Pest control device having pesticidal sleeve

Abstract

A device for controlling pests on an animal including a band configured to encircle a leg of an animal; a fastener detachably coupled to the band, and configured to secure the band in place on the leg of the animal, and a pesticidal sleeve having a pesticidal active ingredient, and detachably coupled to at least a portion of the band or the fastener.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF INVENTION: PEST CONTROL DEVICE HAVING PESTICIDAL SLEEVE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a pest control device for animals.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] Livestock, particularly cattle, are frequently troubled by pests such as stable flies, horn flies, face flies, Gulf Coast ticks, spinose ear ticks, and other pests, which can cause not only irritation to the animal and interfere with its normal feeding and grazing habits but also oftentimes infection and illness.

[0007] Various methods have been employed to protect animals against these pests. One method has been to use insecticidal and / or acaricidal ear tags. The ear tags release an active ingredient, which spreads when the animal causes the tag to rub its own hair coat or the hair coat of other animals. The active ingredient within the ear tag is slowly released from the tag matrix over a prolonged period and deposited on the hair coat of the livestock. Insecticide ear tags can be expected to be effective for at least 3 months.

[0008] However, ear tags, while effective to some degree, have limitations in targeting specific areas of an animal’s body where pests appear. For example, stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) primarily feed on the lower half of the legs and the belly of animals, areas where ear tags have limited efficacy. Similarly, ticks are commonly found on the legs and underbelly of dairy cows, regions where ear tags also achieve limited efficacy.

[0009] To address such limitations, there is a need for a pest control device that can target specific portions of the animal body where pests primarily feed or appear. The pest control device of the present disclosure brings the pesticidal active ingredient in closer proximity to specific target portions of the animal body where the pests primarily appear or feed, thereby significantly increasing the pesticidal efficacy of the pest control device.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pest control device for controlling pests for an animal. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pest control device may include a band configured to encircle a leg of the animal, a fastener detachably coupled to the band and configured to secure the band in place on the leg of the animal, and a pesticidal sleeve detachably coupled to at least one of the band and the fastener, wherein the pesticidal sleeve comprises a pesticidal active ingredient.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may include a through hole configured to accommodate at least a portion of the band to couple the pesticidal sleeve to the band.

[0013] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may have an outer width and an inner width, the outer width and the inner width extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the band, wherein the outer width ranges from 1.8 inches to 2.2 inches, and wherein the inner width ranges from 1.4 inches to 1.8 inches.

[0014] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may have a rectangular shape having a length ranging from 1.3 inches to 2.7 inches.

[0015] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may have an oval or rectangular cross-section along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0016] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may include the pesticidal active ingredient, a polymer, and a cellulose fiber having an amount ranging from 5% to 15% of a total weight of the pesticidal sleeve, wherein the pesticidal active ingredient is at least one selected from a group consisting of an organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, nicotinoid, org anochlorine, pyrrole, pyrazole, oxadiazine, and macrocyclic lactone, and wherein the pesticidal sleeve is in a form of a composite having the pesticidal active ingredient, the polymer, and the cellulose fiber homogeneously distributed throughout.

[0017] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight of the band may be in a range from 5 grams to 15 grams.

[0018] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight of the pesticidal sleeve may be in a range of 10 grams to 30 grams.

[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a pesticidal sleeve configured for a leg of an animal and having a pest control effect. In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may include a pesticidal active ingredient, a polymer, and a cellulose fiber having an amount ranging from 5% to 15% of a total weight of the pesticidal sleeve, wherein the pesticidal active ingredient is at least one selected from a group consisting of an organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, nicotinoid, org anochlorine, pyrrole, pyrazole, oxadiazine, and macrocyclic lactone, wherein the pesticidal sleeve is in a form of a composite having the pesticidal active ingredient, the polymer, and the cellulose fiber homogeneously distributed throughout, wherein the pesticidal sleeve has a rectangular shape including a through hole configured to accommodate a band therethrough.

[0020] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal active ingredient may be a pyrethroid, and the pyrethroid may be beta-cyfluthrin.

[0021] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the beta-cyfluthrin is present in an amount ranging from 5% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0022] In the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may further include piperonyl butoxide in an amount ranging from 17% to 23% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0023] The present disclosure also relates to a method for controlling pests for an animal. The method may include applying the pest control device described herein to a leg of the animal.

[0024] In the other aspect, the present disclosure also relates to a method for controlling pests for an animal. The method may include applying the pest pesticidal sleeve described herein to a leg of the animal.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of a pest control device of the present disclosure. FIGS. IB and 1C are respectively a perspective view and a top view of the pest control device of FIG. 1 A in its fastened state.

[0026] FIGS. 2 A and 2B are respectively a top view and a perspective view of the pest control device with a different type of fastener.

[0027] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are respectively a perspective view, a front view, and a top view of the pesticidal sleeve having a rectangular shape and a rectangular cross-section.

[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B are top views of the pesticidal sleeve having a trapezoidal shape. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the pesticidal sleeve having an oval-shaped cross-section.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates the pest control device of the present disclosure applied to the leg of an animal.

[0030] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, functions, and features throughout several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of various features and components according to the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be enlarged in order to better illustrate, show detail, or explain the present invention. However, the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, references will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0033] Some parts described below with reference to the figures are common to multiple embodiments and variations thereof. Throughout the figures the same reference numerals are given to the common parts and the descriptions of the common parts are not repeated for simplicity. Furthermore, unless specifically stated, the depictions of the embodiments and variations thereof are made to scale although the scale can vary between embodiments.

[0034] Except where a contrary intent is expressly stated, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” and “having” and the like mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended transition terms. The recitation of components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed following an open-ended transition term in no way limit such claim to the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed. The terms “consisting of or “consists of are closed transition terms. Except where a contrary intent is expressly stated, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that any terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarily the only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of the stated steps may possibly be omitted and / or certain other steps not described herein may possibly be added to the method.

[0035] Except where a contrary intent is expressly stated, terms are used in their singular form for clarity and are intended to include their plural form.

[0036] Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,” herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

[0037] Hereinafter, the term “animal” may be understood to encompass any animal. Most preferred animals within the scope of this disclosure include, but are not limited to cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats, and other livestock.

[0038] Hereinafter, the term “pests” may be understood to encompass any type of pest. Pests are organisms that adversely affect the health and well-being of animals by causing physical harm, transmitting diseases, or creating discomfort. For animals, common pests include, but arc not limited to, external parasites (e.g., fleas, ticks, lice), internal parasites (e.g., worms, protozoa), and biting insects (e.g., mosquitoes, flies).

[0039] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pest control device may include a pesticidal sleeve, a band, and a fastener. However, in the other embodiment, the pest control device may be a pesticidal sleeve.

[0040] In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a pest control device of the present disclosure may include a pesticidal sleeve, a band, and a fastener.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB and 1C, a pest control device 100 for controlling pests for an animal may include a band 140 configured to encircle a leg of an animal, a fastener 160 attached to the band 140, the fastener 160 being configured to secure the band 140 in place on the leg of the animal, and a pesticidal sleeve 120 connected to the band 140 or the fastener 160. Specifically, FIGS. IB and 1C illustrates the pest control device 100 in a fastened state.

[0042] The band 140 may have a length sufficient enough to encircle a leg of an animal, for example ranging from 15 inches to 25 inches. More preferably, the band 140 may have a length of at least 20 inches. Most preferably, the band 140 may have a length of 18 inches. The band 140 should also have sufficient tensile strength to withstand application on the animal for a prolonged period of time, for example, at least 3 months.

[0043] A weight of the band 140 of the device may be in a range from 5 grams to 15 grams. More preferably, the range may be from 8 grams to 12 grams. Most preferably, the range may be from 9 grams to 11 grams. The fastener 160 may be any mechanical connection or coupling means, such as hooks and loops (i.e., Velcro), buckles, and others. Specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the pest control device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, including a fastener 260 in the form a slit where at least a part of the band 240 may be slipped into and securely fitted therein.

[0044] Also, the fastener 160 may be detachably coupled to the band using, for example, hooks and loops (i.e., Velcro), snap fasteners, zip ties, tacks and pins, seals, adhesive fasteners, etc.

[0045] The pesticidal sleeve 120 may include a through-hole 122 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) for accommodating a portion of the band 140 slipped therein to connect the band 140 and the pesticidal sleeve 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be connected to the band 140 or the fastener 160 by other mechanical connection means, such as press-fit coupling mechanisms, seals, adhesives, magnets, etc.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be detachably coupled to the band 140 of the pest control device 100 and be used as a part of the pest control device 100. However, in an alternative embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be used independently of the pest control device 100 described herein. In other words, in the other embodiment, the pest control device may be the pesticidal sleeve itself.

[0047] The pesticidal sleeve 120 may include a predetermined amount of active ingredients. For example, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may include 5.0-10.0% (3-cy lluthrin and 17.0-23.0% piperonyl butoxide as the active ingredient with respect to the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve 120. In another embodiment, the piperonyl butoxide may be included in the pesticidal sleeve 120 at 19.0-22.0% with respect to the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. Further details regarding the active ingredients will be described later.

[0048] A weight of the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be in a range of 10 grams to 30 grams. For example, the weight of each pesticidal sleeve may be in a range of 13 grams to 18 grams.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may have an outer width W1 and an inner width W2. The inner width W2 is the width of the through-hole 122 that is defined through the pesticidal sleeve 120.

[0050] The outer width and the inner width may extend in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the band. The outer width may be in a range from 1.8 inches to 2.2 inches. More preferably, the range of the outer width may be from 1.9 inches to 2.1 inches. Most preferably, the range of the outer width may be from 1.93 inches to 1.98 inches. The inner width may be in a range from 1.4 inches to 1.8 inches. More preferably, the range of the inner width may be from 1.5 inches to 1.7 inches. Most preferably, the range of the inner width may be from 1.60 inches to 1.65 inches.

[0051] The pesticidal sleeve 120 may have a height hl and a length LI. Preferably, the height hl may be in a range from 0.40 inches to 0.50 inches. More preferably, the range of the height hl may be from 0.42 inches to 0.48 inches. Most preferably, the range of the height hl may be from 0.43 inches to 0.47 inches.

[0052] The pesticidal sleeve 120 may have various shapes and sizes, and formed smoothly without any sharp edges.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the top, having a length LI in a range from 2.0 inches to 2.7 inches. More preferably, the length LI of the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be in a range of 2.2 inches to 2.5 inches. Most preferably, the length LI of the pesticidal sleeve 120 may be in a range of 2.3 inches to 2.4 inches.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may have a shorter rectangular shape. The length LI of such shorter rectangular pesticidal sleeve 120 may be in a range from 1.3 inches to 2.0 inches. More preferably, the length LI of the pesticidal sleeve 120 having a shorter rectangular shape may be in a range from 1.5 inches to 1.8 inches. Most preferably, the length LI of the pesticidal sleeve 120 having a shorter rectangular shape may be in a range of 1.6 inches to 1.7 inches.

[0055] However, the shape of the pesticidal sleeve 120 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be formed in various shapes and sizes depending on the type of animal on which it is applied to, and the type of substance to be included in the pesticidal sleeve 120.

[0056] For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pesticidal sleeve 320 may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the top. The trapezoidal pesticidal sleeve 320 may have a first outer width W1 and a first inner width W2, both extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the band, and may further include a second outer width W3 and a second inner width W4 on the opposite side of the first outer width W1 and the first inner width W2.

[0057] The range of the first outer width W1 and the second outer width W3 may be substantially the same as the range of the outer width W1 of the pesticidal sleeve 120 described above. The first inner width W2 and the second inner width W4 may be substantially the same as the range of the inner width W2 of the pesticidal sleeve 120 described above.

[0058] The second outer width W3 of the trapezoidal pesticidal sleeve 320 may be less than the first outer width Wl. Also, the second inner width W4 of the trapezoidal pesticidal sleeve 320 may be less than the first inner width W2, resulting in the through-hole 322 defined through the pesticidal sleeve 320 having a gradually decreasing width from one side having the first inner width W2 to another side having the second inner width W4.

[0059] However, in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the second inner width W4 of the trapezoidal pesticidal sleeve 420 may be equal to the first inner width W2, resulting in the through-hole 422 defined through the pesticidal sleeve 420 maintaining the uniform shape and size across the pesticidal sleeve 420 from one side having the first inner width W2 to another side having the second inner width W4.

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the pesticidal sleeve 120 may have a rectangular cross-section having an outer width Wl and the height hl. However, the shape of the cross-section of the pesticidal sleeve is not limited thereto, and the cross-section of the pesticidal sleeve may be in various shapes.

[0061] For example, FIG. 5 shows a pesticidal sleeve 520 having an oval-shaped crosssection. The diameter of the oval-shaped cross-section of the pesticidal sleeve 520 may be the outer width Wl. The through-hole 522 defined through the pesticidal sleeve 520 may have a rectangular shape with the inner width W2, but the shape of the through-hole is also not limited thereto.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the pest control device 600 of the present disclosure, including the pesticidal sleeve 620, the band 640, and the fastener (not shown), applied on the leg of an animal by encircling the band 640 around the animal’s leg and securing it in place by using the fastener.

[0063] The pesticidal control device of the present disclosure may be effective against pests, such as ticks, for at least one month. More preferably, the pest control device 100 of the present disclosure may be effective against pests for at least three months. Most preferably, the pest control device 100 of the present disclosure may be effective for at least six months.

[0064] As described above, the pest control devices of the present disclosure may include a pesticidal sleeve, a band, and a fastener. However, in the other embodiment of the present disclosure, the pest control device may be the pesticidal sleeve itself. Additionally, the pesticidal control device of the present disclosure may be used as a platform for other pesticides.

[0065] I. PESTICIDAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

[0066] Various pesticidal active ingredients, insecticides and acaricides, both liquids and solids, can be included in the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure. The pesticidal active ingredients are effective against various pests, including ticks, that adversely affect the health and well-being of animals. The combination of the cellulose fibers and polymer or polymer matrix, however, allows for the inclusion of a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients, or solids that have been dissolved in a solvent, into the pest control device than achieved with the polymer or polymer matrix alone.

[0067] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve may include an insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient selected from the group consisting of an organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, nicotinoid, organochlorinc, pyrrole, pyrazolc, oxadiazinc, macrocyclic lactone, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the pesticidal sleeve may include two or more insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredients. In an exemplary embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve may include two or more organophosphates.

[0068] Suitable organophosphates include 0-ethyl-0-(8-quinolyl)phenyl thiophosphate (quintiofos), 0,0-diethyl 0-(3-chloro4methyl-7-coumarinyl)-thiophosphate (coumaphos), 0,0-diethyl O-phenylglycoxylonitrile oxime thiophosphate (phoxim), 0,0-diethyl 0-cyanochlorobenzaldoxime thiophosphate (chlorphoxim), 0,0-diethyl 0-(4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl)phosphorothionate (bromophos-ethyl), 0,0, 0'0', -tetraethyl S,S'-methylene-di(phosphorodithionate) (ethion), 2,3-p-dioxanedithiol S,S-bis(0,0-diethyl phosphorodithionate), 2-chloro-l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-vinyl diethyl phosphate (chlorfenvinphos), 0,0-dimethyl 0-(3-methylthiophenyl)thionophosphate (fenthion), 0,0-diethyl O-2-isopropyl-6-methylpyrimidin-4-yl phosphorothioate (diazinon); S-1,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl 0,0-dimethyl phosphorodithioate (malathion); and 0,0-dimethyl O-4-nitro-m-tolyl phosphorothioate (Sumithion).

[0069] Suitable pyrethroids include 3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-chlorovinyl]-2,2-dimethyl-cyclo-propanecarboxylic acid (a-cyano4fluoro-3-phenoxy)-benzyl ester (fluniethrin), a-cyano(4-fluoro-3-phenoxy)-benzyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-cyclopropanecarboxylate (cyfluthrin) an its enantiomers and stereomers, a-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl(±)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (deltamethrin), a-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate (cypermethrin), 3-phenoxybenzyl(±)-cis,trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (permethrin), a-cyano-3-phenoxy-benzyl a-(p-Cl-phenyl)isovalrate (fenvalerate), 2-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl 2-(2-chloro-a,a,a-trifluoro-p-toluidino)-3-methylbutyrate (fluvalinate). Other suitable pyrethroids include [la,3a(Z)]-(±)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (cyhalothrine); [la(S*),3a(Z)]-(±)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (lambda-cyhalotrin); cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl- 1 -propenyl)-cy clopropanecarboxylate (cyphenothrin); (RS)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl(S)-4-(difluoromethoxy)-a-(l-methylethyl)benzeneacetate (flucythrinate); cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(l,2,2,2-tetrabromoethyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate (tralomethrin); and [la,3a(Z)]-(±)-(2-methyl[l,T-biphcny]-3-yl)mcthyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propcnyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (bifenthrin).

[0070] The pyrethroid insecticides useful in the present disclosure include cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 4-chloro-a-(l-methylethyl)benzeneacetate (fenvalerate), and the active isomer thereof commonly known as esfenval erate; cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (cypermethrin); (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (permethrin); (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-l-propenyl)cy clopropanecarboxylate (phenothrine); cyano(4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (cyfluthrin); beta-cyfluthrin (an enriched isomer of cyfluthrin); [la,3a(Z)]-(±)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropanecarboxylate (cyhalothrine); [la(S*),3a(Z)]-(±)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)- 2.2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (lambda-cyhalotrin); cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl- 2.2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-l-propenyl)cy clopropanecarboxylate (cyphenothrin); (RS)-cyano-(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl(S)-4-(difluoromethoxy)-a-(l-methylethyl)benzeneacetate (flucythrinate); cyano(3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(l,2,2,2-tetrabromoethyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate (tralomethrin); and [la,3a(Z)]-(±)-(2-methyl[l,T-bipheny]-3-yl)methyl 3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-l-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate (bifenthrin). To the extent that the active insecticides may exist as optical or geometric isomers, all isomers and racemic mixtures are understood to be included herein. All possible other isomeric forms of the compounds are also included herein.

[0071] Suitable carbamates include 2-isopropoxyphenyl N-methylcarbamate (propoxur), (2,2-Dimethyl-l,3-benzodioxol-4-yl) N-methylcarbamate (bendiocarb), crotenon, carbaryl, 3-tolyl N-melhylcarbamate, 3,4-xylyl-N-methylcarbamate, m-(l-methylbutyl)-phenyl N-methylcarbamate, 2-ethylthiomethyl-phenyl N-methylcarbamate, 4-dimethylamino-m-tolyl N-methylcarbamate, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethylbenzofuran-7-yl N-methylcarbamate, 2-dimethylcarbamoyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolyl-dimethylcarbamate, and 2-dimethylamino-5,6-dimethylpyrimidin-4-yl N,N-dimethylcarbamate.

[0072] Suitable nicotinoids are preferably chloronicotinyls, such as imidacloprid, thiacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, nitenpyram and dinotefuran.

[0073] Suitable pyrroles include 4-Bromo-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-l-ethoxymethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-lH-pyrrolc-3-carbonitrilc (chlorfcnapyr).

[0074] Suitable pyrazoles include 3-Bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl]-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridine-2-yl)-lH-pyrazole-5-carboxamide(chlorantraniliprole), 3-bromo-l-(3-chloro-2-pyridyl)-4'-cyano-2'-methyl-6'-(methylcarbamoyl)pyrazole-5-carboxanilide(cyantraniliprole), dimethylcarbamoyl-5-methylpyrazol-3-yldimethylcarbamate(dimetilan), 4-chloro-N-[[4-(l,l-dimethylethyl)phenyl]]methyl]-3-ethyl- 1-methyl- lH-pyrazole-5-carboxamide(tebunfenpyrad), 4-chloro-3-ethyl-l-methyl-N-[4-(p-tolyloxy)benzyl]pyrazole-5-carboxamide(tolfenpyrad), 5-amino-l-(2,6-dichloro-a,a,a-trifluoro-p-tolyl)-4-ethylsulfinylpyrazole-3-carbonitrile(ethiprole), l-(2,6-dichloro-a,a,a-trifluoro-p-tolyl)-4-(difluoromethylthio)-5- [(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]pyrazole-3-carbonitrile(pyriprole), and (E)-l-(2,6-dichloro-a,a,a-trilluoro-p-tolyl)-5-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylideneamino)-4-trifluoromethylthiopyrazole-3-carbonitrile(vaniliprole).

[0075] Suitable oxadiazines include (S)-methyl 7-chloro-2,5-dihydro-2-[[(methoxycarbonyl) [4-(tri fluoromethoxy )phenyl]amino]carbonyl]indeno[l,2-e] [1,3, 4]oxadiazine-4a(3H)-carboxylate indoxacarb).

[0076] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include diazinon and coumaphos. In a further embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include beta-cyfluthrin. In the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure, the insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredients are generally present in an amount of from about 10% to about 70% of the total weight of the pest control device. In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 15% to about 60% by weight insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In another embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 40% to about 60% by weight insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In yet another embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include 50% to about 65% by weight insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In the other embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 40% to about 60% by weight of a mixture of diazinon and coumaphos of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In the other embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 40% to about 50% by weight of diazinon and from about 5% to about 15% by weight coumaphos of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In a further embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include about 5% to about 20% by weight beta-cyfluthrin of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. Preferably, the pesticidal sleeve may include 5 to 10% by weight beta-cyfluthrin, and more preferably, may include 6 to 9% beta-cyfluthrin by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0077] II. POLYMER

[0078] The pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include a polymer. Suitable polymers include polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyamide, melhacrylate, and silicon polymers. Other suitable polymers include other polyvinyl halides (for instance polyvinyl fluoride), polyacrylate and polymethacrylate esters (for instance polymethyl acrylate and polymethyl acrylate and polymethyl methacrylate), and polymers of vinyl benzenes (for instance, polystyrene and polymer polymerized vinyl toluene). In one embodiment, the polymer is a polyvinyl chloride. In another embodiment, the polymer of the present disclosure is a polyurethane.

[0079] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 20% to about 60% by weight polymer of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In another embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 35% to about 45% by weight polymer of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. III. CELLULOSE FIBERS

[0080] The pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may also include cellulosic fibers. Cellulosic fibrous materials suitable for use in the present disclosure include softwood fibers and hardwood fibers. Exemplary, though not exclusive, types of softwood pulps are derived from slash pine, jack pine, radiata pine, loblolly pine, white spruce, lodgepole pine, redwood, and douglas fir. North American southern softwoods and northern softwoods may be used, as well as softwoods from other regions of the world. Hardwood fibers may be obtained from oaks, genus Quercus, maples, genus Acer, poplars, genus Populus, or other commonly pulped species. In general, softwood fibers are preferred due to their longer fiber length as measured by T 233 cm-95, and southern softwood fibers are most preferred due to a higher coarseness as measured by T 234 cm-84, which leads to greater intrinsic fiber strength as measured by breaking load relative to either northern softwood or hardwood fibers.

[0081] The fibrous material may be prepared from its natural state by any pulping process including chemical, mechanical, thermomechanical (TMP) and chemi-thermomechanical pulping (CTMP). These industrial processes are described in detail in R. G. Macdonald & J. N. Franklin, Pulp and Paper Manufacture, 2nd Edition, in three volumes: Volume 1: The pulping of wood, 1969; Volume 2: Control, secondary fiber, structural board, coating, 1969; Volume 3: Papermaking and paperboard making, 1970, published by The Joint Textbook Committee of the Paper Industry. Additional details are provided in M. J. Kocurek & C. F. B. Stevens, Pulp and Paper Manufacture, Volume ^.Properties of Fibrous Raw Materials and Their Preparation for Pulping, also published by The Joint Textbook Committee of the Paper Industry, 1983, 182 pp.

[0082] Preferably, the fibrous material is prepared by a chemical pulping process, such as a Kraft or sulfite process. In particular the Kraft process is especially preferred. Pulp prepared from southern softwood by a Kraft process is often called SSK. In a similar manner, southern hardwood, northern softwood and northern hardwood pulps are designated SHK, NSK & NHK, respectively. Bleached pulp, which is fibers that have been delignified to very low levels of lignin, are preferred, although unbleached Kraft fibers may be preferred for some applications due to lower cost, especially if alkaline stability is not an issue. Desirably, the chemically treated cellulose fiber has been derived from a source which is one or more of Southern Softwood Kraft, Northern Softwood Kraft, hardwood, eucalyptus, mechanical, recycle and rayon, preferably Southern Softwood Kraft, Northern Softwood Kraft, or a mixture thereof, more preferably, Southern Softwood Kraft. One example of a cellulose fiber is Cellulose Reinforcing Fiber, commercially available from Central Fiber (Wellsville, Kans.).

[0083] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 2% to about 20% by weight cellulose fibers of the total weight of the pest control device. In another embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 5% to about 15% by weight cellulose fibers of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In the other embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 5% to about 12% by weight cellulose fibers of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0084] IV. OTHER ADDITIVES

[0085] The pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may generally include a plasticizer. Suitable plasticizers include phthalates (i.e., diethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, diphenyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and dihexyl phthalate); sebacates (i.e., dipentyl sebacate, n- butyl benzyl sebacate and dibenzyl sebacate); adipates (i.e., isobutyl adipate, dioctyl adipate, diisobutyl adipate and dinonyl adipate); citrates (i.e., acetyltributyl citrate and acetyl triethyl citrate), and trimellitates. Other suitable plasticizers include, for example, hydrogenated polyphenols; alk lated aromatic hydrocarbons; polyester plasticizers, for example polyesters of polyols, such as hexanediol, polycarboxylic acids, such as sebacic or adipic acid, having molecular weights of about 2000, and epoxide plasticizers such as epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized linseed oil and epoxidized tall oils (such as octyl epoxy tallate). One example of commercially available epoxidized soybean oil is Drapex® 6.8, commercially available from Chemtura (Middlebury, Conn.). Additional suitable plasticizers include esters of azelaic acid, maleic acid, ricinolic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid and trimellitic acid.

[0086] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 1% to about 50% by weight plasticizer of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In another embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 10% to about 40% by weight plasticizer of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In the other embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may include from about 20% to about 30% by weight plasticizer of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. Other additives such as dyes, pigments, lubricants, fillers, thickeners and stabilizers may be included in the pesticidal sleeve. Suitable stabilizers include anti-oxidants, ultraviolet stabilizers, and polymer stabilizers. In one embodiment, the stabilizer may be a calcium-zinc type polyvinyl chloride stabilizer. One example of a commercially available calcium-zinc type polyvinyl chloride stabilizer is Mark® 1034, commercially available from Chemtura (Middlebury, Conn.). Suitable thickeners include silicon dioxide commercially available, for example, as Cab-O-Sil® from Cabot Corporation (Tuscola, Ill.). If these materials are included, they are generally present in an amount of from about 1 % to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve. In another embodiment, these materials may be included in an amount of from about 2% to about 5% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

[0087] In one embodiment, the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure may also include an insecticidal and / or acaricidal synergist. The synergist potentiates the activity of the insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient. Suitable synergists include piperonyl butoxide, N-octylbicycloheptenedicarboximide, triphenyl phosphate, S-421 (bis(2, 3,3,3-tetrachloropropyl) ether), MGK-264 (N-(2-ethylhexyl)bicyclo[2.2.1 |hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide), IBTA (isobornyl thiocyanatoacetate) and N-(2-ethylhexyl)-l-isopropyl-4-methylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide.

[0088] V. PREPARATION OF PESTICIDAL SLEEVE

[0089] To prepare the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure, a polymer, cellulose fibers, an insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient, plasticizer, and a stabilizer are mixed together. The mixture is then molded into a pesticidal sleeve. Techniques for molding the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure are known to those skilled in the art. Molding includes either injection or extrusion. For example, one of the molding methods for pesticidal sleeves is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,075. Other techniques may include casting, laminating, and die-cutting.

[0090] In one embodiment, the cellulose fibers and polymer may be heated to allow the polymer to expand and better absorb the active ingredient. The active ingredient is either in liquid form or is dissolved with a solvent prior to addition to the cellulose fibers and polymer mixture. Once the active ingredient is added the product is cooled to contract the polymer. This product is then mixed with the plasticizer, stabilizer, other active, and / or other ingredients and then molded. Techniques for attaching the molded pesticidal sleeve (or the pest control device including the pesticidal sleeve) to an animal, such as livestock, are also well known in the art. As used herein, the term “livestock” is intended to include cattle, including diary cows, sheep, pigs, horses, and other animals.

[0091] Table 1 below shows the results of the studies that evaluate the effectiveness of the pest control device including the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure when applied to the legs of cattle using an ID leg band with a pest control concentrate (e.g., Cyl cnce Ultra™) as determined by percent effectiveness (compared to negative control) and stable fly counts.

[0092] TABLE 1

[0093]

[0094] Study Day T TreaTtment Group M N Mean Stable Stable Fly p-va ,lue ,

[0095] Rv Count Eiticacy

[0096] < < < < < <

[0097]

[0098] As shown in Table 1, the pest control device of the present disclosure applied to cattle legs using the ID leg band, exhibited an efficacy of 85.30% compared to an untreated control on day 1 of the study, increasing to 100.00% by day 7.

[0099] Additionally, the retention of three pest control devices, each including different pesticidal sleeves with various shapes (i.e., long rectangle, short rectangle, and oval) containing beta-cyfluthrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were evaluated in cattle. The results show that the pest control device including long rectangular pesticidal sleeves were retained for longer time compared to the devices with short rectangular pesticidal sleeves and oval pesticidal sleeves. Notably, the band configured to encircle a leg of the animal is what failed in the retention studies, rather than the pesticidal sleeves themselves. TABLE 2

[0100] Results of Retention Evaluation in Animals that Completed the Study

[0101]

[0102] *Calculation of percent retention is for 85 days

[0103] The pest control device of the present disclosure includes at least one insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer or polymer matrix specifically allows a higher level of liquid insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient to be included within the pest control device of the present disclosure. In addition, such combination allows the insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient to be retained within the pest control device without bleeding during transportation, storage, and handling. As such, the higher insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient loading of the present disclosure enhances pest control efficacy compared to conventional polymer-based control devices without cellulose fibers.

[0104] The incorporation of cellulose fibers and higher levels of liquid insecticidal and / or acaricidal active ingredient necessitates a reduction in the quantity of polymer or polymer matrix in the pest control devices. This reduction typically reduces the structural integrity of the device, potentially leading to breakage, premature loss of pesticidal efficacy, and / or the device failure. However, integrating cellulose fibers into the polymer or polymer matrix helps maintain the structural integrity of the pest control devices.

[0105] Furthermore, the stability of pesticidal sleeves of the present disclosure containing beta-cyfluthrin + piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were evaluated for 24 months, examined at approximately 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24-month intervals from the initial assay. The tested pesticidal sleeves were packaged in a foil pouch, which is considered a “market-like” container, and stored at ambient room temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25 °C.

[0106] TABLE 3

[0107]

[0108] As shown in Table 3 above, the tested pesticidal sleeves preserved their physical appearance throughout the 24-month stability testing intervals. The pesticidal sleeves were also acceptable for the active ingredient analysis throughout the 24-month stability testing intervals. All assays were within the certified limits, demonstrating chemical stability of the pesticidal sleeves. The amounts at the 24thmonth differed from the initial amounts by only 1.0 to 1.5% for beta-cyfluthrin and 0.2 to 0.8% for PBO. As such, the results of the stability study confirmed both the physical and chemical stability of the pesticidal sleeves of the present disclosure. Moreover, the foil pouch packaging containing, and thereby contacting, the tested pesticidal sleeves throughout the 24-month stability testing intervals was evaluated for possible corrosion caused by the tested pesticidal sleeves, and no corrosion or deformation of the foil pouch packaging was observed throughout the 24-month stability testing intervals. As such, the stability study confirmed that the “market-like” foil pouch container, which packaged and contacted the pesticidal sleeve of the present disclosure, maintained its integrity throughout all testing intervals.

[0109] Although the figures of the present disclosure present certain shapes of pest control device and pesticidal sleeve, the structure of the device and its elements are not limited thereto. The pest control device and the pesticidal sleeve may have various other shapes and sizes depending on the type of animal on which the pest control device is used and type of substance to be included in the pesticidal sleeve.

[0110] While this invention has been described as having designs illustrated by embodiments and examples, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0111] INDUSTRIAL APPLIC BILITY

[0112] The pest control device having a pesticidal sleeve for livestock is industrially applicable in animal husbandry sectors, offering a practical and efficient solution for protecting livestock from harmful pests, such as stable flies and / or ticks found on dairy cows.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for controlling pests for an animal, the device comprising:a band configured to encircle a leg of the animal;a fastener detachably coupled to the band, and configured to secure the band in place on the leg of the animal; anda pesticidal sleeve detachably coupled to at least one of the band and the fastener, wherein the pesticidal sleeve comprises a pesticidal active ingredient.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pesticidal sleeve includes a through hole configured to accommodate at least a portion of the band to couple the pesticidal sleeve to the band.

3. The device of claim 2,wherein the pesticidal sleeve has an outer width and an inner width, the outer width and the inner width extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the band,wherein the outer width ranges from 1.8 inches to 2.2 inches, andwherein the inner width ranges from 1.4 inches to 1.8 inches.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pesticidal sleeve has a rectangular shape having a length ranging from 1.3 inches to 2.7 inches.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the pesticidal sleeve has an oval or rectangular crosssection along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the pesticidal sleeve.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the pesticidal sleeve comprises:the pesticidal active ingredient;a polymer; anda cellulose fiber having an amount ranging from 5% to 15% of a total weight of the pesticidal sleeve,wherein the pesticidal active ingredient is at least one selected from a group consisting of an organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, nicotinoid, organochlorine, pyrrole, pyrazole, oxadiazine, and macrocyclic lactone, andwherein the pesticidal sleeve is in a form of a composite having the pesticidal active ingredient, the polymer, and the cellulose fiber homogeneously distributed throughout.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein a weight of the band is in a range from 5 grams to 15 grams.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a weight of the pesticidal sleeve is in a range of 10 grams to 30 grams.

9. A pesticidal sleeve configured for a leg of an animal and having a pest control effect, the pesticidal sleeve comprising:a pesticidal active ingredient;a polymer; anda cellulose fiber having an amount ranging from 5% to 15% of a total weight of the pesticidal sleeve,wherein the pesticidal active ingredient is at least one selected from a group consisting of an organophosphate, pyrethroid, carbamate, nicotinoid, organochlorine, pyrrole, pyrazole, oxadiazine, and macrocyclic lactone,wherein the pesticidal sleeve is in a form of a composite having the pesticidal active ingredient, the polymer, and the cellulose fiber homogeneously distributed throughout, wherein the pesticidal sleeve has a rectangular shape including a through hole configured to accommodate a band therethrough.

10. The pesticidal sleeve of claim 9,wherein the pesticidal active ingredient is a pyrethroid, andwherein the pyrethroid is beta-cyfluthrin.

11. The pesticidal sleeve of claim 10, wherein the beta-cyfluthrin is present in an amount ranging from 5% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

12. The pesticidal sleeve of claim 9, further comprising:piperonyl butoxide in an amount ranging from 17% to 23% by weight of the total weight of the pesticidal sleeve.

13. A method of controlling pests for an animal, the method comprising applying the device of claim 1 to a leg of the animal.

14. A method of controlling pests for an animal, the method comprising applying the pesticidal sleeve of claim 9 to a leg of the animal.

Images