Insect control based on pepper

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising white pepper for controlling insects, in particular killing insects, and a receptacle suitable for controlling insects.

Description

[0001] Insect control based on pepper

[0002] Pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, mites, cockroaches, and ticks are known to be a nuisance to mankind. Insects that may invade the human habitat are not only a nuisance, but also represent a health hazard.

[0003] Most of them are disease carriers and pose significant problems for man in both the economic and health care sectors. Accordingly, to kill and / or repel, i.e. control pests, insecticides are used in areas where the presence of these pests is not desired. Many efforts have been made to keep insects away from the human body and living spaces.

[0004] One typically and conventionally applied method of insect eradication is the use of insecticides. However, commercially available insecticides and / or repellents generally include active ingredients which are toxic to both the target pests and to the user especially if the insecticides are used in relatively confined environments and delivered as aerosol sprays.

[0005] In addition, it often occurs that in the human living space insects do not directly act on the body, but stay within the habitat, for example, in the premises or furnishings, equipment and inventory. In order to keep insects away, there is a need for a method that is both effective and easily applicable. Particularly advantageous are procedures that can be applied in a normal household and by means that are generally familiar and easy to use.

[0006] It has been found problematic to employ common insect controlling compounds in dispenser systems which have adequate long-lasting insect controlling properties. In particular, it has been observed that the use of insect controlling compounds in long lasting controlling commercial products often results in unsatisfactory insect controlling performance, e.g. the insect control effect diminishes shortly after use or does not reach a minimum efficacy required.

[0007] Therefore, it was an object of the present invention to provide an insect control composition, which can be used regularly and which has excellent insect killing properties.

[0008] It has now been surprisingly found in the present invention that the use of pepper provide improved insect control properties.

[0009] According to an aspect, the invention relates to the use of a composition comprising pepper for controlling insects. According to preferred embodiment of the invention, the use of (white) pepper may be one or more of the following:

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment a bait is used. These preferably involve receptacles comprising (white) pepper, preferably in combination with an attractant.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment a surface treatment is employed. In this case the powder form of (white) pepper may be applied to surfaces, creating a barrier against crawling insects.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, a direct treatment or application is employed, in that insects powdered directly with a formulation containing (white) pepper. Therefore, preferably the composition is used as a powder composition and is directly applied to the insects. This use has been particularly effective.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the pepper is white pepper. White pepper is a type of spice that is derived from the berries of the pepper plant, Piper nigrum. It is obtained by removing the outer layer of the ripe pepper berries, known as the pericarp, leaving behind the inner seed. This process involves soaking the berries in water to loosen the outer skin, which is then mechanically or manually removed. The seeds are then dried, resulting in the production of white pepper. White pepper has a distinctive appearance, with its outer skin removed, revealing a light-colored seed underneath. The removal of the outer layer gives white pepper a milder flavor compared to black pepper. It also has a slightly different aroma and taste due to the absence of the pericarp.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the insects are crawling insects.

[0015] Crawling insects refer to a diverse group of insects that typically move by crawling or walking on multiple legs. They include various species and families with different characteristics and behaviors.

[0016] In the following some typical examples of crawling insects are given:

[0017] Ants are social insects known for their highly organized behavior and complex communication systems. They form colonies and work together to gather food and care fortheir young. Beetles, on the other hand, are the largest group of insects with over 350,000 known species. They are easily recognizable by their hard outer wing covers, called elytra, and possess a wide range of feeding habits and behaviors. Lasius ants are commonly referred to as "field ants" or "garden ants." They are known for their social behavior and the formation of large colonies. Lasius ants are typically small to medium-sized, ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters in length, depending on the species. They have a wide range of colors, including black, brown, yellow, or a combination thereof. Cockroaches are resilient insects that can adapt to different environments. With their flattened bodies and quick scuttling movements, they are often considered pests in human habitats. Centipedes, with their elongated bodies and numerous segments, are carnivorous creatures that use venomous claws to capture their prey. They are efficient predators despite their sometimes unnerving appearance.

[0018] Millipedes, in contrast, have rounded bodies and bear two pairs of legs on each segment. They primarily feed on decaying plant material as detritivores.

[0019] Spiders, although not insects but arachnids, are crawling arthropods with eight legs. They are known for their ability to spin silk webs for trapping prey and play an important role in controlling other insect populations.

[0020] Silverfish, characterized by their silver or gray color, are small wingless insects that prefer dark and humid environments. They move quickly and are often found in homes, feeding on various organic materials. Earwigs, with their elongated bodies and pincers at the rear, are commonly associated with gardens. They feed on plant material and insect prey.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the crawling insects are cockroaches and / or ants and / or silverfish.

[0022] Cockroaches are resilient insects belonging to the order Blattodea. They have a flat, oval-shaped body with long antennae and six legs. Common species include the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal and prefer dark, warm, and moist environments. They scuttle quickly and are known for their adaptability. While considered pests in human habitats, they play important roles in ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and serving as food sources for other animals. Cockroaches have impressive survival abilities, being resistant to many insecticides and able to survive without food for extended periods. They have a flexible diet, consuming food scraps, decaying matter, and even book bindings or glue. Cockroaches are associated with the spread of diseases and allergens, as they can contaminate food and surfaces. Prompt action is needed to address infestations and maintain a clean and healthy environment. Control of cockroaches is achieved by the present invention.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the cockroaches are German cockroaches.

[0024] Blattella germanica, commonly known as the German cockroach, is a species of cockroach that is found worldwide. It is one of the most common and economically significant household pests. German cockroaches are small in size, typically measuring about 1 .3 to 1 .6 cm in length. They have a light brown or tan color with two dark parallel stripes running down the pronotum (the shieldlike structure behind the head). These cockroaches are known for their ability to adapt and thrive in various environments, particularly in warm and humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food and water are readily available. They are mainly nocturnal and prefer to hide in cracks, crevices, and dark areas during the day. They are considered pests due to their potential health risks and the nuisance they cause. German cockroaches can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria, pathogens, and allergens, potentially causing food poisoning and triggering asthma and allergic reactions in some individuals.

[0025] Periplaneta americana, commonly known as the American cockroach or the palmetto bug, is a another species of large cockroaches relevant for the present invention which are native to Africa. However, it has now spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, where it is particularly prevalent in warm and humid regions. The American cockroach is one of the largest cockroach species, measuring about 1 .5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) in length. It has a reddish-brown color with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum. The wings of adult American cockroaches extend beyond the abdomen, while those of the nymphs (young cockroaches) are underdeveloped. These cockroaches are primarily outdoor insects but can enter buildings through openings and crevices in search of food, water, and shelter. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, sewers, and other damp areas. Like other cockroach species, the American cockroach is considered a pest due to its potential health risks and nuisance factor. They can contaminate food, spread bacteria and pathogens, and trigger allergies and asthma in some individuals. Additionally, their presence can cause anxiety and disgust.

[0026] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a receptacle suitable for controlling insects wherein the receptacle comprises pepper.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle comprises white pepper. Preferably, the receptacle is an essentially closed receptacle, comprising a covering.

[0028] Preferably, the essentially closed receptacle which comprises the white pepper should be at least partially open. The functioning method entails having white pepper freely available in the receptacle so that insects can become impregnated with the powder and subsequently die.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is configured to be accessed by crawling insects. This can be achieved, for instance, by ensuring that the essentially closed receptacle is configured to be accessed by crawling insects. For example, the receptacle could be configured to be placed on the floor or other planar surfaces, for instance by having a planar bottom surface. Additionally, this could be achieved by ensuring that the essentially closed receptacle is configured to be accessed by the crawling insects for instance through holes on the bottom of the receptacle which are accessible by the crawling insects. According to preferred embodiment, the receptacle comprises an attractant in addition to (white) pepper in order to attract the insects.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is configured to be accessed by cockroaches, in particular German cockroaches. This can be achieved, for instance, by ensuring that the essentially closed receptacle is configured to be accessed by the cockroaches for instance through holes, which correspond in size to the usual size of the cockroaches. In particular, for German cockroaches, the holes are 1 .3 to 1 .6 cm.

[0031] The term “controlling insects” is used in the context of the present invention in a meaning which comprises “killing” and / or “repelling” insects, preferably killing insects.

[0032] Accordingly, the invention relates to a composition comprising or consisting of white pepper extract for killing and / or repelling insects.

[0033] In particular, it was surprisingly shown that white pepper is sufficient for providing good insect control properties.

[0034] Experimental results:

[0035] In the examples (shown in Table 1), the mortality of pepper (white pepper) against different types of insects was examined.

[0036] In the examples (shown in Table 1), different spices were evaluated in direct contact test. White pepper is considered as example according to the invention. The remaining spices are comparative examples including clove, thyme, rosemary and peppermint, ginger, nutmeg, and oregano. In this assay 1 gram of species powder was applied over Blattella germanica adults confined in a test arena (1 ,3mg / cm2). Insects remained exposed for 24 hours.

[0037] Of the tested spices white pepper achieved the best results showing 100% mortality in 4 hours. After 24 hours of exposition, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, ginger, and peppermint reached 100%, 50%, 50%, 20% and 10% mortality respectively. No mortality was observed in the treatments with clove, rosemary, and nutmeg.

[0038] Table 1 :

[0039] In further examples (shown in Table 2), the mortality of white pepper for different types of insects was examined.

[0040] Table 2: The efficacy of white pepper powder as surface insecticide against crawling insects was evaluated. The study targeted several species including German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), ants (Lasius sp.) and Lepisma saccharina. The powder was evenly distributed on the bottom surface of the test area and insects were introduced for a continuous 24-hour exposure. The applied dose was 2mg / cm2.

[0041] Lasius ants are commonly referred to as “field ants” or “garden ants.” They are known for their social behavior and the formation of large colonies. Lasius ants are typically small to mediumsized, ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters in length, depending on the species. They have a wide range of colors, including black, brown, yellow, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Lepisma saccharina, commonly known as the silverfish, is a small, wingless insect that belongs to the order Zygentoma. Silverfish are characterized by their silvery-blue or silver-gray color and their elongated, flattened bodies, which are tapered at both ends. They are often considered household pests because they can infest homes and damage various items.

[0043] The best results are achieved against cockroaches, in particular German cockroaches, which resulted in a mortality rate of 100% in less than 4 hours.

Claims

Claims1 . Use of a composition comprising pepper for controlling insects.

2. Use according to claim 1 wherein the pepper is white pepper.

3. Use of a composition comprising pepper for killing insects.

4. Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein the insects are crawling insects, in particular cockroaches and / or ants, preferably German cockroaches.

5. Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein the composition is a powder composition and is directly applied to the insects.

6. Use according to any of the preceding claims wherein the composition is applied as surface treatment.

7. Receptacle suitable for controlling insects wherein the receptacle comprises pepper.

8. Receptacle according to the preceding claim, wherein the pepper is white pepper.

9. Receptacle according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is configured to be accessed by crawling insects.

10. Receptacle according to the three preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is configured to be accessed by cockroaches and / or ants, in particular German cockroaches.

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