation equipment.

[0006] Bait stations, while effective in reducing ant populations, have one major limitation, they are sensitive for placement. Bait stations require precise placement to ensure ants encounter them. Incorrect placement can lead to reduced effectiveness.

[0007] One specific challenge includes controlling the population of fire ants. Fire ants are a particularly aggressive species known for their painful stings and rapid colony expansion. They pose significant challenges in gardens and fields, where they can damage crops and disrupt ecosystems. Fire ants often build large mounds that can interfere with agricultural machinery and irrigation systems. Their presence in irrigated fields can lead to blockages in pipes and drip systems, causing inefficient water distribution. Controlling fire ant populations requires targeted strategies, such as bait stations with attractants that lure ants to carry insecticides back to their colonies. This method, while effective, demands precise placement to ensure maximum contact with the ants. Additionally, natural deterrents and regular monitoring are essential to manage fire ant infestations without harming non-target organisms or the environment.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for effective pest control in gardens and fields based on bait stations with an in situ accurate placement capabilities.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Some aspects of the invention may be directed to a device for pest control. The device may include: a base, accessible to pests; and a cover, covering the base or parts thereof. In some embodiments, at least one the base and the cover may be configured to hold a pesticide. In some embodiments, the base may include an attachment unit, comprising one or more connectors designed to detachably connect the device to a elongated element. In some embodiments, the elongated element is selected from a pipe, a branch, and a rod. In some embodiments the base may have several compartments, covered by one or several covers. In other embodiments, more than one base unit may be connected to a single attachment unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base and the cover may be assembled to form a housing comprising at least one opening configured to allow pests to reach the pesticide, while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals and birds, as well as by humans. In some embodiments, the cover may be detachably connectable to the base.

[0011] In some embodiments, the attachment unit may be detachably connectable to the base or to a plurality of base units. In some embodiments, the base may include at least one path for directing the pests towards the pesticide.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the base and the cover may include a pesticide compartment for accommodating pesticides in a solid, a gel and / or liquid state. In some embodiments, the pesticide compartment may be refillable. According to other embodiments, the device may be configured to permanently lock the cover to the base, to prevent access to the pesticide once the cover is attached to the base. In some embodiments, the attachment unit may include: a platform detachably connectable to the housing; and a connecting element comprising one or more connectors.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base may have a substantially flat surface, facing the attachment unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Fig. 1 A is an illustration of a device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0016] Fig. IB is an exploded view of the device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] Fig. 1C is a bottom view of the components of the device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0018] Fig. 2A is an assembled view of a device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0019] Fig. 2B is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 2 A,

[0020] Fig. 2C is an illustration of the device of Fig. 2 A mounted on an elongated element according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0021] Fig. 3A is an assembled view of another device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0022] Fig. 3B is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 3 A,

[0023] Fig. 3C is an illustration of the device of Fig. 3 A mounted on an elongated element according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0024] Fig. 4A is an assembled view of another device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0025] Figs. 4B, and 4C are illustrations of the device of Fig. 4A mounted on an elongated element according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0026] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0028] Ants and other pests are drawn to watery humid environments, for example, near or on water pipes, in gardens and fields. Accordingly, a device for pest control according to embodiments of the invention, may include an attachment unit, comprising one or more connectors designed to detachably connect the device to a elongated element, selected from, a pipe, a branch, and a rod. This attachment unit may ensure an accurate and effective placement of the device (e.g., acting as a bait station) along the route of the pests (e.g., the ants). Therefore, pests (e.g., ants) walking on the pipe or branch may enter the device from one opening and exit from the same or additional opening after interacting with a pesticide. The pest may eat the pesticide, be partially covered by the pesticide, inhale the pesticide, and the like.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pests are one or more of: fire ants (Solenopsis), Black garden ant (Black garden ant), Carpenter ant (Camponotus), and the like. As should be noted a device according to embodiments of the invention can be used as a bait station for othertypes of pests, such as, various mites, bagworms, Japanese beetles, leaf miner, various moth, aphids, and the like. In some embodiments, the size of the device may be adopted to accommodate and feed one or more types of pests.

[0030] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 A which is an illustration of an assembled device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention. A device 100 may include a base 20 configured to hold a pesticide, accessible to pests; and at least one cover 10, covering base 20. In some embodiments, base 20 may include an attachment unit 30, comprising one or more connectors designed to detachably connect the device to a elongated element, such as, elongated element 8 illustrated in Figs. 2C, 3C, and 4B -4C.

[0031] In some embodiments, attachment unit 30 may be detachably connectable to base 20, as illustrated in Figs. IB and 1C. Alternatively, attachment unit 30 may be an integrated part of base 20, as shown in Figs. 2-4.

[0032] In some embodiments, base 20 and cover 10 may be assembled to form a housing 5 comprising at least one opening 14, illustrated in Fig. IB, configured to allow pests to reach a pesticide compartment. In some embodiments, the size of opening 14 may be designed to allow a specific species of pests (e.g., ants) to enter while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals and birds, as well as by humans.

[0033] In some embodiments, base 20 and cover 10 may be made from UV-resistant material, or from a material (e.g., a polymer) that comprises UV-resistant (e.g., UV blocker, UV reflector, etc.) material, in order to increase the longevity of device 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, cover 10 may be made from at least partially transparent material or may include at least partially transparent window allowing inspection of the amount and location of pesticide inside device 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, device 100 may be preloaded with the pesticide and may be disposed of after the amount of pesticide in the device reaches an unusable level. Alternatively, device 100 may allow reloading pesticide into base 20 or housing 5, and may be reused and refilled several times.

[0036] Housing 5 may serve as the primary structure for containing the pesticide and facilitating pest access. The design of housing 5 may ensure that pests can easily enter and interact with the pesticide, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the pest control process. Housing 5 may include a pesticide compartment, not illustrated, for accommodating pesticides in a solid, gel and / or liquid state. In some embodiments, the pesticide may beplaced inside housing 5, and / or may be attached / glued / printed / spread on at least one internal wall of housing 5. Housing 5 may be constructed from materials resistant to environmental conditions, ensuring durability and longevity in various settings.

[0037] . In some embodiments, base 20 may have a substantially flat surface 25, illustrated in Fig. 1C facing attachment unit 30. This flat surface may allow placing device 100 on a flat surface, such as on a floor, on the ground, etc., to be acting as stand-alone bait station.

[0038] Reference is now made to Figs. IB and 1C which are an expanded view of device 100 for pest control and a bottom view of components of the device according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, base 20 and cover 10 of housing 5 may be detachably connectable parts, to allow simple introduction and insertion of pesticide into the housing. In some embodiments, housing 5 may include opening 14 configured to allow pests to enter housing 5. Opening 14 may be defined by cover 10 one the one side, and base 20 on the other side. In some embodiments, the opening may be included in base 20 or in cover 10 (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the opening is formed between cover 10 and base 20. In some embodiments, a size and shape of opening 14 may be selected according to the type of pest, for example, to be suitable for ants such as, fire ants (Solenopsis), Black garden ant (Black garden ant), Carpenter ant (Camponotus), various mites, bagworms, Japanese beetles, leaf miner, various moth, aphids, and the like.

[0039] Cover 10 may include a first connector 18, which may aid in detachably connecting cover 10 to the base 20, via a second connector 28. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. IB and 1C, a first connector 18 may include a first protrusion 18, protruding from cover's base 12, to be clicked on second connector 28 including a second protrusion in base 20 corresponding to first protrusion 18 and adapted to mate with first protrusion 18 when cover 10 is attached to base 20. Other fastening or detachable connection mechanisms may be used. For example, connector 28 may be a flexible perturbance shaped to fit a hole 18 in cover 10 when cover 10 is placed over base 20. When removal of cover 10 is required, the flexible perturbance may be pressed inwards, towards the internal space of base 20 and thus release cover 10.

[0040] Base 20 may include a body 22 configured to hold the pesticide, and be accessible to pests. For example, pests may enter housing 5, by climbing ramp / path 24 that is configured to direct the pests towards the pesticide. In some embodiments, base 20 may further include one or more recesses 26, shown in Fig. 1C, configured to accommodateinserts 36 of attachment unit 30, when attachment unit 30 is attached to housing 5 (e.g., to base 20).

[0041] Base 20 may further include one or more second connectors 28 for detachably connecting cover 10, as discussed herein above.

[0042] In the nonlimiting example of Figs. 1 A, IB and 1C, attachment unit 30 may include a substantially flat surface 32 and one or more connectors 34, designed to detachably connect device 100 to a elongated element, such as a pipe, branch, or rod. In some embodiments, flat surface 32 is detachably connectable to housing 5, allowing for flexible positioning of device 100. When connected to attachment unit 30, device 100 may be connected to the elongated element, while when disconnected from attachment unit 30, housing 5, may act as a bait station to be placed on substantially flat surfaces.

[0043] Attachment unit 30 may further include one or more inserts 36, extending from flat surface 32, designed to be inserted into corresponding recess(es) 26, thereby detachably connecting attachment unit 30 to housing 5 (e.g., from base 20). Inserts 36 and recesses 26 may be sized and shaped to tightly fit each other.

[0044] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A which is an illustration of another device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention, and to Fig. 2B, which is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 2A.

[0045] A device 200 for pest control may include a base 120, accessible to pests, and a cover 110, covering base 120. In some embodiments, at least one of base 120 and cover 110 may be configured to hold a pesticide. In some embodiments, base 120 may include an attachment unit 130, comprising one or more connectors 132 designed to detachably connect the device to an elongated element 8, shown in Fig. 2C. In some embodiments, elongated element 8 may be any element having a length dimension being at least an order or magnitude larger than it’s other dimensions. Some non-limiting examples for elongated element 8 may include, a pipe, a branch, a rod, an upper edge of a swimming pool (or any pool), and the like. In some embodiments, one or more connectors 132 may be flexible clips enabling secure attachment to various elongated elements 8.

[0046] In the nonlimiting example of Figs. 2A-2C, attachment unit 130 is an integral part of base 120, and is not detachable from the base.

[0047] In some embodiments, base 120 may include at least one opening 124 (e.g., two openings 124) configured to allow pests to enter base 120 and reach the pesticide. In someembodiments, opening 124 may be designed to allow a specific species of pests (e.g., ants) to enter while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals, and birds, as well as by humans.

[0048] In some embodiments, opening 124 may include a ramp allowing the pests to crawl into base 120, looking for pesticide inside body 126.

[0049] In some embodiments, cover 110 may be detachably connectable to base 120. Cover 110 may be made from at least partially transparent material or may include at least partially transparent window allowing to inspect the amount and location of pesticide inside device 200.

[0050] In some embodiments, base 120 may include several compartments, covered by one or several covers 110.

[0051] Reference is now made to Fig. 3 A which is an illustration of another device for pest control according to some embodiments of the invention, and to Fig. 3B, which is an exploded view of the device of Fig. 3 A. A device 300 for pest control may include a base 220 comprising two base units 220a and 220b, each, configured to hold a pesticide, accessible to pests; and two covers 210a and 210b, each covering a corresponding base unit 220a or 220b. In the non-limiting example of Figs. 3A-3C, attachment unit 230 may be located between (and connecting) two base units 220a and 220b, comprising one or more connectors 232 designed to detachably connect the device to an elongated element 8, as discussed herein above and shown in Fig. 3C.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one of two covers 210a and 210b may be made from at least partially transparent material or may include at least partially transparent window allowing inspection of the amount and location of pesticide inside device 300.

[0053] In some embodiments, each one of covers 210a and 210b may include a single opening 214a and 214b sized to allow a specific species of pests (e.g., ants) to enter and exit bases 220a and 220b, while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals, and birds, as well as by humans. Each one of base units 220a and 220b may include a body 226a and 226b configured to hold a pesticide. Therefore, a pest may enter and exit one of the openings 214a or 214b to be fed and poisoned by the pesticide in body 226a or 226b.

[0054] Reference is now made to Fig. 4A, which is an illustration of an assembled view of yet another device for pest control, according to some embodiments of the invention, and toFigs. 4B, and 4C are which are illustrations of, and two views of the device of Fig. 4A mounted on a elongated element, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0055] A device 400 for pest control may include a base 320 configured to hold a pesticide, accessible to pests; and a cover 310, covering base 320. In some embodiments, base 320 may include an attachment unit 330, comprising one or more connectors 332 designed to detachably connect the device to a elongated element 8, as discussed herein above.

[0056] Cover 310 may be transparent or semi-transparent and may include a single opening 314 allowing pests to enter and exit device 400 while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals, and birds, as well as by humans. Based 320 may include a body 226 (illustrated in Fig. 4B, which includes device 400 uncovered by cover 310). configured to hold the pesticide. In some embodiments, body 326 may include a path for directing the pests from opening 314 towards the pesticide.

[0057] The inclusion of an attachment unit with connectors designed to detachably connect devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 to an elongated element, such as a pipe, branch, or rod (e.g. of a fence), may allow for precise and stable placement of the device along pest routes. This feature addresses the common issue of bait station placement sensitivity, ensuring that the device is positioned where pests are most likely to encounter it, thereby improving the efficiency of pest control efforts.

[0058] Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof may occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[0059] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0060] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for pest control, comprising: a base, accessible to pests; and a cover, covering the base, wherein the base comprises an attachment unit, comprising one or more connectors designed to detachably connect the device to a elongated element, and wherein at least one of the base and the cover are configured to hold a pesticide.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongated element is selected from a pipe, a branch, and a rod.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base has several compartments, covered by one or several covers.

4. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base may include two or more base units all being connected to a single attachment unit, wherein each base unit is cover by a corresponding cover.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base and the at least one cover are assembled to form a housing comprising at least one opening configured to allow pests to reach the pesticide while limiting access to the pesticide by larger animals such as house pets, farm animals, and birds, as well as by humans.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover is detachably connectable to the base or to a plurality of base units.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the attachment unit is detachably connectable to the base.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base comprises at least one path for directing the pests towards the pesticide.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the base and the cover comprises a pesticide compartment for accommodating pesticide in a solid, gel, and / or liquid state.

10. The device according to claim 9 wherein the pesticide compartment is refillable.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment unit comprises: a platform detachably connectable to the base; and a connecting element comprising the one or more connectors.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base has a substantially flat surface, facing the attachment unit.

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