Pest control composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pest control composition comprising a phenol (e.g. Thymol), an aldehyde (e.g. Vanillin), any one or more of free fatty acids, fatty acid salts and lipopeptides, and a carrier and / or a solvent. The invention further relates to a pest control composition comprising thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil and diesel oil, a stabilizer and a solvent. The invention further relates to a method for preparing these pest control compositions and to the use of these compositions.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This invention relates to compositions for pest control, said compositions particularly (ia) comprising phenols (e.g., thymol) and aldehydes (e.g., vanillin). The invention further relates to methods for preparing the above-described compositions, and compositions prepared by such methods, or compositions that can be prepared by such methods. The invention further relates to the use of the above-described compositions.

[0002] The pest control composition of the present invention can be safely applied to animals (including livestock and humans) or agricultural products. Background Technology

[0003] Bites from pests such as insects are not merely inconvenient due to irritation and pain; they can pose serious health risks. The ability of insects and other pests to transmit bacteria, viruses, and other vectors is well-documented. For example, mosquitoes can transmit pathogens and viral particles into the bloodstream when feeding on the blood of a human host. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Lyme disease, and dengue fever are attributed to mosquito bites. These diseases cause thousands of deaths worldwide each year. The Aedes aegypti mosquito (also known as the yellow fever mosquito because it is a vector for the yellow fever virus) is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. However, recent studies have shown its presence in continental regions such as Germany and France. Aedes aegypti is diurnal and blood-feeding. It is also a vector for dengue and Zika viruses. To date, there is no universally available immunization against this species. Effective topical repellents against this species ensure protection against viral transmission.

[0004] It is also well known that ticks are responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, and fleas can transmit plague to humans.

[0005] For many years, synthetic compounds such as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) have been used as insect repellents. DEET was considered the industry standard for topical insect repellents and was highly effective for a long time. However, in some cases, it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. In North America, there has been a regulatory reassessment of insect repellents containing DEET. Such reassessments have led to labeling changes and dosage recommendations to minimize unnecessary exposure for sensitive groups, such as young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

[0006] Other pest repellent compounds, including 1-(1-methylpropoxycarbonyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine (also known as icaridin, picaridin, and KBR3032) and ethyl 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]aminopropionate (also known as EBAAP, ethylbutylacetylaminopropionate, and insect repellent 3535), have raised similar concerns.

[0007] Natural essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, and limonene have also been used as insect repellents. Their repellent power is typically strong initially, but due to their high volatility, these repellents lack long-term efficacy, and protection lasts only from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Furthermore, unrefined essential oils contain blends of compounds, some of which, even in minute concentrations, can still pose health risks to sensitive groups such as infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. These compounds are considered allergens, therefore doctors advise infants and pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid using natural essential oils.

[0008] Furthermore, synthetic pesticides and insecticides, such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, and neonicotinoids, are widely used in agriculture and animal husbandry (i.e., for crops and livestock). In addition to health and environmental issues, the widespread use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides has led to the rapid emergence of resistance in pest populations. All these factors, along with increasing regulatory restrictions on some insecticides, necessitate the development of alternative solutions.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for pest repellents that are effective over extended periods without posing health risks to animals (including livestock and humans). The purpose of this invention is to address this need.

[0010] Purpose of the invention

[0011] Specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition, such as a pest control composition for topical application, which can be advantageously and safely applied to animals (including livestock and humans) or agricultural products. Another object of the present invention is to provide a safe pest control composition that can be applied in large quantities to animals or agricultural products. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition that can be safely and continuously applied and reapplied (i.e., repeatedly applied) throughout the day. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition with a long-lasting pest-repelling effect. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition to repel carrier pests (e.g., mosquitoes) and other insect pests (e.g., flies) as well as arachnid pests (e.g., ticks). A further object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally safe and biodegradable pest control composition for protecting crops from pest infestation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition that can be sprayed on or near crops intended for human or livestock consumption. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pest control composition capable of repelling agricultural pests such as thrips, whiteflies, aphids, moths, and spider mites. Another object of the present invention is to provide an environmentally safe pest control composition. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be mentioned in the following detailed description.

[0012] The pest control composition of the present invention and the following uses relating to such pest control composition satisfy the above objectives. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The subject matter of this invention is set forth herein and in the appended claims.

[0014] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a pest control composition comprising:

[0015] a) Phenol (P),

[0016] b) Aldehyde (A),

[0017] c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L), and

[0018] d) Carrier and / or solvent.

[0019] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a pest control composition according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the components are:

[0020] a) Phenol (P),

[0021] b) Aldehyde (A), and

[0022] c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L)

[0023] Mix and dissolve or dilute in d) the carrier and / or solvent.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a pest control composition comprising a) thymol, b) an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, diesel oil, and any combination thereof, c) a stabilizer and d) a solvent.

[0025] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a pest control composition according to the second aspect of the present invention (i.e., a composition comprising thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil, a stabilizer, and a solvent), said method comprising:

[0026] • Mix the thymol, the oil, the stabilizer, and the solvent; and

[0027] • The thymol, the oil, and the stabilizer are dissolved in the solvent by incubating the mixture at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to dissolve the thymol, the oil, and the stabilizer in the solvent.

[0028] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions prepared or that can be prepared by a method for preparing a pest control composition according to a first aspect of the invention or by a method for preparing a pest control composition according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the pest control composition of the first aspect of the invention or the pest control composition of the second aspect of the invention for increasing livestock production of products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or for increasing agricultural output.

[0030] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a pest control composition comprising thymol, a stabilizer and a solvent for increasing livestock production (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or for increasing agricultural output, wherein the stabilizer is preferably vanillin and the solvent is preferably α-ω alkyl diol, more preferably 1,5-pentanediol.

[0031] Detailed description of the invention

[0032] Definitions and Terms

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used below have the meaning as commonly understood by the word.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, any feature within any aspect or embodiment of the invention may be combined with any feature within any other aspect or embodiment of the invention, and such combinations will be understood by those skilled in the art to be encompassed within the original disclosure of this application. This applies particularly to all embodiments described in the section concerning the compositions themselves, relating to other aspects of these compositions (e.g., methods and uses). This also applies particularly (but not exclusively) to the endpoints of the scope disclosed herein. For example, if it is disclosed that a given substance is present in a composition in concentration ranges of XY% or AB%, this application should be understood to explicitly disclose not only ranges XY% and AB%, but also ranges XB%, AY%, and (where numerically possible) YA% and BX%. Each of these ranges and combinations thereof is taken into account and should be understood to be disclosed directly and unambiguously in this application.

[0035] Similarly, it should be understood that the chapter headings used throughout this application are for organizational purposes only and do not impose an exclusive feature on the disclosure relating to aspects of the invention mentioned in the chapter headings. Therefore, chapter headings do not preclude the combination of disclosure within any chapter heading with the corresponding or similar context provided under another chapter heading. In fact, such cross-chapter disclosures are explicitly found within the disclosure of this application.

[0036] As used herein, each of the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “containing” (including its grammatical variations) means “comprising” in a non-exhaustive sense, but not necessarily “consisting of,” and does not exclude elements other than those explicitly listed as existing. Thus, as used herein, the term “comprising” (since this simplifies “having” and “containing”) and its grammatical variations indicate that other components besides those explicitly listed may, but are not required to, exist. Therefore, these terms, as limiting cases, include embodiments in which no other elements exist besides those listed, such as “consisting of” in the generally accepted sense.

[0037] As used herein, the phrase “composed of” and its grammatically related variants imply that there are no other elements besides those listed. Consistent with the definition of “contains” (and grammatically and semantically related terms) above, the term “composed of” therefore indicates a restrictive case within the meaning of “contains”.

[0038] Unless otherwise stated, percentages indicating the extent to which a particular ingredient is contained in a mixture or composition are weight / weight (w / w) percentages. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, ratios specified herein are weight ratios.

[0039] As used herein, the term "natural source" means a form in which a substance is isolated from nature without further chemical modification. The term "natural source" as used herein does not indicate purity. For example, a substance used in this invention at a concentration or purity higher than that naturally occurring in nature, but which, at the higher concentration / purity, is chemically identical to a corresponding substance in nature at a lower concentration / purity, will still be considered "natural source" in the sense used herein. Such substances used in this invention can be extracted from their natural state by suitable known methods or can be synthesized; both variations are within the meaning of "natural source" as used herein.

[0040] As used herein, “pest” refers to an animal that is harmful to humans or human interests, including animals that are harmful to crops or livestock. Such “pests” can serve as vectors of disease. In particular, as used herein, “pest” can be a member of the class Insecta, i.e., an insect, such as a mosquito, for example, a mosquito belonging to the subfamily Anophelinae or Culicinae, such as those belonging to the genera Aedeomyia, Aedes, Anopheles, Armigers, Ayurakitia, Borachinda, Coquillettidia, Culex, Culiseta, Deinocerites, Eretmapodites, Ficalbia, Galindomyia, Haemagogus, Haematobia, Heizmannia, Hodgesia, Isostomyi a. Johnbelkinia, *Kimia*, *Limatus*, *Lutzia*, *Malaya*, *Mansonia*, *Maorigoeldia*, *Mimomyia*, *Onirion*, *Opifex*, *Orthopodomyia*, *Psorophora*, *Runchomyia*, *Sabethes*, *Shannoniana*, *Stomoxys*, *Topomyia*, *Toxorhynchites*, *Trichoprosopon*, *Tripteroides*, *Udaya*, *Uranotaenia*, *Verrallina*, or *Wyeomyia*. The term "pest" as used herein can also refer to fleas, such as those belonging to the order Siphonaptera. The term "pest" as used in this article can also refer to flies, such as flies of the order Diptera. Similarly, the term "pest" can refer to aphids, such as aphids of the order Hemiptera, belonging to the suborder Sternorrhyncha, the infraorder Aphidomorpha, or the superfamily Aphidoidea.As used in this article, “pests” can also refer to members of the class Arachnida, i.e., arachnids, such as ticks, for example, belonging to genera such as Amblyomma, Anomalohimalaya, Bothriocroton, Cosmiomma, Cornupalpatum, Compluriscutula, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes, Margaropus, Nosomma, Rhipicentor, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Antricola, Argas, Nothoaspis, Ornithodoros, Otobius, or Nuttalliella. As used in this article, "pests" can also refer to members of the class Arachnida, i.e., arachnids, such as chiggers or mites of the family Trombiculidae, including genera such as *Acomatacarus*, *Afropolonia*, *Anahuacia*, *Ascoschoengastia*, *Axiogastia*, *Blankaartia*, *Brunehaldia*, *Chatia*, *Cheladonta*, *Doloisia*, *Euschoengastia*, *Eutrombicula*, *Gahrliepia*, *Guntherana*, and *Gunth*. The genera *Eeria*, *Hannemania*, *Heaslipia*, *Hirsutiella*, *Kayella*, *Leptotrombidium*, *Microtrombicula*, *Miyatrombicula*, *Neoschoengastia*, *Neotrombicula*, *Novotrombicula*, *Ornithogastia*, *Parasecia*, *Pseudoschoengastia*, *Schoengastiella*, *Schoutedenichia*, *Speleocola*, *Trombicula*, or *Whartonia*.As used in this article, “pests” can also refer to birds selected from the group consisting of starlings of the genus *Sturnus*, especially sparrows of the genus *Passer*, and crows of the genus *Corvus*.

[0041] As used herein, a “pest repellent” is a substance that repels pests from the source of such a repellent. Consequently, a “pest repellent” or “insect repellent” as used herein is a substance that prevents pests from landing on or climbing onto a surface to which such a repellent has been applied, or from feeding on food to which such a repellent has been applied. In a similar sense, a “pest control composition” or “pest repellent composition” as used herein refers to a composition having pest repellent activity or suitable for imparting pest repellent activity to a surface, object, or article treated with the composition in the foregoing sense. A composition comprising a pest control (i.e., pest repellent) substance or combination of pest control substances is considered to have “pest control” or “pest repellent” activity if, after a single application of such a composition, the duration between application and the first pest bite and / or predation is at least about 2 hours, at least about 3 hours, at least about 4 hours, at least about 5 hours, or at least about 6 hours. Preferably, the duration is at least about 6 hours, about 7 hours, or about 8 hours.

[0042] As used herein, the term "livestock" refers to domesticated animals, for example, raised in an agricultural environment to provide labor and produce a variety of products for consumption, such as meat, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. Livestock is preferably selected from the group consisting of free-range cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, llamas, alpacas, horses, and donkeys. Livestock can also be poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.

[0043] As used herein, the term "effective amount" and its grammatically related variations refer to the amount of a pest control composition that results in an observable effect (e.g., a pest repellency effect). For example, the "amount" of a composition that is "effective" in achieving pest repellency activity means an amount of composition that results in an empirically quantifiable reduction in the tendency of at least one type of pest to alight or climb on a surface or article treated with such composition or to consume a substance (e.g., food) treated with such composition. Preferably, the amount of a pest control composition that is "effective" in repelling pests maintains its initially observed effect for at least about 2 hours, about 3 hours, about 4 hours, about 5 hours, or about 6 hours. Preferably, the initially observed effect lasts for at least about 6 hours, about 7 hours, or about 8 hours.

[0044] In the relevant sense, the term "repellent activity" and related terms such as "insect repellent activity" and "pest repellent activity" are used interchangeably herein and refer to the degree to which a repellent can prevent pests from approaching or landing on a surface or article to which the repellent has been applied. The activity mentioned can be quantified, for example, by comparing the number of pests approaching, landing on, or climbing onto a treated surface or article to an untreated surface or article. Alternatively, the activity mentioned can be quantified in terms of the duration after which the initially measured repellent activity diminishes, and the initially prevented pests again approach, climb on, or land on the previously treated surface or article. It should be understood that the pest control compositions of the present invention having pest repellent activity contribute to the prevention and control of outbreaks of vector-borne diseases as described herein. In the context of the present invention, "long-term repellent activity" is defined as activity lasting for at least about 6 hours, at least about 7 hours, or at least about 8 hours.

[0045] As used herein, “disease transmitted by pests” or its grammatically and semantically equivalent term refers to any disease resulting from the interaction between a pest and its host, such as a disease caused by a mosquito sucking blood from its host. Non-restrictive examples of "diseases transmitted by harmful organisms" include malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, chikungunya, filariasis, tularemia, dirofilariasis, Saint Louis encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Ross River fever, Barmah Forest fever, La Crosse encephalitis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Mosquitoes are known to transmit malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, etc., while ticks are known to transmit tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, borreliosis, rickettsia (such as spotted fever and Q fever), plague, and rickettsiosis.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, the use of a hyphen ("-") to separate two boundary values ​​X and Y, or two parenthetical ratios, to specify a range in this application should be understood as indicating and disclosing a specified range that includes both endpoint values ​​X and Y. This also applies to ranges expressed as "from X to Y". Therefore, ranges expressed as "XY", "from X to Y", "from X to Y", "for XY", and "from XY" should be understood equivalently as indicating and disclosing a range covering all values ​​between endpoint values ​​X, X, and Y, as well as a range for endpoint value Y. In contrast, the use of the word "between" before two boundary values ​​X and Y, or two boundary ratios, to specify a range in this application should be understood as indicating and disclosing a specified range that excludes both endpoint values ​​X and Y, but includes all values ​​between the specified endpoint values ​​X and Y.

[0047] As used herein, the term "about," when referring to a particular value (e.g., one or more endpoints of a range), encompasses and discloses a certain variation around that particular value, in addition to the value itself. Such variation can arise, for example, from normal measurement variability when weighing or dispensing various substances using methods known to those skilled in the art. The term "about" should be understood to encompass and disclose a range of variability above and below a specified particular value, the percentage value relative to the value itself, as follows: The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±5.0% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±4.5% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±4.0% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±3.5% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±3.0% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±2.5% variability. The term "about" may encompass and disclose ±2.0% variability. The term "about" can encompass and disclose a variability of ±1.5%. The term "about" can encompass and disclose a variability of ±1.0%. The term "about" can encompass and disclose a variability of ±0.5%. When referring to a specific enumerated value, the term "about" can encompass and disclose the exact specific value itself, regardless of whether it is explicitly mentioned that the exact specific value is included; even if it is not explicitly stated that the term "about" includes a specific enumerated value, the exact specific value is still included within the range of variations produced by the term "about," and is therefore disclosed in this application. Unless otherwise stated, when the term "about" is stated before the first endpoint of a numerical range but not before the second endpoint of the range, the term and its implied variability in the range and disclosure refer to both the first endpoint and the second endpoint of the range. For example, the enumerated range "about X to Y" should be interpreted as "... about X to about"Y". This also applies to the range of ratios listed. For example, the listed range of weight ratios "approximately X:YA:B" should be interpreted as a weight ratio of "(approximately X):(approximately Y)-(approximately A):(approximately B)".

[0048] As used herein, "solvent" in the context of this invention is defined as a substance in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution. The dissolution of a solute does not cause any chemical change in a given solute molecule, but rather causes individual molecules within the solute to separate from each other through their interactions with other molecules of the solute (e.g., in a solid), such that the individual solute molecules in their final dissolved state are stabilized by the molecules of the solvent. Therefore, "solvent" in the context of this invention is a substance that provides the necessary stabilizing effect for solute molecules, allowing them to enter and remain in a dissolved form.

[0049] As used in this article, a “diluent” does not actively participate in the dissolution of the solute, but is only used to adjust the overall volume of the composition as desired or needed, thereby adjusting the solute concentration.

[0050] As used herein, “article” or equivalent “manufactured article” means an inanimate (i.e., non-living) object, regardless of its complexity. Numerous examples of “articles” (e.g., “clothing articles”) and “manufactured articles” are provided herein, which are particularly suitable for treatment with the pest control compositions of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the articles specifically mentioned herein are merely exemplary, and that treating many articles with the compositions of the present invention would be advantageous, for example, to impart pest-repelling activity to such articles.

[0051] As used in this article, a "solid" is a substance that does not flow freely at room temperature, for example, like a liquid or fluid, and whose shape does not change. Many substances that are "solids" in this sense can still be dissolved in solvents.

[0052] As used in this article, a "liquid" is a substance that flows freely at room temperature, causing its shape to change but its volume to remain constant, such as water or oil.

[0053] As used in this article, "room temperature" refers to a typical indoor ambient temperature of approximately 25°C.

[0054] As used herein, the term "active ingredient" refers to a substance that has the pest-repelling activity described above.

[0055] As used herein, the term “micelle water” refers to a solution containing a dispersion of micelles, which are aggregates of amphiphilic or surfactant molecules typically found in water.

[0056] As used herein, the term "vent hole" in the sense of the invention is defined as a hole for allowing gas or air (e.g., a gas containing the composition of the invention) to escape.

[0057] As used herein, the terms “safe,” “safety,” and their grammatical variations indicate a condition or property of a substance that is unlikely to cause or result in injury or damage under applicable standards. In particular, “safe application” as used herein refers to the application of the pest control composition of the present invention without causing or without significant adverse reactions, such as irritation to the skin or lungs upon application (e.g., repeated application) or inhalation. “Safe application” as used herein further refers to the possibility that the pest control composition of the present invention can be repeatedly applied even to infants, children, and pregnant or lactating women who typically constitute the population most susceptible to adverse reactions. Substances in discussion may be classified as safe based on established standards such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations.

[0058] As used herein, the term "stabilizer" refers to a substance that prevents the degradation or undesirable chemical alteration of an active agent present in the same composition as the stabilizer, thereby maintaining the chemical properties of that active agent. A stabilizer may exert its stabilizing effect, for example, by fixing (e.g., prolonging) the residence time of a given substance in a given phase, such as preventing evaporation or prolonging the time required for the given substance to evaporate at a given temperature. Stabilization can be due to the formation of a physical barrier preventing the substance from interacting with its environment, or it can be due to chemical interactions, such as the π-electron stacking interaction between an aromatic stabilizer and the aromatic substance to be stabilized, such that the effective boiling point of the substance to be stabilized is increased relative to its unstable state. An advantageous example of a stabilizer in the sense of this invention is vanillin.

[0059] As used herein, the term "liposome" refers to a spherical vesicle consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers, as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0060] As used herein, the term "DEET" is an abbreviation for the chemical name N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, which has the following chemical structure:

[0061] .

[0062] DEET is the active ingredient in many insect repellents in the art and can be absorbed through the skin. The risk of adverse reactions has been noted, particularly in young children and pregnant women. Although DEET is highly effective and long-lasting (e.g., up to 6-8 hours, depending on concentration), it cannot be safely reapplied multiple times within a day. Adverse reactions may include rash, skin irritation, numbness or burning of the lips, nausea, headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Particularly preferred is that the compositions of the present invention do not contain, i.e., lack, DEET.

[0063] As used herein, the term "icaridin" refers to the compound 1-(1-methylpropoxycarbonyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine, which has the following chemical structure:

[0064]

[0065] As used herein, the term "EBAAP" refers to the compound ethyl 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]aminopropionate, which has the following chemical structure:

[0066]

[0067] First aspect of the invention

[0068] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a pest control composition comprising:

[0069] a) Phenol (P),

[0070] b) Aldehyde (A),

[0071] c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L), and

[0072] d) Carrier and / or solvent.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the phenol (P) is selected from the group consisting of thymol, thymol acetate, thymol dichloroacetate, thymol trichloroacetate, thymol ether, thymol propionate, thymol benzoate, and thymol glucoside, particularly thymol.

[0074] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the aldehyde (A) is selected from the group consisting of vanillin, vanillin acetate, o-vanillin, isovillin and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, particularly vanillin.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or the following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the free fatty acid (F) is selected from the group consisting of one or more saturated and unsaturated C8-C20 fatty acids, more preferably from the group consisting of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid and eicosanoic acid, and particularly from the group consisting of dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, in any combination with the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the fatty acid salt (FS) is selected from the group consisting of one or more potassium and sodium salts of one or more saturated and unsaturated C8-C20 fatty acids, particularly from the group consisting of one or more potassium salts of one or more saturated and unsaturated C8-C18 fatty acids. In a more preferred embodiment, the FS is selected from the group consisting of one or more potassium and sodium salts of one or more of the following: octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid, particularly from the group consisting of dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid.

[0077] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the lipopeptide (L) is selected from the group consisting of non-ribosomal lipopeptides, ribosomal lipopeptides, synthetic lipopeptides, hybrids thereof, and combinations thereof. Ribosomal lipopeptides are generally preferred.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the nonribosomal lipopeptide is selected from the group consisting of one or more Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) lipopeptides, surfactantin, one or more cylcomarins, and one or more isopentenylated diketopiperazines.

[0079] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the ribosomal lipopeptide is selected from the group consisting of one or more lipolanthines, one or more goadvionins, one or more albopeptins, one or more selidamides, and one or more cyanobactins.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the carrier and / or solvent is selected from one or more of the group consisting of oil, diol and alcohol.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the oil is selected from one or more of the group consisting of: petroleum, diesel, biodiesel, waste oil, waste edible oil, vegetable oil, polyunsaturated vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, palm oil, soybean oil, castor oil, sulfonated castor oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cinnamon oil, jojoba oil, seed oil, lemongrass oil, coconut oil, neem oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, sweet orange oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, basil oil, lemongrass oil, geranium oil, clove oil, patchouli oil, catnip oil, fennel oil, sage oil, frankincense oil, cedarwood oil, microbial oil, bacterial oil, yeast oil, and algae oil;

[0082] As used herein, the term “waste oil” refers to oil that has been used or wasted from industrial or mechanical applications (such as engine oil, hydraulic oil, and gear oil or lubricant).

[0083] As used herein, the term "waste cooking oil" refers to one or more cooking oils used in food preparation (e.g., frying, baking), such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc. These cooking oils are used and discarded by households, restaurants, or for other purposes.

[0084] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the diol is an alkane diol, more preferably selected from one or more of 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, methylpropanediol and isopentanediol, particularly 1,5-pentanediol.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the alcohol is selected from one or more of ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, methanol and hexanol.

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the first aspect of the invention,

[0087] The concentration of phenol (P) is about 2-40% (w / w), more preferably about 5-20% (w / w), and particularly about 5-10% (w / w).

[0088] The concentration of aldehyde (A) is about 5-40% (w / w), more preferably about 10-30% (w / w), and particularly about 15-25% (w / w).

[0089] • If fatty acids (F) are present, their concentration is about 0.1-80% (w / w), more preferably about 2-40% (w / w), and particularly about 5-20% (w / w).

[0090] • If fatty acid salts (FS) are present, their concentration is about 2-80% (w / w), more preferably about 5-40% (w / w), and particularly about 10-30% (w / w).

[0091] • If lipopeptides (L) are present, their concentration is about 0.1-10% (w / w), more preferably about 1-5% (w / w), and / or

[0092] • The concentration of the carrier and / or solvent is about 5-90% (w / w), more preferably about 30-60% (w / w).

[0093] The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a pest control composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the components are...

[0094] a) Phenol (P),

[0095] b) Aldehyde (A), and

[0096] c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L)

[0097] Mix and dissolve or dilute in d) the carrier and / or solvent.

[0098] The second and third aspects of the present invention

[0099] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a pest control composition comprising a) thymol, b) an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, diesel oil, and any combination thereof, c) a stabilizer and d) a solvent.

[0100] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of pest control compositions comprising thymol, a stabilizer, and a solvent for increasing livestock production of products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or for increasing agricultural yields, wherein the stabilizer is preferably vanillin and the solvent is preferably α-ω-alkyl diol, preferably 1,5-pentanediol. It should be understood that such use is non-therapeutic in the context of livestock. In a preferred embodiment combining any of the above or following embodiments with the second aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of vanillin, vanillin acetate, o-vanillin, isovillin, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, alginate, agar, carrageenan, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin, starch, xanthan gum, coconut oil, PPG-20 methyl gluconate, and acetyl hexamethyl indene, particularly vanillin.

[0101] The cellulose derivative is preferably selected from one or more of the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose gum, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

[0102] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the second aspect or any other aspect of the invention, the solvent is selected from the group consisting of α-ω alkyl glycol, jojoba oil, sulfonated castor oil, ethanol, isopropanol, hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, and hexanediol.

[0103] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following embodiments of the second aspect or any other aspect of the invention,

[0104] The concentration of thymol is about 2-60% (w / w), preferably about 10-40% (w / w), and more preferably about 15-20% (w / w).

[0105] The oil concentration is about 10-60% (w / w), preferably about 20-50% (w / w), and more preferably about 30-40% (w / w).

[0106] The concentration of the stabilizer is about 10-60% (w / w), preferably about 15-40% (w / w), more preferably about 20-30% (w / w), and / or

[0107] The concentration of the solvent is about 20-60% (w / w), preferably about 30-50% (w / w), and more preferably about 35-45% (w / w).

[0108] The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a composition according to a second aspect or any other aspect of the invention (i.e., a composition comprising a) thymol, b) an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, diesel oil, and any combination thereof (if present), c) a stabilizer, and d) a solvent, said method comprising:

[0109] • Mix the thymol, the oil (if present), the stabilizer, and the solvent; and

[0110] • The thymol, the oil (if present), and the stabilizer are dissolved in the solvent by incubating the mixture at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to dissolve the thymol, the oil (if present), and the stabilizer in the solvent.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the components of the pest control composition of the present invention are dissolved.

[0112] Further aspects of the invention

[0113] Unless otherwise stated, the following aspects of the invention relate to the first aspect, the second aspect, or any other aspect of the invention.

[0114] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions prepared by a method for preparing a composition according to a first aspect of the invention or by a method for preparing a composition according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or following aspects or embodiments, the pest belongs to the group consisting of:

[0116] Arthropods, including insects and arachnids,

[0117] • Bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and

[0118] •birds;

[0119] Preferably

[0120] • Arthropods, including insects and arachnids.

[0121] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of pest control compositions according to the invention (e.g., pest control compositions according to the first or second aspect) in livestock for increasing livestock production of products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or for increasing agricultural output. It should be understood that, in relation to livestock, such use is non-therapeutic.

[0122] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition further comprises a diluent, a polymer, a polymeric material, an adjuvant, a surfactant, a coating, an anchor, a micelle material, a microencapsulated material, or a nanoencapsulated material.

[0123] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition further comprises any one or more of the following: polymers or polymeric materials selected from the group consisting of synthetic polymers and natural or biopolymers.

[0124] The synthetic polymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylamide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0125] The natural or biopolymer is preferably selected from the group consisting of: cellulose, starch, chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, laminarin, polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), one or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), one or more polyols, and one or more extracellular polysaccharides. The one or more extracellular polysaccharides may be derived from yeast, fungi, algae, bacteria, and plants.

[0126] In addition, polymers or polymer materials can be used alone, or in combination, blends, hybrids, composites or nanocomposites.

[0127] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the polymer or polymer material is a polymer porous scaffold, hydrogel, or membrane.

[0128] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition further comprises micelles, microencapsulated materials, or nanoencapsulated materials.

[0129] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the microencapsulated material or nanoencapsulated material is a polymer or polymer material as defined herein.

[0130] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the microencapsulated material or nanoencapsulated material is a protein, particularly selected from the group consisting of casein, whey protein, soy protein and albumin.

[0131] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the microencapsulated material or nanoencapsulated material is a lipid, particularly selected from the group consisting of phospholipids, liposomes, fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid), wax esters and beeswax.

[0132] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the microencapsulated material or nanoencapsulated material is an inorganic material, particularly selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide.

[0133] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the microencapsulated material or nanoencapsulated material is a lipopeptide, particularly selected from the group consisting of nonribosomal lipopeptides, ribosomal lipopeptides, synthetic lipopeptides, hybrids thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0134] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition further comprises wax esters or waxes, particularly selected from the group consisting of beeswax, carnauba wax, lanolin wax, and microbial waxes. The waxes or wax esters are preferably used as co-formulants, adjuvants, or dust binders.

[0135] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition further comprises chlorinated hydrocarbons, carbamates, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, organochlorides, pyrethroids, pyrethroids and any derivatives thereof.

[0136] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is mixed or combined with pesticides and insecticides (including acaricides and larvicides).

[0137] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is mixed or combined with synthetic oil and insecticide.

[0138] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is mixed or combined with one or more plant extracts or with one or more plant-derived essential oils (containing one or more known terpenes), one or more pesticides, one or more insecticides, or one or more polymer scaffolds.

[0139] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is added to, applied to or sprayed onto one or more genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (including one or more GMO seeds, one or more GMO plants and / or one or more GMO crops), wherein these genetically modified organisms have GMO insecticidal and pesticidal traits.

[0140] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is mixed or combined with food, flavoring or cosmetic ingredients.

[0141] The pest control composition of the present invention provides multi-layered protection, including repellent, antifeedant, oviposition interference, pheromone interference and / or disinfection properties.

[0142] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is used to prevent damage caused by pests or diseases spread by pests. This use preferably includes applying the pest control composition of the invention to any surface, more preferably to human, animal, plant, crop, food, agricultural product, or other surfaces, including household surfaces, direct application to the ground, plastic greenhouses, etc.

[0143] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest belongs to the group consisting of arthropods (including insects and arachnids).

[0144] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest belongs to the group consisting of bacteria, fungi and viruses.

[0145] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest is a bird selected from the group consisting of starlings of the genus Sturnus, particularly sparrows of the genus Passer and crows of the genus Corvus.

[0146] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is used to increase the production of livestock products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) in livestock, preferably for increasing milk and / or meat production in livestock selected from the group consisting of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, llamas, and alpacas, and particularly for increasing milk and / or beef production in cattle. It should be understood that such use is non-therapeutic.

[0147] As used herein in various aspects and embodiments, “products that increase livestock production” means a greater amount of livestock production obtained when the compositions of this invention are applied to livestock than the amount of livestock production obtained under comparable conditions without such application.

[0148] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is used to increase agricultural yield, i.e., to reduce crop and plant losses and to increase harvest yield. The crops or plants are preferably selected from the group consisting of spinach, chard, mustard greens, radish, bellflower, sugar beet, rye, barley, sorghum, corn, sunflower, cotton, coffee, rapeseed, citrus trees, and olive trees, and more preferably from the group consisting of rapeseed, citrus trees, and olive trees.

[0149] The pest control compositions of the present invention are suitable for use in crop and / or plant protection during times or periods when other chemical and / or biological protection methods cannot or are not applicable (particularly during the pre-harvest interval, or during and after flowering).

[0150] The pest control composition of the present invention (optionally combined with one or more other materials having insecticidal or pest-killing properties selected from the group consisting of insecticides, pesticides, insecticidal co-active ingredients, food, fragrance, cosmetic ingredients, synthetic oils, plant extracts, essential oils and plant-derived essential substances) allows insects and pests to be repelled from treated surfaces, animals or plants, thereby providing robust protection.

[0151] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition comprises one or more other materials having insecticidal or pest-killing properties selected from the group consisting of insecticides, pesticides, insecticidal co-active ingredients, food, fragrance, cosmetic ingredients, synthetic oils, plant extracts, essential oils and plant-derived essences.

[0152] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition is added to, applied to or sprayed onto one or more GMO seeds, one or more GMO plants and / or one or more GMO crops, with the aim of providing robust protection for said GMO seeds, GMO plants and GMO crops.

[0153] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition comprises a natural component or active ingredient (particularly chemically, enzymatically, by distillation, or by physical processes extracted from a natural source). More preferably, the component or active ingredient is chemically synthesized, semi-chemically synthesized, enzymatically synthesized, cell-free produced, whole-cell produced, biotechnically produced (e.g., in microorganisms, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and algae) and chemically or enzymatically extracted, or a hybrid thereof. More preferably, the pest control composition comprises a natural (particularly extracted from a natural source), chemically synthesized, or biotechnically produced component or active ingredient.

[0154] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the microbial oil is extracted from oil-producing microorganisms (including yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and algae). The microbial oil extract may be processed or unprocessed and can be effective not only as a carrier or solvent but also as a co-active ingredient.

[0155] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition comprises a pH stabilizer or pH adjuster and / or an oxygen scavenger. Preferably, the pH stabilizer or pH adjuster and / or oxygen scavenger are added to the composition after the active ingredient has been dissolved in a carrier and / or solvent.

[0156] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is prepared by mixing, dissolving, or diluting its components in a carrier and / or solvent that forms part of the composition. The carrier and / or solvent are preferably aqueous solutions, alcoholic solutions, eutectic solutions, and / or oily solutions.

[0157] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is a liquid or powder.

[0158] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the aspects or embodiments described above or below, the pest control composition is a kit of components, such as a kit of units A and B or a kit of units A, B, and C. For example, unit A may comprise phenol (P), aldehyde (A), and any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L), and unit B may comprise a carrier and / or a solvent. These units may be solid or liquid, and when these units are combined or mixed together, the pest control composition of the present invention is obtained. Therefore, the production and / or recycling of the pest control composition of the present invention can be carried out, for example, by farm workers or field workers on a farm or in a field.

[0159] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention is applied by methods including spraying, drenching, fumigation, trunk injection, aerial application, dipping, bathing, spot-on treatment, ear tags, and topical application.

[0160] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the application method includes chemical irrigation of plants and / or crops, wherein the pest control composition is mixed with irrigation water and applied through an irrigation system.

[0161] In a further preferred embodiment, in combination with any of the above or below aspects or embodiments, the application method includes chemical irrigation of livestock crops, wherein the pest control composition is mixed with water and applied by a water, mist and / or liquid spraying system or structure (e.g., an arched structure).

[0162] In some embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks 1-(1-methylpropoxycarbonyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine (icocarbidine). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks ethyl 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionate (EBAAP). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks any binary or ternary combination of DEET, icocarbidine, and EBAAP. In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks each of DEET, icocarbidine, and EBAAP.

[0163] Although not bound by theory, the pest control compositions of the present invention (especially if they contain thymol and vanillin) appear to be associated with a number of beneficial effects:

[0164] • Improved repellency against a wide range of pests;

[0165] • Increased protection time;

[0166] • Improved production processes: mixing and dissolving; and / or

[0167] • Improved texture and smell.

[0168] Although not bound by theory, the inclusion of oil in the pest control composition of the present invention appears to be associated with a number of beneficial effects:

[0169] • Uniform dispersion and spreading of the composition on the surface;

[0170] • Reduce the evaporation of various components (i.e., slow release);

[0171] • Reduce the absorption of various components into the skin of animals (e.g., cattle); and / or

[0172] • Reduce losses caused by rain and wind.

[0173] While not bound by theory, the inclusion of lipopeptides, fatty acids, and / or fatty acid salts in the pest control compositions of the present invention appears to be associated with a variety of beneficial effects:

[0174] • Improves penetration into the stratum corneum of harmful organisms; and / or

[0175] • Slow-release mechanism through the formation of micelles, microcapsules, and nanocapsules.

[0176] In addressing the aforementioned objectives, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that the pest control composition of the present invention exhibits substantial pest repellent activity. Following research and experimentation, the components constituting the pest control composition were carefully selected to achieve the specific objectives described above. In the broadest sense, the aim is to obtain a formulation that effectively repels insects while remaining safe for use on animals (including humans) and plants. The compositions of the present invention have the particular advantage of being even suitable for pregnant and lactating females and newborns. The present invention provides a naturally derived insect repellent formulation that is safe for use in humans and animals and can be safely applied and reapplied several times a day, thereby allowing for extended protection against unwanted pests without any harmful side effects. The present invention provides a pest control composition that is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and can be used as a pest repellent for increasing livestock production (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or for increasing agricultural yields. Regarding the environmental friendliness of the compositions of the present invention, it should also be noted that the compositions of the present invention are harmless to bees.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention maintains pest-repelling activity for at least about 3 days. In other preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention maintains pest-repelling activity for at least about 5 days. In other preferred embodiments, the composition of the present invention maintains pest-repelling activity for at least about 7 days. Particularly preferably, the composition of the present invention maintains pest-repelling activity for at least about 10 days, at least about 12 days, or at least about 20 days. In a more preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention maintains 100% protection for about 3 days, 99% protection for about 5 days, 90% protection for about 7 days, 80% protection for about 10 days, 60-70% protection for about 12 days, and / or 25-30% protection for about 20 days.

[0178] Thymol (also known as 5-methyl-2-(propane-2-yl)phenol) is a natural monoterpene phenolic derivative of cymene. It is found in thyme oil and can be extracted from common thyme (Thymus vulgaris; thymol provides the unique flavor of the culinary herb thyme), or synthesized from m-cresol and by methods generally known to those skilled in the art. It possesses a pleasant herbal aroma and strong preservative properties. Thymol has the following chemical structure:

[0179] .

[0180] Cembranoid diterpenes, which have a typical macrocyclic C14 skeleton, were first reported in the epidermal wax of many Nicotiana species.

[0181] Thymol can be present in the pest control compositions of the first, second, or any other aspect of the present invention.

[0182] In the pest control composition of the first aspect of the present invention, phenol (P) (especially thymol) is preferably present at a concentration of about 2% to about 40%, more preferably about 5% to about 20% (w / w).

[0183] Preferably, thymol is present in the composition of the present invention at an amount of up to 60% w / w or more preferably up to 50% w / w.

[0184] In some embodiments, thymol is present at concentrations of: about 2% to about 60% w / w, about 5% to about 60% w / w, about 6% to about 59% w / w, about 7% to about 58% w / w, about 8% to about 57% w / w, about 9% to about 56% w / w, about 10% to about 55% w / w, about 11% to about 54% w / w, about 12% to about 53% w / w, about 13% to about 52% w / w, about 14% to about 51% w / w, about 15% to about 50% w / w, about 16% to about 49% w / w, and about 17% to about 48% w / w. The concentrations are approximately 18% to 47% w / w, approximately 19% to 46% w / w, approximately 20% to 45% w / w, approximately 21% to 44% w / w, approximately 22% to 43% w / w, approximately 23% to 42% w / w, approximately 24% to 41% w / w, approximately 25% to 40% w / w, approximately 26% to 39% w / w, approximately 27% to 38% w / w, approximately 28% to 37% w / w, approximately 29% to 36% w / w, approximately 30% to 35% w / w, approximately 31% to 34% w / w, and approximately 32% to 33% w / w. In another specific embodiment of the invention, the thymol concentration is approximately 5-40% (w / w), preferably approximately 10-20% (w / w). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the composition of the invention, the composition comprises about 5% w / w thymol, about 10% w / w thymol, or about 15% w / w thymol. Another part of the invention is a composition according to the invention wherein the amount of thymol in the composition is within the range of corresponding boundary values ​​“between” any of the foregoing ranges.

[0185] In a further embodiment of the invention, the composition contains thymol in an amount of about 2-60% w / w, preferably about 5-40% w / w, more preferably about 10-20% w / w, and most preferably about 15% w / w. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains about 5% w / w thymol. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the composition contains about 10% w / w thymol.

[0186] The pest control composition according to a second aspect of the invention additionally comprises a stabilizer. "Stabilizer" should be understood in the sense set forth above. The stabilizer may advantageously be at least one compound selected from the list of the following: vanillin, vanillin acetate, o-vanillin, isovillin, and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, alginate, agar, carrageenan, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin, starch, xanthan gum, coconut oil, PPG-20 methyl gluconate, and acetyl hexamethyl indene.

[0187] The cellulose derivative is preferably selected from one or more of the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose gum, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

[0188] The pest control composition according to a first aspect of the invention comprises an aldehyde (A), which in particular (ia) can be used as a stabilizer.

[0189] A particularly preferred stabilizer is vanillin. Vanillin (also known as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is a phenolic aldehyde. It can also exist as an aldehyde (A) in the pest control composition of the first aspect of the invention. Synthetic vanillin, which is naturally occurring as an extract from vanilla beans, is used as a flavoring agent in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products. Vanillin has the following chemical structure:

[0190]

[0191] Vanillin can advantageously be used as a stabilizer in the compositions of the present invention, while also imparting its own pleasant fragrance to the composition and enhancing the natural aroma of other components (e.g., thymol, if present). Without being bound by theory, vanillin appears to prevent the active ingredient from changing its form or chemical properties. Without being bound by theory, vanillin can exert its stabilizing or immobilizing effect at least in part through the π-electron stacking interaction between the active ingredient and the phenolic ring of vanillin, thereby reducing the tendency of thymol to evaporate and, in turn, increasing the retention time of thymol in the composition of the present invention after application to a surface, article, or object.

[0192] The pest control composition of the second aspect of the present invention may contain a stabilizer in any amount. Preferably, the stabilizer is present in an amount of up to 60% w / w, more preferably up to 50% w / w, or even more preferably up to 40% w / w of the composition of the present invention. The stabilizer is further preferably present at a concentration of about 10-60% (w / w), more preferably about 15-40% (w / w), or even more preferably about 20-30% (w / w). For example, the stabilizer (particularly vanillin) may be present in the composition of the present invention at a concentration of about 5% w / w, about 10% w / w, about 15% w / w, about 20% w / w, about 25% w / w, about 30% w / w, about 35% w / w, about 40% w / w, about 45% w / w, or about 50% w / w of the composition of the present invention.

[0193] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 30% w / w vanillin or about 40% w / w vanillin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 15% w / w thymol and about 30% w / w vanillin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 20% w / w thymol and about 40% w / w vanillin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 5% w / w thymol and about 10% w / w vanillin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 5% w / w thymol and about 15% w / w vanillin. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the present invention comprises about 10% w / w thymol and about 20% w / w vanillin.

[0194] Typically, the weight ratio of the active pest-repelling ingredient to vanillin is preferably between 1:1 and 1:4, more preferably between 1:1 and 1:3, and even more preferably 1:2. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises thymol and vanillin, and the thymol / vanillin weight ratio is advantageously between about 1:1 and 1:4, about 1:1 and 1:3, or between about 1:1 and about 1:3. A particularly advantageous thymol / vanillin weight ratio in the compositions of the present invention is about 1:2.

[0195] Vanillin is advantageously a natural source in the sense described above, meaning that even synthetically produced vanillin used in the compositions of the present invention has a chemical structure that is chemically indistinguishable from vanillin isolated directly from a natural source. Of course, vanillin in the compositions of the present invention can also be isolated from a natural source. In one embodiment, vanillin is incorporated into the compositions of the present invention in a purified form.

[0196] The pest control composition according to a second aspect of the invention further comprises a solvent. The pest control composition according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a carrier and / or a solvent. Other aspects of the invention also require solvents. Unless otherwise stated, the following solvents are applicable to pest control compositions of any aspect of the invention.

[0197] The solvent is preferably selected from the group consisting of free oils or organic solvents, and can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic in nature. The solvent is preferably present at a concentration of about 20-60% (w / w), more preferably about 30-50% (w / w), and more preferably about 35-45% (w / w). Preferred solvents include jojoba oil, sulfonated castor oil, ethanol, isopropanol, hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, and hexanediol, or any combination thereof. Another preferred solvent is glycerol, preferably at a concentration of about 10-60% w / w of the composition. Other preferred solvents are hexadecane.

[0198] The carrier and / or solvent are further preferably selected from one or more of the group consisting of oil, glycol and alcohol.

[0199] The oil is preferably selected from one or more of the following groups: petroleum, diesel, biodiesel, waste oil, waste edible oil, vegetable oil, polyunsaturated vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, palm oil, soybean oil, castor oil, sulfonated castor oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cinnamon oil, jojoba oil, seed oil, lemongrass oil, coconut oil, neem oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, sweet orange oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, basil oil, lemongrass oil, geranium oil, clove oil, patchouli oil, catnip oil, fennel oil, sage oil, frankincense oil, cedarwood oil, microbial oil, bacterial oil, yeast oil, and algae oil.

[0200] As used herein, the term “waste oil” refers to oil that has been used or wasted from industrial or mechanical applications (such as engine oil, hydraulic oil, and gear oil or lubricant).

[0201] As used herein, the term "waste cooking oil" refers to one or more cooking oils used in food preparation (e.g., frying, baking), such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc. These cooking oils are used and discarded by households, restaurants, or for other purposes.

[0202] The diol is preferably an alkane diol, more preferably selected from one or more of 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, methylpropanediol and isopentanediol, particularly 1,5-pentanediol.

[0203] The alcohol is preferably selected from one or more of ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, methanol, and hexanol.

[0204] Other preferred solvents are deep eutectic solvents, which are classified as ionic solvents with special properties. These solvent systems are formed from eutectic mixtures of Lewis or Brønsted acids and bases and can contain a wide variety of anionic and / or cationic species.

[0205] Preferred solvents are amphiphilic solvents. Amphiphiles are chemical compounds that are both hydrophilic and lipophilic. Amphiphilic solvents can dissolve terpenoid / phenolic compounds in the aqueous layer of a two-phase mixture. Preferred amphiphilic solvents for the compositions of the present invention include propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, and hexanediol, or combinations thereof.

[0206] A particularly preferred solvent for the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention is an α-ω-alkyl glycol. A particularly preferred α-ω-alkyl glycol is pentanediol, referred to as 1,5-pentanediol. 1,5-pentanediol is a viscous, colorless, low molecular weight solvent. It also exhibits interesting antimicrobial enhancing properties. Preferably, in the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, 1,5-pentanediol is present in the composition at a concentration of about 10-80% w / w, about 20-70% w / w, about 30-60% w / w, or about 40-50% w / w. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition comprises about 35% w / w or about 40% w / w 1,5-pentanediol.

[0207] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention comprises thymol, vanillin, and 1,5-pentanediol.

[0208] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the harmful biological composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention comprises...

[0209] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, and approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0210] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, and approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0211] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, and approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0212] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, and approximately 20% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0213] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 35% w / w oil, and approximately 15% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0214] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, and approximately 40% w / w oil,

[0215] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, and approximately 40% w / w oil.

[0216] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, and approximately 40% w / w oil,

[0217] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, and approximately 50% w / w oil.

[0218] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.1% w / w fatty acid (F) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0219] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.5% w / w fatty acid (F) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0220] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0221] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0222] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0223] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 10% w / w fatty acid salt (FS) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0224] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0225] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0226] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0227] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 1% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0228] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.5% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 5% w / w lipopeptide (L), and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0229] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 10% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol;

[0230] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, and approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol; or

[0231] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L) and approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol.

[0232] Optionally, any of these embodiments may additionally include water or micelle water as a diluent.

[0233] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention comprises...

[0234] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 15% w / w water or micelle water;

[0235] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 10% w / w water or micelle water;

[0236] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, approximately 25% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water;

[0237] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 25% w / w oil, approximately 20% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water;

[0238] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 30% w / w oil, approximately 15% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water;

[0239] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 40% w / w oil, and approximately 10% w / w water or micelle water;

[0240] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 40% w / w oil, and approximately 10% w / w water or micelle water;

[0241] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 40% w / w oil, and approximately 10% w / w water or micelle water;

[0242] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 40% w / w oil, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water;

[0243] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0244] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.5% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 20% w / w water or micelle water;

[0245] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 15% w / w water or micelle water;

[0246] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0247] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0248] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 10% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 15% w / w water or micelle water;

[0249] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0250] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 5% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0251] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 15% w / w water or micelle water;

[0252] • Approximately 2% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 1% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol and approximately 25% w / w water or micelle water;

[0253] • Approximately 5% w / w thymol, approximately 10% w / w vanillin, approximately 0.5% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 5% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 20% w / w water or micelle water;

[0254] • Approximately 10% w / w thymol, approximately 20% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 10% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water;

[0255] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 35% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water; or

[0256] • Approximately 15% w / w thymol, approximately 30% w / w vanillin, approximately 1% w / w fatty acid (F), approximately 5% w / w fatty acid salt (FS), approximately 10% w / w lipopeptide (L), approximately 30% w / w 1,5-pentanediol, and approximately 5% w / w water or micelle water.

[0257] In one embodiment, the formulation of the present invention can be supplied as part of a device, such as an atmospheric distribution unit with ventilation holes, suitable for facilities such as barns, animal care facilities, or stables. Electrically heated elements or active ventilation elements (e.g., miniature fans) can be used to increase airflow through the unit and promote the evaporation and diffusion of the composition into the surrounding environment, thereby imparting its pest-repelling activity to the entire facility.

[0258] The pest control compositions of the present invention are effective in repelling pests. For example, the compositions of the present invention are effective in repelling insects such as mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti) and flies, as well as ticks, and are kept away from human and non-human animal hosts and agricultural products (e.g., seeds and crops that such pests can feed on). This formulation can be sprayed on or near crops and, in addition to its activity in repelling aphids, should also be effective in repelling pests such as thrips, whiteflies, moths, and spider mites. Therefore, the compositions of the present invention can be used in livestock to increase the production of livestock products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or to increase agricultural output.

[0259] A novel pest (e.g., insect) repellent composition is provided by using a carrier or solvent (e.g., 1,5-pentanediol), phenol (e.g., thymol), and aldehyde / stabilizer (e.g., vanillin) in combination with one or more combinations of free fatty acids, fatty acid salts, and lipopeptides, or with oils selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil. This composition is safe for human use (including infants and pregnant or lactating women) and can also be safely applied to animals or plants. The compositions of this invention can be applied once, twice, three times, or even more frequently per day. These novel pest control compositions, which are environmentally safe (even for bees) and biodegradable, can also be used to protect crops from harmful pests.

[0260] In another embodiment, the solvent of the composition of the present invention may comprise liposomes. Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of one or more phospholipid bilayers, used as carriers for delivering or administering active ingredients. Liposomes can be prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as by disrupting biological membranes and reconstructing the disrupted mixture. Liposomes should not be confused with micelles, as the latter are composed of a single monolayer, while liposomes comprise one or more lipid bilayers. Liposomes have been used as carriers for various applications in dermatology and cosmetics. Therefore, in another embodiment, the solvent of the composition of the present invention comprises 1,5-pentanediol, liposomes, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that this option is freely combinable with any of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., any of the embodiments), and is therefore disclosed together with any of the embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., any of the embodiments). In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises 1,5-pentanediol, thymol, a stabilizer (e.g., vanillin), and water or micellar water as a diluent. As set forth elsewhere herein, the composition may additionally comprise liposomes.

[0261] In all embodiments described herein, it is preferred that all components of the composition of the present invention, such as thymol and stabilizers (e.g., vanillin), are completely dissolved in a solvent.

[0262] Preparation method

[0263] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing a pest control composition according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein the components are...

[0264] a) Phenol (P),

[0265] b) Aldehyde (A), and

[0266] c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L)

[0267] Mix and dissolve or dilute in d) the carrier and / or solvent.

[0268] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for preparing a pest control composition according to a second aspect of the invention (i.e., a composition comprising thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil, a stabilizer, and a solvent). The method comprises: mixing thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil, a stabilizer, and a solvent; and dissolving the thymol, the oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil, and the stabilizer in the solvent by incubating the mixture at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to dissolve the thymol, the oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil in the solvent.

[0269] In some embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks 1-(1-methylpropoxycarbonyl)-2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine (icocarbidine). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks ethyl 3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionate (EBAAP). In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks any binary or ternary combination of DEET, icocarbidine, and EBAAP. In some further embodiments, the pest control composition of the present invention does not contain, i.e., lacks each of DEET, icocarbidine, and EBAAP. In the context of this preparation method, this means, particularly preferably, that the method does not include the step of adding the compound or these compounds.

[0270] The inventors unexpectedly discovered that optimal results can be achieved by adjusting the temperature at which phenols, such as thymol, are dissolved, and by adjusting the duration of incubation at the adjusted temperature. Without optimization of the dissolution temperature and time, phenols, such as thymol, may not dissolve optimally, for example, leading to difficulties in subsequent application due to the non-optimal (e.g., non-uniform) consistency of the composition before, during, and / or after application. While homogeneous single-phase solutions are preferred, the final composition obtained by the methods discussed herein can also be biphase, wherein the active agent, such as phenol (e.g., thymol), and the aldehyde / stabilizer (e.g., vanillin) are distributed to varying degrees between the lipophilic and aqueous phases depending on the composition of each of these phases (e.g., the concentration of micelles or liposomes in the aqueous phase) and / or depending on the conditions under which the dissolution is performed (e.g., conditions related to temperature and duration, i.e., incubation time at a specific temperature). However, it is generally most preferred that all components of the compositions of the present invention exist in a homogeneous single-phase state, and optimization of the methods used for producing the compositions helps ensure that this state can be achieved.

[0271] For example, in preparing the composition, pure phenols, such as thymol, are preferred. This terpene compound has low natural solubility only in water, posing a challenge to compositions intended for application, as such compositions typically contain at least some water, and sometimes large amounts, such as pure water or micellar water. To address this challenge, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that after mixing the phenol, such as thymol, with the remaining components of the pest control composition according to the first or second aspect of the invention (e.g., an α-ω alkyl diol, such as 1,5-pentanediol, as a solvent / carrier), heating the solvent to about 40-60°C or at a temperature between 40°C and 60°C, preferably about 45-55°C or at a temperature between 45°C and 55°C, and most preferably about 50°C, significantly promotes the dissolution of the phenol, such as thymol. At this temperature, the phenol, such as thymol, and the aldehyde / stabilizer (if initially a solid) readily dissolve in the solvent (e.g., an α-ω alkyl diol, such as 1,5-pentanediol). At the same time, care must be taken to limit the incubation time at such elevated temperatures to no longer than the duration required for the phenol, such as thymol, to dissolve. This is because extending the incubation time beyond this minimum duration carries the risk of thermal degradation of the phenol, such as thymol, and / or the aldehyde / stabilizer, thereby jeopardizing the subsequent beneficial pest-repelling effect of the resulting composition. To this end, the inventors have found that the duration of incubation at the temperature described above is advantageously about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes, or between about 30 seconds and about 2 minutes, preferably about 45 seconds to about 1.5 minutes, or between about 45 seconds and about 1.5 minutes, and most preferably about 1 minute. Therefore, heating the mixture of phenol, such as thymol, and the aldehyde / stabilizer at a suitable temperature (e.g., about 50°C) for an appropriate time (e.g., about 1 minute) advantageously strikes a balance between providing sufficient heating to achieve the desired dissolution while avoiding prolonged heating (which could adversely reduce the desired pest-repelling effect of the resulting composition).

[0272] The inventors have unexpectedly discovered that by dissolving phenols, such as thymol, and the remaining components of the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention in a carrier / solvent (e.g., dissolved in an α-ω alkyl diol, such as 1,5-pentanediol) according to the above method, a solution is obtained that can then be made into an aqueous solution by adding, for example, water or micellar water, without forming a two-phase mixture. That is, by following the above method, the inventors have discovered a way to prepare compositions containing aldehydes, such as thymol, and the remaining components of the pest control composition of the first or second aspect of the present invention, which can then be made into an aqueous solution of almost any desired degree while maintaining the homogeneity of a single-phase solution that is well-suited for uniform application without shaking before application, and for larger-scale industrial applications (e.g., agricultural applications), no additional equipment is required, such as by stirring, shaking, and agitation, to maintain homogeneity.

[0273] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of phenols such as thymol, aldehydes / stabilizers such as vanillin, and other components of the pest control compositions of the first or second aspect of the present invention) are correspondingly applicable to the present disclosure of the corresponding preparation methods. For the sake of brevity only, these embodiments will not be repeated herein in the context of the preparation methods. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is equally applicable to these preparation methods.

[0274] Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions prepared (or capable of being prepared) by the above-described method. Such compositions are significantly different from... not yet Comparable mixtures of the same components prepared by the above method have advantages over such comparable mixtures, especially when such compositions are aqueous or are made aqueous, because other compositions not prepared by the above method typically do not remain homogeneous. Therefore, the above method has the important advantage of ensuring the homogeneity of the resulting composition even when it is subsequently made aqueous (e.g., by adding a diluent such as water or micelle water).

[0275] use

[0276] This invention relates to pest control compositions, specifically compositions suitable for use in pest control or as pest repellents. In particular, pest control compositions are used to increase the production of livestock products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) or to increase agricultural output. As described herein, the compositions of this invention allow for the achievement of favorable pest repellent activity comparable to the benchmark DEET, but without the negative and / or irritant effects associated with the latter or other common synthetic pest repellents when applied to animals (particularly livestock). Avoiding such undesirable side effects associated with DEET offers numerous advantages. For example, unlike other compositions currently on the market, the compositions of this invention are suitable not only for achieving pest repellent activity in livestock but also for achieving pest repellent activity in user groups with higher sensitivities (e.g., infants, toddlers, young children, lactating and / or breastfeeding women), and in or on inanimate objects or articles that such sensitive groups typically come into contact with.

[0277] The relevant preferred embodiments relate to the use of the compositions of the invention as pest repellents in agricultural environments, as set forth herein. This includes the use of the compositions of the invention as set forth herein as pest repellents on and / or near crops ultimately intended for animal and / or human consumption. It also includes the use of the compositions of the invention as set forth herein as pest repellents on and / or near livestock (e.g., livestock intended for animal and / or human consumption). Livestock is preferably cattle. Here, it should be understood that benefits achievable through such uses include reductions in diseases transmitted by pest carriers in humans and non-human animals (particularly livestock). However, it should also be understood that such benefits extend to further non-therapeutic areas, such as increasing the yield of livestock-produced products (e.g., milk and / or meat and / or eggs) and protecting crops from pest infestation, resulting in a beneficial increase in crop yield and consequently a reduction in crop losses due to pest infestation.

[0278] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of components forming part of the composition) are correspondingly applicable to the uses described above. For the sake of brevity only, such embodiments will not be repeated here in the context of the uses. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is equally applicable to these uses.

[0279] Methods for processing manufactured products and methods for controlling pests

[0280] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating an article of manufacture with a composition of the invention as described herein. This method includes applying a composition of the invention as described herein to a surface of the article of manufacture and / or impregnating the article of manufacture with a composition as described herein.

[0281] In a further embodiment, the manufactured article can be understood as a livestock facility or a component thereof, a barn or a component thereof, a stable or a component thereof, or a milking machine or a component thereof.

[0282] A related aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling pests. This method includes treating a surface to be controlled (i.e., repelled) with a composition of the present invention as described herein. When the surface is a manufactured item (e.g., a livestock facility, barn, stable, or milking machine), the treatment may take the form of applying the composition of the present invention to the surface of the manufactured item. Depending on the nature of the manufactured item, the treatment may optionally or additionally take the form of impregnating the manufactured item with the composition of the present invention. When the surface is a skin surface, hide, or fur, the treatment may take the form of applying the composition of the present invention to the surface of the skin, hide, or fur. Suitable and preferred modes of applying the compositions of the present invention are disclosed herein.

[0283] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of components forming part of the composition) are correspondingly applicable to this method. For the sake of brevity only, such embodiments will not be repeated herein in the context of the method. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is equally applicable to the method.

[0284] Methods of processing agricultural products and related uses

[0285] A further related aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating agricultural products with the compositions of the invention as described herein. This method includes applying the pest control compositions of the invention to agricultural products, such as crops.

[0286] It should be understood that agricultural products can be those that are still growing (e.g., still growing in the field or greenhouse) before harvesting and distribution. Agricultural products can also be post-harvest products. Therefore, in the broadest sense, agricultural products can be crops at any stage of the event chain from growth, through harvesting, to distribution to consumers or manufacturers and their purchase.

[0287] Treating agricultural products with the pest control compositions of the present invention has the advantage of preventing pests that would normally feed on the products from doing so, thereby increasing the marketable yield of the products. Pests that can be advantageously prevented from feeding on agricultural products include hemipteran pests such as cicadas, aphids, planthoppers, leafhoppers, or shield bugs. Other pests may include, for example, thrips, lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran larvae, spider mites, locusts, or crickets. Agricultural products suitable for such treatment include vegetables and grains such as rice, wheat, soybeans, tomatoes, corn, and potatoes, as well as flowering trees and shrubs such as apples, oranges, olives, coconuts, roses, and lilies, and their harvested products. While treatment of agricultural products with the compositions of the present invention via seed impregnation and / or microencapsulation techniques is also conceivable, the most typical mode of treatment with the compositions of the present invention is generally by spraying. Therefore, agricultural products also include seeds.

[0288] This advantageously extends the duration of pest-repelling activity, allowing more time for transport from the field to the market, while reducing or eliminating any loss of agricultural products due to pest infestation.

[0289] A related aspect of this invention relates to the use of the pest control composition of this invention as a repellent for agricultural pests. The advantages associated with such use are set forth in the context of the aforementioned methods for treating agricultural products.

[0290] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of components forming part of the composition) are correspondingly applicable to this method. For the sake of brevity only, such embodiments will not be repeated herein in the context of the method. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is equally applicable to the method.

[0291] Non-therapeutic methods for treating livestock

[0292] A further related aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating livestock with the compositions of the invention as described herein. This method includes applying the pest control compositions of the invention to livestock, particularly cattle.

[0293] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for increasing the yield or productivity of livestock products (e.g., milk, meat, or eggs), the method comprising applying a composition according to the invention, such as a pest control composition according to the first or second aspect, to the livestock and optionally repeating such application, wherein the yield or productivity of livestock products obtained after application of the composition is greater than the yield of livestock products obtained without such application. The method may also include the step of subsequently collecting the livestock products. It should be understood that such a method is non-therapeutic.

[0294] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for increasing the yield or productivity of livestock products (e.g., milk, meat, or eggs), the method comprising applying a pest control composition comprising thymol, a stabilizer, and a solvent to the livestock and optionally repeating such application, wherein the stabilizer is preferably vanillin and the solvent is preferably α-ω-alkyl glycol, preferably 1,5-pentanediol, wherein the yield or productivity of livestock products obtained after application of the composition is greater than the yield of livestock products obtained without such application. The method may also include the step of subsequently collecting the livestock products. It should be understood that such a method is non-therapeutic.

[0295] After application of the formulation (e.g., by spraying), pests such as ticks or flies will leave livestock such as cattle, and the amount of products produced by the livestock will increase. The need for reapplication will depend, in particular, on whether a small amount of pests can be tolerated. If so, reapplication can be carried out after a period of approximately 7 to 10 days. If full protection is desired, reapplication can be carried out after approximately 3 days.

[0296] Applications in medical preventive methods

[0297] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for preventing the spread of diseases by pests, comprising applying the pest control composition of the present invention described above, such as the pest control composition according to the first aspect or the second aspect, to humans or non-human animals. A related aspect of the invention relates to a method for using the pest control composition of the present invention described above, such as the pest control composition according to the first aspect or the second aspect, for preventing the spread of diseases by pests. The method comprises applying the composition of the present invention described above to humans or non-human animals, such as livestock. Advantages associated with repelling pests (many of which are known to be disease carriers) are described herein. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the pest can be advantageously selected from the group consisting of: members of the class Insecta, such as mosquitoes, for example, mosquitoes belonging to the subfamily Anophelinae or Culicinae, such as those belonging to the genera Aedeomyia, Aedes, Anopheles, Armigers, Ayurakitia, Borachinda, Coquillettidia, Culex, Culiseta, Deinocerites, Eretmapodites, Ficalbia, Galindomyia, Haemagogus, Haematobia, Heizmannia, Hodgesia, Isos The genera *Tomyia*, *Johnbelkinia*, *Kimia*, *Limatus*, *Lutzia*, *Malaya*, *Mansonia*, *Maorigoeldia*, *Mimomyia*, *Onirion*, *Opifex*, *Orthopodomyia*, *Psorophora*, *Runchomyia*, *Sabethes*, *Shannoniana*, *Stomoxys*, *Topomyia*, *Toxorhynchites*, *Trichoprosopon*, *Tripteroides*, *Udaya*, *Uranotaenia*, *Verrallina*, or *Wyeomyia* are also mentioned. The term "pest" as used herein can also refer to fleas, such as those belonging to the order *Siphonaptera*.The term "pest" as used in this article can also refer to flies, such as flies of the order Diptera. Similarly, the term "pest" can refer to aphids, such as aphids of the order Hemiptera, belonging to the suborder Sternorrhyncha, the infraorder Aphidomorpha, or the superfamily Aphidoidea. As used in this article, “pests” can also refer to members of the class Arachnida, such as ticks, for example, those belonging to the genera *Amblyomma*, *Anomalohimalaya*, *Bothriocroton*, *Cosmiomma*, *Cornupalpatum*, *Compluriscutula*, *Dermacentor*, *Haemaphysalis*, *Hyalomma*, *Ixodes*, *Margaropus*, *Nosomma*, *Rhipicentor*, *Rhipicephalus* (*Boophilus*), *Antricola*, *Argas*, *Nothoaspis*, *Ornithodoros*, *Otobius*, or *Nuttalliella*.As used in this article, "pests" can also refer to members of the class Arachnida, such as chiggers or mites of the family Trombiculidae, including species belonging to the genera *Acomatacarus*, *Afropolonia*, *Anahuacia*, *Ascoschoengastia*, *Axiogastia*, *Blankaartia*, *Brunehaldia*, *Chatia*, *Cheladonta*, *Doloisia*, *Euschoengastia*, *Eutrombicula*, *Gahrliepia*, *Guntherana*, and *Guntheria*. The following genera are included: Hannemania, Heaslipia, Hirsutiella, Kayella, Leptotrombidium, Microtrombicula, Miyatrombicula, Neoschoengastia, Neotrombicula, Novotrombicula, Ornithogastia, Parascia, Pseudoschoengastia, Schoengastiella, Schoutedenichia, Speleocola, Trombicula, or Whartonia. As used herein, "pests" can also refer to birds selected from the group consisting of starlings (genus Sturnus), particularly sparrows (genus Passer), and crows (genus Corvus).

[0298] In the relevant preferred embodiments, the diseases transmitted by harmful organisms can advantageously be selected from the group consisting of: malaria, Lyme disease, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, chikungunya, filariasis, tularemia, dirofilariasis, Saint Louis encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Ross River fever, Barmah Forest fever, and La Crosse encephalitis. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, relapsing fever, rickettsial diseases (such as spotted fever and Q fever), tick-borne encephalitis, tularaemia, plague, and rickettsiosis.

[0299] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is Anopheles mosquito, and the disease transmitted by the pest is malaria. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is tick, and the disease transmitted by the pest is Lyme disease. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is Aedes aegypti, and the disease transmitted by the pest is dengue fever. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is a species of the genus Aedes, and the disease transmitted by the pest is Zika virus. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is Culex quinquefasciatus, a species of the genus Aedes, and a species of the genus Manila, and the disease transmitted by the pest is lymphatic filariasis. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the pest is a species of the genus Culex, and the disease transmitted by the pest is Japanese encephalitis.

[0300] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of components forming part of the composition) are correspondingly applicable to the corresponding preventive methods and medical uses of the present invention. For the sake of brevity only, such embodiments will not be repeated herein in the context of preventive methods and medical uses. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is equally applicable to preventive methods and medical uses.

[0301] equipment

[0302] A further aspect of the invention relates to a device, preferably a pest control device, comprising a body defining an interior space and including at least one vent, the body including a carrier disposed at one or more locations within the interior space of the body, the carrier containing a composition of the invention set forth herein, preferably a pest repellent composition of the invention set forth herein. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a heating element sufficient to heat the carrier and promote the evaporation of the composition of the invention contained therein. For example, the heating element may be an electric heating element activated by plugging the device into a power outlet. Once evaporated, the composition of the invention saturates the air within the interior space and exits the interior space through the vent into the surrounding environment. In this way, the surrounding environment also becomes saturated with the evaporated composition of the invention. In this way, the atmosphere of a livestock facility (e.g., a barn) can be advantageously saturated with the composition of the invention, resulting in pests leaving or avoiding entering the facility, thereby protecting the animals (e.g., cattle) in the room from such pests.

[0303] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed above in the context of the compositions of the present invention (e.g., involving specific amounts of components forming part of the composition) are correspondingly applicable to the present disclosure for the corresponding devices. For the sake of brevity only, such embodiments will not be repeated here in the context of devices. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is equally applicable to the devices disclosed above.

Claims

1. A pest control composition comprising: a) Phenol (P), b) Aldehyde (A), c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L), and d) Carrier and / or solvent.

2. The pest control composition according to claim 1, wherein the phenol (P) is selected from the group consisting of thymol, thymol acetate, thymol dichloroacetate, thymol trichloroacetate, thymol ether, thymol propionate, thymol benzoate, and thymol glucoside.

3. The pest control composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aldehyde (A) is selected from the group consisting of vanillin, vanillin acetate, o-vanillin, isovillin and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde.

4. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The free fatty acid (F) is selected from the group consisting of saturated and unsaturated C8-C20 fatty acids, particularly from the group consisting of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and eicosanoic acid; and / or The fatty acid salt (FS) is selected from the group consisting of potassium and sodium salts of saturated and unsaturated C8-C20 fatty acids, and particularly from the group consisting of potassium salts of saturated and unsaturated C8-C18 fatty acids.

5. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lipopeptide (L) is selected from the group consisting of non-ribosomal lipopeptides, ribosomal lipopeptides, synthetic lipopeptides, hybrids thereof, and combinations thereof. The non-ribosomal lipopeptide is preferably selected from the group consisting of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) lipopeptide, surfactant, cyclomarin, and isopentenylated diketopiperazine. The ribosomal lipopeptide is preferably selected from the group consisting of free liposomal lanohythin, goadvionins, albopeptin, selidamides, and cyanobacterial glycosides.

6. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The carrier and / or solvent are selected from one or more of the group consisting of oils, glycols, and alcohols. The oil is preferably selected from the group consisting of petroleum, diesel, biodiesel, waste oil, waste edible oil, vegetable oil, polyunsaturated vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, palm oil, soybean oil, castor oil, sulfonated castor oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, cinnamon oil, jojoba oil, seed oil, lemongrass oil, coconut oil, neem oil, thyme oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, sweet orange oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, basil oil, lemongrass oil, geranium oil, clove oil, patchouli oil, catnip oil, fennel oil, sage oil, frankincense oil, cedarwood oil, microbial oil, bacterial oil, yeast oil, and algae oil. The diol is preferably an alkane diol, more preferably selected from the group consisting of 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, methylpropanediol, and isopentanediol; and The alcohol is preferably selected from the group consisting of ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, methanol, and hexanol.

7. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The concentration of phenol (P) is about 2-40% (w / w), preferably about 5-20% (w / w). The concentration of aldehyde (A) is about 5-40% (w / w), preferably about 10-30% (w / w). • If fatty acids (F) are present, their concentration is approximately 0.1-80% (w / w), preferably approximately 2-40% (w / w). • If fatty acid salts (FS) are present, their concentration is approximately 2-80% (w / w), preferably approximately 5-40% (w / w). • If lipopeptides (L) are present, their concentration is about 0.1-10% (w / w), preferably about 1-5% (w / w), and / or • The concentration of the carrier and / or solvent is approximately 5-90% (w / w).

8. A method for preparing a pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the components are... a) Phenol (P), b) Aldehyde (A), and c) Any one or more of the following: free fatty acids (F), fatty acid salts (FS), and lipopeptides (L) Mix and dissolve or dilute in d) the carrier and / or solvent.

9. A pest control composition comprising thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil and diesel oil, a stabilizer and a solvent.

10. The pest control composition according to claim 9, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of vanillin, alginate, agar, carrageenan, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, guar gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, pectin, starch, xanthan gum, coconut oil, PPG-20 methyl glucose ether and acetyl hexamethyl indan, particularly vanillin.

11. The pest control composition according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of α-ω alkyl glycol, jojoba oil, sulfonated castor oil, ethanol, isopropanol, hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycol n-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methyl ether, and hexanediol.

12. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The concentration of thymol is about 2-60% (w / w), preferably about 10-40% (w / w), and more preferably about 15-20% (w / w). The oil concentration is about 10-60% (w / w), preferably about 20-50% (w / w), and more preferably about 30-40% (w / w). The concentration of the stabilizer is about 10-60% (w / w), preferably about 15-40% (w / w), more preferably about 20-30% (w / w), and / or The concentration of the solvent is about 20-60% (w / w), preferably about 30-50% (w / w), and more preferably about 35-45% (w / w).

13. A method for preparing a composition comprising thymol, an oil selected from the group consisting of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, and diesel oil, a stabilizer, and a solvent, the method comprising: • Mix the thymol, the oil, the stabilizer, and the solvent; and • The thymol, the oil, and the stabilizer are dissolved in the solvent by incubating the mixture at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to dissolve the thymol, the oil, and the stabilizer in the solvent.

14. A composition prepared by the method of claim 8 or 13.

15. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 9 to 12, wherein the pest belongs to the group consisting of: Arthropods, including insects and arachnids, • Bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and ·birds.

16. The pest control composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 9 to 12 or 15, or the composition according to claim 14, for use in increasing the milk and / or meat production of livestock or for increasing agricultural output.

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