Ant behavior inhibitors

Abstract

To provide compounds having ant behavior inhibitory activity, and repellents and pest control agents containing the same. [Solution] An ant behavior inhibitor characterized by containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a compound having an ant behavior inhibitory activity, preferably a compound having an ant formation ability inhibitory activity. Furthermore, it relates to an ant behavior inhibitor, repellent, and exterminant using the compound, or an ant behavior inhibition method, ant repellent method, and ant extermination method using the compound.

Background Art

[0002] Ants are typical sanitary pests, and they invade various industrial places as well as ordinary households, causing great damage. Therefore, many extermination methods are used. However, due to their habitats being closely related to human life, the use of insecticides is restricted. In addition, they have the habit of hiding in narrow gaps and the like, and have strong reproductive ability, so effective extermination has not been achieved by conventional methods at present.

[0003] In addition, γ-octalactone, benzyl propionate, and Lemonile are known to have a unique odor and a repellent effect on mosquitoes (Patent Documents 1 to 3). However, it is not known that these compounds, indole, methylheptenone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, etc. have an ant behavior inhibitory activity, or that they have a repellent or exterminating effect when applied to ants.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide compounds having ant behavior-inhibiting activity, and ant behavior inhibitors, repellents, and exterminators using said compounds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors diligently conducted research to solve the above problems and, as a result, discovered that γ-octaractone, benzyl propionate, and lemonile, which were previously known to have a repellent effect on mosquitoes, surprisingly also have an inhibitory effect on ant behavior. Furthermore, they found that compounds with similar structures to these, as well as indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate, also have an inhibitory effect on ant behavior. Continuing their research, they completed the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention relates to the following. [1] An ant behavior inhibitor characterized by containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following general formula (I), (II), or (III), indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate. [ka] (In the formula, R1 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.) [ka] (In the formula, R2 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms.) or [ka] (In the formula, R3 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms and containing an unsaturated bond.) [2] The ant behavior inhibitor of [1], characterized in that the compound represented by general formula (I) is γ-octaractone. [3] The ant behavior inhibitor according to [1], characterized in that the compound represented by general formula (II) is benzyl propionate. [4] The ant behavior inhibitor according to [1], characterized in that the compound represented by general formula (III) is lemonile. [5] An ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of [1] to [4] above, characterized in that the behavioral inhibition is the inhibition of interspecies communication. [6] An ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that the behavioral inhibition is matrix inhibition. [7] The ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of [1] to [6], further characterized by containing pyrethrin. [8] The ant behavior inhibitor according to [7], characterized in that pyrethrin is an agent that enhances the duration of the ant behavior inhibitory effect. [9] An ant repellent characterized by containing an ant behavior inhibitor as described in any of [1] to [8] above.

[10] A method for repelling ants, characterized by applying an ant behavior inhibitor described in any of [1] to [8] above to ants and / or the ant habitat.

[11] An ant exterminator characterized by containing an ant behavior inhibitor as described in any of [1] to [8] above.

[12] A method for controlling ants, characterized by applying an ant behavior inhibitor described in any of [1] to [8] above to ants and / or the ant habitat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a formulation (composition) having excellent ant behavior inhibitory activity, an ant behavior inhibitor, a repellent, and an exterminator using the compound, or a method for repelling ants and a method for exterminating ants using the compound. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the filter paper used in Test Example 1. The treated group was treated with the compound defined in [1] above, while the other half, the untreated group, was not treated with the compound. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] In the present invention, "ant" means an insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera, Insecta in taxonomy. For example, it includes, but is not limited to, Pristomyrmex punctatus, Lasius japonicus, Monomorium pharaonis, Formica japonica, Tetramorium tsushimae, Ochetellus glaber, Camponotus japonicus, Linepithema humile, Solenopsis geminata, Solenopsis invicta, etc.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention relates to an ant behavior inhibitor. In the present invention, "inhibition of ant behavior" includes inhibiting the behavior of the ants regardless of whether they are adult / larval or male / female. Also, in the present invention, "ant behavior inhibitor" means a substance having ant behavior inhibitory activity. Inhibition of ant behavior includes, for example, specifically, but is not limited to, interspecies communication inhibition, queue inhibition, aggregation inhibition, and walking inhibition. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an ant repellent. The ant repellent includes the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention. In the present invention, "repelling ants" includes not attracting or making it difficult to attract ants to the application site or the like targeted by the ants, or the ants not approaching the target, regardless of whether they are adult / larval or male / female. Still another aspect of the present invention relates to an ant exterminator. The ant exterminator may include, in addition to the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention, components useful for ant extermination such as known insecticides and ant food components.

[0012] Hereinafter, the method for producing the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0013] <Ant behavior inhibitors> The ant behavior inhibitor (composition) used in the present invention is characterized by containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by general formula (I), (II), or (III), indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate. Preferably, the ant behavior inhibitor used in the present invention contains these compounds as active ingredients. Hereinafter, these compounds will also be referred to as "ant behavior inhibitors" or "compounds used in the present invention."

[0014] <Compounds represented by general formula (I)> [ka]

[0015] In the above general formula (I), R1 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. For example, R1 is preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 4 carbon atoms, but is not limited to these. Examples of such C1-C8 alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group, n-pentyl group, isopentyl group, tert-pentyl group, neopentyl group, 2,3-dimethylpropyl group, 1-ethylpropyl group, 1-methylbutyl group, 2-methylbutyl group, n-hexyl group, isohexyl group, 2-hexyl group, 3-hexyl group, 2-methylpentyl group, 3-methylpentyl group, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl group, 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, n-heptyl group, isoheptyl group, 2-heptyl group, 3-heptyl group, 2-methylheptyl group, 3-methylheptyl group, n-octyl group, isooctyl group, 2-octyl group, and 3-octyl group. The ant behavior inhibiting effect of the present invention is obtained when the number of carbon atoms in R1 is within the above range. Furthermore, examples of compounds represented by general formula (I) include γ-valerolactone, γ-hexalactone, γ-heptalactone, γ-octaractone, γ-nonalactone, γ-decalactone, γ-undecalactone, and γ-dodecalactone. Preferably, these are γ-hexalactone, γ-octaractone, γ-decalactone, and γ-undecalactone, more preferably γ-hexalactone, γ-octaractone, and γ-decalactone, and even more preferably γ-octaractone, but are not limited to these.

[0016] In the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention, the compound represented by the above general formula (I) may be a commercially available product, but it can also be extracted from a natural product or obtained by chemical synthesis according to a known method.

[0017] <Compounds represented by general formula (II)> [ka]

[0018] In the above general formula (II), R2 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 2 to 7 carbon atoms. Preferably, it is an alkyl group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 2 carbon atoms, but it is not limited to these. Examples of such C2-C7 alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethyl group, n-propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group, n-pentyl group, isopentyl group, tert-pentyl group, neopentyl group, 2,3-dimethylpropyl group, 1-ethylpropyl group, 1-methylbutyl group, 2-methylbutyl group, n-hexyl group, isohexyl group, 2-hexyl group, 3-hexyl group, 2-methylpentyl group, 3-methylpentyl group, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl group, 3,3-dimethylbutyl group, n-heptyl group, isoheptyl group, 2-heptyl group, 3-heptyl group, 2-methylheptyl group, and 3-methylheptyl group. The ant behavior-inhibiting effect of the present invention is obtained when the number of carbon atoms in R2 is within the above range.

[0019] Examples of compounds represented by general formula (II) include benzyl propionate, benzyl butyrate, benzyl isobutyrate, benzyl 2-methylbutyrate, benzyl valerate, benzyl isovalerate, benzyl hexanoate, and benzyl octanoate. Preferably, the compounds are benzyl propionate, benzyl butyrate, benzyl isovalerate, and benzyl hexanoate. More preferably, the compounds are benzyl propionate, benzyl butyrate, and benzyl isovalerate. Even more preferably, the compounds are benzyl propionate, but the compounds are not limited to these.

[0020] In the present invention, the compound represented by the above general formula (II) may be a commercially available product, but it can also be extracted from a natural product or obtained by chemical synthesis according to a known method.

[0021] <Compounds represented by general formula (III)> [ka]

[0022] In the above general formula (III), R3 represents a linear or segmented alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms and containing an unsaturated bond. Preferably, R3 is an alkyl group having 9 to 12 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 12 carbon atoms, and even more preferably an alkyl group having 10 carbon atoms, but is not limited to these. Examples of alkyl groups having 8 to 12 carbon atoms include, but are not limited to, n-octyl group, isooctyl group, 2-octyl group, 3-octyl group, 2-methyloctyl group, 3-methyloctyl group, n-nonyl group, isononyl group, 2-nonyl group, 3-nonyl group, 4-nonyl group, 2-methylnonyl group, 3-methylnonyl group, n-decyl group, isodecyl group, 2-decyl group, 3-decyl group, 4-decyl group, 5-decyl group, 2-methyldecyl group, 3-methyldecyl group, n-undecyl group, isoundecyl group, 2-undecyl group, 3-undecyl group, 4-undecyl group, 5-undecyl group, n-dodecyl group, isododecyl group, 2-dodecyl group, 3-dodecyl group, 4-dodecyl group, 5-dodecyl group, and 6-dodecyl group. Furthermore, R3 contains at least one unsaturated bond, preferably 1 to 3, more preferably 1 to 2, and even more preferably 2. The ant behavior inhibitory effect of the present invention is obtained by ensuring that the number of carbon atoms in R3 is within the above range, and / or that R3 contains at least one unsaturated bond.

[0023] Examples of compounds represented by general formula (III) include citronellylnitrile, lemonile, mandaryl, and 2-tridecenenitrile. Preferably, citronellylnitrile, lemonile, and mandaryl are used; more preferably, lemonile and mandaryl are used; and even more preferably, lemonile is used. In the present invention, the compound represented by the following general formula (III) may be a commercially available product, but it can also be extracted from a natural product or obtained by chemical synthesis according to a known method.

[0024] <Indole, methylheptenone, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and natural pyrethrins> Indole is a compound with the following structural formula and is used in fragrances and other applications. [ka] Indole can be obtained using commercially available products, but it can also be extracted from natural sources or obtained through chemical synthesis according to known methods.

[0025] Methylheptenone is a compound with the following structural formula. It is used in fragrances and other applications. [ka] Methylheptenone can be obtained using commercially available products, but it can also be extracted from natural sources or obtained by chemical synthesis according to known methods.

[0026] Methyl dihydrojasmonate is a compound with the following structural formula. It is used in fragrances and other applications. [ka] Methyl dihydrojasmonate may be obtained using commercially available products, or it can be extracted from natural products or obtained by chemical synthesis according to known methods. In addition, in this invention, methyl dihydrojasmonate is usually a mixture of stereoisomers, but the mixing ratio is not specified, and any mixing ratio may be used.

[0027] The natural pyrethrin contained in the ant behavior inhibitory effect enhancer of the present invention is a natural organic compound with insecticidal activity found in pyrethrum and the like, and is obtained by extraction from pyrethrum. It is known that it contains six types of insecticidal components: pyrethrin I, pyrethrin II, synerin I, synerin II, jasmolin I, and jasmolin II. In the present invention, the origin of the pyrethrum and the content ratio of each insecticidal component are not specified, and pyrethrum from any origin and in any content ratio may be used. Preferably, the ant behavior inhibitory effect enhancer of the present invention contains natural pyrethrin as an active ingredient.

[0028] The ant behavior inhibitor (composition) of the present invention may be the compound defined in [1] above, or it may be a mixture of the compound and additives such as excipients, carriers, and solvents.

[0029] The amount of the compound used in the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as an ant behavior inhibitory effect is achieved, and can be appropriately selected depending on the dosage form, method of application, and place of use. The compound may be added to the total amount of the ant behavior inhibitor, or ant repellent and ant exterminator containing the ant behavior inhibitor, at a concentration of, for example, 1 ppm to 100,000 ppm (0.0001% to 10% by weight), preferably 10 ppm to 30,000 ppm (0.001% to 3% by weight), but is not limited to these values.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention may be used in combination with an insecticide or a bait poison containing the same, or in combination with bait or a bait poison within a limited area such as a trap, and can be used as an ant exterminator by appropriately applying it to various ant extermination formulations such as aerosols, liquids, sheets, fumigants, and vaporizers. If desired, various additives may be used with the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention, or with ant repellents and ant exterminators containing the ant behavior inhibitor, in accordance with common technical knowledge in the art.

[0031] The insecticide used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but for example, in addition to the pyrethrins mentioned above, pyrethroids such as allethrin, flamethrin, resmethrin, phenothrin, permethrin, phthalthrin, imiprothrin, cyphenothrin, fenvalerate, etofenprox, silafluofen, prallethrin, fenfluthrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, etc.; fenitrothion, trichlorfon, dichlorvos, pyridafenthion, diazinon, fenthion, etc. Examples include organophosphates; carbamates such as carbaryl, methylcarbamate-2-(1-methylpropyl)phenyl (BPMC), propoxur, and sevin; oxadiazole insecticides such as methoxadiazone; hydrazone insecticides such as hydramethylnon; phenylpyrazole insecticides such as fipronil; neonicotinoid compounds such as imidacloprid and dinotefuran; boric acid, borates, etc., which may be microencapsulated or encapsulated with cyclodextrin.

[0032] The synergistic agents used as additives are not particularly limited, but examples include piperonyl butoxide and N-(2-ethylhexyl)-bicyclo-[2,2,1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboximide, which may be used in combination with the insecticide.

[0033] The base material used in the trap is not particularly limited, but examples of adhesives include natural rubber-based adhesives, or synthetic rubber-based adhesives mainly composed of polybutene or polyisobutene, with adhesive strength enhanced by rosin, paraffin wax, etc. In addition, although not essential, a highly effective multipurpose composition can be obtained by appropriately blending auxiliary components such as fragrances, deodorizers, disinfectants, stabilizers, and solvents. The form of the trap is not particularly limited, but examples include a form in which various carriers impregnated with the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention are placed inside the device, and ants are captured by adhesive at a separate location inside the device away from the carriers.

[0034] The ant behavior inhibitor obtained in this way, when applied directly to ants or to places where ants roam or to ant habitats such as kitchens, corridors, warehouses, behind appliances or in gaps between appliances and walls, under floors, basements, gardens, etc., exhibits a high behavioral inhibitory effect, repellent effect, and / or extermination effect on ants. The dosage form of the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a liquid formulation such as an aerosol or spray. The ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention may be applied outdoors or indoors. For example, preferred application locations include, but are not limited to, kitchens, hallways, living rooms, entrances, window sills, walls, warehouses, verandas, gardens, etc.

[0035] The liquid preparation may be aqueous or oil-based, and the solvent used in the preparation of the liquid preparation is not particularly limited, but examples include water; alcohols such as methanol and ethanol; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane, kerosene, paraffin, and petroleum benzine; aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylene and toluene; esters such as ethyl acetate; and halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloroethane. The liquid preparation may further contain additives such as conventional film-forming agents, emulsifiers, dispersants, spreading agents, wetting agents, stabilizers, and propellants, and can be used in the form of a spray, coating, adhesive, emulsion, dispersant, suspension, aerosol, lotion, paste, cream, microemulsion, etc.

[0036] The liquid formulation is preferably filled into a trigger-type or pump-type spray container in a spray form that does not require a propellant, or into an aerosol form that is filled into a pressure-resistant container and contains a propellant. In the latter case, the aerosol concentrate is placed in the aerosol container, and although not particularly limited, the propellant can be dimethyl ether, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed gas (nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, compressed air, etc.), fluorocarbon, etc., and the aerosol of the present invention can be provided by pressurizing and filling with these. The aerosol can be formulated as either an aqueous aerosol or an oil-based aerosol.

[0037] Other additives used in the above-mentioned liquid formulations include, for example, cellulose derivatives such as nitrocellulose, acetylcellulose, acetylbutyrylcellulose, methylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose; vinyl resins such as vinyl acetate resin; film-forming agents such as alkyd resins, urea resins, epoxy resins, polyester resins, urethane resins, silicone resins, acrylic resins, chlorinated rubber, and polyvinyl alcohol; soaps; polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether; polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers such as polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether; surfactants such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, fatty acid glycerides, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sulfate esters of higher alcohols, and alkylaryl sulfonates such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; casein, gelatin, alginic acid, etc., as well as foaming agents, auxiliary agents, bulking agents, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention can be added to the liquid formulation in the form of microencapsulation or cyclodextrin inclusion, for example, by a spray-drying method using polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethylcellulose; a liquid-curing method using gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, alginic acid, etc.; or a coacervation method. Furthermore, to the extent that it does not affect the effectiveness of the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention, it is also possible to further incorporate dog and cat repellents, bird repellents, snake repellents, insecticides and acaricides, efficacy enhancers, antioxidants, rodent exterminators and repellents, insect growth regulators, feeding substances, other attractant active ingredients such as ammonia, alkylamines such as methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, isobutylamine, and isoamylamine, amino alcohols such as 2-dimethylaminoethanol, 1-dimethylamino-2-methyl-2-propanol, and 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol, periplanones, bornyl acetate, terpenoids, fragrances such as cumin, laurel, basil, oregano, essential oils, and extracts, as well as bactericides, fungicides, preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and ingestion prevention agents. [Examples]

[0039] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to test examples, examples, comparative examples, and reference examples. However, the present invention is not limited in any way by these examples, and many modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] Furthermore, the compounds used in the examples, comparative examples, and reference examples of this invention are readily available commercially and can be used.

[0041] <<Test Example 1>> Ant Repellent (Contact Repellent) Efficacy Test Test method: Half of a 20cm x 1cm piece of filter paper was dropwise treated with a 95% ethanol solution of the test compound and air-dried for 5 minutes (treatment amount: 22.5 mg / m²). 2 After air drying, filter paper was inserted into a wiring conduit (20cm x 1cm) with one end sealed on both sides, so that the untreated side faced the sealed side (see Figure 1). Talc was applied to the inner wall of the conduit, and three test insects, the reticulated ants, were released from the sealed side for each test. The number of insects remaining on the untreated side for one minute was counted and observed, and the repellency rate was calculated based on the following formula. The results are shown in Table 1 below. The test was repeated three times, both immediately after treatment and 30 minutes later.

[0042]

number

[0043] [Table 1]

[0044] The results of the above tests revealed at least the following. Reference examples will be discussed in Test Example 3 below, in conjunction with the results of Test Examples 1 and 2. (1) Regarding the compounds of general formula (I), γ-hexalactone, γ-octalactone, γ-decalactone, and γ-dodecalactone (Examples 1-4) showed excellent ant repellent effects. However, γ-pentadecalactone (Comparative Example 1), in which the number of carbon atoms of R1 in general formula (I) is 15, which is outside the range of the present invention, showed almost no ant repellent effect. (2) Regarding the compounds of general formula (II), benzyl propionate, benzyl valerate (phenylmethyl pentanoate), benzyl octanoate (benzyl caprylate), and benzyl isovalerate (Examples 5-8) showed excellent ant repellent effects. However, in the case of benzyl laurate (Comparative Example 2), where the number of carbon atoms in R2 in general formula (II) is 11, which is outside the range of the present invention, almost no ant repellent effect was observed. (3) Regarding the compounds of general formula (II), Lemonile, citronellyl nitrile, and mandaryl (Examples 9-11) showed excellent ant repellent effects, but dodecane nitrile (Comparative Example 3), in which R3 does not contain an unsaturated bond in general formula (III), showed almost no ant repellent effect. (4) Furthermore, indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate (Examples 12-14) showed excellent ant repellent effects, but decenyl acetate (Comparative Example 4) and dihydromyrcenol (Comparative Example 5) showed almost no ant repellent effect.

[0045] <<Test Example 2>> Ant trail blocking effectiveness (non-contact, spatial repellent) test 1 Test Method: A 2mm thick, 40cm square plywood board with an appropriate amount of honey water and grated cheese placed near the center was set within 1m of a brown ant nest. Brown ants were attracted to the board after leaving the nest and formed a trail. Marks were made near the trail at a distance of 15cm, and the behavior of the ants in the trail was observed within that distance for 3 minutes. The number of pairs communicating with each other using their antennae was counted. A predetermined amount (11.3 mg / m²) of the test compound was present in a filter paper measuring 1 cm in width and 10 cm in height. 2After adding acetone solution to achieve the desired result, the solvent was air-dried. Then, the filter paper treated with the above chemical was fixed in place at a point 7.5 cm from the center of the 15 cm wide matrix, with its bottom edge approximately 1.5 cm above the matrix. After fixing, the number of pairs communicating with their antennae was counted for 3 minutes in the same manner as above.

[0046] Furthermore, the behavior of the ant trail was observed within the next 10 minutes and evaluated using the following indicators. Evaluation A: No change in the matrix before and after processing. Evaluation B: The matrix becomes distorted, avoiding the area near the processing unit, but then converges back to the original matrix. Evaluation C: The matrix collapses, dispersing in all directions. In this study, we focused not on the behavior of individual ants, but on the behavior of groups, specifically ant processions, and observed changes in that behavior.

[0047] [Table 2]

[0048] In Test Example 1, the compound used in the present invention, which exhibited an ant repellent (contact repellent) effect, also showed excellent efficacy in the ant trail inhibition efficacy test. In other words, the compound used in the present invention is excellent not only in ant repellent effect but also in ant trail inhibition effect. Furthermore, while natural pyrethrins exhibited an ant-repellent (contact-repellent) effect in Test Example 1, they did not have an effect in preventing ant trails. The details are unclear, but this is likely due to their low volatility. Furthermore, although dihydromyrcenol (Comparative Example 5) is a volatile fragrance component used in the present invention, just like the compound in the examples, it did not have an effect in inhibiting ant trails. Furthermore, in the case of citronella oil (Comparative Example 6), which is known to have ant repellent activity, although the ants moved to avoid the treatment site, the ant trail converged again, and contact between the ants' antennae was observed. Although the details are unclear, it is thought that the compounds used in the examples and citronella oil used in the present invention have different effects on ants, and that citronella oil had a lower ant trail-inhibiting effect than the compounds in the examples.

[0049] It is believed that ant trails are formed by individual ants using their antennae to follow certain active compounds, as well as through communication between ants using their antennae. Although the details are unclear, the above results suggest that, in addition to the repellent effect caused by physical contact between the antennae and the compounds, the specific volatile compounds used in this invention were released into the air, influencing ant communication.

[0050] <<Test Example 3>> Ant trail blocking effectiveness (non-contact, spatial repellent) test 2 The test method was almost the same as in Test Example 2. As described above, brown ants were attracted using honey water and powdered cheese to form a trail. Each test compound was applied in a predetermined amount (11.3 mg / m²) to a filter paper 1 cm wide and 10 cm high. 2 After adding acetone solution to achieve the desired result, the solvent was air-dried. Then, the filter paper treated with the aforementioned chemical was fixed in place at a point 7.5 cm from the center of the 15 cm wide ant trail, with its bottom edge approximately 1.5 cm above the trail. The ant trail was observed 30 minutes and 60 minutes after fixing and evaluated using the same indicators as in Test Example 2. In Experiment Example 3, as in Experiment Example 2, we focused not on the behavior of individual ants, but on the behavior of a group, specifically a procession, and observed changes in that behavior.

[0051] [Table 3]

[0052] From the above results, it was found that in Test Example 2, when natural pyrethrin (reference example), which did not affect matrix inhibition on its own, was used in combination with the compound used in the present invention, the matrix inhibitory effect was sustained or enhanced (each example + natural pyrethrin). However, this effect was not observed when dihydromyrcenol (Comparative Example 5), which did not affect matrix inhibition on its own, was used in combination with the compound used in the present invention (Example 9 + dihydromyrcenol and reference example of combination).

[0053] Next, specific examples of various formulations using the ant behavior inhibitor of the present invention are shown, but the invention is not limited to these.

[0054] <Example of spray manufacturing 1> A 100 mL solution was prepared by adding ethanol (anhydrous) to 1.0 w / v% γ-octaractone and filling a trigger-type pump spray container with the solution to obtain a spray containing the ant behavior-inhibiting composition of the present invention.

[0055] <Example of spray manufacturing 2> A mixture of 0.5 w / v% benzyl propionate, 0.5 w / v% indole, and 0.5 w / v% pyrethrin was further mixed with anhydrous ethanol, and the resulting 100 mL solution was filled into a trigger-type pump spray container to obtain a spray agent containing the ant behavior inhibitory composition of the present invention.

[0056] <Example of Aerosol Manufacturing 1> A stock solution containing 0.1% by weight of γ-octaractone and 49.9% by weight of odorless kerosene was filled into a pressure-resistant aerosol container, and a spray valve was installed. Furthermore, 50.0% by weight of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) was pressurized and filled into the container to obtain an aerosol agent (100% by weight) containing the ant behavior-inhibiting composition of the present invention.

[0057] <Example of Aerosol Manufacturing 2> A mixture of 0.04% by weight of γ-octaractone, 0.03% by weight of benzyl propionate, and 0.03% by weight of methyl dihydrojasmonate, along with a stock solution of 49.9% by weight of odorless kerosene, was filled into a pressurized aerosol container, and a spray valve was installed. Furthermore, 50.0% by weight of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) was pressurized and filled as the propellant gas to obtain an aerosol agent (100% by weight) containing the ant behavior inhibitory composition of the present invention.

[0058] <Example 3 of aerosol manufacturing> A mixture of 0.1% by weight of lemonine and 0.2% by weight of pyrethrin, along with a stock solution of 49.7% by weight of odorless kerosene, was filled into a pressure-resistant aerosol container, and a spray valve was installed. Furthermore, 50.0% by weight of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), which is the propellant gas, was pressurized and filled to obtain an aerosol agent (100% by weight) containing the ant behavior inhibitory composition of the present invention.

[0059] <Example 4 of aerosol manufacturing> A mixture of 0.03% by weight of γ-octaractone, 0.04% by weight of benzyl propionate, 0.03% by weight of lemonyl, and 0.2% by weight of pyrethrin, along with a stock solution of 49.7% by weight of odorless kerosene, was filled into a pressurized aerosol container, and a spray valve was installed. Furthermore, 50.0% by weight of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) was pressurized and filled as the propellant gas to obtain an aerosol agent (100% by weight) containing the ant behavior inhibitory composition of the present invention.

[0060] <Aerosol manufacturing example 5> A mixture of 0.01% by weight of γ-octaractone, 0.01% by weight of benzyl propionate, 0.01% by weight of lemonyl, 0.01% by weight of indole, 0.01% by weight of methylheptenone, 0.2% by weight of pyrethrin, 0.3% by weight of phthalthrin, and 0.3% by weight of phenothrin, along with a stock solution of 49.15% by weight of odorless kerosene, was filled into a pressurized aerosol container, and a spray valve was installed. Furthermore, 50.0% by weight of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) was pressurized and filled as the propellant gas to obtain an aerosol agent (100% by weight) containing the ant behavior inhibitory composition of the present invention.

[0061] When the aforementioned spray and aerosol agents were sprayed on window frames and near the entrance where lines of ants attempting to enter the house were observed, the ants' movement was inhibited, causing the ant lines to disappear, or the ants avoided the sprayed areas, thus preventing them from entering the house. [Industrial applicability]

[0062] The ant behavior inhibitor obtained by the present invention exhibits excellent ant behavior inhibitory activity against ants. Furthermore, by using this ant behavior inhibitor, various types of ant repellents and ant exterminators can be provided.

Claims

1. An ant behavior inhibitor characterized by containing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of indole, methylheptenone, and methyl dihydrojasmonate.

2. The ant behavior inhibitor according to claim 1, characterized in that the behavioral inhibition is the inhibition of interspecies communication.

3. The ant behavior inhibitor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the behavioral inhibition is matrix inhibition.

4. An ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it contains the compound in an amount of 0.001% to 3% by weight relative to the total amount of the ant behavior inhibitor.

5. The ant behavior inhibitor according to claim 4, further characterized by containing pyrethrin.

6. The ant behavior inhibitor according to claim 5, characterized in that pyrethrin is an agent that enhances the duration of the ant behavior inhibitory effect.

7. An ant repellent characterized by containing an ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for repelling ants, characterized by applying an ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to ants and / or the ant habitat.

9. An ant exterminator characterized by containing an ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A method for controlling ants, characterized by applying an ant behavior inhibitor according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to ants and / or the ant habitat.

Images