BAIT STATION

Abstract

A planar bait presenting device is described comprising a bait contact zone for receiving bait wherein the bait contact zone comprises a dose measurement guide and an ink display zone. A kit is also described comprising a plurality of the bait presenting devices and a backing sheet to which the devices are removably adhered. A method of displaying bait, is described which comprises adhering the device to a surface; and applying a discrete amount of bait to the bait contact zone. The method involves applying bait to the bait contact zone until the area defined by the dose measurement guide is substantially covered with bait. Also described are methods of displaying bait which comprise adhering the device to a surface and exposing a discrete amount of bait in the bait contact zone; and methods of enclosing bait in a hole which comprise inserting a discrete amount of bait into a hole and adhering the device to the surface surrounding the hole, thereby enclosing the bait in a hole.

Claims

1-36. (canceled)

37. A substantially planar bait presenting device comprising a bait contact zone for receiving bait wherein the bait contact zone comprises a dose measurement guide; and an ink display zone.

38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the bait contact zone and the ink display zone are adjacently disposed on an adherent sheet comprising a printable sheet and an adherent layer.

39. The device according to claim 37, wherein the dimensions of the dose measurement guide are configured to receive a predetermined dose of bait.

40. The device according to claim 38, wherein the bait contact zone is disposed on an operative upper surface of the device, and the adherent layer is disposed on an operative lower surface of the device.

41. The device according to claim 38, wherein the bait contact zone and the adherent layer are disposed on an operative lower surface of the device.

42. The device according to claim 37, wherein: a) the dose measurement guide comprises: i) indicia defining an area corresponding to a predetermined dose of bait; and/or ii) a raised perimeter which substantially defines a well for receiving bait; and/or b) the device further comprises a tab; and/or c) the ink display zone comprises visual indicia.

43. The device according to claim 42, wherein the visual indicia comprise fluorescent ink or pigment.

44. The device according to claim 37, wherein the bait contact zone further comprises bait.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein the bait contains pesticide.

46. The device according to claim 44, wherein the bait is in the form of bait gel or a solid bait.

47. The device according to claim 38, wherein the adherent layer comprises a non-permanent adhesive or electrostatic film.

48. The device according to claim 38, wherein the printable sheet comprises a plastic polymer or polypropylene material.

49. A kit comprising a plurality of bait presenting devices according to claim 37, and a backing sheet to which the devices are removably adhered.

50. The kit according to claim 49, wherein the plurality of bait presenting devices are adhered to a backing sheet in a continuous strip.

51. A method of displaying bait, the method comprising the steps of: adhering a device according to claim 37 to a surface; and applying a discrete amount of bait to the bait contact zone.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the step of applying a discrete amount of bait to the bait contact zone comprises applying the bait until the area defined by the dose measurement guide is substantially covered with bait.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the method comprises displaying a predetermined dose of bait.

54. The method according claim 51, wherein the bait contains pesticide.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying representations in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 is a set of photographs showing the application of a bait gel for cockroaches directly to the surface of a metal cabinet and to the surface of cupboard door hinge, according to the method of the prior art;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a diagrammatic representation of the bait presenting device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the bait presenting device according to a first embodiment of the invention (A), and according to a second embodiment of the invention (B);

[0059] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the bait presenting device according to the invention in a variety of shapes (A to G), and incorporating a labelling zone according to a third embodiment of the invention (H and I);

[0060] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the bait presenting device according to a first embodiment of the invention to which bait gel has been applied according to the method of the invention;

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of how the bait presenting device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention which is shown in FIG. 3(B) and FIG. 5 is removed by a user;

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the bait presenting device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0063] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the kit according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

[0064] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of the kit according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

EXAMPLE 1

[0065] The present invention relates to devices and methods for an insect bait station for use in treating infestations of insects such as cockroaches, ants, and/or termites.

[0066] Briefly, the bait station of the invention uses adherent sheet technology to display bait for insects by providing a surface for receiving bait gel and/or providing a marked guide for measuring the dose of bait gel applied. The adherent sheets may be used in conjunction with commercially available bait gels, and are typically applied by a user to surfaces in an area of insect infestation, such as a domestic or commercial kitchen, on surfaces frequented by the target insects. The user then applies a dose of bait gel to the adherent sheet, optionally using a marked guide printed on the adherent sheet. The fluorescent ink in the adherent sheet is typically detectable by ultra violet light or “black light” and the like, so that a user can quickly and easily detect where the adherent sheets have been applied by shining a black light torch in the area in the dark. Any consumption and/or effectiveness of the bait gel may be monitored over time by regular assessment of the bait gel remaining on the adherent sheets, and by noting the number and location of any dead insects.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, a first embodiment of the invention provides a substantially planar bait presenting device (10) in the form of a substantially circular adherent sheet comprising an adherent sheet (12) having a bait contact zone (14) and an ink display zone (16). The adherent sheet is about 25 mm in diameter. The adherent sheet comprises a printable sheet (18) which is made from a robust plastic polymer such as a polypropylene material, and an adherent layer (20), such as electrostatic film. The adherent layer (20) is usually a non-permanent adherent layer.

[0068] The bait contact zone (14) is marked by way of printed lines or indicia on the adherent sheet, to provide a dose measurement guide (22), for example by printing a dotted line to indicate a droplet size, and a centre cross for aligning the application of the bait. The bait contact zone (14) may be shaped to form a linear, elongate strip. It will be appreciated that the bait contact zone (14) may be provided in any shape such as, but not limited to, an elongate wave or zig-zag. The indicia define an area corresponding to a predetermined dose of bait. That is, the area corresponding to the predetermined dose of bait is the maximum cross-sectional area of a liquid volume of the predetermined dose of bait when applied to the device (10). The dose measurement guide (22) comprises a wholly or partially raised perimeter which substantially defines a well for receiving bait (not shown).

[0069] The dimensions of the printed lines of the measurement guide (22) correspond with the size of a predetermined droplet dose of bait gel. In this embodiment, the bait contact zone (14) is substantially circular with a diameter of about 5 mm. The bait contact zone (14) is positioned near the middle or centre of the adherent sheet (12).

[0070] The ink display zone (16) is a zone of the adherent sheet to which a layer of fluorescent ink or pigment may be applied to form visual indicia. The fluorescent ink or pigment is only detectable by light which induces fluorescence of the ink, such as ultra-violet or black light. The ink display zone (16) is configured in a ring shape and is positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the adherent sheet (12), circumscribing the bait contact zone (14).

[0071] In this embodiment, the adherent sheet (12) further comprises two labelling zones (24). The labelling zones (24) comprise a layer of ink or pigment that is visible in daylight, and are printed with Trade Marks and/or brand logos, instructions, and/or warnings. The labelling zone (24) of this embodiment overlaps with, and is integral with, the ink display zone (16).

[0072] In use, a plurality of bait presenting devices (10) or adherent sheets are applied to various surfaces in an area of insect infestation, such as a domestic or commercial kitchen to display bait. The adherent sheets are usually applied or adhered to the external surfaces of cupboards, fridges, dishwashers, and sinks, as well as the interior of cupboards and the surfaces in the spaces between cupboards and equipment. The adherent sheets are typically applied to horizontal and vertical surfaces. Due to the non-permanent adherent layer (20) of the adherent sheets, they may be easily removed and repositioned without causing damage to the surface to which they are adhered, or leaving residue on it. The printable sheet (18) is also sufficiently robust to permit the removal of the entire adherent sheet without tearing, so that it can be discarded, reapplied, or repositioned.

[0073] Once the adherent sheet has been applied to the target surface, the user applies a discrete amount of bait to it, usually in the form of bait gel, such as, but not limited to Maxforce™ Gold Cockroach Bait (Bayer). A droplet of bait gel (28) is squeezed from the applicator onto the cross of the measurement guide (22) until the edge of the droplet of bait gel reaches the dotted circle of the measurement guide (22). That is, the discrete amount of bait (28) is applied to the bait contact zone (14) until the area defined by the dose measurement guide (22) is substantially covered with bait (28). The size of the droplet of bait gel thus corresponds with a predetermined dose of 5 mm (0.1 g) of the bait gel, as shown in FIG. 5. This step is repeated to apply bait gel to all of the adherent sheets.

EXAMPLE 2

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3B, a second embodiment of the invention provides a bait presenting device (10) in the form of a rectangular adherent sheet comprising an adherent sheet (12) having an elongate bait contact zone (14) and an elongate ink display zone (16). The adherent sheet is about 80 mm in length and about 25 mm in width. The measurement guide (22) of the elongate bait contact zone (14) is marked by a printed strip to indicate a gel tube size. The dimensions of the printed lines of the measurement guide (22) correspond with the size of a predetermined tube dose of bait gel. The ink display zone (16) of this embodiment is configured to form two strips which are joined at their respective ends and is positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the adherent sheet (12), on either side of the elongate bait contact zone (14). The elongate bait contact zone (14) in this embodiment is about 75 mm in length and about 4 mm in width. This embodiment may be used in conjunction with ant gel products such as Advion™ Ant Gel (DuPont™) which requires a line of bait to be applied to the device for the treatment of heavy infestations of ants in order to maximise the amount of bait displayed.

[0075] In this embodiment, the adherent sheet also has a rounded tab (26), which is contiguous with the adherent sheet (12), and is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by hand. The tab (26) comprises an adherent layer and is spaced from the bait contact zone (14).

[0076] In use, the bait presenting devices (10) are applied to various surfaces in the same manner as described for Example 1. A user then applies bait gel to the adherent sheets by squeezing a tube of bait gel (28) from the applicator onto the bait contact zone (14) along the strip of the measurement guide (22), matching the size of the tube of bait gel with the dimensions of the strip of the measurement guide (22) as closely as possible. This step is repeated to apply bait gel to all of the adherent sheets.

[0077] When applying or removing the adherent sheets to a surface, a user typically grips the tab (26) as shown in FIG. 6. The tab (26) is spaced from the bait contact zone (14) so that a user can safely remove and dispose of a adherent sheet to which bait gel has been applied, without getting the bait on his or her fingers.

EXAMPLE 3

[0078] FIG. 4 shows bait presenting devices according to the invention in a variety of shapes (A to G), and incorporating a labelling zone according to a third embodiment of the invention (H and I).

EXAMPLE 4

[0079] Another embodiment of the invention provides a bait presenting device (10) similar to that described in Example 2, to which bait has already been applied to the bait contact zone (14). This embodiment has a film (not shown) covering the bait.

[0080] In use, the device (10) is adhered to a surface in a similar manner to that described for Example 2. The user then pulls the film away, thereby exposing a discrete amount of bait in the bait contact zone (14).

EXAMPLE 5

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, a sixth embodiment of the invention provides a bait presenting device (10) in the form of an adherent sheet comprising an adherent sheet (12) having a bait contact zone (14) located on the underside of the adherent sheet and an ink display zone (16).

[0082] This embodiment of the device is typically used for the treatment of termite infestations, for which termite bait is used. The termiticide dust (28) is a free flowing form and a discrete amount of it is inserted or “puffed” into a drilled hole and/or termite workings using a hand bulb duster in the usual manner. The termiticide dust (28) typically coats the internal surface of the hole, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0083] In use, the bait presenting device (10) is applied or adhered to the a surface surrounding the hole into which the termiticide dust (28) has been inserted, thereby enclosing the dust in the hole. This step is repeated to cover all the holes into which bait has been inserted. The device (10) acts as a bung which substantially reduces the airflow into the hole and thus the termite workings (not shown) so that termites are less likely to avoid the point of treatment.

EXAMPLE 6

[0084] FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention, which provides a kit (30) comprising a plurality of bait presenting devices (32) which are adhered to a backing sheet (34) in a continuous strip (36). The strip (36) is packed as a compact roll, and dispensed from a box (38), such as a cardboard box, in the typical adherent sheet fashion.

EXAMPLE 7

[0085] FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention, which provides a kit (30) comprising a plurality of bait presenting devices (32) adhered to a series of backing sheets (35). The stacked series of backing sheets (35) is packed in a box (38), such as a cardboard box.

[0086] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments of a bait presenting device exist which fall within the scope of the invention. It should also be apparent that the bait presenting device may be manufactured by any suitable processes such as, for example, by conventional adherent sheet manufacturing technology using materials suitable for use in the invention. The invention provides a convenient way of providing an insect bait station which can be used in conjunction with commercially available baits and bait gels, while assuring the user that the devices are safely located and that they can be easily monitored. It will be appreciated that a combination of different embodiments of the invention may be used to provide a range of bait gel doses throughout a single area.

[0087] The bait presenting device of the invention provides an alternative to conventional bait stations. The bait presenting device of the invention is relatively smaller in size and more attractive in appearance than many bait stations that are currently available. Importantly, they have the advantage of being easily detectable by a user which makes them easy to find when it is time to dispose of them. Since the bait displayed on the bait presenting device is comparatively smaller in size and visible, it is easier for a user to monitor whether the bait has been consumed by insects, and whether it needs replacement. In addition, the bait presenting device can be used on many types of surfaces without causing damage to the surface, and may be reapplied for reuse without causing damage to the bait presenting device. The device of the invention may be applied at any angle and may therefore be applied not only to horizontal surfaces, but also to vertical surfaces. The devices do not make use of any tacky surfaces for the capture of insects, such as those used in many currently available bait stations, such that the bait remains accessible to insects without the build up debris from dust and dead insects blocking access to the bait surface, increasing its effectiveness. The device substantially reduces and/or minimises any stains and/or damage to the surfaces which would have been caused by direct contact with the bait gel. The device of the invention may be printed in a bright colour so that it is clearly visible and recognisable and the bait gel applied to the adherent sheet is less likely to be mistaken for dirt and grime and inadvertently removed.

[0088] In addition, the device provides a measurement guide to guide a user in easily applying an accurate, uniform, and repeatable dose to a surface. This reduces waste of the bait gel and makes it easier for a user to record the starting dose so as to monitor any later consumption of bait gel.

[0089] The method and device of the invention may be used together with many different kinds of bait, and different doses, so that a pest treatment plan may be customised and monitored for a particular infestation. In this way, a user can determine the effectiveness of different baits and/or doses, and adapt a pest treatment plan accordingly.

[0090] The device of the invention is typically made from a polymer which has the advantage of preventing the loss of moisture from the baits into the surface to which the device has been applied. This increases the longevity of the bait.

[0091] In circumstances when it is not yet clear whether an infestation exists which requires treatment, it may be undesirable to use toxic bait. The method and device of the invention may be used to monitor potential consumption of non-toxic bait by possible insects, in order to first establish whether insects are present and whether they are attracted to the bait. The invention gives a user the option of first applying non-toxic bait in areas where food is prepared for consumption by humans, to establish whether or not an insect infestation exists.

[0092] When used to treat termite infestations, the method and device may be used to enclose holes (such as drilled holes) in timbers, furniture and the like, into which termite treatment chemicals and bait have been inserted. The devices and methods of the invention have the advantage of substantially preventing airflow into the holes. The reduction of airflow into the holes, reduces the movement of air into the workings so that termites are less likely to avoid the point of treatment, thereby maximising the effectiveness of the treatment. The devices facilitate the easy detection of treatment holes by users, as well as informing users of the nature of the termite treatment underway.

[0093] Where the terms “include”, “includes”, “included” or “including”, “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

[0094] Any prior art reference or statement provided in the specification is not to be taken as an admission that such art constitutes, or is to be understood as constituting, part of the common general knowledge.