BAIT FOR A PEST

Abstract

Bait is provided for consumption by a target pest. The bait includes a substantially dry body including a first constituent for the target pest, and a second constituent which is or includes a mollusc deterrent in an amount suitable for deterring a terrestrial mollusc from consuming the bait. In some cases, bait including an insect growth regulator (IGR) is provided.

Claims

1. A bait for consumption by a target pest, the bait comprising: a substantially dry body comprising a first constituent for the target pest; and a second constituent which is or includes a mollusc deterrent in an amount suitable for deterring a terrestrial mollusc from consuming the bait.

2. The bait of claim 1, wherein the amount of mollusc deterrent is insufficient for deterring the target pest from the bait.

3. The bait of claim 1, wherein the mollusc deterrent is not a molluscicide.

4. The bait of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first constituent and the second constituent includes an attractant or food for the target pest.

5. The bait of claim 1, wherein the first constituent includes a poison for killing the target pest.

6. The bait of claim 5, wherein the target pest is a rodent and the poison is a rodenticide.

7. The bait of claim 1, wherein the mollusc deterrent includes one or more of: a plant or plant material; a flower; a herb.

8. The bait of claim 1, wherein the mollusc deterrent includes one or more of: fennel, rue, fern, astrantia, hydrangea, euphorbia, geranium, Japanese anemone, begonia, sage, cyclamen, California poppy, nasturtium, lantana, Jacob's ladder, columbine, snapdragon, yucca, lavender, wormwood, catmint, catnip, coffee or coffee grounds, caffeine or caffeine salt, vinegar, grapefruit, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, potassium peroxide, cornmeal tea, rooibos tea, garlic or garlic extract, calcium, caraway seed, carvone, cinnamamide, bay, valerian, frankincense, eucalyptus, lemon grass, lemon, peppermint, anise (or aniseed), rosemary, salt.

9. The bait of claim 1, wherein the first and second constituents are provided by the same constituent.

10. The bait of claim 1, wherein the second constituent or the mollusc deterrent includes one or more insect growth regulators (IGRs).

11. The bait of claim 1, wherein the second constituent includes at least two mollusc deterrents, the mollusc deterrents together being provided in an amount suitable for deterring a terrestrial mollusc from consuming the bait, in which each of the mollusc deterrents is independently selected from the group comprising: insect growth regulator (IGR), fennel, rue, fern, astrantia, hydrangea, euphorbia, geranium, Japanese anemone, begonia, sage, cyclamen, California poppy, nasturtium, lantana, Jacob's ladder, columbine, snapdragon, yucca, lavender, wormwood, catmint, catnip, coffee or coffee grounds, caffeine or caffeine salt, vinegar, grapefruit, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, potassium peroxide, cornmeal tea, rooibos tea, garlic or garlic extract, calcium, caraway seed, carvone, cinnamamide, bay, valerian, frankincense, eucalyptus, lemon grass, lemon, peppermint.

12. The bait of claim 11, wherein the first mollusc deterrent is insect growth regulator (IGR), and the second mollusc deterrent is independently selected from the remainder of the group.

13. The bait of claim 10, wherein the one or more IGRs includes one or more of: Allosamidin, Altosid™ (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate), Altozar™ (ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate), Azadirachtin (AzaGuard), Buprofenozin, Buprofezin (alkyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoates), Chlorfluazuron, Chromofenozide, Cyromazine 75W ([N-cyclopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine]), Dichloro-dibenzoylhydrazine, Diflubenzuron (Vigilante), diofenolan, Fenoxycarb (Ro 13-5223), Flufenoxuron, fufenozide, Halofenozide, Hexaflumuron, Hydroprene (ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyidodeca-2,4dienoate), Lufenuron, methoprene (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-5 trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate), Methoxyfenozide, Methyl 10,11-epoxy-3,7-11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienoate), novaluron, Nylar 2-(1-Methyl-2-(4 phenoxyphenoxy) ethoxyl pyridine, Pyriproxyfen (Nyguard, Nylar, Sumilarv) such as 11.23% Pyriproxyfen, S-Kinoprene, Tebufenozide, Teflubenzuron, Triflumuron, 2-[pm-(Flurophenoxy)phenoxy] ethyl ethylcarbamate (Ro16-1295), 20-hydroxyecdsyone, AC-291898, AI3-10 63604 (a juvenile hormone mimic), AI3-63967, AY SIR 8514 ([1-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-3-(2-chlorobenzoyl)urea), MV-678 ([2-methoxy, 9-(pisopropylphenyl)-2,6-dimethylnonane]), R-204-58, RH-2485, RH-5849, Ro 16-1295 (2-[p-(m-Fluorophenoxy) phenoxy] ethyl ethylcarbamate), Ro 13-5223 IE (ethyl [2-(pphenoxyphenoxy)ethyl] carbamate), S-21149, S-31183, TH-6040, (N-(4-15 chlorophenyl)-N′-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea), XRD-473.

14. The bait of claim 1, further including one or more deterrent constituents for at least one non-target pest, the one or more deterrent constituents including one or more of: a plant, a flower, a herb, or an aromatic or pungent food for the non-target pest.

15. The bait of claim 14, wherein the one or more deterrent constituents includes, for a rodent as a non-target pest, at least one of: hydrangea, euphorbia, California poppy, mint, lavender, amaryllis, wormwood, sweet pea, daffodil, euphorbia, wood hyacinth (or squill), oak, catnip, camphor plant, elderberry, bay leaf, peppermint, peppermint oil, crushed pepper and onion, vinegar, baking soda, blue cheese, liquorice, poppy seed, bitter almond, Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate), citronella, eucalyptus, naphthalene, rosemary, onion.

16. The bait of claim 1, wherein the mollusc deterrent is one of: (a) provided in an outer portion or outer layer of the bait body; or (b) distributed substantially throughout the bait body.

17. The bait of claim 1, provided in a container or trap.

18. Insect growth regulator (IGR) for use as a mollusc deterrent in bait for a pest.

19. The IGR for use in claim 18, wherein the IGR is one or more of the following: Allosamidin, Altosid™ (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate), Altozar™ (ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoate), Azadirachtin (AzaGuard), Buprofenozin, Buprofezin (alkyl 3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoates), Chlorfluazuron, Chromofenozide, Cyromazine 75W ([N-cyclopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine]), Dichloro-dibenzoylhydrazine, Diflubenzuron (Vigilante), diofenolan, Fenoxycarb (Ro 13-5223), Flufenoxuron, fufenozide, Halofenozide, Hexaflumuron, Hydroprene (ethyl 3,7,11-trimethyidodeca-2,4dienoate), Lufenuron, methoprene (isopropyl 11-methoxy-3,7,11-5 trimethyldodeca-2,4-dienoate), Methoxyfenozide, Methyl 10,11-epoxy-3,7-11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienoate), novaluron, Nylar 2-(1-Methyl-2-(4 phenoxyphenoxy) ethoxyl pyridine, Pyriproxyfen (Nyguard, Nylar, Sumilarv) such as 11.23% Pyriproxyfen, S-Kinoprene, Tebufenozide, Teflubenzuron, Triflumuron, 2-[pm-(Flurophenoxy)phenoxy] ethyl ethylcarbamate (Ro16-1295), 20-hydroxyecdsyone, AC-291898, AI3-10 63604 (a juvenile hormone mimic), AI3-63967, AY SIR 8514 ([1-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-3-(2-chlorobenzoyl)urea), MV-678 ([2-methoxy, 9-(pisopropylphenyl)-2,6-dimethylnonane]), R-204-58, RH-2485, RH-5849, Ro 16-1295 (2-[p-(m-Fluorophenoxy) phenoxy] ethyl ethylcarbamate), Ro 13-5223 IE (ethyl [2-(pphenoxyphenoxy)ethyl] carbamate), S-21149, S-31183, TH-6040, (N-(4-15 chlorophenyl)-N′-(2,6-difluorobenzoyl)-urea), XRD-473.

20. Use of any one or more of the following as a mollusc deterrent in bait for a pest: fennel; rue; anise (or aniseed); fern; astrantia; hydrangea; euphorbia; rosemary; geranium; Japanese anemone; begonia; sage; cyclamen; California poppy; nasturtium; lantana; Jacob's ladder; columbine; snapdragon; yucca; lavender; wormwood; catmint; catnip; coffee or coffee grounds; caffeine or caffeine salt; salt; vinegar; grapefruit; diatomaceous earth; baking soda; potassium peroxide; cornmeal tea; rooibos tea; garlic or garlic extract; calcium; caraway seed; carvone; cinnamamide; bay; valerian; frankincense; eucalyptus; lemon grass; lemon; peppermint.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0166] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0167] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic side view of a first embodiment of bait according to the present invention;

[0168] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional schematic side view of a second embodiment of bait according to the present invention;

[0169] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a process for carrying out pest control of a first pest via baiting and monitoring the effect of the pest control on numbers of a second pest; and

[0170] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a process for carrying out pest control of a first pest via a first non-toxic baiting step and a subsequent pest-killing or pest-capturing step.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0171] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of bait, indicated generally at 10. The bait 10 is a solid, substantially dry mass in the form of a block or pellet 12. The bait 10 in this embodiment is rodent bait.

[0172] The body 12 of the bait 10 is made of a dry foodstuff 12 for a rodent. The dry foodstuff in this embodiment is a grain or cereal.

[0173] A poison which is a rodenticide is included in the body 12 to make the bait 10 a toxic bait for a rodent. The poison may be any suitable rodenticide and is provided in a suitable quantity for killing a rodent.

[0174] The body 12 of the bait 10 also includes a mollusc deterrent. Examples of suitable mollusc deterrents which are also suitable as a foodstuff or attractant for a rodent include: fennel, rue, anise (or aniseed), Astrantia, geranium, Japanese anemone, begonia, sage, cyclamen, nasturtium, lantana, Jacob's ladder, columbine, snapdragon, yucca, caffeine, grapefruit, cornmeal tea, rooibos tea, and garlic or garlic extract.

[0175] It is not envisaged that all of these constituents would be provided in the body 12 together, because the combined flavour of all of these constituents with the grain/cereal may be unpalatable to a rodent. However, the body 12 may comprise a subset of one or more of these foodstuffs with the grain/cereal.

[0176] In some variations of this embodiment, there may be a different mollusc deterrent such as any one or more of: fern; hydrangea; euphorbia; rosemary; California poppy; lavender; wormwood; catmint; catnip; coffee or coffee grounds; salt; vinegar; diatomaceous earth; baking soda; potassium peroxide; and calcium. Whilst some of these constituents may be repellent for both molluscs and rodents, it is contemplated that the amount of the mollusc deterrent may be selected so as to deter molluscs but not rodents, and/or that another constituent could be added to mask the presence of the mollusc deterrent from a rodent but not a mollusc.

[0177] A binder is used in the body 12 to bind the foodstuff, the rodenticide and the mollusc deterrent together. In some embodiments, the mollusc deterrent can be added to the bait by soaking/impregnating the bait body 12 in the deterrent and then drying the bait 10. In some embodiments, pieces of the mollusc deterrent are bound or compressed together with the rest of the ingredients in the body 12.

[0178] It will be appreciated that the amount of mollusc deterrent in the bait is selected to be high enough to deter most/all molluscs from feeding on the bait, and also low enough to not deter most/all rodents from feeding on the bait.

[0179] In use, the bait 10 is deployed in one or more bait stations (not shown) in a location where a target pest population is believed to be present. In the above embodiments, the expected target pest population is a rodent population. It is also expected that a terrestrial mollusc population is present in the location. The bait 10 in the station is accessible by both the target rodent pests and terrestrial molluscs.

[0180] After a period of time has passed, the bait station(s) are checked to see what has happened to the bait. Where bait remains, most or all of the bait should be devoid of marks indicating mollusc consumption activity. Similarly, where bait remains, evidence of rodent tooth marks should be visible in the solid body 12. Where substantially no bait is left, the implication is that a rodent has eaten all of the bait.

[0181] It may be necessary to re-bait the location if continued rodent activity is suspected. However, by using the poisonous bait in this way, the rodent population should eventually be culled.

[0182] It should be noted that bait stations are not essential and the bait may be deployed on its own. However, this increases the likelihood that a non-target species consumes or disturbs the bait, and/or that the bait may degrade more quickly e.g. due to damp conditions.

[0183] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of bait, indicated generally at 20. The bait 20 is a solid, substantially dry mass of grain 22. The bait 20 in this embodiment is again rodent bait.

[0184] An outer portion 24 of the bait body 22 is also made of grain but has been coated with a mollusc deterrent. In some embodiments, the coating may be provided by spraying the bait with the mollusc deterrent and then drying the bait 20. This means that the exterior of the bait 20 is primed to deter terrestrial molluscs, but the middle of the bait 20 is not. This may be preferred where the mollusc deterrent has some deterrent effect for rodents and thus it is advantageous to minimize the amount of mollusc deterrent. The thickness of the outer portion or layer 24 may vary in different embodiments.

[0185] The mollusc deterrent is selected from the options provided for the first embodiment.

[0186] The bait 20 does not include a rodenticide in this embodiment. The grain acts as a rodent attractant, and the mollusc deterrent may supplement this if it doubles up as a second rodent attractant.

[0187] In use, this bait 20 can be deployed in a similar manner to that described with respect to FIG. 1. However, because it is a non-toxic bait, the purpose is to deploy the bait in a location where a pest population could be present, but there is significant uncertainty as to whether the pest is the target pest. The expected pest population is a rodent population. It is also expected that a terrestrial mollusc population is present in the location. The bait 20 in the bait station is accessible by both the target rodent pests and terrestrial molluscs.

[0188] After a period of time has passed, the bait station(s) are checked to see what has happened to the bait. Where bait remains, most or all of the bait should be devoid of marks indicating mollusc consumption or activity. Similarly, where bait remains, evidence of rodent tooth marks should be visible in the solid body 12 if a rodent population is present. Where substantially no bait is left, the implication is that a rodent has eaten all of the bait. It may then be prudent to re-bait the location using a poisoned bait as described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0189] Alternatively, if the bait remains substantially intact, then this provides evidence in support of the absence of a target pest (rodent) population.

[0190] It should be noted that the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 1 could be modified to lack a poison/rodenticide, and the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 2 could be modified to include a poison/rodenticide. The present embodiments are only examples of means to put the invention into practice.

[0191] It will be appreciated that other embodiments are envisaged in which the target pest is a pest other than a rodent, and the identities and amounts of the foodstuff and mollusc deterrent are selected accordingly.

[0192] For example, in another embodiment bait is provided for a raccoon. The bait is similar to the bait described with respect to FIG. 1 in some respects. However, the bait includes a poison which is a raccoon poison. The mollusc deterrent is selected to be a foodstuff or attractant for a raccoon.

[0193] In addition, because the raccoon bait may be provided in a bait station which is large enough for access by a rodent, which is a non-target pest, the bait is provided with a rodent deterrent. In some embodiments, the rodent deterrent is also a mollusc deterrent.

[0194] Examples of suitable rodent deterrents, which are in some cases also a mollusc deterrent, include: hydrangea, euphorbia, California poppy, mint, lavender, amaryllis, wormwood, sweet pea, daffodil, euphorbia, wood hyacinth (or squill), oak, catnip, camphor plant, elderberry, bay leaf, peppermint, peppermint oil, crushed pepper and onion, vinegar, baking soda, blue cheese, liquorice, poppy seed, bitter almond, Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate), citronella, eucalyptus, naphthalene, rosemary, and onion.

[0195] In any of the above embodiments, a sweetener or other flavour masking agent may be used to disguise the presence of the mollusc deterrent.

[0196] It will be appreciated that other mollusc deterrents may be used in other embodiments. For example, any of bay, valerian, frankincense, eucalyptus, lemon grass, lemon, peppermint may be provided. Insect growth regulator (selected from the list provided earlier) may be used as a mollusc deterrent in the bait. Alternatively, in some embodiments, IGR is not included in the bait (particularly where the bait is toxic bait including a poison).

[0197] In some preferred embodiments, there is a bait composition for ingestion by a rodent, causing it to die, and which adversely affects the maturation of blow flies which consume the rodent's carcass. The bait composition is provided as part of solid piece of bait or pellet in some embodiments, or as part of a liquid or foam bait in other embodiments. The bait composition is distributed substantially evenly through the solid piece of bait or the liquid/foam bait. The bait or composition may be provided in a suitable sealable container or dispenser.

[0198] The bait includes a poison in the form of a rodenticide for killing a rodent. Any suitable rodenticide may be used, such as an anticoagulant or a compound for causing hypercalcemia in a rodent. The bait is therefore toxic to the rodent once ingested. If a naturally-occurring rodenticide is desired, then calcipherol and/or cholecalciferol may be included.

[0199] The bait also includes a feed-through insect growth regulator (IGR). Any suitable IGR which inhibits blow fly maturation from a larval stage may be included, such as methoprene, hydroprene or an azasteroid for example. If a naturally-occurring IGR is desired, then Egyptian essential oils or azadirachtin may be preferred. The IGR is selected to target and adversely affect metamorphosis of the insect pest at issue.

[0200] In some embodiments, the IGR may be supplemented by or replaced by a feed-through larvicide. Any suitable larvicide may be used, e.g. a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor (such as methyl DOPA). The larvicide may include a pathogenic fungus for killing larvae in other embodiments.

[0201] In some embodiments, the IGR may be supplemented by or replaced by a feed-through insecticide. Any suitable insecticide may be used, e.g. permethrin.

[0202] The bait includes a pest attractant. For example, in the case of solid bait, the bait includes grain or another food sought after by rodents. In the case of liquid bait, the water in which the bait composition is dissolved or suspended may be sufficient as an attractant. If not, a sugar or sweetener may be added to both attract the rodent and potentially disguise any unusual flavor which may be caused by the bait composition.

[0203] In the solid bait, the IGR and/or the larvicide and/or insecticide are encapsulated in a biodegradable material to improve the longevity of the bait and/or minimize anti-feedant properties in some embodiments. This may not be appropriate in the liquid or foam bait, but the IGR and/or larvicide and/or insecticide can be provided in another protected form, such as by using suitable protecting groups which can be detached during digestion and uptake by the rodent. However, the IGR will in general be stable in the environment and during digestion, so a protected form may not be needed.

[0204] The amount of IGR and/or larvicide and/or insecticide is tailored to the expected weight of the pest, in this case a rodent. Typically, a rodent may weight anywhere between 10 g and 500 g, so for a solid piece of bait to be completely consumed by the rodent, a suitable amount of IGR in the bait may be between 0.01 mg to 1 mg, for example. It is preferred to select the amount of IGR such that the post-mortem amount of IGR in the rodent is around 1 ppm to 10 ppm. The equivalent dose in liquid or foam form will depend on the amount of liquid ingested by the rodent, but will typically be at least 0.1 mg per liter.

[0205] FIG. 3 sets out steps for an embodiment of a pest control method for two target pests—a primary pest, which is an animal pest such as a rodent (particularly a rat), and a secondary pest, which is an insect pest such as a blow fly. The death of the animal pest allows the insect pest to propagate or proliferate using the carcass of the primary pest. It should be noted that ascertaining the potential insect load for a particular carcass or infestation is not essential given that, once a mammal or bird dies, invertebrates will almost inevitably find the carcass, particularly in warm temperatures. However, it may be useful to determine the effectiveness of a particular bait, such as during bait testing.

[0206] In a first optional step, the number of pest insects for the secondary pest being targeted may be monitored or estimated shortly prior to bait deployment in the target area(s). This may in some embodiments instead be done immediately after bait deployment. The intention in either case is to perform the check before the bait has been deployed long enough to result in the death and start of decomposition of any of the target pests (the lag phase).

[0207] For example, this may involve monitoring the level of flies to establish an estimated baseline or background amount for the number of flies in the area(s) prior to dealing with a pest infestation. The approximate number of flies can be judged by using traps, typically involving chemical attractants (such as pheromones) or light tubes. The traps may incorporate either a funnel, one or more sticky boards or one or more zappers to allow for sampling and extrapolation. Other sorts of trap may be used for other insects.

[0208] In a second step, the bait containing the composition is used by deploying it in a target area or areas. In some embodiments, this includes leaving solid pieces of bait in a region or regions known or predicted to be frequented by the animal pest. In some embodiments, this includes leaving liquid bait (possibly in a container) in a similar region or regions, or applying a foam bait to surfaces the pest is expected to make contact with en route to and/or from its nest or territorial boundaries, for example.

[0209] Once the bait composition has been deployed in the target area(s), some time may pass before it is ingested by a member of the target pest animal group. However, assuming an infestation of at least one pest member, then the bait should eventually be ingested, through eating or drinking the bait or via grooming behavior. If the bait is not ingested (either at all or in a sufficient quantity) after a predetermined period of time, then it may need to be re-positioned or replaced entirely, or removed once no longer required to reduce the risk of non-target species being impacted. Liquid or foam bait may in any case need to be re-applied or re-deployed if it has evaporated, for example. Where possible, carcasses should be removed and disposed of accordingly.

[0210] Once ingested by the target pest, the poison is then absorbed, along with the IGR and/or larvicide and/or insecticide, via the pest's digestive system and spreads into its body tissues and organs. Some of each of the poison, the IGR, insecticide and/or the larvicide can also remain in its gastric tract and/or be excreted in the pest's feces, depending on the bait constituents and the particular pest animal involved.

[0211] The pest which ingested the bait will then die, typically a day or so after ingesting the bait. The pest can in some embodiments ingest the bait multiple times prior to death, if a slow-acting poison for that pest species is used.

[0212] Insects such as flies will then inevitably find the pest carcass and lay their eggs in it. The eggs hatch and the resulting larvae or maggots will consume the carcass, including the IGR, insecticide and/or larvicide. Where an IGR is present, this inhibits the development of the maggots into adult insects, causing them to perish in their pupae. Where a larvicide is present, some or all of the larvae die at the larval stage. Where an insecticide is present, some or all of the insects which visit or mature in the carcass should die from exposure to the insecticide.

[0213] In both cases, this limits the spread of insects from the carcass, which in turn limits the spread of the bait constituents to other non-target species, minimizing potential collateral environmental, health and hygiene issues, as well as potential reputational damage. Thus, the bait enables pest control of an existing pest (such as a rodent population), as well as enabling pre-emptive pest control of another pest (such as blow flies) which would potentially otherwise result from the first round of pest control.

[0214] In a third optional step, around 3 to 10 days after bait deployment, the number of insects for the insect pest can be checked again in the target area(s). Whilst this is optional, it allows pre- and post-treatment levels of insects to be monitored, in order to make a determination about whether additional pest control measures for the insect pest are needed.

[0215] If insect levels are zero or substantially lower (to a statistically significant extent) than the baseline recorded previously, this can indicate that the pest control (or testing) has been at least partly successful and no further measures may be required for the time being, or that the bait has a suitable composition for the particular animal and insect pest combination being monitored. Further monitoring may be prudent to determine whether the presence of any remaining insects can be attributed to a residual pest infestation in the same area or another pest infestation in a different area nearby.

[0216] Note that where the initial and subsequent monitoring involves outdoor monitoring of insects, it will be appreciated that some consideration must be given to weather conditions and the time of day monitoring is carried out. The parameters of each monitoring period and the equipment and techniques used should ideally be the same.

[0217] If insect levels are substantially higher (to a statistically significant extent) than the baseline recorded previously, or if insect levels are substantially the same and non-zero, this may imply that pest control has been ineffective, or that there is another infestation nearby. This may then lead to a decision to undertake further pest control (or testing), either in the same area(s) or another area or areas. The further pest control may be targeted for the insect pest if there is suitable evidence that the animal pest infestation has been dealt with, for example by monitoring bait consumption or disturbance.

[0218] Note that the time delay required for a second round of monitoring will depend on the pest species under consideration, and the efficacy of the bait used, and so the second round of insect pest monitoring can be brought forward or delayed accordingly.

[0219] It will be appreciated that other embodiments are envisaged in which the first target pest is a pest other than a rodent, and the poison identity and quantity are selected accordingly. The bait may be a generic bait for combination treatment of multiple pests in a particular region. In that case, the combination treatment may contain multiple IGRs to suit two or more respective target insect species.

[0220] It will also be appreciated that other embodiments are envisaged in which the second target pest is a pest other than a blow fly, and the IGR and/or larvicide and/or insecticide identity and quantity are selected accordingly.

[0221] In further embodiments of the invention, there is a non-toxic bait for ingestion by a rodent. The non-toxic bait has an edible body, such as a bait block, which contains a suitable amount of IGR. In other embodiments, the non-toxic bait may have a carrier liquid or carrier foam which contains the IGR.

[0222] The non-toxic bait includes similar features to those discussed for the above embodiments. Any of the features in preceding embodiments may be included in isolation from other features or in combination with other features, with the exception that the non-toxic bait does not itself contain a poison for killing the pest.

[0223] FIG. 4 sets out steps for an embodiment of a pest control method for two target pests—a primary pest, which is an animal pest such as a rodent (particularly a rat), and a secondary pest, which is an insect pest such as a fly. As discussed with respect to FIG. 1, the death of the animal pest allows the insect pest to propagate or proliferate using the carcass of the primary pest.

[0224] The purpose of the non-toxic bait in the method is to introduce IGR into an animal pest population, such as a rodent or rat population, where the pest population is distributed across an area as opposed to localized in a particular residence.

[0225] The first stage of the method involves deploying or providing the non-toxic bait in one or more locations in or near the vicinity in which the pest population is located (or believed to be located). That is, stage one is a ‘priming’ phase where IGR is doped into the pest population.

[0226] Once the non-toxic bait has been laid out, it is necessary to wait for a period of time until the bait has been at least partly consumed by the target animal pest. This may be checked by assessing bite marks on the bait or using camera traps for example. In some cases, it may be possible to use bait stations to limit bait access by various non-target pests, but the scale of the pest infestation may mean that this is not practical.

[0227] The period of time involved may be anything from a couple of days to a few weeks, for example. If it is known or anticipated that there is a relatively large pest population, multiple rounds of non-toxic bait may be needed to maximize the likelihood that most or all of the pest population has ingested the bait.

[0228] The next stage of the method is the ‘extermination’ phase. One means of doing this is to provide or deploy conventional poison bait or toxic bait as described in earlier embodiments. This kills the pests and their carcasses are decomposed in the same manner as previously described. Multiple rounds of toxic baiting may be required.

[0229] Another option is to actively apply or direct gas into and/or around the locations where the pest population is known or believed to be. This may involve temporarily evacuating the local human population, if the gas is toxic to humans. It is particularly useful where the pests live or hide in inaccessible locations such as burrows. Multiple rounds of gassing may be required. Carbon dioxide gas may be used, or any suitable gas which achieves the aim of killing the pests. This can include a cyanide gas or phosphine gas, e.g. evolved when a pest bites into a corresponding tablet, for example.

[0230] Another option is to deploy one or more traps to capture the pests. Toxic bait may be provided in the traps to kill the pests.

[0231] Another option is to partially or wholly collapse the burrow(s) where the pest may be located. The burrow entrance may be collapsed to trap the pest inside, optionally after delivering bait and/or gas into the burrow(s). Further collapse or destruction may be appropriate depending on where the nest or burrow is. This traps the pest inside so that it perishes, or may kill the pest instantly depending on the extent of burrow / nest collapse.

[0232] A combination of two or more (or all) of these approaches may be used to maximize the extent to which a pest population is reduced or completely eliminated. For example, the traps may be used to tackle residual pest population that is not killed via gassing.

[0233] It will be appreciated that the non-toxic bait version of the invention can therefore be used to achieve a similar result to the toxic bait version, despite the separation of the poisoning/killing/death from the introduction of IGR into the pest.

[0234] It will be appreciated that equivalent larvicide-based and/or insecticide-based versions of the non-toxic bait may be provided and used in a corresponding manner.

[0235] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.