Pest Control

Abstract

Various aspects comprise controlling and/or euthanizing vermin or pests for preventing such vermin or pests from entering into a geographical area or into a building, wherein the device comprises at least one completely or partially uninsulated electrically conducting wire or conductor connected to an electrical current source, providing controlled electrical pulses to said conductor or wire in the form of pulses or pulse trains. The device may be used in a method for controlling the access of pests/vermin to a geographical location, building or property wherein the electrically conducting wire(s) lead(s) an electrical current with an amperage of not less than 0.0001 A. The device and method may be particularly suited for removing/controlling pests/vermin on land.

Claims

1. A pest control system configured to prevent pests from entering a geographical area, the system comprising: a first conductor that is electrically conductive and at least partially uninsulated; and at least one of: a second conductor that is electrically conductive and at least partially uninsulated, and ground; the system configured to discharge a plurality of pulse trains to the first conductor, each pulse train comprising a plurality of electrical pulses, the pulses having a voltage between 400 and 50,000 volts and separated by a duration of time between each pulse; the plurality of pulse trains including: a resting period between sequential pulse trains; a number of pulses per minute that does not exceed 10,000; and a current that does not exceed 100 mA.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is further configured to vary the duration of time between each pulse in a respective pulse train.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of pulses per minute does not exceed 120.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the number of pulses per minute is below 10.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein: the number of pulses per minute is from 10 to 60, and the duration of time between pulse trains is from 2.5 to 7 seconds.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the current is between 0.01 and 0.1 mA.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the current is within the range of 1-10 mA.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pulse trains comprise from two to twenty pulses each.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the resting period between sequential pulse trains is at least twice the duration of time between adjacent pulses within a given pulse train.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first conductor has an electrical resistance, and the system is further configured to control an energy of the plurality of pulse trains to be up to 5 Joules per 500 ohms of electrical resistance.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a go/no-go unit configured to determine if starting conditions for the system are met; and an on/off unit coupled to go/no-go unit and configured to turn the system on or off in response to the go/no-go unit.

12. The pest control system of claim 1, further comprising a strip of cloth having a plurality of securing means for securing the cloth to an object, wherein the first conductor is disposed in a longitudinal direction along the strip of cloth.

13. The pest control system of claim 1, wherein: the geographical area comprises a building having a foundation; and at least a first portion of the first conductor is configured to be disposed around the foundation at a distance above ground level.

14. The pest control system of claim 13, wherein: the building includes a roadway into the building; at least a second portion of the first conductor is configured to traverse the roadway; and the system is configured to discharge pulse trains to the first portion separately from pulse trains discharged to the second portion.

15. The pest control system of claim 1, wherein: the geographical area comprises: a building; and a roadway into the building, the roadway having a road surface; and the first conductor is configured to traverse the roadway.

16. The pest control system of claim 1, wherein: the geographical area comprises: a building; and a roadway into the building, the roadway having a road surface; and the system further comprises a track including a plurality of first conductors, the track configured to run across the road surface.

17. The pest control system of claim 16, wherein the track is configured to isolate the first conductors from the road surface.

18. A method for preventing the access of pests to a geographical area, the method comprising: disposing a first electrical conductor around the geographical area; and applying a plurality of pulse trains of electrical pulses to the first electrical conductor, wherein: a voltage between the first electrical conductor and at least one of a second electrical conductor and ground is between 400 and 50,000 volts; an electrical current of the pulses is under 100 mA; and a number of pulses per minute of the electrical pulses does not exceed 10,0000.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables around a house as a schematic diagram.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables around an open area such as a square or a pier as a schematic diagram. In one embodiment the geographical area may be a kindergarten or daycare center.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables around a compartment for storing waste such as rooms with garbage containers. This is to reject pests such as rats, foxes, raccoons, etc. from areas of edible waste.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables around or in an area of runway for aircraft. Air traffic is threatened because the birds stay on landing and departure areas at airports, which also is not particularly healthy for the birds. Similarly, small rodents such as rabbits often stay and live at airports. Such animals are of interest to reject/dismiss from airport areas, both in relation to aviation safety and in terms of animal lives. It is therefore desirable to reject/dismiss animals from such areas, something which can be easily obtained with a device according to the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a possible embodiment for placement of an electrically conductive grid located on traverses of a road surface to prevent farm and utility animal from moving on the roadway.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables inside a sewer for rejecting/killing vermin such as rats.

[0072] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment for forming a fence maintaining a current in the fence elements and where the fence posts are fixed into the ground and/or possibly to a fastening rail which may also be of an electrically conductive material such as metal.

[0073] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a set-up scheme for an electrical wireless operation unit according to the invention.

[0074] FIGS. 9, 9a, 9b, 9c show different versions of a device using an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention in a system removing salmon lice from infected fish and for preventing salmon lice to enter a fish-rearing or breeding facility (net).

[0075] FIG. 10 shows how a device according to the present invention may be used to remove algae and jellyfish from a maritime location (e.g. bathing or recreational location, harbor, etc.), the device according to the invention being on the form of an electrified netting.

[0076] FIG. 11 shows how an embodiment of an electrified netting presented in FIG. 10.

[0077] FIG. 12 shows how a device according to the present invention may be mounted on a hull of a ship.

[0078] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of how a device according to the present invention may be used in a canoe or surfboard for scaring predators such as sharks from attacking such floating devices.

[0079] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of how a device according to the present invention may be used for scaring/euthanizing rodents in a sewer system.

[0080] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of how a device according to the present invention may be structured on and around a tent or a comping site.

[0081] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of how a device according to the present invention may be mounted to a roller to be dragged after a tractor for scaring away moles and gophers from a field (e.g. corn field).

[0082] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of how a device according to the invention may be placed around a roller shown in FIG. 16.

[0083] In all figures like reference numerals refer to like elements of the device of the invention unless something else is specifically indicated. Reference symbols + and − refers to the possible polarization of energized power lines (if DC is used). By alternating the polarization shift, so that the reference symbols + and − by AC only shows polarization in the facility at a given time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Example 1: This example refers to a device which is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a circuit (I) in one embodiment leading alternating current of 220V in lines (reference numerals 1, 2, 3), wherein the alternating current has a frequency of 60 Hz. In this circuit (I) there may be included a resistance/converter that regulates the amperage to be below 0.1 A, so that touching the wires (1, 2, 3) is not fatal to humans, but will be perceived as unpleasant to touch for humans and larger mammals. Such power would still be able to kill smaller animals such as rats, mice, snakes, insects, snails, etc. The circuit is constituted in the illustrated embodiment of three partially uninsulated conductors (1, 2, 3) which either do not touch the ground or is insulated electrically from the ground at the points where they could touch the ground (e.g. the attachment points for wires in a foundation (4)). The wires (1, 2, 3) is in this embodiment are placed to run substantially parallel to each other and at a spacing of about 2.0 cm. The distance of the ground wires from the ground (1, 2, 3) is not critical, but in the illustrated embodiment, this distance is 5 to 15 cm. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the circuit may be wired in two ways, namely wherein the relevant individual touches one of the lines (1, 2, 3) while it is insulated on the ground (5) or touches the foundation (4). This will cause electrons to be running from the wire to ground (4, 5), and the individual will experience a shock. Alternatively, the individual ma touch at least two energized power lines (1, 2, 3) simultaneously, and this will also create a short-circuiting and give the individual an electrical shock. Such an experience of shock will deter individuals from approaching the area where the wires are located.

[0085] The experienced electrical impulses are perceived as a danger to rodents and other pests/insects. Animals are more sensitive to electricity than humans. If people or larger animals still bump into the product, they will get an electric shock from the device. This is neither dangerous for children/people or pets, but it will be perceived as uncomfortable. It is also possible to add protection at the front of the electrical wiring so that it reduces the risk of children and pets get an electrical shock.

[0086] Example 2: The wiring map for live wires in the embodiment shown in this example refers to FIG. 2, but is in principle the same as the one shown in FIG. 1, namely, around a zone (4), which in this case is constituted of an outdoor area such as a square (4), but the current flowing through the wires (1′) is a direct current supplied from a 12 V car battery. Energized power lines (1′) in this example are comprised of grids added vertically rounded area (4). In this circuit example, it can be inserted a relay that varies the current in pulses with a pulse interval of 100 pulses per. minute when the power circuit is closed. The amperage in this example is regulated to be in the interval 100-200 mA and intended for euthanasia of small animals such as snails (slugs), insects (ants, termites) and small rodents (mice, rats), while it will only be perceived as uncomfortable and intimidating for larger animals (dogs, hyenas, bears, etc.) and people.

[0087] For both Example 1 and Example 2 it may be noted that any contact with either bare wire with electrical access to ground (4) and touch of at least two bare wires (1, 2, 3) at the same time will give an electrical shock.

[0088] Example 3: The wiring map for electric wires (1) is in the embodiment shown in this example the same as in examples 1 and 2, and refer to FIG. 3. In this example energized power lines (1) being netting fences or grids are driven vertically into the ground around the containers (6) to be protected against the infestation of vermin. In this example the relevant and enclosed area (4) is that of a garbage area with garbage containers (6) placed in a room. The supply of power can be made according to Example 1 or Example 2.

[0089] Example 4: This example refers to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The wiring map for the electric wires (1, 2, 3) in this example is shown as horizontally disposed wires that are insulated against the ground (4). The ground area (4) comprises in this example a runway for aircraft. The electrical wires (1, 2, 3) are in this embodiment placed parallel to the lengthwise direction of the airfield, but this is not required. The exposed wires (1, 2, 3) can also be replaced with an electrically conductive wire mesh. The applied current and voltage may in this example be the same as in example 1, 2 or 3.

[0090] Example 5: This example refers to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The power supply lines (1, 2, 3) exist in this example as conductive rails that run across a roadway. The roadway (4) can in this example be considered as earth, and the energized power lines/tracks (1, 2, 3) are isolated from this. For example, the width of the tracks (1, 2, 3) may be 3.5 cm and are where separated by a distance of 10.5 cm. Such a physical distribution of the rails 1, 2, 3 will have as a consequence that in addition it will be uncomfortable to pass the grid even without the power is turned on. To keep the animals at a location behind the tracks (1, 2, 3) they may be located on both sides of the road (4) their location may form an obstacle (7) in the form of fences, displays, or banks that prevent the animals from running towards the road (4) in areas where the grids (1, 2, 3) are located. The applied current and voltage can in this example be the same as in examples 1, 2 or 3.

[0091] It is also possible to design obstacles (7) as electric fences that are connected to electrical activators of the electrical grids (1, 2, 3). This embodiment is also intended to prevent pests from infiltrating, for example, an industrial area.

[0092] Example 6: This example refers to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 14. FIGS. 6 and 14 show a possible embodiment for the placement of electrical conducting cables inside a sewer for dismissing/killing rats. In this example the electrical wires (1, 2, 3) are located inside a sewer pipe (8) and down from each wire extends a free-hanging and uninsulated wire section 9 without these wire sections (9) touching the sewage liquid. The distance between the depending wire portions (9) is so adapted that a rat, by moving inside the sewer pipe (8) will come into contact with at least two of the hanging wires (9) simultaneously, thereby shocking the rat. The amperage and voltage that are conducted in the energized power lines (1, 2, 3, 9) is in this embodiment strong enough to kill a rat. In this embodiment, it is desirable to avoid sparks when the energized power lines (1, 2, 3, 9) are touched to avoid any ignition of explosive gases that may occur in the sewage pipe. Access to the sewage pipe (8) may be obtained through one or more manholes (14) with drain covers (15). One or each depending wire (1, 2, 3) may be connected to a control system (14) for the operation of the devices (see the legend to and explanation of FIG. 8).

[0093] Alternatively it is in such an embodiment possible to include in the sewage system fans that will remove or dilute toxic and/or explosive gases. In many older sewage systems such fans already exist. The fans may additionally be coupled or linked to gas detectors. Relevant gases may be sulphurous gases (H.sub.2S, SO.sub.2), alkyl gases or fumes such as methane, ethane, propane or other gases such as hydrogen, etc. When such gases are detected the electrical system according to the invention may be deactivated either manually or automatically while the possibly existing fans will be activated.

[0094] Example 7: This example refers to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment for forming a fence which runs a circuit (I) for the recognized power of fence elements (II) and in which the fence is attached to the ground by means of earth rods (10) and optionally a fastening rail or bar (11) which may also be that an electrically conductive material such as metal. Attachment of the rail (11) can consist of a grounding copper rail or track surrounding the area to be secured from pests. In this example, there are, about 1 cm above the copper bar (11) located, substantially parallel to the copper track or rail (11), energized and uninsulated wires (1, 2, 3) leading pulses with alternating current at 220 V and 60 Hz and with an amperage that varies randomly between 1 and 50 mA with 120 pulse peaks every minute. This type of current can be regulated by means of a controlling box (12). When touching the grounded copper rail (11) and at least one of the conductive and non-insulated wires (1, 2, 3) simultaneously, the individual touching these wires will experience jolts of alternating current at 220 V and 60 Hz with a varying intensity over short intervals (about 2 pulse peaks every half second), which will be perceived as very unpleasant for animals that are not so small that they are killed by the electrical shock). Such an arrangement could allow the killing of snails and insects, but be deterrent to rodents and larger mammals/reptiles.

[0095] Example 8: This example refers to an alternative embodiment of the device shown in Example 6, also depicted in FIG. 13. The design of the electrical wiring is the same as shown in FIG. 6, but the power supply takes place through depending electrically conducting cords (1, 2, 3) extending into the sewage liquid 13 (shown as a wavy line in FIG. 6). The power supply will in this example be performed by current pulses or current trains with short intervals (0.5-2 sec) transmitted through the power wires or cords (1, 2, 3), for then to be turned off. This will prevent the system becoming overloaded and possible fuses from burning out. The current pulses will in this example be passed via the sewage liquid so that if a rodent such as a rat or other animal living in the sewage system comes into contact with sewage liquid, it will receive an electric shock. By sending a lethal current pulse through the device of the invention, the rats being in contact with sewage liquid and/or the electrical leads (1, 2, 3) will become euthanized. In this embodiment, there may be included several separate power plants (14), alternatively located below a drain cove of a manhole (15) so that there may be sent progressive pulses down the appropriate sewer pipe (8) by activating the adjacent power plant progressively with an activation so that one plant is turned off when another is activated. In this way, greater lengths of sewer pipes are kept free from rats (and other pests that may reside in the appropriate sewer). The number of separate power plants that can be connected is arbitrary. The pulses or pulse trains transmitted through the electrically conducting wires may be selected by the person skilled in the art and with experience of handling pest control, but can be within the range 1 to 120 pulses per minute, from 10 to 60 pulses per. minute, 10 to 40 pulses per. minutes, 30-40 pulses per minute or 50 to 60 pulses per. minutes (where the pulses have a duration as indicated above).

[0096] When using the device of the invention in plants where there may be flammable and/or explosive gases, it is desirable to include a gas meter that monitors the presence of any combustible gas. Upon detection such gas may be removed by using detectors in the actual plant being connected to blowers that can remove the combustible gas before the power is switched on to avoid any fires or explosions.

[0097] The device or system according to the present invention has been explained through the examples and the general disclosure supra. Further examples of locations where the device/system according to the present invention may be used could be the following:

[0098] In a sewer system wherein a short-circuit is established through the sewer fluid, detectors checking the gas level are used prior to activating the system, a direct communication with the user of the system or equipment is established, the system is connected to fans already existing in the sewage system and being activated when the registered gas level rises beyond a pre-determined level, may be connected in series and be established in an inter-connected system and may be moved or exist permanently with a voltage of 12 V or 220 V AC or DC. In an aquatic environment wherein the system is adapted to being used in the sea and being adjusted in one embodiment to reject or kill jellyfish being an increasing problem, establishes a short-circuit through the water euthanizing the jellyfish and being performed by using e.g. a trawler such as a shrimp trawler, alternatively for the protection of bathing beach areas where a fence is mounted under water, the geographical areas mentioned supra are protected from different aquatic animal species, sluices for salmon lice may be established with an applied current adjusted for salmon lice.

[0099] In gardens and recreational areas such as parks, playgrounds, etc. The system may reject/dismiss vermin and pests from such areas thereby solving problems associated with waste and food litter being eaten by the pests/vermin, examples of relevant pests being scorpions, snakes, squirrels, rats, mice, cats, etc.

[0100] In existing buildings or buildings under construction for rejecting termites, ants such as carpenter ants, beetles, cockroaches, etc. as well as other land-dwelling pests mentioned supra such as gophers, moles, rats, mice, lemmings, etc. The system comprising a mesh or netting driven into the ground and including a sprinkler system for keeping the ground wet or moist for providing an improved effect to the system by increasing the electrical conductivity of the ground. In silos or corn and grain storing facilities for preventing rats and mice from entering such facilities. In camping and tenting locations for preventing scavengers and wild animals from entering such locations. In boats for preventing growth or attachment of sea organisms on the boat's hull. In private or public garbage disposal locations for preventing scavengers such as rats, mice, badgers, raccoons, etc from entering such locations. In harbors for preventing the infestation of jellyfish, of mollusks or sea-shells, of carbuncles and other growths appearing on under-water structures in harbors an representing a potential possibility of corresponding organisms and offspring thereof to spread to vessels and boats docked at the harbor.

[0101] In one embodiment the device according to the present invention includes a strip of cloth with a width of 30 cm and of an arbitrary length, e.g. 7 m. Across the strip and in the longitudinal direction of the strip, there run five evenly spaced electrically conducting wire mesh strips with a width of 4 cm. Along each of the longitudinal edges of the cloth strip there are mounted evenly spaced eye rings for securing the strip to an object, e.g. a foundation for a building, a fence, around a garbage disposal bin or area, as an integrated part of the lower section of a tent, etc. Alternatively, the cloth strip may be secured by other means, e.g. Velcro, magnets, by securing strips, through lacing, etc. The electrically conducting strips of the cloth strip are isolated from on another and may be connected to the positive or negative pole of the relevant electrical source. It is preferred that the electrical strip located closest to the ground is connected to the positive pole of the electrical source since the ground may be considered as a source for free electrons, i.e. a negative pole, having as a consequence that animals touching the ground and the lowest electrically conducting strip or mesh simultaneously, will experience an electrical shock. By alternating the polarity of the electrically conducting strips on the cloth strip, if the animal is not daunted by this initial shock, and continues climbing the cloth strip, it will once again experience a corresponding shock when it connects the lowest and next electrically conducting strip across the cloth strip, etc. until it has reached the top of the cloth strip (presumably the animal has lost its nerve, let go of the strip and fled the location long before).

[0102] If, as an example, the cloth strip is secured to a metal fence around a storage building, a garbage disposal area, a kindergarten or daycare center, etc. and the topmost electrically conductive strip is connected to the metal fence, the metal of the fence will function as an inherent negative pole providing free electrons, and the animal will ultimately get the last electrical shock from the device according to the present invention when departing from the cloth strip.

[0103] One or both of the longitudinally running edges of the doth strip may in an alternative embodiment, be permanently connected to a metal strip or bar providing a grounding possibility for one or both of the uttermost electrically conducting strips. The doth strips may be combined lengthwise through dips connecting the oppositely located electrically conducting strips of the individual cloth strips to ach other.

[0104] Example 9: This example relates to placing a device according to the invention in a mouthpiece of a vacuum cleaner. In such a mouthpiece the electrically conducting wires are located around the suction opening of the mouthpiece, e.g. in concentric circles around the suction opening. By pulsing a current through the electrically conducting and non-insulated wires of the device, bugs, mites, and other vermin living or hiding in upholstery, clothing, sheets, etc. that are vacuumed will be euthanized or shocked and will more easily be removed through the vacuuming process. In such a device the current will be regulated to be lethal for the bugs/vermin but barely noticeable to humans.

[0105] Example 10: This example relates to a device for removing salmon lice from cultivated salmonides. The device comprises a number of tubes connecting at least two fish cages/nets to each other. Said tubes are equipped with brushes operating in a location in the tubes wherein a device according to the present invention is positioned for sending a current between the poles of a capasitor. The fish are ion one embodiment pumped from one fish farming net to the next one through said tubes (for gaining control of which fish that have been subjected to the device according to the invention. As explained supra, when fish (infected with salmon lice) pass between the poles of the capacitor, a spark will be passed between the poles of the capasitor on account of the reduced distance between the bodies passing the current and being provided by the fish (and the attached salmon lice) passing between said poles. When a current is passed through the fish, the salmon lice will experience an electric shock as well, and will loosen their grip on the fish.

[0106] The function of the brushes is thus to remove the stunned salmon lice that have not let go of the fish in the electrocuting process. With this combined electrocuting and brushing action up to 100% of the salmon lice may be removed from the fish. It is in this example important to regulate the amperage and voltage of the current so as not to kill any significant amount of the infected fish. A loss of about 5% of the fish and less is acceptable in view of the situation that a much larger percentage of the fish would have been killed by the salmon lice over time without any treatment. It may also be possible to combine the electrical treatment of the farmed fish against salmon lice with regular chemical treatment for salmon lice. In that case the amount of the toxic substances may be reduced for removing the salmon lice.

[0107] An alternative to this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9, 9a, 9b and 9c showing a rearing cage or net (22) surrounded by electrically conducting wires/lines (1, 2, 3) conducting the above mentioned electrical pulses or pulse trains for discouraging salmon lice from entering the relevant rearing cage or net (22). The same structure as depicted in FIG. 9 may also be used as a temporary insert into a fish farming cage or net for discouraging salmon lice from entering the fish cultivating facility during seasonal attack times from salmon lice. In the FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c the electrified grill or netting according to the invention is shown as vertically (FIG. 9a) or horizontally (FIG. 9b, 9c) movable or rotatable netting structures sweeping through the breeding or rearing cage or net (22). The openings in the movable or rotatable netting structure will be large enough to let fish through, but will provide an electric impulse to the fish in their passing so that possible salmon lice will be shocked and let go. In this embodiment the rearing cage (22) may be equipped with a collecting device for the released salmon lice (not shown) at its bottom.

[0108] Another embodiment and use of the device according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. This embodiment shows the device according to the present invention as a netting structure (23) to be passed through the water by the aid of boats (24). The net (23) is equipped with floaters or buoyancy devices (25) as well as weights (26) at its top and bottom edges respectively, for keeping the netting 23 in a mainly vertical position in the water. This embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for removing or rejecting sharks and jellyfish from marine areas.

[0109] Yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows the electrically conducting lines (1, 2) running longitudinally along the hull of a vessel or boat or surfboard (27). The electrification of the lines (1, 2) is conducted as explained supra. In the case of large boats the electrification of the lines (1, 2) may be conducted through the boat's own generator system. In the case of smaller boats such as rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, and even surfing boards, the lines (1, 2) may be electrified through the use of a battery or battery assembly (28) being connected to the electrically conducting lines (1, 2).

[0110] In FIG. 15 there is shown an embodiment of the device according to the present invention depicting an example of how to include a device according to the present invention in a tent or tent cloth (29) or parts thereof or alternatively as a fence or barrier around a tent. The electrification of the electrically conducting wires (1, 2, 3) in this embodiment may be supplied by a battery or a transportable aggregate or a solar powered electrical aggregate, etc.

[0111] Example 11: In this example a device according to the present invention is placed at the surface of a roller to be towed after a vehicle, e.g. a tractor (31). An example of such an embodiment is shown I FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. Since many animals such as insects or rodents, are sensitive to electrical discharges and electrical fields, one way to reduce the number of such organisms from a geological area, e.g. a field for cultivating food vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, cucumbers, pumpkins, etc. or decorative vegetables such as roses, tulips, carnations, etc. is to scare such pests away by at regular or irregular intervals to roll a roller provided with uninsulated electrically conducting wires at its surface for pumping electrical impulses or electrical pulse trains into the ground. In one embodiment of such a device there is used a positive charge in the wires, the anode, since the ground will represent the negative pole, the cathode, providing electrons for closing the relevant circuits. In this example it will be one of the concerns not to kill possible worms/earthworms, caterpillars or other possibly important and beneficiary animals for the relevant biotope and plants. Since rodents normally represent pests in the capacity that they eat roots of the plants, it is of interest to scare them away from geographical areas such as crop fields and not necessarily kill them.

[0112] Another way to achieve this goal is to drive electrically conducting poles into the ground in the relevant field/crop field and conduct electrical pulses as the ones explained supra, through the poles. In this way rodents such as moles or gophers will be scared away from the geographical area where the electrical pulses are noticed by the animals.

[0113] In FIG. 8 there is shown an example of a wireless unit operation system. The system comprises a control unit 16 operated by an exterminator/operator. The task of the exterminator/operator is to determine when and if the device according to the invention is to be switched on and off. The basis for such a decision is the data received from an operation data collection unit (18) and also from an on/off settings unit (17). The exterminator/operator determines inter alia the settings of the system according to the invention based on whether or not the system is to euthanize or scare the relevant organisms as well as which organisms it is likely to encounter in the relevant habitat. The on/off settings unit (17) is in communication with a go/no-go unit (19) determining automatically if the conditions for starting the system according to the invention are met (e.g. if the system according to the invention operates in a sewer system, then registering devices for flammable or explosive gases are present will make it impossible to activate the system according to the invention if such gases are present, thereby preventing possible igniting sparks to be created in the sewer system). The go/no-go unit (19) is in turn in communication with the actual electrical device according to the invention (20). The device according to the invention (20) is in communication with the operation data collection unit (18). The operation data unit (18) may also be in communication with an administrative unit (21) (e.g. keeping track of the operator's rights to use the system according to the invention based on e.g. payment of rent or history of abuse of the system, etc.).

[0114] A device for controlling and/or euthanizing vermin or pests for preventing such vermin or pests from entering into a geographical area or into a building may comprise at least one completely or partially uninsulated electrically conducting wire or conductor connected to an electrical current source, providing controlled electrical pulses to said conductor or wire in the form of pulses or pulse trains, including at least two electrically uninsulated conductors or wires. The device may comprise at least one electrical condensator/capacitor, a regulator for the voltage in the electrical circuit, and a regulator for the amperage in the electrical circuit. The device may comprise a voltmeter and/or an amperemeter. The electrically conducting wires may be located at a distance from each other within the interval up to 7 m, e.g., 0 m coinciding with the ground surface, including 0.001 m, 0.005 m, 0.010 m, 0.050 m, 0.060 m, 0.070 m, 0.080 m, 0.090 m, 0.10 m, 0.50 m, 0.70 m, 0.080 m, 0.090, m, 0.10 m, 0.50 m, 0.70 m, 0.80 m, 0.90 m, 1.0 m, 2.0 m, 2.50 m, 3.0 m, 3.50 m, 4.0 m, 4.50 m, 5.0 m, 5.50 m, 6.0 m, 6.50, 7.0 m. The electrically conducting wire(s) may be placed at ground level.

[0115] A method for controlling the access of pests/vermin to a geographical location, building or property may comprise using the device 20, particularly with the electrically conducting wire(s) lead(s) having an electrical current with an amperage of not less than 0.0001 A. The device may use a direct current and/or a current that originates from a battery or a solar cell panel. The device may use an alternating current (AC) type (e.g., with a voltage of about 110 V, 220 V or 400 V). A frequency may be from about about 50-60 Hz. The current may be pulsed with a maximum current strength at regular intervals of up to 10,000 pulses per minute. The number of electrical pulses per minute may be in the range from 0-10, 10-20 or 30-50 pulses per minute, or from 50 to 200 pulses per minute, or from 700 to 1000 pulses per minute, such as 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 or 150 pulses per minute. The current may be pulsed with a pulse variation of up to 120 pulses per minute such as 1 to 120 pulses per minute, from 10 to 60 pulses per minute, 10 to 40 pulses per minute, 30-40 pulses per minute or 50 to 60 pulses per minute, wherein the pulses each have a duration of (e.g.) 2.8 sec. The pulses may be conducted in pulse trains wherein the pulses within a pulse train are within the range 1 to 120 pulses per minute, from 10 to 60 pulses per. minute, 10 to 40 pulses per. minutes, 30-40 pulses per minute or 50 to 60 pulses per. minute. The duration between each train may be from 2 seconds and above, e.g., 2.5-7 seconds. The number of pulses in a pulse train may be within the range of 3-50 pulses per train, e.g., 3, 5, 7, 10 or 15 pulses per pulse train.

[0116] The device may be used against pests/vermin in an aquatic environment (e.g., at the surface of a hull of a sea-faring vessel, particularly in a harbor). The device 20 may be used for rejecting/killing rodents in a sewer, at a kindergarten/daycare center, in a storage building, such as a storage building for food (e.g., grain) and the like. The device 20 may be used for rejecting or dismissing pests and vermin from entering a building, wherein the electrically conducting line(s) is/are circled around a foundation of a building at a distance of not more than 3.0 m above ground level. The device may be adapted to be effective against at least one animal selected from the group of rodents (mice, rats, rabbits, etc.).; insects (cockroaches, beetles, ants, termites, mosquitoes, moths, wasps, scorpions, grasshoppers, etc.); arachnoids ((spiders), multi-jointed, animals (centipedes), mollusks/nematodes (snails); birds (pigeons, gulls, crows, etc.); reptiles (snakes, geckos, etc.); other pests such as pine marten, weasel, raccoon, rabbits, gophers, moles, raccoons, etc. as well as animals that can attack humans such as hyenas, tigers, bears, wolves, wild boar, etc. The device 20 may be used for rejecting or dismissing pests and vermin from entering an aqueous location, wherein the electrically conducting line(s) is/are circled around the circumference of said location below water level. The device may be used for rejecting, killing or dismissing pests and vermin from entering a sewer system, wherein the electrically conducting line(s) is/are depending from a girder located in at least one sewer pipe, and entering the fluid carried in the sewer pipe for providing an electric shock to any organism coming into contact with said electrically conducting line(s) or fluid or pipe.