Harmful organism attractant, method for producing harmful organism attractant, and method for attracting harmful organism

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a harmful organism attractant which has biodegradability, excellent water retaining properties, and long-lasting attracting effects and dietary toxicity. [Solution] A harmful organism attractant according to the present invention comprises a fine cellulose hydrogel prepared by using cellulose derived from an animal, a plant, or a microorganism as a raw material. The harmful organism attractant according to the present invention further contains an edible component and a harmful organism killing component. In this case, a technology that is expected with respect to effective control of harmful organisms is provided.

Description

Pest attractant, method for producing pest attractant, and method for attracting pests

[0001] The present invention relates to a pest attractant containing a fine cellulose hydrogel, a method for producing this pest attractant, and a method for attracting pests using this pest attractant.

[0002] Ants and other pests that invade homes from outdoors are a hygiene problem, and some are highly toxic and can cause malfunctions in indoor electrical equipment, which also poses a major problem.

[0003] As an ant control agent, Patent Document 1 discloses a bait agent that uses a liquid or paste-like component and a solid component in a specific ratio and has a specific average particle size, and states that it is effective against fire ants.

[0004] Some types of pests are not attracted to solid or paste-type baits, but are strongly attracted to liquid baits. However, when liquid baits are sprayed outdoors, the liquid seeps into the soil and is quickly lost, meaning that their attractant effect does not last.

[0005] JP 2019-64982 A

[0006] To address the above-mentioned problems, hydrogel baits, which consist of a superabsorbent polymer retaining an aqueous solution containing an active ingredient, have been developed and have been shown to be effective in controlling ants. However, the superabsorbent polymer used in these baits is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid and is non-biodegradable, so when sprayed outdoors, there is a risk of it accumulating in soil, etc., raising concerns about environmental pollution.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pest attractant that is biodegradable, has excellent water retention, and has long-lasting attractant effect and food toxicity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing this pest attractant. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for attracting pests using this pest attractant.

[0008] As a result of extensive research into achieving this object, the present inventors have found that it is effective to include cellulose fibers derived from cellulose raw materials, and in particular to include a fine cellulose hydrogel, and have thus completed the present invention.

[0009] The present invention provides the following: (1) A pest attractant comprising a fine cellulose hydrogel. (2) The pest attractant according to (1), further comprising an edible component and a pesticidal component. (3) The pest attractant according to (1) or (2), wherein the content of the fine cellulose hydrogel is 0.5 mass% or more based on the solid content. (4) The pest attractant according to (1) or (2), wherein the cellulose fibers contained in the fine cellulose hydrogel are chemically modified, and the type of chemical modification is one selected from oxidation, carboxymethylation, and phosphate esterification. (5) The pest attractant according to (1) or (2), wherein the cellulose fibers contained in the fine cellulose hydrogel have a fiber diameter distribution of 2 nm to 60 μm. (6) A method for producing a pest attractant, comprising a step of blending a fine cellulose hydrogel. (7) A method for attracting pests using the pest attractant according to (1) or (2).

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pest attractant that is biodegradable, has excellent water retention, and has long-lasting attractant effect and food toxicity. It is also possible to provide a method for producing this pest attractant. It is also possible to provide a method for attracting pests using this pest attractant.

[0011] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the present invention, "to" includes the end values. That is, "X to Y" includes the values ​​X and Y at both ends.

[0012] The pest attractant of the present invention contains cellulose fibers derived from cellulose raw materials. The pest attractant of the present invention also contains fine cellulose hydrogel, i.e., fine fibers made from cellulose that contain moisture and are in a gel state, among the cellulose fibers derived from cellulose raw materials.

[0013] (Pests) The pests targeted by the present invention include, but are not limited to, ants, cockroaches, termites, flies, bees, spiders, centipedes, house centipedes, millipedes, etc. Among them, the present invention is suitable for pests that prefer liquid bait, and is particularly suitable for ants. Examples of ants include the Japanese wood ant, brown ant, brown ant, house ant, shiny wood ant, water ant, Japanese giant ant, Japanese camponotary ant, fire ant, carpenter ant, Argentine ant, and white-legged ant.

[0014] (Microfine Cellulose Hydrogel) The microfine cellulose hydrogel used in the present invention refers to fine fibers made from cellulose, which contain water and are in a gel state. The fiber diameter distribution of the cellulose fibers contained in the microfine cellulose hydrogel is 2 nm to 60 μm, preferably 2 nm to 40 μm, from the viewpoint of gel viscosity. In this specification, a material containing fibers with a relatively coarse fiber diameter of 500 nm to 60 μm is referred to as microfibrillated cellulose (hereinafter also referred to as "MFC"), and a material composed of fibers with a fiber diameter of 2 nm to less than 500 nm is referred to as cellulose nanofiber (hereinafter also referred to as "CNF"). MFC also includes highly defibrated CNF-sized fibers.

[0015] The fiber diameter of cellulose fibers can be obtained by observing each fiber using an ABB fiber tester, a Valmet fractionator, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an atomic force microscope (AFM), or a transmission electron microscope (TEM), appropriately selected depending on the fiber diameter. On the other hand, since the fiber diameter distribution of MFCs of the present invention is very broad, it is desirable to measure the fiber diameters using multiple devices to obtain the fiber diameter distribution. For example, when measured using a fractionator, the nano-sized fine fibers contained in the MFCs of the present invention may not be detected due to the detection limit of the device. On the other hand, when measured using an SEM or AFM, nano-sized fibers can be measured, but coarse fibers are too large to be measured, or their presence may interfere with the measurement itself. Microfine cellulose fibers can be produced by defibrating cellulose raw materials.

[0016] The cellulose raw material is not particularly limited as long as it contains cellulose, and examples thereof include plant-derived cellulose raw materials (e.g., wood, bamboo, hemp, jute, kenaf, agricultural waste, cloth, pulp (e.g., unbleached softwood kraft pulp (NUKP), bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBKP), unbleached hardwood kraft pulp (LUKP), bleached hardwood kraft pulp (LBKP), bleached kraft pulp (BKP), unbleached softwood sulfite pulp (NUSP), bleached softwood sulfite pulp (NBSP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP), recycled pulp, waste paper, etc.)), animal-derived cellulose raw materials (e.g., ascidians), and cellulose raw materials derived from microorganisms and fine organisms such as bacteria (e.g., Acetobacter, also known as acetic acid bacteria), fungi such as molds, and algae. The cellulose raw material may be any one of these or a combination of two or more types, but is preferably a cellulose raw material derived from a plant or microorganism (e.g., cellulose fiber), and more preferably a cellulose raw material derived from a plant (e.g., cellulose fiber).

[0017] Cellulose has three hydroxyl groups per glucose unit and can be chemically modified in various ways. In the present invention, a chemically modified cellulose raw material (such as chemically modified pulp) can be used from the viewpoint of excellent water retention, but from the viewpoint of accelerating the progress of defibration and facilitating gelation, it is preferable to use chemically modified fine cellulose fibers produced by defibrating a cellulose raw material obtained by chemical modification (chemically modified cellulose).

[0018] As the chemical modification, anionic modification in which an anionic group is introduced into cellulose is preferred. Specifically, anionic modification refers to the introduction of an anionic group into the pyranose ring by oxidation or substitution reaction. In the present invention, the oxidation reaction refers to a reaction in which the C6 position of the pyranose ring is oxidized to a carboxy group. Furthermore, in the present invention, substitution reaction refers to a reaction in which an anionic group is introduced into the pyranose ring by a substitution reaction other than the oxidation. Examples of anionic modifications include oxidation (carboxylation), carboxyalkylation (e.g., carboxymethylation), and esterification. Among these, oxidation (carboxylation), carboxymethylation, and phosphate esterification are more preferred.

[0019] Usable cellulose fibers include chemically modified cellulose fibers such as TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fibers, ozone-oxidized cellulose fibers, carboxyalkylated cellulose fibers, carboxymethylated cellulose fibers, phosphated cellulose fibers, phosphite-esterified cellulose fibers, cationized cellulose fibers, sulfonated cellulose fibers, and xanthated cellulose fibers, as well as chemically modified fine cellulose fibers obtained by defibrating these fibers, and mechanically defibrated fine cellulose fibers. In particular, TEMPO-oxidized cellulose fibers (TEMPO-oxidized pulp), carboxymethylated cellulose fibers (carboxymethylated pulp), and phosphate-esterified cellulose fibers, as well as TEMPO-oxidized fine cellulose fibers, carboxymethylated fine cellulose fibers, and phosphate-esterified fine cellulose fibers obtained by defibrating these fibers, are more preferred.

[0020] (Chemical Modification) (Oxidation) Oxidized (carboxylated) cellulose, which is a type of anionically modified cellulose, can be used as chemically modified cellulose. Oxidized cellulose (also called "carboxylated cellulose") can be obtained by oxidizing (carboxylating) the above-mentioned cellulose raw material using a known method. One example of the oxidation (carboxylation) method is a method in which the cellulose raw material is oxidized in water using an oxidizing agent in the presence of an N-oxyl compound and a compound selected from the group consisting of bromides, iodides, and mixtures thereof. This oxidation reaction selectively oxidizes the C6 position of the glucopyranose ring on the cellulose surface, leaving aldehyde groups and carboxy groups (-COOH) or carboxylate groups (-COO) on the surface. － The concentration of cellulose during the reaction is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0021] An N-oxyl compound refers to a compound capable of generating a nitroxy radical. Any compound that promotes the target oxidation reaction can be used as the N-oxyl compound. Examples include 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) and its derivatives (e.g., 4-hydroxyTEMPO). The amount of the N-oxyl compound used is not particularly limited, as long as it is a catalytic amount capable of oxidizing the cellulose raw material. For example, 0.01 to 10 mmol is preferred, 0.01 to 1 mmol is more preferred, and 0.01 to 0.5 mmol is even more preferred, per 1 g of bone-dry cellulose raw material. Furthermore, the concentration of the N-oxyl compound in the reaction system is preferably about 0.1 to 4 mmol / L.

[0022] Bromides are compounds containing bromine, examples of which include alkali metal bromides that can dissociate and ionize in water. Iodides are compounds containing iodine, examples of which include alkali metal iodides. The amount of bromide or iodide used can be selected within a range that can promote the oxidation reaction. The total amount of bromide and iodide is, for example, preferably 0.1 to 100 mmol, more preferably 0.1 to 10 mmol, and even more preferably 0.5 to 5 mmol, per 1 g of bone-dry cellulose raw material.

[0023] Known oxidizing agents can be used, such as halogens, hypohalous acids, halous acids, perhalogen acids or their salts, halogen oxides, and peroxides. Among these, sodium hypochlorite is preferred because it is inexpensive and has a low environmental impact. The appropriate amount of oxidizing agent used is, for example, preferably 0.5 to 500 mmol, more preferably 0.5 to 50 mmol, and even more preferably 2.5 to 25 mmol, per 1 g of bone-dry cellulose raw material. Furthermore, for example, 1 to 40 mol is preferred per 1 mol of the N-oxyl compound.

[0024] The oxidation process of cellulose raw materials can proceed efficiently even under relatively mild conditions. Therefore, the reaction temperature is preferably 4 to 40°C, or may be room temperature, about 15 to 30°C. As the reaction proceeds, carboxyl groups are generated in the cellulose, causing the pH of the reaction solution to decrease. To efficiently proceed with the oxidation reaction, it is preferable to add an alkaline solution such as an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to the reaction system as needed to maintain the pH of the reaction solution at about 9 to 12, preferably about 10 to 11. Water is preferred as the reaction medium because of its ease of handling and the low occurrence of side reactions. The reaction time in the oxidation reaction can be appropriately set depending on the degree of oxidation progress and is usually about 0.5 to 6 hours, for example, about 0.5 to 4 hours.

[0025] The oxidation reaction may also be carried out in multiple stages. For example, by oxidizing the oxidized cellulose obtained by filtration after completion of the first-stage reaction again under the same or different reaction conditions, carboxy groups can be efficiently introduced into the cellulose raw material without being inhibited by the salts by-produced in the first-stage reaction.

[0026] Another example of the oxidation (carboxylation) method is a method in which oxidation is carried out by ozone treatment. In the present invention, it is preferable to use TEMPO-oxidized fine cellulose fibers obtained by defibrating oxidized cellulose obtained by a method in which cellulose is oxidized with TEMPO (TEMPO oxidation).

[0027] The amount of carboxy groups contained in oxidized fine cellulose fibers obtained by defibrating oxidized cellulose relative to the bone dry mass of the fine cellulose fibers is preferably 0.6 mmol / g or more, more preferably 0.8 mmol / g or more, and even more preferably 1.0 mmol / g or more. The upper limit is preferably 2.2 mmol / g or less, more preferably 2.0 mmol / g or less, and even more preferably 1.8 mmol / g or less. Therefore, the amount is preferably 0.6 mmol / g to 2.2 mmol / g, more preferably 0.8 mmol / g to 2.0 mmol / g, and even more preferably 1.0 mmol / g to 1.8 mmol / g.

[0028] The amount of carboxy groups in the oxidized cellulose can be adjusted by controlling the reaction conditions, such as the amount of oxidizing agent added, reaction time, etc. The amount of carboxy groups in the oxidized cellulose is usually the same as the amount of carboxy groups when the oxidized cellulose is defibrated to form oxidized fine cellulose fibers.

[0029] In the oxidized cellulose obtained by the above process, the carboxyl groups introduced into the cellulose raw material are usually in the form of an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt (this is called the "salt form"). Prior to the defibration process, the alkali metal salt of the oxidized cellulose may be substituted with another cation salt such as a phosphonium salt, imidazolinium salt, ammonium salt, or sulfonium salt. The substitution can be carried out by known methods.

[0030] (Carboxyalkylation) As an example of chemically modified cellulose, carboxyalkylated cellulose, a type of anionically modified cellulose, can be used. Carboxymethylated cellulose is preferred. Carboxyalkylated cellulose may be obtained by known methods, or commercially available products may be used. The degree of carboxyalkyl substitution per anhydroglucose unit of cellulose is preferably less than 0.60. Furthermore, when the anionic group is a carboxymethyl group, the degree of carboxymethyl substitution is preferably less than 0.60. If the degree of substitution is 0.60 or more, crystallinity decreases and the proportion of soluble components increases, resulting in a loss of function as fine fibers. Furthermore, the lower limit of the degree of carboxyalkyl substitution is preferably 0.01 or more. In consideration of operability, the degree of substitution is particularly preferably 0.02 to 0.50, and even more preferably 0.10 to 0.30. An example of a method for producing such carboxyalkylated cellulose includes the following steps. The modification is a modification by substitution reaction. Carboxymethylated cellulose will be used as an example.

[0031] i) a step of mixing the starting material with a solvent and a mercerizing agent, and carrying out a mercerization treatment at a reaction temperature of 0 to 70°C, preferably 10 to 60°C, for a reaction time of 15 minutes to 8 hours, preferably 30 minutes to 7 hours; ii) a step of subsequently adding a carboxymethylating agent in an amount of 0.05 to 10.0 times the moles per glucose residue, and carrying out an etherification reaction at a reaction temperature of 30 to 90°C, preferably 40 to 80°C, for a reaction time of 30 minutes to 10 hours, preferably 1 hour to 4 hours.

[0032] The above-mentioned cellulose raw material can be used as the starting material. As the solvent, 3 to 20 times by mass of water or a lower alcohol, specifically water, methanol, ethanol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butanol, isobutanol, tertiary butanol, etc., can be used alone or in combination. When a lower alcohol is mixed, the mixing ratio is 60 to 95% by mass. As the mercerizing agent, 0.5 to 20 times by mole of an alkali metal hydroxide, specifically sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, can be used per anhydrous glucose residue of the starting material.

[0033] As mentioned above, the degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit of cellulose is less than 0.60, and preferably 0.01 or more and less than 0.60. Introducing carboxymethyl substituents into cellulose causes electrical repulsion between cellulose molecules. Therefore, cellulose with carboxymethyl substituents introduced therein can be easily defibrated. Note that if the carboxymethyl substituents per glucose unit are less than 0.01, defibration may be insufficient. The degree of substitution in carboxymethylated cellulose and the degree of substitution when converted into fine fibers are usually the same.

[0034] In the present invention, in the carboxyalkylated cellulose obtained by the above process, the carboxyalkyl group introduced into the cellulose raw material is usually in the form of an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt (this is called the "salt form"). Before the defibration process, the alkali metal salt of the carboxyalkylated cellulose may be substituted with another cation salt such as a phosphonium salt, an imidazolinium salt, an ammonium salt, or a sulfonium salt. The substitution can be carried out by a known method.

[0035] (Esterification) As an example of chemically modified cellulose, esterified cellulose, which is a type of anion-modified cellulose, can be used. Examples of methods for producing phosphoric acid-esterified cellulose include mixing a powder or aqueous solution of a phosphoric acid compound with a cellulose raw material and adding an aqueous solution of a phosphoric acid compound to a slurry of the cellulose raw material. Examples of phosphoric acid compounds include phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, phosphonic acid, polyphosphonic acid, and esters thereof. These may be in the form of salts. Among the above, compounds having a phosphoric acid group are preferred because of their low cost, ease of handling, and the ability to introduce a phosphoric acid group into the cellulose of pulp fibers to improve defibration efficiency. Examples of compounds having a phosphoric acid group include phosphoric acid, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, sodium phosphite, potassium phosphite, sodium hypophosphite, potassium hypophosphite, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium metaphosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, tripotassium phosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, potassium metaphosphate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, triammonium phosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate, and ammonium metaphosphate. These compounds can be used alone or in combination to introduce phosphate groups. Of these, phosphoric acid, sodium salts of phosphoric acid, potassium salts of phosphoric acid, and ammonium salts of phosphoric acid are preferred from the viewpoints of high efficiency of phosphate group introduction, ease of defibration in the defibration step described below, and ease of industrial application. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate are particularly preferred. Furthermore, it is desirable to use the phosphoric acid compound as an aqueous solution, as this allows the reaction to proceed uniformly and increases the efficiency of phosphate group introduction. The pH of the aqueous solution of the phosphoric acid compound is preferably 7 or less, as this increases the efficiency of phosphate group introduction, but a pH of 3 to 7 is preferred from the viewpoint of suppressing hydrolysis of pulp fibers.

[0036] The following method can be mentioned as a specific example of a method for producing phosphated cellulose. A phosphoric acid compound is added to a suspension of a cellulose raw material having a solids concentration of 0.1 to 10% by mass while stirring, to introduce phosphate groups into the cellulose. When the cellulose raw material is taken as 100 parts by mass, the amount of the phosphoric acid compound added is preferably 0.2 to 500 parts by mass, and more preferably 1 to 400 parts by mass, in terms of the amount of phosphorus element. If the proportion of the phosphoric acid compound is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the yield of fine cellulose fibers can be further improved. However, if the proportion exceeds the upper limit, the effect of improving the yield reaches a plateau, which is undesirable from a cost perspective.

[0037] In addition to the phosphoric acid compound, powders or aqueous solutions of other compounds may be mixed. The other compounds are not particularly limited, but nitrogen-containing compounds exhibiting basicity are preferred. "Basicity" here is defined as the aqueous solution exhibiting a pink to red color in the presence of a phenolphthalein indicator, or the aqueous solution having a pH greater than 7. The nitrogen-containing compounds exhibiting basicity are not particularly limited as long as they do not impair the effects of the present invention, but compounds having an amino group are preferred. Examples include urea, methylamine, ethylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, pyridine, ethylenediamine, and hexamethylenediamine. Among these, urea is preferred due to its low cost and ease of handling. The amount of the other compounds added is preferably 2 to 1,000 parts by mass, more preferably 100 to 700 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the solid content of the cellulose raw material. The reaction temperature is preferably 0 to 95°C, more preferably 30 to 90°C. The reaction time is not particularly limited, but is approximately 1 to 600 minutes, more preferably 30 to 480 minutes. When the esterification reaction conditions are within these ranges, it is possible to prevent the cellulose from being excessively esterified and becoming more soluble, resulting in a good yield of phosphated cellulose. After dehydrating the resulting phosphated cellulose suspension, it is preferable to heat-treat it at 100 to 170°C in order to suppress hydrolysis of the cellulose. Furthermore, it is preferable to heat the suspension at 130°C or lower, preferably 110°C or lower, while it contains water, and then, after removing the water, heat-treat it at 100 to 170°C.

[0038] The degree of phosphate substitution per glucose unit of the phosphated cellulose is preferably 0.001 or more and less than 0.40. Introducing phosphate group substituents into cellulose causes electrical repulsion between cellulose molecules. Therefore, cellulose with phosphate groups introduced therein can be easily defibrated. If the degree of phosphate substitution per glucose unit is less than 0.001, it cannot be sufficiently defibrated. On the other hand, if the degree of phosphate substitution per glucose unit is greater than 0.40, it may swell or dissolve, making it impossible to obtain fine fibers. To efficiently defibrate, the phosphated cellulose raw material obtained above is preferably subjected to a washing treatment, such as boiling and washing with cold water. The modification by these esterifications is a modification by a substitution reaction. The degree of substitution in the phosphated cellulose and the degree of substitution when made into fine fibers are usually the same.

[0039] In the present invention, in the cellulose phosphate obtained by the above process, the phosphate group introduced into the cellulose raw material is usually in the form of an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt (this is called the "salt form"). Before the defibration process, the alkali metal salt of the cellulose phosphate may be substituted with another cationic salt such as a phosphonium salt, an imidazolinium salt, an ammonium salt, or a sulfonium salt. The substitution can be carried out by a known method.

[0040] (Defibrillation) The device for defibrating cellulose raw materials or chemically modified cellulose raw materials (chemically modified cellulose, also known as "chemically modified pulp") is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferable to apply shear force to the raw material (usually an aqueous dispersion of the raw material) using a defibration device such as a high-speed rotation type, colloid mill type, high-pressure type, roll mill type, or ultrasonic type, or a refiner, cavitation jet device, or the like. In particular, it is preferable to use a cavitation jet device that can efficiently defibrate at a pressure of about 7 MPa, or a wet high-pressure or ultra-high-pressure homogenizer that can apply a pressure of 50 MPa or more to the raw material (usually an aqueous dispersion) and apply a strong shear force. Furthermore, prior to the defibration and dispersion treatment, a pretreatment can be performed as necessary. The pretreatment can be performed using a known mixing, stirring, emulsifying, or dispersing device such as a high-speed shear mixer. The number of treatments (passes) in the defibration device may be one or two or more, with two or more being preferred.

[0041] When defibrating, a dispersion is usually prepared by first dispersing the cellulose raw material or chemically modified cellulose in a dispersion medium. The dispersion medium is not particularly limited as long as it can disperse the cellulose raw material or chemically modified cellulose, and examples thereof include water, an organic solvent, and a mixed solvent thereof.

[0042] The solids concentration of the cellulose raw material or chemically modified cellulose in the dispersion is usually 0.1% by mass or more, preferably 0.2% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.3% by mass or more. This ensures an appropriate liquid amount relative to the amount of solids, which is efficient. The upper limit is usually 10% by mass or less, preferably 6% by mass or less. This allows fluidity to be maintained.

[0043] Prior to defibration, a pretreatment may be carried out as necessary, which may be carried out using a mixing, stirring, emulsifying, or dispersing device such as a high-speed shear mixer.

[0044] The water-containing gel-like fine cellulose fibers used in the present invention, i.e., fine cellulose hydrogel, can be obtained by defibrating a dispersion in which cellulose raw materials or chemically modified cellulose raw materials are dispersed in water.

[0045] The fine cellulose hydrogel used in the pest attractant of the present invention preferably has a B-type viscosity (25°C, 60 rpm) of 10 mPa·s or more, more preferably 100 mPa·s, and even more preferably 500 mPa·s or more, when the solids content is 0.5% by mass. Furthermore, when the solids content is 1.0% by mass, the B-type viscosity (25°C, 60 rpm) is preferably 1500 mPa·s or more, more preferably 2000 mPa·s, and even more preferably 2500 mPa·s or more. In particular, when the solids content is 1.0% by mass, a fine cellulose hydrogel having a viscosity of 2000 mPa·s or more has high water retention, and the water contained in the fine fibers in the hydrogel is unlikely to leak into the soil immediately. Therefore, the gel-like fine cellulose fibers are likely to be retained on the soil for a long period of time, and the attractant effect and food toxicity to pests are prolonged.

[0046] The microfine cellulose hydrogel used in the pest attractant of the present invention, when its solids content is 1.0% by mass, preferably has a transparency of 20% to 95%, more preferably 30% to 90%, from the viewpoint of the degree of defibration that contributes to thickening of the gel, and even more preferably 30% to 60%, from the viewpoint of reducing defibration costs. In this specification, transparency refers to the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 660 nm when the target material, such as the microfine cellulose hydrogel, is made into an aqueous dispersion with a solids content of 1.0%. Transparency represents the degree of defibration of fibers with a fiber diameter of approximately several nanometers. The higher the proportion of fibers that have undergone nano-defibration, the higher the transparency.

[0047] (Pest Attractant) The pest attractant of the present invention contains a fine cellulose hydrogel, and the content of the fine cellulose hydrogel is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 0.7% by mass or more, based on the solid content, from the viewpoint of improving water retention. The upper limit of the content is not particularly limited, but is preferably 3% by mass or less.

[0048] (Edible Components) From the viewpoint of sufficiently attracting pests, the pest attractant of the present invention preferably contains an edible component. Examples of edible components include carbohydrates including sugars, oils and fats, starches, proteins, amino acids, animal and plant extracts, higher alcohols, inorganic salts, pH adjusters, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, moisturizers, antiseptics, preservatives, coloring agents, etc. Examples of carbohydrates include fruit juice, honey, blackstrap molasses, maltose, xylitol, sorbitol, isofructose, sucrose, sugar cane, sugar, palatinose, trehalose, lactose, etc. Examples of fats and oils include Japan wax, palm oil, cocoa butter, castor oil, olive oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, corn oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, tung oil, hemp seed oil, perilla oil, butter fat obtained from mammals, whale oil, dolphin oil, sardine oil, herring oil, cod liver oil, shark liver oil, microbial fats, and fats and oils derived from yeast and bacteria. Examples of proteins include edestin, zein, gliadin, etc. Examples of animal extracts include substances derived from locusts, grasshoppers, praying mantises, crickets, butterflies, moths, flies, krill, pupae, fish, livestock, shellfish, eggs, etc. Examples of plant extracts include substances derived from peanuts, pumpkin seeds, wheat bran, wheat flour, corn, broad beans, soybeans, etc. The edible component may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The edible component may be selected depending on the type of pest. For example, when the target pest is an ant, such as a Japanese ant, it is preferable to include a sugar, more preferably sucrose, in the edible component because of its high attracting effect.

[0049] When the pest attractant of the present invention contains edible components, the content of the edible components other than water is preferably 10 to 50%, more preferably 20 to 30%.

[0050] (Pesticidal component) From the viewpoint of reducing the population of pests, the pest attractant of the present invention preferably contains a pesticidal component. Examples of pesticidal components include 3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate (XMC), Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis japonensis, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis, crystal protein toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, BPMC, Bt toxin-based insecticidal compounds, CPCBS (chlorfenson), DCIP (dichlorodiisopropyl ether), DD (1,3-dichloropropene), DDT, NAC, O-4-dimethylsulfamoylphenyl O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate (DSP), and O-ethyl O-4-nitrophenyl Phenylphosphonothioate (EPN), tripropylisocyanurate (TPIC), acrinathrin, acinonapyr, azadirachtin, azinphos-methyl, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, acetoprole, acephate, abamectin, afidpirope afidopyropen, avermectin-B, amidoflumet, amitraz, alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, aldrin, alpha-endosulfan, alpha-cypermethrin, albendazole, allethrin,Isazophos, isamidofos, isoamidofos, isoxathion, isocycloseram, isofenphos, isoprocarb (MIPC), epsilon-methrin, epsilon-momfluorothrin, ivermectin, imicyafos, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, esfenvalerate, ethiofencarb ), ethion, ethiprole, etoxazole, etofenprox, ethoprophos, etrimfos, emamectin, emamectin-benzoate, endosulfan, empenthrin, oxazosulfyl , oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, oxydeprofos (ESP), oxibendazole, oxfendazole, potassium oleate, sodium oleate, cadusafos, kappa-bifenthrin, cartap, carbaryl, carbosulfan, carbofuran, gamma-cyhalothrin, xylylcarb, quinalphos, kinoprene, chinomethionat,Cloethocarb, clothianidin, clofentezine, chromafenozide, chlorantraniliprole, chlorethoxyfos, chlordimeform, chlordane, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorfenapyr, chlorfenson, chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlorobenzilate, chlorobenzoate, chloroprallethrin, kelthane (dicofol: dicofol, salithion, cyhalodiamide, cyanophos (CYAP), diafenthiuron, diamidaphos, cyantraniliprole, theta-cypermethrin, cyetpyrafen, dienochlor, cyenopyrafen, dioxabenzofos, diofenolan, sigma-cypermethrin, cyclaniliprole, diclofenthion ECP), cyclobutrifluram, cycloprothrin, dichlorvos (DDVP), dichloromezotiaz, disulfoton, dinotefuran, cyhalodiamide,Cyhalothrin, cyphenothrin, cyfluthrin, diflubenzuron, cyflumetofen, cyproflanilide, diflovidadin, cyhexatin, dimpropylidazin Dimpropyridaz, cypermethrin, dimethylvinphos, dimethoate, dimefluthrin, silafluofen, cyromazine, spidoxamat, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodiclofen, spiropidione, spirotetramat, spiromesifen, sulfuramid, sulprofos, sulfoxaflor, zeta-cypermethrin, diazinon, taufulva Linate (tau-fluvalinate), dazomet (dazomet), thiacloprid (thiacloprid), tioxazafen (tioxazafen), thiodicarb (thiodicarb), thiocyclam (thiocyclam), thiosultap (thiosultap), thiosultap - sodium (thiosultap-sodium), thionazin (thionazin), thiometon (thiometon), cyclopyrazoflor (tyclopyrazoflor), DEET (deet), dieldrin (dieldrin), tetrachlorantraniliprole (tetrachlorantraniliprole), tetrachlorvinphos (tetrach1orvinphos), tetradifon (tetradifon), tetraniliprole (tetraniliprole), tetramethylfluthrin (tetramethylfluthrin),Tetramethrin, tebupirimfos, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tefluthrin, teflubenzuron, demeton-S-methyl, temephos, deltamethrin, terbufos, doramectin, tralopyril, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, triazamate, triazuron, trichlamide, trichlorphon: DEP), triflumezopyrim, triflumuron, tolfenpyrad, naled (naled: BRP), nicofluprole, nithiazine, nitenpyram, novaluron, noviflumuron, hydroprene, vaniliprole, vamidothion, parathion, parathion-methyl, halfenprox, halofenozide, bistrifluron, bisultap, hydramethylnon, hydroxypropyl starch starch), binapacryl, pyflubumide, bifenazate, bifenthrin, pymetrozine, pyraclofos, pyrafluprole, pyridaphenthion,Pyridaben, pyridalyl, pyrifluquinazon, pyriprole, pyriproxyfen, pirimicarb, pyrimidifen, pyriminostrobin, pirimiphos-methyl, pyrethrins, fipronil, fenazaquin, fenamiphos, phenisobromorate, fenitrothion MEP), fenoxycarb, fenothiocarb, phenothrin, fenobucarb, fensulfothion, fenthion (MPP), phenthoate (PAP), fenvalerate, fenpyroximate, fenpropathrin, fenbendazole, fosthiazate, formetanate, butathiofos , buprofezin (buprofezin), furathiocarb (furathiocarb), prallethrin (prallethrin), fluacrypyrim (fluacrypyrim), furazaindolizine (fluazaindolizine), flupirimine (flupyrimin), fluazinam (fluazinam), fluazuron (fluazuron), fluensulfone (fluensulfone), fluxametamide (fluxametamide), flucycloxuron (flucycloxuron), flucythrinate (flucythrinate), fluvalinate (fluvalinate), flufiprole (flufiprole), flupyradifurone (flupyradifurone), flupyrazofos (flupyrazofos),Flufenerim, flufenoxystrobin, flufenoxuron, flufenzine, flufenprox, fluproxyfen, flubrocythrinate, fluhexafon, flubendiamide, flupentiofenox, flumet Flumethrin, flurimfen, prothiofos, protrifenbute, flonicamid, propaphos, propargite (BPPS), profenofos, broflanilide, profluthrin, propoxur (PHC), flometoquin, alpha - alpha-bromadiolone, bromopropylate, beta-cyfluthrin, hexaflumuron, hexythiazox, heptafluthrin, heptenophos, permethrin, benclothiaz, bendiocarb, benzpyrimoxane pyrimoxan, bensultap, benzoximate, benfuracarb, phoxim, phosalone, fosthiazate, fosthietan, phosphamidon, phosphocarb, phosmet (PMP), polynactin complex, formetanate,Formothion, phorate, machine oil oil), malathion, milbemycin, milbemycin-A, milbemectin, mecarbam, mesulfenphos, methomyl, metaldehyde, metaflumizone, methamidophos, metham-ammonium, metham-sodium, methiocarb, methidathion (DMTP), methylisothiocyanate, methylneodecanamide, methylparathion, metoxadiazone, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, metofluthrin etofluthrin, methoprene, metolcarb, meperfluthrin, mevinphos, monocrotophos, monosultap, momfluorothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, ryanodine, lufenuron, lescalure, resmethrin, lepimectin, rotenone, levamisol hydrochloride, fenbutatin oxide, morantel tartarate, methyl bromide, tricyclohexyltin hydroxide, calcium cyanamide,Examples include calcium polysulfide, sulfur, and nicotine sulfate. The pesticidal component may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The pesticidal component may be selected depending on the type of pest. For example, when the target pest is an ant, such as the Japanese ant, pyriprole, fipronil, or thiamethoxam is preferred as a slow-acting agent from the viewpoint of not inhibiting the attracting ability of the hydrogel, and pyriprole is more preferred.

[0051] When the pest attractant of the present invention contains a pesticidal component, the content of the pesticidal component is preferably 1 to 100 ppm, more preferably 1 to 40 ppm, from the viewpoint of not reducing the attracting ability of the hydrogel.

[0052] (Other Components) The pest attractant of the present invention may contain various additives in addition to the fine cellulose hydrogel, edible component, and pesticidal component, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0053] The amount of the pest attractant of the present invention to be used is not particularly limited, but it is ２ It is preferable to spray or apply the fine cellulose hydrogel so that the solid mass of the cellulose hydrogel is 0.1 to 200 g per unit area, more preferably 1 to 80 g, and even more preferably 5 to 30 g. If the amount used is too large, it is undesirable from the viewpoint of the effects on organisms other than the target. If the amount used is too small, it is difficult to exert water retention properties, attractant effects on pests, and food toxicity.

[0054] The pest attractant of the present invention contains a fine cellulose hydrogel, which allows it to be biodegradable and has excellent water retention. Furthermore, when an edible component or a pesticidal component is added, the attractant effect and food toxicity last for a long time. The pest attractant of the present invention is suitable for pests that prefer liquid bait, and is particularly effective against ants, such as the Japanese ant.

[0055] (Method for producing a pest attractant) The method for producing a pest attractant of the present invention includes a step of blending a fine cellulose hydrogel. The pest attractant can be produced by blending the fine cellulose hydrogel with an edible component, a pesticidal component, and other components that are used as needed.

[0056] Specifically, for example, a method for producing a pest attractant includes adding an edible component to a fine cellulose hydrogel, mixing, and then gradually adding and mixing an aqueous suspension containing a pesticidal component.

[0057] The pesticidal component may be added to a mixture containing fine cellulose hydrogel as an aqueous suspension as described above, or may be added and mixed in a formulation processed into a dust, wettable powder, microcapsule, emulsion, or oil.

[0058] (Method of Attracting Pests) When attracting pests using the pest attractant of the present invention, methods include spraying the pest attractant of the present invention at a required location outdoors using a tool such as a sprayer or a high-pressure washer, scattering it at a required location outdoors using a spoon, a ladle, or the like, or applying it to a required location outdoors using a brush, or the like.

[0059] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, unless the method of measurement / calculation of each value in each example is specifically stated, it was measured / calculated by the method described in the specification.

[0060] (Method for measuring the amount of carboxyl groups) 60 mL of a 0.5% by mass slurry (aqueous dispersion) of oxidized pulp was prepared, and a 0.1 M aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was added to adjust the pH to 2.5. After that, a 0.05 N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution was added dropwise, and the electrical conductivity was measured until the pH reached 11. The amount of carboxyl groups was calculated using the following formula from the amount of sodium hydroxide (a) consumed in the neutralization stage of a weak acid, in which the change in electrical conductivity was gradual: amount of carboxyl groups [mmol / g oxidized pulp] = a [mL] × 0.05 / mass of oxidized pulp [g]

[0061] (Method for measuring the degree of carboxymethyl substitution per glucose unit) Approximately 2.0 g of carboxymethylated cellulose fiber (bone dry) was weighed out and placed in a 300 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. 100 mL of a solution prepared by adding 10 mL of special-grade concentrated nitric acid to 90 mL of methanol was added, and the mixture was shaken for 3 hours to convert the carboxymethylated cellulose salt (carboxymethylated cellulose) into hydrogenated carboxymethylated cellulose. 1.5 to 2.0 g of hydrogenated carboxymethylated cellulose (bone dry) was weighed out and placed in a 300 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a stopper. The hydrogenated carboxymethylated cellulose was wetted with 15 mL of 80% methanol, 100 mL of 0.1 N NaOH was added, and the mixture was shaken at room temperature for 3 hours. Phenolphthalein was used as an indicator, and the degree of carboxymethylation was measured using 0.1 N H ２ SO ４ The excess NaOH was back-titrated with 0.1N H. The degree of carboxymethyl substitution (DS) was calculated by the following formula: A = [(100 × F' - (0.1N H ２ SO ４ ) (mL) × F) × 0.1] / (bone dry mass (g) of hydrogenated carboxymethylcellulose) DS = 0.162 × A / (1-0.058 × A) A: amount of 1N NaOH (mL) required to neutralize 1 g of hydrogenated carboxymethylcellulose F: amount of 0.1N NaOH ２ SO ４ F': Factor of 0.1N NaOH

[0062] (Fiber diameter) Using a fractionator manufactured by Valmet, measurements were performed on a sample prepared by diluting the MFC hydrogel to a solids concentration of 0.25% by mass, and the length-weighted fiber width was calculated. Measurements were performed twice, and the average value was used. A sample prepared by diluting the MFC hydrogel to a solids concentration of 0.001% by mass was thinly spread on a mica sample stage and dried by heating at 50°C to prepare a sample for observation. Fifty randomly selected fibers from the sample for observation were observed using an atomic force microscope (AFM), and the cross-sectional height of the shape image was measured as the fiber diameter, and the average fiber diameter was calculated.

[0063] (Transparency) An aqueous dispersion (hydrogel) of fine cellulose fibers (solid content 1% (w / v), dispersion medium: water) was prepared, and the transmittance of 660 nm light was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer UV-1800 (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) and a square cell with an optical path length of 10 mm, with the measurement of pure water being taken as 100%.

[0064] (B-type Viscosity) Using a TV-10 type viscometer (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.), the B-type viscosity of an aqueous dispersion (hydrogel) of fine cellulose fibers with a solid content of 1.0% was measured at 25° C. and 60 rpm.

[0065] (Production Example 1) (Production of Oxidized MFC Hydrogel 1) 5.00 g (bone-dry) of bleached, unbeaten kraft pulp derived from coniferous trees (NBKP, manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., brightness 85%) was added to 500 mL of an aqueous solution containing 39 mg (0.05 mmol per 1 g of bone-dry cellulose) of TEMPO (Sigma-Aldrich) and 514 mg (1.0 mmol per 1 g of bone-dry cellulose) of sodium bromide, and the mixture was stirred until the pulp was uniformly dispersed. Aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution was added to the reaction system so that the sodium hypochlorite concentration was 5.5 mmol / g, and the oxidation reaction was initiated at room temperature. The pH of the system decreased during the reaction, but was adjusted to pH 10 by sequential addition of 3 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction was terminated when the sodium hypochlorite was consumed and the pH of the system no longer changed. After the reaction, the mixture was adjusted to pH 2.4 by adding hydrochloric acid, and then filtered through a glass filter to separate the pulp. The separated pulp was thoroughly washed with water to obtain TEMPO-oxidized pulp. The pulp yield was 90%, the oxidation reaction time was 90 minutes, the carboxyl group content was 1.45 mmol / g, and the pH was 4.5.

[0066] An aqueous dispersion of the resulting TEMPO-oxidized pulp with a solids concentration of 1.3% by mass and a pH of 7.7 was prepared, and six passes of cavitation treatment were performed using a cavitation jet device at an upstream pressure of 14 MPa and a downstream pressure of 0.5 MPa to prepare oxidized microfibrillated cellulose hydrogel 1 (oxidized MFC hydrogel 1). The average fiber diameter of the cellulose fibers contained in oxidized MFC hydrogel 1 measured by a fractionator was 20.6 μm, the average fiber diameter measured by AFM was 3 nm, the transparency of a 1% dispersion was 36.4%, and the Brookfield viscosity was 1.0% at 60 rpm was 4150 mPa s.

[0067] (Production Example 2) (Production of Oxidized MFC Hydrogel 2) Oxidized MFC Hydrogel 2 was obtained in the same manner as in Production Example 1, except that the concentration of the TEMPO-oxidized pulp supplied to the cavitation jet device was changed from 1.3% by mass to 2.6% by mass, and the number of treatments (number of passes) with the cavitation jet device was changed from 6 to 10. The average fiber diameter of the cellulose fibers contained in oxidized MFC Hydrogel 2 measured with a fractionator was 20.6 μm, the average fiber diameter measured with AFM was 5 nm, the transparency of a 1% dispersion was 34.7%, and the Brookfield viscosity was 1.0%, 3000 mPa s at 60 rpm.

[0068] (Production Example 3) (Production of Carboxymethylated MFC Hydrogel) 130 parts by mass of water and a solution of 20 parts by mass of sodium hydroxide dissolved in 100 parts by mass of water were added to a twin-screw kneader adjusted to 100 rpm, and 100 parts by mass of hardwood bleached kraft pulp (LBKP, manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) dried at 100°C for 60 minutes (dry mass) were added. The contents were stirred and mixed at 30°C for 90 minutes to prepare a mercerized cellulose raw material. Further, 100 parts by mass of isopropanol (IPA) and 60 parts by mass of sodium monochloroacetate were added with stirring, and after stirring for 30 minutes, the temperature was raised to 70°C and a carboxymethylation reaction was carried out for 90 minutes. The concentration of IPA in the reaction medium during the carboxymethylation reaction was 30%. After completion of the reaction, the mixture was neutralized with acetic acid to a pH of approximately 7 to obtain a carboxymethylated cellulose raw material (sodium salt) with a carboxymethyl substitution degree per glucose unit of chemically modified cellulose of 0.33.

[0069] An aqueous dispersion of the resulting carboxymethylated cellulose raw material with a solids concentration of 2.6% by mass and a pH of 7.5 was prepared, and subjected to 30 passes of cavitation treatment using a cavitation jet device at an upstream pressure of 14 MPa and a downstream pressure of 0.5 MPa to produce a carboxymethylated microfibrillated cellulose hydrogel (carboxymethylated MFC hydrogel). The cellulose fibers contained in the carboxymethylated MFC hydrogel had an average fiber diameter of 23.2 μm as measured by a fractionator, an average fiber diameter of 15 nm as measured by AFM, a transparency of 37.6% for a 1% dispersion, and a Brookfield viscosity of 753 mPa·s at 60 rpm of 1.0%.

[0070] Example 1 80 g of the oxidized MFC hydrogel 1 (solid content concentration: 1.3%) obtained in Production Example 1 was mixed with 20 g of sucrose to make a total of 100 g, which was used as a sample.

[0071] Example 2 A sample was prepared by mixing 40 g of the oxidized MFC hydrogel 2 (solid content concentration: 2.5%) obtained in Production Example 2, 20 g of sucrose, and 40 g of water.

[0072] Example 3 A sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the oxidized MFC hydrogel 2 in Example 2 was changed to the carboxymethylated MFC hydrogel obtained in Production Example 3.

[0073] Example 4 A sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the oxidized MFC hydrogel 1 of Example 1 was adjusted to a solid content concentration of 0.5% by mass.

[0074] Example 5 A sample was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the carboxymethylated MFC hydrogel of Example 3 was adjusted to a solid content concentration of 0.5% by mass.

[0075] Comparative Example 1 A hydrogel was prepared as a sample by mixing a polyacrylic acid-based superabsorbent polymer (also referred to as "SAP") (trade name "Newsorb", manufactured by Newstone International Co., Ltd.) to a concentration of 0.5% by mass and ion-exchanged water with sucrose to a concentration of 20%.

[0076] Comparative Example 2 A 20% sucrose aqueous solution was used as a sample.

[0077] Comparative Example 3 Water was used as a sample.

[0078] (Water Retention) 1 g of each sample obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 was dropped into the center of a 4 cm diameter glass Petri dish using a thermosyringe, and the mass was measured after 6 hours on a laboratory bench (20°C). The remaining moisture percentage was calculated by assuming that all the mass loss from the initial value (mass of the Petri dish, mass of the dropped sample, and total mass after dropping) calculated from the blended moisture content (%) was due to evaporation of moisture. The water retention was evaluated based on the calculated remaining moisture percentage according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1. A: 40% or more of the moisture remained after 6 hours. B: 30% or more but less than 40% of the moisture remained after 6 hours. C: 20% or more but less than 30% of the moisture remained after 6 hours. D: Less than 20% of the moisture remained after 6 hours.

[0079]

[0080] Table 1 also lists the residues after biodegradation of the samples used in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. As can be seen from Table 1, the hydrogels of Examples 1 to 5 have the advantage of not polluting the environment because the only residues after biodegradation are carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts. They also have excellent water retention properties. The polyacrylic acid-based SAP of Comparative Example 1 has excellent water retention properties, but is not biodegradable and remains, which may accumulate in the environment and cause pollution.

[0081] Example 6 The oxidized MFC hydrogel 2 obtained in Production Example 2, sucrose, and pyriprole as an insecticidal component were mixed in the proportions shown in Table 2 to prepare a hydrogel bait (sample).

[0082] (Example 7) A hydrogel bait was prepared in the same manner as in Example 6, except that the carboxymethylated MFC hydrogel obtained in Production Example 3 was used instead of the oxidized MFC hydrogel 2 obtained in Production Example 2.

[0083] Comparative Example 4 A hydrogel bait (sample) was prepared in the same manner as in Example 6, except that acrylic acid-based SAP was blended in place of the oxidized MFC hydrogel 2 so that the solid content concentration was 0.5%.

[0084] Comparative Example 5 A bait (10 g) containing 40 ppm pyriprole as an insecticidal component in a 20% by mass sucrose aqueous solution was soaked in a cotton ball measuring 4 cm x 4 cm to prepare a sample.

[0085] Comparative Example 6 A sample was prepared by soaking a cotton ball measuring 4 cm x 4 cm with 10 g of a 20% by mass sucrose aqueous solution.

[0086] Comparative Example 7 A sample was prepared by soaking a cotton ball measuring 4 cm x 4 cm with 10 g of an aqueous solution containing 40 ppm of pyriprole as an insecticidal ingredient.

[0087] Comparative Example 8 A sample was prepared by soaking a cotton ball measuring 4 cm x 4 cm in 10 g of water.

[0088] (Attractiveness) Approximately 10 g of the obtained hydrogel bait (sample) for Examples 6 and 7 and Comparative Example 4, and the obtained sample for Comparative Examples 5 to 8, were placed in a petri dish and placed in an ant trail. The number of ants attracted after one hour was counted and the attractiveness was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. (N=10 average values) A: The number of ants attracted after one hour exceeded 60. B: The number of ants attracted after one hour was 40 or more but less than 60. C: The number of ants attracted after one hour was 10 or more but less than 40. D: The number of ants attracted after one hour was less than 10.

[0089] (Food toxicity) About 10 g of the obtained hydrogel bait (sample) for Examples 6 and 7 and Comparative Example 4, and the obtained sample for Comparative Examples 5 to 8, were placed in the ant trails, and the state of the trails after 24 hours and the behavior of the ants near the trails were observed to evaluate food toxicity according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2. (N=10 average values) A: The ant trails disappeared after 24 hours, and abnormal individuals were found. B: The ant trails continued after 24 hours, but abnormal individuals were found in the surrounding area. C: The ant trails continued after 24 hours, and no abnormal individuals were found. -: Food toxicity cannot be determined

[0090]

[0091] As can be seen from Table 2, the hydrogel baits of Examples 6 and 7 and Comparative Example 4 have superior attracting and edible toxicity compared to the samples of Comparative Examples 5 to 8. The hydrogel baits of Examples 6 and 7 are also highly biodegradable due to the inclusion of fine cellulose hydrogel. On the other hand, the hydrogel bait of Comparative Example 4 contains acrylic acid-based SAP, which is not biodegradable and may remain, accumulating and causing environmental contamination.

[0092] (Change in viscosity over time) 300 g of samples prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 were placed in lidded polypropylene containers and stored at predetermined temperatures, and the change in viscosity over time (viscosity after 0 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days) was measured. The B-type viscosity was measured by pre-stirring the sample at 3000 rpm for 1 minute, and then measuring the sample (hydrogel) at 25°C, 6 rpm, or 60 rpm using a TV-10 viscometer (Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.). The storage temperatures were 5°C, 23°C, and 40°C. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0093]

[0094] As can be seen from Table 3, the sample containing the hydrogel of Example 1 maintained a high viscosity (2000 mPa·s or more at 60 rpm) even after 90 days, suggesting that the pest attractant of the present invention containing this hydrogel has an attractive effect on pests and food toxicity that lasts for a long time.

Claims

1. A pest attractant containing fine cellulose hydrogel.

2. The pest attractant according to claim 1, further comprising an edible component and a pesticidal component.

3. A pest attractant as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the content of the fine cellulose hydrogel is 0.5 mass% or more on a solids basis.

4. A pest attractant as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cellulose fibers contained in the fine cellulose hydrogel are chemically modified, and the type of chemical modification is one selected from oxidation, carboxymethylation, and phosphate esterification.

5. The pest attractant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber diameter distribution of the cellulose fibers contained in the fine cellulose hydrogel is 2 nm to 60 μm.

6. A method for producing a pest attractant, comprising the step of blending a fine cellulose hydrogel.

7. A method for attracting pests using the pest attractant according to claim 1 or 2.

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