Improvements in or relating to bait apparatus

Abstract

A bait apparatus 1 for receipt of a liquid attractant for insects comprising a semi-ellipsoidal base portion 2, having its curve surface 5 lowermost so as to be able to rest upon it, the bait apparatu

Description

The present invention relates to a bait apparatus, for receipt of a liquid attractant for insects, and an associated use. In particular, the invention relates to a bait apparatus used for attracting hornets, especially Asian hornets. Although European hornets are a part of our wider ecological environment in Britain, Asian hornets are not, and it is widely known that such hornets predate on bees and / or other beneficial pollinators. Hornets, in general, can cause untold damage to a beehive and the population of bees, making such insects a pest. In addition, there is an increased risk of harm to the general public if a nest of Asian hornets is disturbed, even if accidentally. Accordingly, there is now an increased need for improved insect traps. Liquid insect attractants provide high levels of attractant odour, typically providing better vaporisation than solid attractants. An inherent disadvantage of any liquid attractant is that it is harder to handle than a solid attractant, owing to its tendency to spill from containers during transit to a trap, or even whilst placing it within a trap. A further problem associated with liquid attractants is the potential for liquid spillage to contaminate beneficial insects (bycatch). The present invention is, therefore, aimed at improving the handling of liquid attractants. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a bait apparatus, for receipt of a liquid attractant for insects, the apparatus comprises: a semi-ellipsoidal base portion, having its curved surface lowermost so as to be able to rest upon it, the bait apparatus being configured to have a low centre of mass for self-righting the bait apparatus into its upright (and rest) condition; and one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles, for receiving said liquid attractant and for allowing escape of attractant odour. Preferably, the one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles is / are one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped cells. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of baffles forming one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped cells, for receipt of said liquid attractant and for allowing escape of attractant odour. Preferably, the plurality of baffles are oriented in an upright condition, at least part thereof being oriented substantially parallel to an axis of the bait apparatus. Preferably, each receptacle or cell comprises an enclosure for receiving said liquid attractant, having its open end oriented in an upright condition of the apparatus, when the curved surface of the base portion is located lowermost. Preferably, the plurality of baffles: a) extend along a full height of the one or more open-topped receptacles, defining a plurality of totally separate open-topped cells capable of separately holding said liquid attractant; b) extend along a portion of the height of the one or more open-topped receptacles, defining a plurality of cells being both open-topped and open-bottomed. Preferably, the plurality of baffles form a lattice-like structure, defining elongate cells of a square cross-section. Preferably, the baffles and / or cells are configured to inhibit movement of liquid en masse, thereby stabilising the centre of gravity of the apparatus. Preferably, the semi-ellipsoidal base portion comprises: a more dense construction than other parts of the bait apparatus, so as to provide a lower centre of mass; and / or a semi-ellipsoidal shell base portion further comprising an axially located weight, so as to provide a lower centre of mass. Preferably, the apparatus comprises an insect mesh, for preventing insects gaining access to the open-topped receptacles or cells, whilst allowing escape of attractant odour. Preferably, the apparatus comprises an upper portion, above the base portion, within which the one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles or cells is / are located. Preferably, the upper portion comprises a rim, for receipt of a cover portion. Preferably, the cover portion comprises an aperture across which is located an insect mesh, for preventing insects gaining access to said liquid attractant, whilst allowing escape of attractant odour. Preferably, the cover portion comprises a peripheral flange, for securely fastening the cover portion to the upper portion. Preferably, the mesh comprises one or more radial supports. Preferably, the bait apparatus comprises a liquid attractant for Asian hornets, preferably preloaded into the one or more receptacles or cells. Further preferably, the apparatus comprises a tear-away strip, for providing the open-topped cells prior to use. Preferably, the target insect for the bait apparatus is an Asian hornet, and the liquid attractant is attractant for Asian hornets. According to a second aspect, the apparatus provides use of a bait apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the use comprising: locating the apparatus on its base portion, providing an upright condition of the one or more open-topped receptacles or cells; loading a liquid insect attractant into the one or more receptacles or cells; locating the bait apparatus in the vicinity of target insects, so as to attract those target insects. Preferably, the use comprising: locating the bait apparatus within an insect trap, so as to both attract and trap target insects. Preferably, loading the insect trap comprising: removing the cover portion and insect mesh; pouring liquid attractant into the one or more receptacles or cells; replacing the cover portion and insect mesh. Preferably, the target insect is an Asian hornet, and the liquid attractant is attractant for Asian hornets. Advantageously, the invention provides an improved bait apparatus for holding and retaining a liquid insect attractant, providing a more efficient solution for pest control. Advantageously, the bait apparatus provides a dished lower surface, and appropriate weight, so as to make the bait apparatus self-righting. This self-righting I self-correcting function significantly reduces the risk of the bait apparatus spilling its contents and provides greater stability on a variety of surfaces. Accordingly, the bait apparatus helps to keep the liquid attractant I bait secure, preventing unnecessary product wastage or potential insect contamination. Advantageously, the mesh prevents even the smallest insects from accessing the bait I attractant directly, avoiding unwanted contamination of both the target species and any insect bycatch. Accordingly, the attractant remains potent and uncontaminated, providing consistent bait odour emissions over a longer period of time. Advantageously, the baffled interior provides additional protection against spills, by restricting and / or preventing lateral movement of the liquid attractant I bait should the bait apparatus be toppled or shaken inadvertently. In a variant where the cells are entirely separate from respective cells, the liquid bait I attractant is poured into distinct cells. This segmented structure ensures that, if the bait apparatus is accidentally knocked or tilted by up to 90 degrees, the liquid remains within its compartments by means of surface tension, greatly reducing the risk of spills. This not only helps to keep insects from becoming contaminated but also increases availability of the bait for attracting insects over a longer period of time. Advantageously, the present bait apparatus is ideal for those looking to maintain a more controlled and efficient method of insect attraction, being both innovative and user-friendly, whilst eliminating contamination. Advantageously, the bait I attractant remains effective for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent refills and substantially eliminating insect contamination. As used herein, the term ‘bycatch’ refers to any inadvertently attracted and / or trapped insects that are not the target insect species. As such, bycatch typically includes beneficial insects and pollinators, such as hoverflies or honeybees. The apparatus of the present invention is termed a ‘bait apparatus’; however it may be equally referred to as an ‘attractant or bait apparatus’ or both ‘attractant I bait apparatus’. The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a bait apparatus; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the bait apparatus of figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the bait apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is partial side elevation of the bait apparatus of Figure 1 shown in an inverted condition. Figures 1 to 4 show a bait apparatus, generally identified by reference 1. The bait apparatus 1 incudes a base portion 2, upper portion 3, and cover portion 4. The base portion 2 is provided lowermost, providing a bottom to the apparatus 1, the upper portion 3 is connected to the base portion 2 - albeit they could be a unitary portion - and the cover portion 4 is secured to a rim 3a of the upper portion 3. An axis of the bait apparatus 1 is shown approximately by line A-A in Figure 1. The base portion is 2 is semi-ellipsoidal, having its curved surface 51 semi-ellipsoidal surface 5 lowermost, so as to be able to rest upon it in use. The base portion 2 is more dense than the upper portion 3 and cover portion 4 which, together with its semi-ellipsoidal surface 5, seeks to maintain the apparatus 1 in an upright condition, as shown in Figure 1. The base portion 2 is a relatively solid block of material, having concentrically arranged apertures 6 for the purpose of reducing overall weight and material costs whilst still maintaining its function of self-righting the apparatus 1. In addition, the concentrically arranged apertures 6 assist with cooling of the material during manufacture, for example during injection moulding. Although apertures 6 are shown in the Figures, it should be noted that this is not essential, and the ellipsoidal surface 5 of the base portion 2 may be formed without apertures. In addition, the base portion 2 may be formed as a hollowed shell, into which is placed a weight (not shown) so as to create the same self-righting effect. The upper portion 3 extends from the base portion 2 to its rim 3a. Its construction is of lower overall density than the base portion 2, being a shell portion which is hollowed, and includes a plurality of baffles 7 which form a right-angular lattice 8. The baffles 7 extend right across the upper portion 3, connecting with curved internal walls 9 of the upper portion 3, and also extend longitudinally from the base portion 2, or close thereto, to just beneath the rim 3a. The lattice nature of the baffles 7, and their elongate arrangement, defines a plurality of elongate cells 10, each having a closed end internally disposed within lower regions of the upper portion 3, close to the base portion 2, and an open end 11, located just beneath the rim 3a. The cover portion 4 is provided by three parts, being a lid 12, an insect mesh 13 and mesh support 14. The lid 12 includes a circular aperture 15 and a peripheral flange 16, for securing the lid 12 to the upper portion 3. The insect mesh 13 is disclike, being both circular and of defined depth so as to prevent insects gaining direct access to the elongate cells 10. The mesh support 14 provides a circumferential support 17 and radial ribs 18 , for supporting the insect mesh 13 from underneath, being placed between the insect mesh 13 and cells 10. The mesh support 14 is sized so as to have a friction fit connection with an inside of the lid 12, to press the insect mesh 13 firmly against outer regions of the lid 12 and maintain the insect mesh 13 over the aperture 15. The apparatus 1, with the exception of the insect mesh 12, is manufactured from plastics material, and may be formed in various ways including from three-dimensional printing, from various moulds and / or from injection moulding. The insect mesh 12 is stainless steel for strength. The bait apparatus 1 may be charged with liquid insect attractant by: locating the apparatus 1 on its base portion 2, providing an upright condition of the one or more open-topped cells 10; removing the cover portion 4, including the insect mesh 13; pouring liquid attractant into the one or more cells 10; replacing the cover portion 4 and insect mesh 13. The bait apparatus may be used by: locating the bait apparatus 1 in the vicinity of target insects, so as to attract those target insects; and / or locating the bait apparatus 1 within an insect trap, so as to both attract and trap target insects. A particular advantage of the filled bait apparatus 1 is its ability to prevent spillage of the liquid attractant, even when tilted. Firstly, the semi-ellipsoidal surface 5, and its weight or density, self-rights the apparatus 1, maintaining the cells 10 in an upright condition. Secondly, each cell 10 induces surface tension on its own contents, which resists the tendency for the liquid to spill from the open end 11 of the cells 10. Further, the baffles and / or cells inhibit movement of the liquid attractant en masse, thereby stabilising the centre of gravity of the apparatus 1 when filled with liquid attractant. Accordingly, spillage of the liquid attractant is significantly reduced even when locating the bait apparatus within an insect trap, or when carrying the trap to its preferred location for trapping insects. By reducing spillage: one can avoid or prevent the bait I attractant coming in to contact with, and contaminating, beneficial species of insects (bycatch); and / or more bait I attractant remains in the apparatus where it is preferred, which improves the duration and effectiveness of odour 5 emissions (and, thereby, the attraction of target insect species).

Claims

1.) A bait apparatus, for receipt of a liquid attractant for insects, the apparatus comprises:a semi-ellipsoidal base portion, having its curved surface lowermost so as to be able to rest upon it, the bait apparatus being configured to have a low centre of mass for self-righting the bait apparatus into its upright condition;andone or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles, for receiving said liquid attractant and for allowing escape of attractant odour.2.) A bait apparatus as claimed in claiml, wherein the one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles is / are one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped cells.3.) A bait apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of baffles forming one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped cells, for receipt of said liquid attraction and for allowing escape of attractant odour.4.) A bait apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of baffles are oriented in an upright condition, at least part thereof being oriented substantially parallel to an axis of the bait apparatus.5.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each receptacle or cell comprises an enclosure for receiving said liquid attractant, having its open end oriented in an upright condition of the apparatus, when the curved surface of the base portion is located lowermost.6.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the plurality of baffles:a) extend along a full height of the one or more open-topped receptacles, defining a plurality of totally separate open-topped cells capable of separately holding said liquid attractant;b) extend along a portion of the height of the one or more open-topped receptacles, defining a plurality of cells being both open-topped and open-bottomed.7.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein:a) the plurality of baffles form a lattice-like structure, defining elongate cells of a square cross-section; and / orb) the baffles and / or cells are configured to inhibit movement of liquid en masse, thereby stabilising the centre of gravity of the apparatus.8.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the semi-ellipsoidal base portion comprises:a more dense construction than other parts of the bait apparatus, so as to provide a lower centre of mass; and / ora semi-ellipsoidal shell base portion further comprising an axially located weight, so as to provide a lower centre of mass.9.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises an insect mesh, for preventing insects gaining access to the open-topped receptacles or cells, whilst allowing escape of attractant odour.10.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises an upper portion, above the base portion, within which the one or more, or a plurality of, open-topped receptacles or cells are located.11.) A bait apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the upper portion comprises a rim, for receipt of a cover portion.12.) A bait apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a / the cover portion comprises an aperture across which is located a / the insect mesh, for preventing insects gaining access to said liquid attractant, whilst allowing escape of attractant odour.13.) Use of a bait apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the use comprising:locating the apparatus on its base portion, providing an upright condition of the one or more open-topped receptacles or cells;loading a liquid insect attractant into the one or more receptacles or cells; locating the bait apparatus in the vicinity of target insects, so as to attract those target insects.14.) Use as claimed in claim 13 comprising:locating the bait apparatus within an insect trap, so as to both attract and trap target insects.15.) Use as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein loading the insect trap comprising:removing the cover portion and insect mesh;pouring liquid attractant into the one or more receptacles or cells;replacing the cover portion and insect mesh.16.) Use as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the target insect is an Asian hornet, and the liquid attractant is attractant for Asian hornets.

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