RODENT CONTROL THROUGH ALTERNATIVE OLFACTORY SIMULATION

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pheromonal composition comprising a pheromone (a) selected from fatty acids, non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids, ethyl and / or methyl esters of non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, and mixtures thereof; and a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 (C1-C6) alkyl groups, 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, and their mixtures.

[0002] It also relates to an article impregnated with such a composition and its preparation process, as well as the use of such a composition or an article impregnated with such a composition for rodent control. In particular, it relates to a rodent control method using the alternating release of pheromones (mixtures of pheromone (a) and component (b)) from different rodent predators such as felines, canids, snakes, or mustelids, creating an alternating olfactory simulation (AOS) of the presence of these predators, which deters rodents from the area or objects to be protected.

[0003] It also relates to a kit usable in such a method of rodent control by SOA, such a kit comprising at least two pheromonal compositions according to the invention comprising different pheromonal mixtures (consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b)) or several impregnated articles, of which at least articles are impregnated with pheromonal compositions according to the invention comprising different pheromonal mixtures. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Rodents are a nuisance in many respects, both economic and health-related. They can damage electrical installations, thermal insulation in buildings, and food stored in silos and various containers. In addition to this economic damage, rodents also carry diseases transmissible to other animals and humans, such as salmonellosis, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, typhus, encephalitis, meningitis, choriomeningitis, hantavirus, Erve virus, and THAV, as cited in FR2962006A1.

[0005] Rodent control is a task humans have undertaken since time immemorial. The techniques employed constitute the arsenal of rodent extermination, a significant economic activity in all countries and across all human sectors. It can target the protection of living or storage spaces, as well as the protection of fields ravaged by voles. However, the techniques currently in use suffer from various problems.

[0006] The two most popular techniques are probably the use of poisoned bait and trapping.

[0007] Poisoned baits (see, for example, FR2839421A1) containing anticoagulants pose significant health and environmental problems. When a rodent eats poisoned bait, it usually dies later in a location that is not always easily identifiable, potentially leading to nuisances related to the decomposition of its body. Furthermore, a poisoned rat can itself be eaten by a predator, whether a bird or mammal, wild or domestic, which can then die from poisoning. This technique can therefore have a detrimental effect on biodiversity: indeed, during rat eradication campaigns in meadows, a decline in birds of prey such as buzzards and owls has been observed (Michael Coeurdassier, et al. Fourrages, 2014, 327-335).

[0008] Trapping (lethal or non-lethal) addresses both of these problems since the body of the trapped rodent can be destroyed. Therefore, traps or sound or food repellents have been developed to control rats (see for example: USD768806, WO2010 / 106352, EP1691602, US10212928, US10143193, US2021 / 0360899).

[0009] However, these traps have a limited effect because their capacity is generally limited to one rodent per trap, and unless the trap is checked regularly or a large number of them are used, this solution cannot counter an invasion of rats or mice in a shed, for example.

[0010] Another phenomenon makes these techniques difficult to sustain: the learning capacity of rodent populations, which renders a control system obsolete in a given area after a certain time. Indeed, it is known that rats can learn to avoid bait or traps thanks to the first individuals trapped, who transmit auditory or olfactory information to their conspecifics (Lee, H. and Kim, JJJ Neurosci. 1998, 18(20), 8444-8454).

[0011] Finally, the repellent substances used are often toxic to humans and / or the environment and therefore of limited use (US2011 / 0008264).

[0012] It is therefore of significant economic interest to be able to develop more effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly rodent control techniques.

[0013] Surprisingly, the applicant demonstrated that it was possible to effectively control rodents using mixtures of pheromones, such as territorial marking pheromones from native rodent predators and alarm pheromones from rodents (rats, mice), alternating these mixtures over time to prevent habituation and learning. This combination of the two types of pheromones allows for effective and prolonged action, while also using smaller quantities of the pheromones, thus limiting or avoiding their potential toxic impact.

[0014] Several classes of territorial marking pheromone components have been identified in the literature. These components can be classified into 4 main families.

[0015] Family I comprises heavy, weakly volatile fatty acids and their esters. More specifically, this family includes the territorial pheromones of rodent predators, composed of precise mixtures of fatty acids or their esters. These mixtures are specific to each species or subspecies. These compounds are generally present on the predators' fur, such as the facial pheromones of felines, and can be used for territorial marking by rubbing against a surface. Thus, pheromones are generally identified by analyzing the mixtures of fatty substances present on the animals' fur. These mixtures are weakly volatile and have a long-lasting territorial marking capacity. It is believed that these pheromones allow the identification of a predator's living space, such as a burrow, den, or other habitat. Such pheromones are described, notably, in EP0724832; Soini, HA et al.Journal of Chemical Ecology 2012, 38(2), 145-156; Van den Berghe, F. et al. Plos One 2019, 14(3), e0212551; Arnould, C. et al. Journal of Chemical Ecology 1998, 24(3), 559-576.

[0016] Family II includes amino derivatives such as 2-phenylethylamine, and pyrazines such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, and 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine. These compounds are generally found in the feces of predators such as foxes, big cats, and mustelids. Such pheromones are described, in particular, in Villalobos, A. et al. Pest. Manag. Sci.2022, 78, 1677. Although pyrazines have been described as inducing fear-related behaviors in mice (Osada et al., Journal of Chemical Ecology 2017, 43(3), 263-272), this activity is time-limited because these compounds are volatile. For example, diethylpyrazines have boiling points of approximately 190 °C at atmospheric pressure; therefore, their effect cannot be long-lasting. Furthermore, these compounds often need to be used at high concentrations to be effective, which limits their use due to their toxicity (WO 2014 / 133156A1). WO 2014 / 133156A1 describes the use of pyrazines as a repellent for mammals with an accessory olfactory bulb, such as rodents. Some molecules in this family, such as the 2-Phenylethylamine,have been used in rodent control methods. For example, WO 2012 / 173701 A1 describes a rodent control method using a composition including a TAAR (olfactory trace amine associated receptor) ligand such as 2-phenylethylamine. However, to the Applicant's knowledge, they have never been described in synergy with another pheromone. Family III includes sulfur derivatives such as 2-propylthietane. These are, for example, molecules secreted by the anal glands of various species such as ferrets, martens, beech martens, or polecats. Such pheromones are described, in particular, in Clapperton, BK et al. Animal Behaviour 1998, 36(2), 541-553.

[0017] Family IV comprises a single compound, namely 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a substance found in fox feces and notable for its close similarity to mouse alarm pheromones such as 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazoline (SBT). It also exhibits characteristics of both Family II and Family III. It is described in Brechbühl J. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2013, 110(12), 4762; Vernet-Maury E. et al. J. Chem. Ecol. 1984, 10(7), 1007-1018; Wallace KJ and Rosen JB Behav. Neurosci. 2000, 114(5), 912-922; Kobayakawa K. et al. Nature 2007, 450, 503-508.

[0018] The ways in which these odors affect the brains of mice are quite specific: substances from the anal glands or present in the urine or feces of predators (families II, III, and IV) are often associated with a predator's hunting territory, which is generally very large. Conversely, pheromones present on predator fur, such as facial pheromones (family I), are linked to living territories (den, bedding, living area for cats, for example). However, rodents do not exhibit as intense a fear response to hunting territory odors as they do to predator body odors (Clapperton, BK, Elaine CM, and Hussam AR, "Mammalian Pheromones - New Opportunities for Improved Predator Control in New Zealand," Publishing Team, Department of Conservation, 2017).This phenomenon stems from an intuitive assessment of the reality of the risk: a predator's hunting territory is not constantly inhabited, and rodents understand that these odors, when they diminish, do not indicate immediate danger. Conversely, body pheromones deposited by rubbing, which are quite fleeting, imply imminent danger.

[0019] In addition, rodent alarm pheromones can condition other individuals of the species to a situation or stimulus associated with imminent danger (Carew, SJ et al. Scientific reports 2018, 8(1), 1-10).

[0020] US9918472 describes the use of heterocycles with 3 to 7 specific links and a structure similar to TMT (2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) as repellents for animals such as rodents. However, the identified molecules do not correspond to the odors of rodent predators, either alone or in mixtures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The applicant has thus discovered new formulations combining predator pheromones and their use in rodent control. These combinations not only repel rodents over time but also prevent habituation, which is surprising.

[0022] The present invention thus relates to a pheromonal composition, more particularly intended to repel rodents, comprising: (a) a pheromone (a) selected from fatty acids, non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids, ethyl and / or methyl esters of non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, and mixtures thereof; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (e.g. 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine), 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the pheromonal composition comprises: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate;or 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof; or 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline; and (c) optionally one or more solvents.

[0023] Such a rodent control formulation combines different types of territorial marking pheromones (habitat and / or hunting pheromones) from rodent predators such as felines, canids, snakes, or mustelids, or combines one or more territorial marking pheromones from rodent predators with a rodent alarm pheromone. These pheromone mixtures target different areas of the rodent brain, which may explain why rodents do not become accustomed to these odors, thus maintaining a permanent repellent effect.

[0024] The present invention also relates to an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention.

[0025] Such an impregnated article can be prepared by a preparation process, the subject of the present invention, comprising impregnating the article with a composition according to the invention, and more particularly a composition according to the invention comprising one or more solvents, namely a composition comprising the pheromone (a), the component (b) and one or more solvents.

[0026] The present invention also relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or an article impregnated according to the invention, to control rodents.

[0027] Indeed, the pheromone mixture contained in these compositions or impregnated articles acts as a rodent repellent. It simulates the presence of a network of rodent predator trails by using territorial marking pheromones (habitat and / or hunting pheromones) of said predators and / or rodent alarm pheromones. Such use is therefore not lethal to rodents and presents no toxicity to humans or the environment.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a method of rodent control comprising: (1) the application of a composition C 1 according to the invention or the placement of an article impregnated with a composition C 1 according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and (2) optionally the repetition of step (1) once or more times, within 1 to 90 days, preferably 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0029] Advantageously, step (2) is implemented and comprises N-1 iteration(s) carried out each independently with a composition C i according to the invention or an article impregnated with a composition C i according to the invention, the compositions C 1 to CN being different from each other, i.e. the pheromonal mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b) is different from one composition to another.

[0030] By using different pheromone mixtures, it is possible to simulate, in an alternating manner, the presence of various types of rodent predators, such as felines (e.g., cats), canids (e.g., dogs, foxes, or wolves), snakes, or mustelids. Territory marking pheromones can also be combined with a rodent alarm pheromone (a pheromone released by a rodent when attacked by a predator) to reinforce the stress signal. This method of Alternating Olfactory Simulation (AOS) of predator presence prevents any habituation or learning in the rodents, thus maintaining the method's effectiveness over time.

[0031] Such a method using SOA can be implemented with the help of a kit, the subject of the present invention, comprising: at least two compositions according to the invention, the pheromonal mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b) of each of the compositions being different from one composition to another, or several impregnated articles according to the invention, at least two articles being impregnated with a pheromonal mixture, consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b), different from one article to another.

[0032] The use of the compositions according to the invention in a SOA method enhances the durability of the formulations by alternately simulating the presence of different rodent predators in a space to be protected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Pheromonal composition

[0033] The present invention therefore relates to a pheromonal composition comprising: (a) a pheromone (a) selected from fatty acids, non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids, ethyl and / or methyl esters of non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, and mixtures thereof; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (e.g. 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine), 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Preferably, the pheromonal composition includes: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, including about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate; or 6.0% to 12.0%, including about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof;or 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline; and (c) optionally one or more solvents.

[0035] The pheromone (a) aims to simulate a territorial habitat marking pheromone of a rodent predator, namely a substance secreted by such a predator to mark its habitat territory.

[0036] By "rodent," we mean in particular a rat or a mouse.

[0037] By “predator” of a rodent, we mean in particular a feline (e.g. cat), a canid (e.g. dog, fox, wolf), a snake or a mustelid (e.g. beech marten, ferret, mink).

[0038] Depending on the composition of the pheromone (a), it will thus be possible to simulate the presence of different predators.

[0039] For the purposes of this invention, "fatty acids" means a carboxylic acid of formula R1-COOH, in which R1 represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, preferably linear, hydrocarbon chain, the carboxylic acid comprising from 4 to 22, in particular from 6 to 22, preferably from 8 to 20, and even more preferably from 10 to 18, carbon atoms (including the carbon atom of the COOH group). When the hydrocarbon chain is unsaturated, it preferably comprises 1, 2, or 3 C=C double bonds. Examples include capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.

[0040] Thus, the fatty acid will be advantageously chosen from among capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and their mixtures.

[0041] For the purposes of this invention, "non-cyclic aliphatic diacid" means a dicarboxylic acid of the formula HOOC-R2-COOH, in which R2 represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, preferably linear, hydrocarbon chain. The dicarboxylic acid comprises from 4 to 16, in particular from 6 to 14, preferably from 6 to 12, and even more preferably from 6 to 10, carbon atoms (including the two carbon atoms of the two COOH groups). When the hydrocarbon chain is unsaturated, it preferably comprises 1, 2, or 3 C=C double bonds. The hydrocarbon chain will advantageously be saturated. It may, in particular, be azelaic acid or pimelic acid.

[0042] Thus, the non-cyclic aliphatic diacid will be advantageously chosen from azelaic acid, pimelic acid, and their mixtures.

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises capric acid, methyl caprate, ethyl caprate, lauric acid, methyl laurate, ethyl laurate, myristic acid, methyl myristate, ethyl myristate, palmitic acid, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, or a mixture thereof.

[0044] According to another particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises azelaic acid, dimethyl azelate, diethyl azelate, methyl and ethyl azelate, pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, diethyl pimelate, methyl and ethyl pimelate, or a mixture thereof.

[0045] According to yet another particular embodiment, pheromone (a) comprises: capric acid, methyl caprate, ethyl caprate, lauric acid, methyl laurate, ethyl laurate, myristic acid, methyl myristate, ethyl myristate, palmitic acid, methyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, or a mixture thereof, and azelaic acid, dimethyl azelate, diethyl azelate, methyl and ethyl azelate, pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, diethyl pimelate, methyl and ethyl pimelate, or a mixture thereof.

[0046] Advantageously, the pheromone (a) comprises at least one non-cyclic fatty acid or aliphatic diacid, meaning that it includes at least one component in its acidic form. This prevents the formation of unpleasant odors for humans, as this acid neutralizes the nitrogen group present on component (b), thus limiting human perception of its unpleasant odor. It also increases the persistence of the rodent-repellent effect of the composition according to the invention.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises, in particular, a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of approximately 1:1:0, 1:0.5:3:5 by weight. Such a mixture simulates a cat territorial marking pheromone.

[0048] According to another particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises, in particular, is made up of, a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight.

[0049] Such a mixture simulates a territorial marking pheromone of a dog or wolf.

[0050] The pheromone (a) will advantageously be present in the composition at a content of 1% to 20%, in particular 2% to 15%, preferably 6% to 12%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0051] Component (b) aims to simulate a territorial hunting marking pheromone (e.g. urine marking) of feline (e.g. cat) or canid (e.g. dog, fox, wolf) or a rodent alarm pheromone.

[0052] Pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (e.g. methyl or ethyl) are advantageously chosen from 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, and mixtures thereof.

[0053] For the purposes of this invention, "(C1-C6)alkyl" means a saturated hydrocarbon chain, linear or branched, comprising 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2, carbon atoms. It shall in particular be a methyl or ethyl group.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, component (b) is selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6) alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. It simulates a urinary marking pheromone of a feline (e.g., cat) or canid (e.g., wolf).

[0055] According to another particular embodiment, component (b) is selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butylthiazoline, and mixtures thereof, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butylthiazoline, and mixtures thereof. It simulates a territory marking pheromone for ferret or fox hunting and / or a mouse alarm pheromone.

[0056] Each of these embodiments can be associated, for example, with a pheromone (a) consisting of: a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0, 1:0, 5:3:5, or a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight.

[0057] Component (b) will advantageously be present in the composition at a level of 0.001 ppm to 5000 ppm, preferably 0.01 ppm to 2000 ppm.

[0058] When component (b) is selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, component (b) is advantageously present in the composition at a level of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0059] When component (b) is selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, component (b) is advantageously present in the composition at a level of 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular from 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly from 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0060] The composition according to the invention may also include one or more solvents, advantageously chosen from water, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and mixtures thereof; in particular chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] The solvent(s) will advantageously be present in the composition at a content of 70% to 98%, for example 80% to 95%, in particular 85% to 95%, especially 87% to 93%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0062] Such a composition comprising one or more solvents is advantageously liquid, making it easier to apply.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises: (a) 1% to 20%, in particular 2% to 15%, preferably 6% to 12%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the pheromone (a) as defined above; (b) 0.001 ppm to 5000 ppm, preferably 0.01 ppm to 2000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of the component (b) as defined above; and (c) optionally one or more solvents, advantageously selected from water, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and mixtures thereof, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a weight content, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 70% to 98%, for example 80% to 95%, in particular 85% to 95%, in particular 87% to 93%.

[0064] A first type of composition according to the invention (type 1 composition) comprises: (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0, 1:0, 5:3:5 by weight; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine), and mixtures thereof.

[0065] Such a composition advantageously includes, in particular, the following: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0, 1:0, 5:3:5 by weight; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof;and (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a weight content, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular from 87% to 93%, in particular about 90%.

[0066] A second type of composition according to the invention (type 2 composition) comprises: (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0, 1:0, 5:3:5 by weight; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0067] Such a composition advantageously includes, in particular, the following: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0, 1:0, 5:3:5 by weight; (b) 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular from 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly from 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiazolinone, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof; and (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a weight content, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular 87% to 93%, in particular about 90%.

[0068] A third type of composition according to the invention (type 3 composition) comprises: (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof.

[0069] Such a composition advantageously includes, in particular, the following: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof;and (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a weight content, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular from 87% to 93%, in particular about 90%.

[0070] A fourth type of composition according to the invention (type 4 composition) comprises: (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; and (b) a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline.

[0071] Such a composition advantageously includes, in particular, the following: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular about 10.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; (b) 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular from 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly from 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof; and (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a weight content, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular 87% to 93%, in particular about 90%. Impregnated article

[0072] The present invention also relates to an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention, as defined above.

[0073] The article can be any item that can be placed in the space or on the object to be protected against rodents. It can be made of any material, and in particular can include a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or a biodegradable material, ideally of natural origin, such as wood or paper. Ideally, the material allows for the absorption of the composition according to the invention and its subsequent release over time.

[0074] The item could be, in particular, a molded object, granules (for example, made of thermoplastic material), a self-adhesive label (for example, with an external surface made of thermoplastic material such as PVC)...

[0075] Such an impregnated article can be prepared by a preparation process comprising impregnating the article with a composition according to the invention as defined above, and more particularly a composition according to the invention comprising one or more solvents, namely a composition comprising the pheromone (a), the component (b), and one or more solvents. Thus, the composition according to the invention will preferably be in liquid form to facilitate impregnation. Impregnation may be carried out, for example, by spraying, by brushing or rolling, or by dipping, preferably by spraying.

[0076] Once the article has been impregnated with the composition according to the invention, the solvent(s) will evaporate, so that the article will be impregnated only with the pheromone (a) and the component (b). Application in rodent control

[0077] The composition according to the invention or the impregnated article according to the invention is intended to be used for rodent control, and in particular against rats and / or mice, possibly in association with other rodent control systems such as ultrasonic emission systems.

[0078] In particular, the compositions according to the invention or the impregnated articles according to the invention can be used in a rodent control method comprising: (1) the application of a composition C 1 according to the invention or the placement of an article impregnated with a composition C 1 according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and (2) optionally the repetition of step (1) once or more times, within 1 to 90 days, preferably 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0079] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the method comprises: (1) the application of a composition C 1 according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and (2) optionally the repetition of step (1) once or more times, within a period of 1 to 90 days, preferably 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0080] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the method comprises: (1) the placement of an article impregnated with a composition C 1 according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and (2) optionally the repetition of step (1) once or more times, within a period of 1 to 90 days, preferably 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0081] Examples of items to be protected include electrical wires, thermal insulation, stored goods (e.g., bags of grain, bags of flour, crates of fresh or dried fruit)...

[0082] The spaces to be protected can be, for example, living or storage spaces, such as sheds, barns, grain silos, electrical rooms, attics, living rooms, cellars...

[0083] Advantageously, step (1) is repeated several times and therefore step (2) is implemented. The interval between two applications of a composition according to the invention or depositions of an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention is not necessarily always the same and may be chosen, for example, according to the volatility of the last composition according to the invention used; this interval will, however, remain from 1 to 90 days, preferably from 7 to 35 days, after the last application of a composition according to the invention or deposition of an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention.

[0084] When implemented, step (2) may, for example, comprise N-1 iteration(s), each carried out independently with a composition Ci according to the invention, or an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to the invention. The pheromone mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and component (b) of each of the compositions C1 to CN is different from one composition to another; that is, the pheromone mixtures are different in nature for each composition, being made up of different compounds. The use of compositions C1 to CN comprising different pheromone mixtures makes it possible to successively simulate different types of pheromones belonging, in particular, to different types of rodent predators, such as felines (e.g., cat), canids (e.g., dog, fox, or wolf), snakes, or mustelids, and / or representing an alarm pheromone for the rodent.This helps to prevent rodents from becoming accustomed to the method and thus maintain its effectiveness over time.

[0085] According to a particular embodiment, N is an integer from 2 to 12, in particular from 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 5, for example from 4,

[0086] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C 1 to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a type 2 or 4 composition as defined above.

[0087] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C 1 to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C 1 -C 6 )alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof, and preferably is a composition of type 1 or 3 as defined above.

[0088] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C1 to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 (C1-C6) alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof, and preferably is a composition of type 1 or 3 as defined above; and at least one other of the compositions C1 to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry- butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a type 2 or 4 composition as defined above.

[0089] According to yet another particular embodiment of the invention, N is equal to 4 and the compositions C 1 to C 4 are different from each other and are respectively a type 1 composition, a type 2 composition, a type 3 composition, and a type 4 composition as defined above.

[0090] Steps (1) and (2) of the method according to the invention may also be repeated one or more times. Thus, cycles using different compositions according to the invention may be carried out several times successively.

[0091] For example, when N = 4, compositions according to the invention C1 to C4, different from each other, can be used successively and in several cycles, for example as follows: C1, then C2, then C3, then C4, then C1, then C2, then C3, then C4, then C1, then C2, then C3, then C4... Kit

[0092] The present invention also relates to a kit comprising: at least two, in particular N (with N as defined above), pheromonal compositions according to the invention as defined above, the pheromonal mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and component (b) of each of the compositions in the kit being different from one composition to another (i.e. it is made up of different compounds), or several impregnated articles as defined above, at least two articles, in particular N (with N as defined above), being impregnated with a pheromonal mixture, consisting of the pheromone (a) and component (b), different from one article to another.

[0093] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) selected from among 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry-butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a type 2 or 4 composition as defined above.

[0094] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromonal mixtures comprises a component (b) selected from among 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof, and preferably is a type 1 or 3 composition as defined above.

[0095] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 (C1-C6) alkyl groups (such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, or 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine) and mixtures thereof, and preferably is a type 1 or 3 composition as defined above; and at least one other of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) selected from 2-propylthiétane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2- dry -butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2- dry- butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a type 2 or 4 composition as defined above.

[0096] According to yet another particular embodiment of the invention, N is equal to 4 and the 4 compositions of the kit are respectively a composition of type 1, a composition of type 2, a composition of type 3, and a composition of type 4 as defined above or the 4 different impregnated articles are impregnated respectively with a composition of type 1, a composition of type 2, a composition of type 3, and a composition of type 4 as defined above.

[0097] The kit's contents should ideally be contained in a sprayable container. Alternatively, they can be in a container equipped with a dropper or a brush. Therefore, they should preferably be in liquid form. EXAMPLES

[0098] The raw materials used for these examples come from Sigma Aldrich.

[0099] The analysis of pheromone levels is carried out by gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization detector on an Agilent - HP series II 5890 instrument.

[0100] Attractant release studies are conducted in ventilated ovens without viewing windows to avoid exposure to light. These studies are performed using two methods: either by monitoring the weight loss of the samples or by monitoring the residual pheromone concentration in the sample using gas chromatography (GC). Example 1: Formulation 1

[0101] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following is introduced at 50 °C under stirring: 800.0 g of isopropanol, 6.5 g of dimethyl azelate, 6.2 g of dimethyl pimelate, 0.5 g of capric acid, 3.7 g of lauric acid, 16.1 g of ethyl palmitate, and 67.0 g of ethyl oleate.

[0102] The mixture is left under agitation for 15 minutes, then 100 g of an isopropanol solution containing 1 g of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine is added.

[0103] The final mixture is left to stir for 15 minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0104] The solution has no unpleasant odor. It recreates a mixture of feline facial pheromone (for marking living space) and feline urine marking (for marking hunting territory). Example 2: Formulation 2

[0105] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following is introduced at 50 °C under stirring: 800.0 g of isopropanol, 6.5 g of dimethyl azelate, 6.2 g of dimethyl pimelate, 0.5 g of capric acid, 3.7 g of lauric acid, 16.1 g of ethyl palmitate, and 67.0 g of ethyl oleate.

[0106] In addition, 0.1 g of 2-(sec-butyl)-4,5-dihydro-thiazoline is prepared in 1000 g of isopropanol. Then, 10 g of this solution is taken and added to the reactor.

[0107] 90 g of isopropanol are then added to the reactor. The final mixture is left to stir for 15 minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0108] The solution has no unpleasant odor. This mixture recreates the cat's territorial marking pheromone and combines it with the alarm pheromone of mice and rats. Example 3: Formulation 3

[0109] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following is introduced at 50 °C under stirring: 800.0 g of isopropanol, 0.6 g of capric acid, 1.2 g of lauric acid, 4.2 g of ethyl myristate, 3.6 g of ethyl pentadecanoate, 30.1 g of ethyl palmitate, 30.1 g of ethyl oleate, and 30.1 g of ethyl linoleate.

[0110] The mixture is left under agitation for 15 minutes, then 100.0 g of an isopropanol solution containing 0.545 g of 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 0.182 g of 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine and 0.273 g of 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine is added.

[0111] This mixture simulates the habitat marking pheromone of canine species (wolves or dogs) and their urine marking. Despite the unpleasant odor characteristic of the pyrazine derivatives used, the formulation itself does not emit any unpleasant smell. Example 4: Formulation 4

[0112] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following is introduced at 50 °C under stirring: 800.0 g of isopropanol, 0.6 g of capric acid, 1.2 g of lauric acid, 4.2 g of ethyl myristate, 3.6 g of ethyl pentadecanoate, 30.1 g of ethyl palmitate, 30.1 g of ethyl oleate, and 30.1 g of ethyl linoleate.

[0113] The mixture is left to stir for 15 minutes.

[0114] In addition, 0.1 g of 4,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline is prepared in 1000 g of isopropanol. Then, 10 g of this solution is taken and added to the reactor.

[0115] 90 g of isopropanol are then added to the reactor. The final mixture is left to stir for 15 minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0116] The solution has no unpleasant odor. This mixture reconstitutes the territorial marking pheromone associated with the canine habitat pheromone and the fox hunting territory marking pheromone. The content of the latter (4,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) is 10 ppm. Example 5: Repellent effect of formulations 1, 2, 3, 4 with a 1-week interval

[0117] 20 mL amber spray bottles are prepared with each of the formulations prepared according to examples 1 to 4. Pumps deliver 100 µL of formulation per pump press. A barn on a farm containing straw bales, seeds, and farm tools is used to set up the alternating olfactory simulation (AOS) with the formulations from examples 1 to 4. The barn dimensions are 20 m wide, 50 m long, and between 3 and 7 m high.

[0118] We place 5 mechanical mouse traps equipped with non-toxic bait of the brand "super cat" from the company Swiss Inno, distributing them along the walls or in the middle of the barn.

[0119] The five traps are left in place for four weeks, checked weekly and replenished if they have caught a mouse or rat. This allows us to establish a baseline average trapping rate in this barn.

[0120] At the beginning of week 5, self-adhesive PVC labels measuring 10 cm x 10 cm are placed every 10 m on the interior walls. A spray of formulation 1 is applied to each label.

[0121] At the beginning of the following week (week 6), the traps are checked and one spray of the formulation from example 2 is applied to the labels. This process is repeated for the next two weeks, first using formulation 3, then formulation 4.

[0122] The results of trapping the mice are presented in Table 1 below. [Table 1] Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Number of trapped mice 2 3 1 2 1 0 0 0

[0123] During the first four weeks of the control period, an average of 2 mice were captured per week per 5 traps, or 0.4 mice / trap / week. During the following four weeks, with all four formulations as shown in examples 1 to 4, an average of 0.25 mice were captured per week per 5 traps. The SOA treatment therefore effectively protected the barn against mouse infestation and movement. Example 6: Spacing of the processes performed in example 5

[0124] The experiment of example 5 is continued by applying at the beginning of week 9 the formulation of example 1, then at the beginning of week 11 the formulation of example 2, then at the beginning of week 13 the formulation of example 3 and at the beginning of week 15 that of example 4. The monitoring of traps continues every week until week 16.

[0125] The results obtained are presented in Table 2 below. [Table 2] Week 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Number of trapped mice 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

[0126] Therefore, 2 mice were trapped over the entire test period, which equates to 0.05 mice trapped per week per trap, or 87.5% less than during the control period. This example demonstrates that SOA can be effective with a 15-day interval between treatments. Example 7: Estimating the time between 2 SOA applications

[0127] On 10 labels as used in Example 5, 4 sprays of formulation 1 are applied. These labels are placed in a ventilated oven at 30°C. Two labels are removed each week. Each label is rinsed 3 times with 10 mL of methyl- ter -butyl ether. The rinsing solutions are collected and the quantity of cat pheromone components remaining on the label is measured by GC.

[0128] The residual quantities of these components relative to their initial dose are presented in Table 3 below. [Table 3] Component Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Dimethyl azelate 84 % 69 % 51 % 34 % 20 % Dimethyl pimelate 90 % 84 % 78 % 69 % 61 % Capric acid 86 % 75 % 67 % 53 % 44 % Lauric acid 90 % 81 % 73 % 63 % 54 % Ethyl palmitate 81 % 70 % 56 % 39 % 26 % Ethyl oleate 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 % 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine 86 % 72 % 58 % 50 % < 30 %* * The limit of quantification is reached below 0.03%

[0129] This example demonstrates that after 5 weeks at 30°C, at least 20% of all the components of the initial formulation remain.

Claims

1. A pheromonal composition comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, particularly about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate; or 6.0% to 12.0%, particularly about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example approximately 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof; or 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example approximately 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline; and (c) optionally one or more solvents.

2. The composition according to claim 1, comprising 85% to 95%, in particular 87% to 93% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of component (c).

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (c) is selected from water, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, and mixtures thereof, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

4. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups are selected from 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, and mixtures thereof.

5. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein component (a) is a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate in the proportions 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5 by weight; or a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate in the proportions 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight.

6. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, particularly about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5 by weight; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example approximately 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, in particular selected from 2-phenylethylamine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, and mixtures thereof; and (c) one or more solvents, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

7. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular approximately 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5 by weight; (b) 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example approximately 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline; and (c) one or more solvents, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

8. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, particularly about 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example approximately 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, in particular selected from 2-phenylethylamine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, and mixtures thereof; and (c) one or more solvents, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

9. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, in particular approximately 10.0%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of 1:2:8:6:20:20:20 by weight; (b) 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, in particular 0.005 ppm to 10 ppm, more particularly 0.05 ppm to 5 ppm, for example approximately 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline. (c) one or more solvents, in particular selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

10. Article impregnated with a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method for preparing an impregnated article according to claim 10, comprising impregnating the article with a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, preferably comprising one or more solvents.

12. Use of a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9 or an impregnated article according to claim 10 for controlling rodents.

13. A method for controlling rodents comprising: (1) applying a composition C1 according to any of claims 1 to 9 or placing an article impregnated with a composition C1 according to any of claims 1 to 9 in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and (2) optionally repeating step (1) one or more times within 1 to 90 days, preferably 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein step (2) is implemented and comprises N-1 repetition(s) each performed independently with a composition Ci according to any of claims 1 to 9 or an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to any of claims 1 to 9, preferably with N being an integer from 2 to 12, in particular from 2 to 8, preferably from 2 to 5, for example 4, the pheromone mixture consisting of pheromone (a) and component (b) of each of compositions C1 to CN being different from one composition to another.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of compositions C1to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3, or 4 (C1-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, in particular selected from 2-phenylethylamine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethyl-5-ethylpyrazine, and mixtures thereof, and preferably is a composition according to claim 6 or 8; and wherein at least one other of compositions C1 to CN comprises a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, and preferably is a composition according to claim 7 or 9.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein N is equal to 4, compositions C1 to C4 are different from each other and are respectively a composition according to claim 6, a composition according to claim 7, a composition according to claim 8, and a composition according to claim 9.

17. The method according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein steps (1) and (2) are repeated one or more times.

18. Kit comprising: - at least two compositions according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the pheromone mixture consisting of pheromone (a) and component (b) of each of the compositions being different from one composition to another, or - several impregnated articles according to claim 10, at least two articles being impregnated with a pheromone mixture consisting of pheromone (a) and component (b), which is different from one article to another.