COMPOSITION FOR CONTROL OF RODENTS

Abstract

A rodent-repelling composition in accordance with the present invention formed by combining an amount of diatomaceous earth, preferably food grade, with a small amount of water and a chamomile element, e.g., a few drops of chamomile essential oil. Potency of the composition can be increased by the addition of a small amount of finely-divided, i.e., ground, chamomile. Either German or wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or Roman, English, or garden chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are suitable. In a method for using the above rodent-repelling composition, the composition is placed in an area known or believed to be inhabited or trafficked by rodents. Alternatively, the composition may be placed directly in rodent runs or nests.

Claims

1. A composition for repelling rodents, comprising: a) diatomaceous earth; and b) a chamomile element, wherein said chamomile element is selected from the group consisting of chamomile essential oil, finely-divided chamomile, and combinations thereof.

2. A composition in accordance with claim 1 further comprising water.

3. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said diatomaceous earth is of food grade.

4. A composition in accordance with claim 1 wherein said chamomile element is selected from the group consisting of Matricaria recutita, Chamaemulus nobile, and combinations thereof.

5. A method for making a composition for repelling rodents, comprising the steps of: a) providing an amount of diatomaceous earth and at least one chamomile element; and b) mixing said diatomaceous earth and said at least one chamomile element together to form a first uniform composition.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5, comprising the further steps of: a) providing an amount of water; and b) mixing said amount of water into said first uniform composition to form a second uniform composition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In a presently preferred rodent-repelling composition in accordance with the present invention, an amount of diatomaceous earth, e.g., one cup (preferably food grade), a small amount of water, e.g., one-eighth cup, and a few drops of chamomile essential oil, e.g., 2-3 drops, are combined. Potency of the composition can be increased by the addition of a small amount, e.g., one ounce, of ground dried chamomile. Either German or wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or Roman, English, or garden chamomile (Chamaemulus nobile) are suitable.

[0022] In a presently preferred method for making the above composition, the water is mixed with the oil and/or ground chamomile, then the resulting mixture is mixed into the diatomaceous earth.

[0023] In a method for using the above rodent-repelling composition, the composition is placed in an open container in an area known or believed to be inhabited or trafficked by rodents, or the composition may be placed directly in rodent runs or nests.

[0024] When the aroma of the composition becomes reduced over time, potency may be restored by the addition of a little water and then shaking and/or kneading the composition to present fresh material at the surface. Further potency can be achieved by addition of more chamomile essential oil and/or ground chamomile.

[0025] When not in use, the composition should be stored in an air-tight container to prevent loss of potency.

[0026] While the present invention has been described with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the true spirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respect to claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further, while in numerous cases herein wherein systems and apparatuses and methods are described as having a certain number of elements it will be understood that such systems, apparatuses, and methods can be practiced with fewer than the mentioned certain number of elements. Also, while a number of particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood that features and aspects that have been described with reference to each particular embodiment can be used with each remaining particularly described embodiment.