Rodent control through alternating olfactory stimulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (a) a pheromone 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 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-sec-butylthiazoline, and mixtures thereof. It also relates to an article impregnated with such a composition and the method for its preparation, as well as the use of such a composition or an article impregnated with such a composition for rodent control.

Description

Title of the invention: Rodent control by alternating olfactory simulation TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pheromone 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 by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups, 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0002] It also relates to an article impregnated with such a composition and its preparation method, as well as the use of such a composition or an article impregnated with such a composition for combating rodents. It relates in particular to a method for combating rodents using an alternating diffusion of pheromones (mixtures of pheromone (a) and component (b)) of different predators of rodents such as felines, canines, snakes, or mustelids, making it possible to create an alternating olfactory simulation (SOA) of the presence of these predators which keeps the rodents away from the space or objects to be protected.

[0003] It also relates to a kit usable in such a method of combating rodents 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 two 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 aspects, both economic and health-related. They can damage electrical installations, thermal insulation in buildings and can damage food stored both in silos and in their various packaging. In addition to this economic damage, rodents also carry diseases that can be transmitted to other animals but also to humans, such as salmonellosis, leptospirosis, borreliosis, typhus, encephalitis, meningitis, choriomeningitis, hantavirus, Erve virus, THAV as cited in FR2962006A1.

[0005] Rodent control is an exercise that man has been engaged in since time immemorial. The techniques used constitute the arsenal of rodent control, which is a An important economic activity in all countries and in all human activities. It can target the protection of living or storage spaces as well as the protection of fields ravaged by mole rats. However, the techniques used to date suffer from various problems.

[0006] Probably the two most popular techniques are the use of poison baits and trapping.

[0007] Poisoned baits (see for example FR2839421A1) with anticoagulants pose first of all health and ecological problems. Indeed, when a rodent eats a poisoned bait, it generally dies later in a place that is not necessarily identifiable, which can cause nuisances linked to the decomposition of the body. Furthermore, a poisoned rat can itself be devoured by a predator, bird or mammal, wild or domestic, which in turn can die of poisoning. This technique can therefore have a harmful effect on biodiversity: it has also been observed during rodent control campaigns in meadows, a rarefaction of birds of prey such as buzzards or owls (Michael Coeurdassier, et al. Fourrages, 2014, 327-335).

[0008] Trapping (lethal or not) makes it possible to address these two problems since the body of the trapped rodent can be destroyed. Thus, sound or food traps or repellents have been developed to combat 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 that makes these techniques difficult to sustain is the learning capacity of rodent populations, which makes a control system obsolete in a space after a certain time. Indeed, it is known that rats can learn to avoid bait or a trap thanks to the first trapped individuals transmitting sound or olfactory information to their congeners (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 has demonstrated that it is possible to effectively combat rodents by using mixtures of pheromones such as territorial marking pheromones of native rodent predators and rodent alarm pheromones (rats, mice) and alternating these mixtures over time to avoid any habituation and learning phenomena.

[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 includes heavy, low-volatile fatty acids and their esters. These compounds are generally present on the hairs of predators, such as feline facial pheromones, and can be used for territorial marking by rubbing against a support. Such pheromones are described in particular 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 amine derivatives such as 2-phenylethylamine, or pyrazines 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. These compounds are generally present 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.

[0017] 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, stone martens, or polecats. Such pheromones are described in particular in Clapperton, BK et al. Animal Behaviour 1998, 36(2), 541-553.

[0018] Family IV comprises a single compound, namely 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT), a substance present in fox feces and which has the particularity of being very similar to mouse alarm pheromones such as 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazoline (SBT). It also has the characteristics of 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.

[0019] The modes of action of these odors on the brain 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 generally very vast hunting ground of the predator. On the contrary, pheromones present on the hairs of predators such as facial pheromones (family I) are, for their part, linked to living territories (den, litter box, living room for cats for example). However, rodents do not have 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 results from an intuitive appreciation of the reality of risk: a predator's hunting territory is not constantly inhabited and rodents understand that these odors, when they are in decline, do not translate into immediate danger. On the contrary, body pheromones deposited by smear, which are quite fleeting, imply a nearby danger.

[0020] Furthermore, rodent alarm pheromones can condition other individuals of the species to a situation or stimulus that can be associated with imminent danger (Carew, SJ et al. Scientific reports 2018, 8(1), 1-10).

[0021] US9918472 describes the use of particular 3- to 7-membered heterocycles of structure close to TMT (2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) as repellents for animals such as rodents. However, the identified molecules do not correspond to rodent predator odors, alone or in mixtures. Summary of the invention

[0022] The applicant has thus discovered new formulations of predator pheromones and their use in the fight against rodents.

[0023] The present invention thus relates to a pheromone composition comprising:

[0024] (a) a pheromone (a) chosen from fatty acids, non-aliphatic diacids cyclic, ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids, ethyl and / or methyl esters of non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, and mixtures thereof; and

[0025] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, substituted pyrazines by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0026] Such a composition for the fight against rodents therefore combines different types of territorial marking pheromones (habitat and / or hunting) of rodent predators such as felines, canids, snakes, or mustelids or combines one or more territorial marking pheromones of rodent predators with a rodent alarm pheromone. These compositions in the form of a mixture of pheromones make it possible to reach different areas of the rodents' brain.

[0027] The present invention also relates to an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention.

[0028] Such an impregnated article may be prepared by a preparation process, which is the subject of the present invention, comprising the impregnation of 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.

[0029] The present invention also relates to the use of a composition according to the invention or of an impregnated article according to the invention, for combating rodents.

[0030] Indeed, the pheromone mixture included in these compositions or these impregnated articles acts as a repellent against rodents. It simulates the presence of a network of traces of rodent predators by the use of territorial marking pheromones (habitat and / or hunting) of said predators and / or rodent alarm pheromones. Such use is therefore not lethal for rodents and does not present any toxicity for humans or the environment.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for combating rodents comprising:

[0032] (1) the application of a composition Ci according to the invention or the filing of an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and

[0033] (2) optionally repeating step (1) one or more times, within a time limit from 1 to 90 days, preferably from 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0034] Advantageously, step (2) is implemented and comprises N1 reiteration(s) each carried out independently with a composition C; according to the invention or an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to the invention, the compositions Ci to CN being different from one another, that is to say that the pheromonal mixture constituted by the pheromone (a) and the component (b) is different from one composition to another.

[0035] By using different pheromone mixtures, it is possible to simulate, in an alternating manner, the presence of different types of rodent predators, such as felines (e.g. cat), canids (e.g. dog, fox or wolf), snakes, or mustelids. Territory marking pheromones can also be associated with a rodent alarm pheromone (pheromone released by a rodent when it is attacked by a predator) to reinforce the stress message. This method by alternating olfactory simulation (AOS) of the presence of predators makes it possible to avoid any phenomenon of habituation and learning of the rodents, making it possible to maintain the effectiveness of the method over time.

[0036] Such a method by SOA can be implemented using a kit, object of the present invention, comprising:

[0037] - at least two compositions according to the invention, the pheromone mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and component (b) of each of the compositions being different from one composition to another, or

[0038] - several articles impregnated according to the invention, at least two articles being impregnated with a pheromone mixture, consisting of the pheromone (a) and component (b), which differs from one item to another. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Pheromonal composition

[0039] The present invention therefore relates to a pheromone composition comprising:

[0040] (a) a pheromone (a) chosen from fatty acids, non-aliphatic diacids cyclic, ethyl or methyl esters of fatty acids, ethyl and / or methyl esters of non-cyclic aliphatic diacids, and mixtures thereof; and

[0041] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, substituted pyrazines by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0042] The pheromone (a) is intended to simulate a territorial habitat marking pheromone of a rodent predator, namely a substance secreted by such a predator to mark its habitat territory.

[0043] By “rodent” is meant in particular a rat or a mouse.

[0044] By "predator" of a rodent, we mean in particular a feline (e.g. cat), a canid (e.g. dog, fox, wolf), a snake or even a mustelid (e.g. marten, ferret, mink).

[0045] Depending on the composition of the pheromone (a), it will thus be possible to simulate the presence of different predators.

[0046] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "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 more preferably from 10 to 18, carbon atoms (including the carbon atom of the COOH function). When the hydrocarbon chain is unsaturated, it preferably comprises 1, 2 or 3 C=C double bonds. It may in particular be capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid.

[0047] Thus, the fatty acid will advantageously be chosen from capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0048] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "non-cyclic aliphatic diacid" means a dicarboxylic acid of formula HOOC-R2-COOH in which R2 represents a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, preferably linear, hydrocarbon chain, the dicarboxylic acid comprising from 4 to 16, in particular from 6 to 14, preferably from 6 to 12, and more preferably from 6 to 10, carbon atoms (including the 2 carbon atoms of the 2 COOH functions). 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.

[0049] Thus, the non-cyclic aliphatic diacid will advantageously be chosen from azelaic acid, pimelic acid, and their mixtures.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] According to yet another particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises:

[0053] - 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

[0054] - azelaic acid, dimethyl azelate, diethyl azelate, azelate methyl and ethyl, pimelic acid, dimethyl pimelate, diethyl pimelate, methyl and ethyl pimelate, or a mixture thereof.

[0055] Advantageously, the pheromone (a) comprises at least one fatty acid or one non-cyclic aliphatic diacid, that is to say that it comprises at least one component which is in its acid form. Indeed, this makes it possible to avoid causing unpleasant odors for humans since this acid will be able to neutralize the nitrogen function present on the component (b) and therefore contribute to limiting the perception by humans of its unpleasant odor. This also makes it possible to increase the persistence of the repellent effect against rodents of the composition according to the invention.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises, in particular is constituted by, a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, acid capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5. Such a mixture simulates a cat territorial marking pheromone.

[0057] According to another particular embodiment, the pheromone (a) comprises, in particular is constituted by, 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 approximately 1:2:8:6:20:20:20. Such a mixture simulates a territorial marking pheromone of a dog or wolf.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Component (b) aims to simulate a territorial hunting marking pheromone (e.g. urine marking) of a feline (e.g. cat) or canine (e.g. dog, fox, wolf) or a rodent alarm pheromone.

[0060] The pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups (eg 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.

[0061] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "(Ci-C6)alkyl" means a saturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain comprising 1 to 6, in particular 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2, carbon atoms. This will in particular be a methyl or ethyl group.

[0062] According to a particular embodiment, component (b) is chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. It simulates a feline (e.g. cat) or canine (e.g. wolf) urinary marking pheromone.

[0063] According to another particular embodiment, component (b) is chosen from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof. It simulates a ferret or fox hunting territory marking pheromone and / or a mouse alarm pheromone.

[0064] Each of these embodiments may be associated for example with a pheromone (a) consisting of:

[0065] - 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

[0066] - a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, myristate ethyl, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:2:8:6:20:20:20.

[0067] Component (b) will advantageously be present in the composition at a content of 0.001 ppm to 5000 ppm, preferably 0.01 ppm to 2000 ppm.

[0068] When component (b) is chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, component (b) is advantageously present in the composition at a content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular of 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example at approximately 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0069] When component (b) is selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, component (b) is advantageously present in the composition at a content 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 at approximately 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0070] The composition according to the invention may also comprise 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.

[0071] 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%, in particular 87% to 93%, by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0072] Such a composition comprising one or more solvents is advantageously liquid, making it easier to apply.

[0073] According to a particular embodiment, the composition according to the invention comprises:

[0074] (a) 1% to 20%, in particular 2% to 15%, preferably 6% to 12%, by weight, per relative to the total weight of the composition, of the pheromone (a) as defined above;

[0075] (b) 0.001 ppm to 5000 ppm, preferably 0.01 ppm to 2000 ppm, based on weight total of the composition, of component (b) as defined above; and

[0076] (c) optionally 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, in particular at a content by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 70% to 98%, for example of 80% to 95%, in particular of 85% to 95%, in particular of 87% to 93%.

[0077] A first type of composition according to the invention (composition of type 1) comprises:

[0078] (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, pimelate dimethyl, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5; and

[0079] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, substituted pyrazines by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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.

[0080] Such a composition advantageously comprises, in particular, is constituted by:

[0081] (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially 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;

[0082] (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example at about 1000 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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

[0083] (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a content by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular of 87% to 93%, in particular of approximately 90%.

[0084] A second type of composition according to the invention (type 2 composition) comprises:

[0085] (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of dimethyl azelate, pimelate dimethyl, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate and ethyl oleate, preferably in proportions of about 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5; and

[0086] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, preferably among 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof.

[0087] Such a composition advantageously comprises, in particular, is constituted by:

[0088] (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially 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;

[0089] (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 to about 1 ppm, based on 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, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-sec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof; and

[0090] (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a content by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular of 87% to 93%, in particular of approximately 90%.

[0091] A third type of composition according to the invention (type 3 composition) comprises:

[0092] (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of capric acid, laurate ethyl 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; and

[0093] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, substituted pyrazines by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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.

[0094] Such a composition advantageously comprises, in particular, is constituted by:

[0095] (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially 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;

[0096] (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example at about 1000 ppm, based on the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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

[0097] (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a content by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular of 87% to 93%, in particular of approximately 90%.

[0098] A fourth type of composition according to the invention (composition of type 4) comprises:

[0099] (a) a pheromone (a) consisting of a mixture of capric acid, laurate ethyl 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; and

[0100] (b) a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline.

[0101] Such a composition advantageously comprises, in particular, is constituted by:

[0102] (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially 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;

[0103] (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 to about 1 ppm, based on 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-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof; and

[0104] (c) one or more solvents as defined above, in particular chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof, in particular at a content by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of 85% to 95%, in particular of 87% to 93%, in particular of approximately 90%. Impregnated article

[0105] The present invention also relates to an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention, as defined above.

[0106] The article may be any article that can be placed in the space or on the object to be protected against rodents. It may be made of any material, and in particular may comprise a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or a biodegradable material, ideally of natural origin, such as wood or paper. Ideally, the material allows the absorption of the composition according to the invention and then its release over time.

[0107] The article may in particular be a molded object, granules (for example made of thermoplastic material), a self-adhesive label (for example whose external surface will be made of thermoplastic material such as PVC)...

[0108] Such an impregnated article may be prepared by a preparation process comprising the impregnation of the article in question 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), component (b) and one or more solvents. Thus, the composition according to the invention will preferably be in a liquid form to facilitate impregnation. The impregnation may be carried out, for example, by spraying, by brushing or rolling, or by dipping, preferably by spraying.

[0109] Once the article is 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

[0110] The composition according to the invention or the impregnated article according to the invention is intended to be used for combating rodents, and in particular rats and / or mice, possibly in association with other rodent control systems such as ultrasound emission systems.

[0111] In particular, the compositions according to the invention or the impregnated articles according to the invention can be used in a method of combating rodents comprising:

[0112] (1) the application of a composition Ci according to the invention or the filing of an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and

[0113] (2) optionally repeating step (1) one or more times, within a time limit from 1 to 90 days, preferably from 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0114] According to a first embodiment according to the invention, the method comprises:

[0115] (1) the application of a composition Ci according to the invention in a space or on a object to be protected against rodents; and

[0116] (2) optionally repeating step (1) one or more times, within a time limit from 1 to 90 days, preferably from 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0117] According to a second embodiment according to the invention, the method comprises:

[0118] (1) depositing an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to the invention in a space or on an object to be protected against rodents; and

[0119] (2) optionally repeating step (1) one or more times, within a time limit from 1 to 90 days, preferably from 7 to 35 days, after the previous step.

[0120] The objects to be protected may be, for example, electrical wires, thermal insulation, stored foodstuffs (e.g. bags of grain, bags of flour, crates of fresh or dried fruit), etc.

[0121] The spaces to be protected may be, for example, living or storage spaces, such as sheds, barns, grain silos, electrical rooms, attics, living rooms, cellars, etc.

[0122] Advantageously, step (1) is repeated several times and therefore step (2) is implemented work. The time between two applications of a composition according to the invention or deposits 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 time 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 deposit of an article impregnated with a composition according to the invention.

[0123] When implemented, step (2) may for example comprise N1 reiteration(s) each carried out independently with a composition C; according to the invention or an article impregnated with a composition C; according to the invention, the pheromonal mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b) of each of the compositions Ci to CN being different from one composition to another, that is to say that the pheromonal mixtures are different in nature for each of the compositions, they are made up of different compounds. The use of compositions Ci to CN comprising different pheromonal mixtures makes it possible to successively simulate different types of pheromones belonging in particular to different types of predators of rodents, such as felines (e.g. cat), canines (e.g. dog, fox or wolf), snakes, or mustelids and / or representing an alarm pheromone for the rodent.This helps to avoid any habituation of rodents and therefore maintain the effectiveness of the method over time.

[0124] 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,

[0125] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C1 to C12 comprises a component (b) chosen from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a composition of type 2 or 4 as defined above.

[0126] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C1 to C12 comprises a component (b) chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 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.

[0127] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the compositions C1 to C12 comprises a component (b) chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 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

[0128] at least one other of the compositions Ci 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, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a composition of type 2 or 4 as defined above.

[0129] According to yet another particular embodiment of the invention, N is equal to 4 and compositions C1 to C4 are different from each other and 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.

[0130] 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 in succession.

[0131] For example, when N = 4, compositions according to the invention Ci to C4 different from each other may be used successively and in several cycles, for example as follows: Ci, then C2, then C3, then C4, then Ci, then C2, then C3, then C4, then Ci, then C2, then C3, then C4 ... Kit

[0132] The present invention also relates to a kit comprising:

[0133] - at least two, in particular N (with N as defined above), phe- compositions pheromones according to the invention as defined above, the pheromone mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b) of each of the compositions of the kit being different from one composition to another (i.e. it is made up of different compounds), or

[0134] - several impregnated articles as defined above, at least two articles, in particular N (with N as defined above), being impregnated with a pheromone mixture, consisting of the pheromone (a) and the component (b), different from one article to another.

[0135] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) chosen from 2-propylthietane, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, and 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, preferably from 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline, 4,5-dihydro-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a composition of type 2 or 4 as defined above.

[0136] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromonal mixtures comprises a component (b) chosen from the 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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.

[0137] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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

[0138] at least one other of the pheromone mixtures comprises a component (b) selected from 2-propylthietane, 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-2-5ec-butyl-thiazoline, and mixtures thereof, such as a composition of type 2 or 4 as defined above.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The compositions of the kit will preferably be contained in a container allowing them to be sprayed. They may also be contained in a container equipped with a drip system or a brush. They will therefore preferably be in liquid form. EXAMPLES

[0141] The raw materials used for these examples come from Sigma Aldrich.

[0142] The analysis of pheromone contents is carried out by gas chromatography (GC) with a flame ionization detector on an Agilent - HP series II 5890 device.

[0143] The studies on the release of attractants are carried out in ventilated ovens without a window so as not to be exposed to light radiation. These studies are carried out using two methods, either by monitoring the weight loss of the samples or by monitoring the residual concentration of the pheromone in the sample by GC. Example 1: Formulation 1

[0144] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following are introduced at 50°C with 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.

[0145] The mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes and then 100 g of an isopropanolic solution containing 1 g of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine are added.

[0146] The final mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature.

[0147] The solution does not have any unpleasant odor. It reconstitutes a mixture of cat facial pheromone (marking of living space) and cat urine marking (marking of hunting territory). Example 2: Formulation 2

[0148] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following are introduced at 50°C with 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.

[0149] Furthermore, 0.1 g of 2-(sec-butyl)-4,5-dihydro-thiazoline is prepared in 1000 g of isopropanol. 10 g of this solution is then taken and added to the reactor.

[0150] 90 g of isopropanol are then added to the reactor. The final mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes then let cool to room temperature.

[0151] The solution has no unpleasant odor. This mixture reconstitutes the territorial marking pheromone of the cat and combines it with the alarm pheromone of mice and rats. Example 3: Formulation 3

[0152] In a 2 L double-jacketed reactor, the following are introduced at 50°C with stirring:

[0153] - 800.0 g of isopropanol,

[0154] - 0.6 g of capric acid,

[0155] - 1.2 g of lauric acid,

[0156] - 4.2 g of ethyl myristate

[0157] - 3.6 g of ethyl pentadecanoate,

[0158] - 30.1 g of ethyl palmitate,

[0159] - 30.1 g of ethyl oleate, and

[0160] - 30.1 g of ethyl linoleate.

[0161] The mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes and then 100.0 g of an isopropanolic 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 are added.

[0162] This mixture simulates the habitat marking pheromone of canine species (wolf or dog), and the urine marking of these animals. Despite the unpleasant odor characteristic of the pyrazine derivatives used, the formulation does not give off any unpleasant odor. Example 4: Formulation 4

[0163] In a 2 L jacketed reactor, the following are introduced at 50°C with stirring:

[0164] - 800.0 g of isopropanol,

[0165] - 0.6 g of capric acid,

[0166] - 1.2 g of lauric acid,

[0167] - 4.2 g of ethyl myristate,

[0168] - 3.6 g of ethyl pentadecanoate,

[0169] - 30.1 g of ethyl palmitate,

[0170] - 30.1 g of ethyl oleate, and

[0171] - 30.1 g of ethyl linoleate.

[0172] The mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes.

[0173] Furthermore, 0.1 g of 4,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline is prepared in 1000 g of isopropanol. 10 g of this solution is then taken and added to the reactor.

[0174] 90 g of isopropanol are then added to the reactor. The final mixture is left stirring for 15 minutes then let cool to room temperature.

[0175] The solution has no unpleasant odor. This mixture reconstitutes the territorial marking pheromone associated with the habitat pheromone of canines and the hunting territory marking pheromone of foxes. The content of the latter (4,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) is 1000 ppm.

[0176] Example 5: Repellent effect of formulations L 2. 3. 4 with 1 week interval

[0177] 20 mL amber spray bottles of each of the formulations are prepared prepared according to examples 1 to 4. The pumps deliver 100 pL of formulation by pressing the pump.

[0178] A barn on a farm containing bales of straw, seeds and agricultural tools is used to set up the alternating olfactory simulation (AOS) with the formulations of Examples 1 to 4. The dimensions of the barn are 20 m wide, 50 m long and between 3 and 7 m high.

[0179] Place 5 mechanical mouse traps with non-toxic bait from the “super cat” brand from the Swiss Inno company, distributing them along the walls or in the middle of the barn.

[0180] The 5 traps are left for 4 weeks and checked every week and reloaded if they have caught a mouse or a rat. This provides a reference average for trapping the traps in this barn.

[0181] 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.

[0182] At the beginning of the following week (week 6), the traps are removed and 1 spray of the formulation of example 2 is applied to the labels. This is done for the following two weeks, first using formulation 3, then formulation 4.

[0183] The mouse trapping results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0184] [Tables 1] Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Number of mice trapped 2 3 1 2 1 0 0 0

[0185] During the first four control weeks, 2 mice were captured on average per week for 5 traps, or 0.4 mice / trap / week. During the following four weeks, in the presence of the four formulations according to examples 1 to 4, there were on average 0.25 mice captured per week for 5 traps. The SOA treatment therefore well protected the barn against the installation or circulation of mice.

[0186] Example 6: Spacing of treatments carried out in example 5

[0187] 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 the traps is continued every week until week 16.

[0188] The results obtained are presented in the following Table 2.

[0189] [Tables2] Week 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Number of mice trapped 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0

[0190] There were therefore 2 mice trapped over the entire test period, which comes to 0.05 mice trapped per week per trap, or 87.5% less than during the control period. This example demonstrates that SOA can work with a spacing between treatments of 15 days.

[0191] Example 7: Estimation of the duration between 2 applications of the SOA

[0192] On 10 tags as used in Example 5, 4 sprays of formulation 1 are applied. These tags are placed in a ventilated oven at 30°C. 2 tags are taken each week. Each tag is rinsed 3 times with 10 mL of methyl-tert-butyl-ether. The rinsing solutions are pooled and the amount of cat pheromone components remaining on the tag is assayed by GC.

[0193] The residual amounts of these components relative to their initial dose are presented in Table 3 below.

[0194] [Tables3] 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%*

[0195] * the limit of quantification is reached below 0.03%

[0196] This example demonstrates that after 5 weeks at 30°C, at least 20% of all the components of the initial formulation.

Claims

Claims

1. A pheromone composition comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a pheromone (a), the pheromone (a) being a mixture of dimethyl azelate, dimethyl pimelate, capric acid, lauric acid, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl oleate; or 6.0% to 12.0%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, of a pheromone (a), the pheromone (a) being 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, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof;or 0.001 ppm to 50 ppm, based on 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.;

2. 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. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (c) is selected from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-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. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pheromone (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; 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.

6. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially 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 the proportions 1:1:0.1:0.5:3:5; (b) 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, in particular from 500 ppm to 2000 ppm, for example to about 1000 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) chosen from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 (Ci-C6)alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof, in particular chosen 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 chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.;

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

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

9. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising relative to the total weight of the composition: (a) 6.0% to 12.0%, especially about 10.0%, by weight of a mixture of capric acid, ethyl laurate or lauric acid, ethyl myristate, ethyl pentadecanoate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl linoleate, preferably in the proportions 1:2:8:6:20:20:20; (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 to about 1 ppm, relative to the total weight of the composition, of a component (b) chosen 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 chosen from water, ethanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof.

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

11. A method of preparing an impregnated article according to claim 10 comprising impregnating the article with a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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

13. A method of rodent control comprising: (1) applying a composition Ci according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or depositing an article impregnated with a composition Ci according to any one 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. A method according to claim 13, wherein step (2) is carried out and comprises N1 reiteration(s) each carried out independently with a composition Q according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or an article impregnated with a composition Q according to any one 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 the pheromone (a) and the component (b) of each of the compositions Ci to CN being different from one composition to another.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the compositions C1 to C12 comprises a component (b) selected from 2-phenylethylamine, pyrazines substituted by 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 the compositions C1 to C12 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 0

16. uu y. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein N is 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. A method according to any one 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 pheromonal mixture consisting of the pheromone (a) and of 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 the pheromone (a) and the component (b), different from one article to another.