Xylophage control using antimethanogenic reagents

Abstract

A method for controlling xylophages (e.g., termites, Asian Beetle, Emerald Ash borer, Weevils, Deathwatch Caterpillars, cockroaches) by inhibiting methane production of methanogenic Archaea in the digestive tract thereof. The inhibiting of the critical biochemical pathways specific to the methanogenic Archaea is achieved by contacting the xylophage with one or more antimethanogenic reagent (AMR) compounds. The AMRs may include, for example, naturally-occurring statins (which may be found in red yeast rice) or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid or related compounds, essential oils, certain synthetic compounds or combinations thereof. As a result, the effectiveness of the methanogenic Archaea to produce methane is compromised. This subsequently results into the malfunctioning of the xylophages' digestive system and provides a safe, natural, green and sustainable means of controlling the xylophages.

Claims

1. A method of xylophage control, the method comprising: causing a xylophage to ingest an effective amount of an antimethanogenic reagent (AMR) comprising a synthetic garlic oil, wherein the AMR inhibits methane production of indigenous symbiotic Archaea located in a gut of the xylophage thus altering a life cycle of the xylophage.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises a synthetic diallyl disulfide.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises a synthetic diallyl trisulfide.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises a synthetic ethyl propionate.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises at least one of synthetic diallyl disulfide, synthetic diallyl trisulfide, synthetic ethyl propionate, and combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises a naturally-occurring statin or derivatives thereof.

7. The method of claim 1, where the AMR further comprises linoleic acid or a related compound.

8. The method of claim 1, where the AMR further comprises an essential oil.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises red yeast rice.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR is incorporated into a pest bait that the xylophage ingest.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR is incorporated into cellulose based building materials that the xylophage ingest.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR is incorporated into a spray that is provided on a food source that the xylophage ingest.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR is incorporated into a cellulose-based powder that is provided on a food source that the xylophage ingest.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying species and/or behavior specific pheromones on or around a food source to attract the xylophage; and applying the AMR on the food source that the xylophage will ingest.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the AMR and the pheromones are applied concurrently.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the AMR and the pheromones are applied sequentially.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR interferes with biosynthesis of psuedomurein by the indigenous symbiotic Archaea.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the xylophage include termites, Emerald Ash Borers, weevils, wood-boring caterpillars, wood-boring beetles, bark beetles, gribbles, horntails, shipworms, cockroaches, and wood-boring ants.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR further comprises at least one of synthetic compounds, naturally occurring statins, essential oils and combinations thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a gut of a termite and reaction chains that are taking place therewithin.

(2) FIG. 2 identifies known reductive reactions that occur in the gut of the termites.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a carbohydrate metabolism in wood and litter feeding termites.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates the results of studies showing a large variations in amount of methane produced for different species.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates the annual emissions of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by termites that have been calculated by various researchers.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a termite's life cycle.

(7) FIG. 7 is a table that lists the volume of biogas production, pH values, and the concentrations of COD, ORP, and TDS measured in the Control and Test reactors during laboratory study one.

(8) FIG. 8 is a table identifying the methane content measured in the biogas generated in the reactors during the 17-day study period of laboratory study one.

(9) FIG. 9 is a graph of the methane concentrations listed in FIG. 8.

(10) FIG. 10 is a table that lists the methane content measured in the biogas generated in the reactors during the 19-day study period of laboratory study two.

(11) FIG. 11 is a table that defines the tests performed for different essential oils in laboratory study three.

(12) FIGS. 12-14 are tables showing the results of the FIG. 11 tests for the 3 time intervals (day 3, day 7 and day 12 respectively).

(13) FIG. 15 is a graph showing the results for the tests of FIG. 11 for the different time intervals.

(14) FIG. 16 is a table of the mean termite mortality rates for the control replications and the replications with AMR for laboratory study four.

(15) FIG. 17 is a graph of the mean mortality rates listed in FIG. 16.

(16) FIG. 18 is a table of the methane concentration in the control and test samples for laboratory study five.

(17) FIG. 19 is a graph of the methane concentrations listed in FIG. 18.

(18) FIG. 20 illustrates an example feed bait process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) Methane fermentation is a versatile biotechnology capable of converting almost all types of polymeric materials to methane and carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions. This is achieved as a result of the consecutive biochemical breakdown of polymers to methane and carbon dioxide in an environment in which a variety of microorganisms which include fermentative microbes (acidogens); hydrogen-producing, acetate-forming microbes (acetogens); and methane-producing microbes (methanogens) harmoniously grow and produce reduced end-products. Anaerobes play important roles in establishing a stable environment at various stages of methane fermentation.

(20) The methanogenic Archaea (methanogens) occupy a variety of anaerobic habitats, where they play essential roles in the conversion of hydrogen and other intermediates to methane. Most species are capable of reducing carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) to a methyl group with either a molecular hydrogen (H.sub.2) or formate as the reductant. Methane production pathways in methanogens that utilize CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2, involve specific methanogen enzymes, which catalyze unique reactions using unique coenzymes.

(21) Several cofactors are involved in biological methane formation. Coenzyme B (HS-CoB, 7-mercaptoheptanoylthreonine phosphate) and coenzyme F.sub.420 (a 5-deazaflavin derivative with a mild point potential of 360 mV) function as electron carriers in the process of methanogenesis. F.sub.420 is the central electron carrier in the cytoplasm of methanogens, which replaces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides in many reactions.

(22) Methanogenesis from H.sub.2+CO.sub.2, formate, methylated C.sub.1-compounds and acetate, proceeds by a central, and in most parts reversible pathway. When cells grow on CO.sub.2 in the presence of molecular hydrogen, carbon dioxide is bound to methanofuran (MFR) and then reduced to formyl-MFR. This endogenic reaction is driven by the electrochemical ion gradient across the cytoplasmic membrane. In the next step the formyl group is transferred to H.sub.4MPT and the resulting formyl-H.sub.4MPT is stepwise reduced to methyl-H.sub.4MPT. Reducing equivalents are derived from reduced F.sub.420 (F.sub.420H.sub.2), which is produced by the F.sub.420-reducing hydrogenase using hydrogen as a reductant. Furthermore, F.sub.420H.sub.2 is the electron donor for F.sub.420H.sub.2-dependent methylenetetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase (Mtd), one of two enzymes that reduce methenyl-H.sub.4MPT. The other enzyme, H.sub.2-dependent methylenetetrahydromethanopterin dehydrogenase (Hmd), uses H.sub.2 directly. mRNA abundance for mtd increased markedly under hydrogen-limited growth conditions, suggesting that Mtd may be more important when H.sub.2 is limiting.

(23) Sharma et al. (2011) determined a 3D model structure of the F.sub.420-dependent NADP oxidoreductase enzyme from M. smithii. Based on their protein model, they detected that these residues are making a ligand binding site pocket, and they found that ligand F.sub.420 binds at the protein cavity. The inhibitor compounds lovastatin and compactin (mevastatin) show more affinity for the model protein as compare to the natural ligand F.sub.420. They share the same cavity as by F.sub.420 and surround by similar residues. Therefore, the inhibitor compounds lovastatin and compactin (mevastatin) were very effective in blocking the activity site for methane production since the enzyme was unable to bind with the substrate, resulting in decreased methane production.

(24) Monacolin K, as an example statin, can also inhibit methanogenic archaea because cell membrane production in archaea shares a similar pathway with cholesterol biosynthesis (Miller and Wolin, 2001). More specifically, bacterial cell walls are predominantly comprised of murein (peptidoglycan). Archaea, however, do not produce murein. Rather, their cell walls are composed of various sulfated-heteropolysaccharides, proteins and glycoproteins/lipids along with pseudomurein. Archaea are distinct in their use of pseudomurein for cell wall construction. Pseudomurein is a structural analogue of murein which is biosynthesized via activity similar to that of HMG-CoA reductase which yields cholesterol in humans.

(25) In the presence of a statin, pseudomurein biosynthesis pathway is interrupted in methanogens. Accordingly, the methanogens are restricted from growth and proliferation. And since methanogens are so uniquely different than bacteria, the inhibitory effect of statins is not observed in microbes.

(26) The compound 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, is another enzyme that is very critical in methane production, and Archaea are the only bacteria known to possess biosynthetic HMG-CoA reductase (Miller and Wollin, 2001). Garlic oil has been hypothesized to inhibit the biosynthesis of HMG-CoA (Busquet et al., 2005; Fraser et al, 2007). At higher concentrations, various essential oils have exhibited wider range anti-microbial activity so the dosage and applications strategies are wide and variable.

(27) Antimethanogenic reagents (AMRs) are compounds designed to inhibit methane production in environments where methanogens are established and active. It is believed that AMRs could inhibit the methane production in the gut of termites and other xylophages (wood-boring and cellulose digesting pests). Limiting the production of methane causes disfunctioning of the pests' digestive system thus impeding their growth and development. The impediment of their growth and development would thus make this an effective non-toxic method of controlling termites and other xylophages.

(28) AMRs may include one or more unique compounds that either alone or in combination with one another effect the production of methane. Red yeast rice is believed to be an AMR as it provides a naturally occurring statin. In order to determine the effectiveness of red yeast rice for inhibiting methane, two bench scale studies were performed.

(29) Laboratory Study 1

(30) Two anaerobic reactors were utilized, a control and a test reactor. The two reactors were seeded with biomass treating expired dietary supplement, which contained an active methanogenic population. The reactors were fed once per week, and were operated as anaerobic sequencing batch reactors.

(31) During the first week of startup, the reactors contained only the methanogenic culture, without soil. After one week, silty sand was added, resulting in a slurry having a solids concentration of 20% by weight. The reactors were operated for another week with the silty sand, to ensure that the sand did not affect methanogenic activity. The bioreactors were 2.5 L in volume, containing 2 L of slurry. The reactors were airtight and were especially designed for anaerobic reactions. The reactors were maintained at laboratory temperature 22 C.-24 C. The reactors were operated by feeding with dietary supplement once a week. The target initial chemical oxidation demand (COD) concentration after feeding was 2000 mg/L.

(32) Throughout the week, the volume of biogas produced was measured as follows. A syringe was inserted periodically into a septum-filled port in the top of the reactor to collect a gas sample for methane content. The methane content of the biogas samples was then quantified by injecting into a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The reactors had dedicated probes to measure pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP). After each cycle (i.e., before feeding), a probe was inserted into the reactor to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), and a sample was collected to measure COD. The mixer was turned off during sampling and feeding to minimize the introduction of oxygen into the reactor contents.

(33) The test reactor was initially dosed with a 40 g/L concentration of red yeast rice. One week later the control was dosed with 20 mg/L red yeast rice.

(34) Results for Laboratory Study 1

(35) The first two weeks of the studies were the startup period, and the second two weeks were the test period. The startup period established the methanogenic population in the two reactors. During the first week of startup, the reactors were operated without the silty sand, and the second week they were operated with the silty sand (20% by weight). The test period started with the dosing of the test reactor with red yeast rice (40 g/L). During the first week of the test period the control was maintained as a proper control, with no red yeast rice added. Because the 40 mg/L dose of red yeast rice reduced methane production in the test reactor, it was decided to dose the control reactor with 20 g/L of red yeast rice during the second week of the test period. The test period lasted 17 days.

(36) FIG. 7 is a table that lists the volume of biogas production, concentrations of COD, pH values, and the concentrations of ORP and TDS measured in the control and test reactors during the studies. The volume of biogas produced each feed cycle (i.e., each week) in the reactors ranged between 72-82 mL. It is notable that the volume of gas was not affected by the introduction of silty sand during week 2 of the startup period. The addition of 40 mg/L of red yeast rice to the test in the first week of the test period and the addition of 20 mg/L of red yeast rice during the second week of the test period did not appreciably impact biogas volume in the reactors. The COD measurements after each sequencing batch reactor cycle ranged from 56 to 108 mg/L. The reactors were fed 2000 mg/L each cycle, so the COD concentrations demonstrate that the COD was consumed by the anaerobic culture. Values of pH ranged between 6.1 and 6.4. Values of ORP were all close to 300 mV, which is typical of methanogenic conditions. The TDS in the reactors ranged from approximately 1200 to 1250 mg/L.

(37) FIG. 8 is a table and FIG. 9 is a graph of the methane content measured in the biogas generated in the reactors during the 17-day test period. While not captured in FIG. 8 or 9, during the Startup Period, methane concentrations varied from approximately 55% to 70%, which indicates an active methanogenic culture. The red yeast rice dose of 40 mg/L in the Test reactor reduced the methane content of biogas from 62% to below detection (0.05%) after 11 days. The methane concentration remained below detect in the Test reactor until day 17, when the reactors were dismantled. The red yeast rice dose of 20 mg/L in the Control reactor on day 7 reduced the methane content of biogas from 65% to below detection (0.05%) by day 17 (i.e., after 10 days). During the Test period, the volume of biogas produced in the Test and Control reactors did not change appreciably only the methane concentration of the biogas was changed.

(38) Laboratory Study 2

(39) Two test aliquots were prepared under a nitrogen atmosphere in a glove box as follows: (1) a 240 mL amber glass screw-cap septum bottle was filled with 100 g of dry soil (70 mL); (2) deoxygenated deionized water was slowly added to the soil to saturate the soil; an additional 40 mL of water was then added to the soil; and (3) manure slurry was added to yield a 1 weight percent manure dose to the soil.

(40) Once the bottle was sealed it was removed from the glove box. The soil was kept in the dark (by wrapping with foil) at room temperature (22 C.). A needle connected to a polyethylene tube was pushed through the bottle septum and the tube outlet was placed in an inverted graduated cylinder in a water bath. The gas generation rate was recorded as the water was displaced over a period of 10 days.

(41) The methane reduction trial included two sample formulations, with and without red yeast rice, for a total of 4 samples. The bottles were sampled 0.5, 1.5, 5, 12, and 19 days following the sample preparation.

(42) Results for Laboratory Study 2

(43) FIG. 10 is a table that lists the methane content measured in the biogas generated in the reactors during the 19-day study period. The first soil formulation (SF1) without red yeast rice measured a methane content of 3,217 after 19 days compared to the SF1 that contains 20% red yeast rice (approximately 40 mg/L in solution) which measured a methane content of 140. The 20% red yeast compound showed great effectiveness in inhibiting the methane production by 96% during the 19-day sampling interval. Similarly, the second soil formulation (SF2) with 10% red yeast rice resulted into a 25% decrease in methane production compared to SF2 without red yeast rice (reduced from 2,685 to 2,023).

(44) The above tests clearly illustrate the effectiveness of red yeast rice in inhibiting methane. By contacting the termites with red yeast rice (e.g., having the termites digest the red yeast rice) it is believed that this would provide a green, organic and non-toxic (to humans) way to control damage and pestilence induced by xylophages (wood-boring and cellulose digesting pests) that harbor methanogens in order to digest or metabolize cellulose.

(45) Utilizing organic statins (some of which can be present in red yeast rice extract as well as biomass of other organisms) may inhibit the methanogenic enzyme and coenzyme systems essential to the growth and development of wood-boring insects. Thus disrupting their digestive tracts/life-cycle stages by limiting their effectiveness in producing methane and causing disfunctioning of the pests' digestive system thus impeding their growth and development.

(46) Essential oils and/or saponins are also believed to be AMRs. Laboratory studies were performed to comparatively evaluate the anti-methanogenic potential of multiple essential oils (e.g., Garlic Oil [GO], Cinnamon Bark Oil [CO], Cinnamon Bark Powder containing 4% CO [CB] and lemongrass Oil [LO]).

(47) Laboratory Study 3

(48) Manure and groundwater samples were collected from a site in Monticello, Wis. at 1:1 ratio. The collected samples were added to 125 mL amber glass bottles equipped with PTFE-lined open septum caps (VOA vials). The testing program included 40 vials each filled with 20 g manure slurry and 20 g groundwater. All samples were sacrificial and disposed after completion of the analyses. Five (5) vials were used to indicate the onset of anaerobic conditions by measuring pH, ORP and methane over a 2-week period.

(49) FIG. 11 is a table that defines the tests performed. A total of 27 vials were prepared to analyze the 9 tests defined in FIG. 11 over 3 time intervals (day 3, day 7, day 12). Finally 8 vials were setup as replicate samples.

(50) Gas samples from the sample container headspace were analyzed for methane in the gas phase using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID). After these analyses were completed, pH and ORP were also measured.

(51) Results for Laboratory Study 3

(52) FIGS. 12-14 are tables showing the results of the 9 tests for the 3 time intervals (day 3, day 7 and day 12 respectively). FIG. 15 is a graph showing the results for all the tests for the different time intervals. As illustrated, it is apparent that all essential oils were successful in decreasing the amount of methane produced, with the Garlic Oil appearing to be the most effective of all.

(53) Laboratory Study 4

(54) Laboratory studies conducted by an independent third-party (Department of EntomologyTexas A&M University) tested garlic oil as on AMR on native subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes). An aqueous solution containing 0.03% garlic oil was used to treat: i) sand used in a glass tube bioassay (data not showninconclusive due to loading), and ii) filter paper used in a direct feeding assay. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v 24. A Student's T-test was preformed to analyze the mean mortality in both experiments, and the mean distance tunneled in the glass tube bioassay.

(55) Five circular sheets of filter paper, 70 mm in diameter, were treated with approximately 0.75 ml of 0.03% AMR (garlic oil) solution and allowed to air dry for 12 hours. Water was added to the filter paper sheets used in the five control replications. The sheets of filter paper were placed into arenas consisting of 90 mm Petri dishes, and 40 termite worker termites and 2 soldiers were introduced. All replications were housed inside a plastic shoebox containing moist paper towels to maintain a high level of humidity and prevent desiccation. Mortality counts were taken at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours, then daily for 14 days. At the end of trial, etching or feeding on the filter paper was noted. On Day 8, approximately 0.5 ml of water was added to each replication to prevent desiccation.

(56) Results for Laboratory Study 4

(57) Termites exposed to filter paper treated with garlic oil AMR showed significantly higher mortality rates after 9 days of exposure, and remained significantly different from the control replications until the end of the trail. FIG. 16 is a table and FIG. 17 is a graph of the mean mortality rates for the control replications and the replications with AMR. Very little feeding was observed on the treated filter paper sheets, much less than that was observed in the control replications. Etching of the filter paper was visibly concentrated in the areas with the least amount of AMR product absorption; little to no feeding was seen where the application was more evenly distributed throughout the filter paper. It was noted that after Day 7, mold was seen in all treatment replications.

(58) An independent, third-party review of the data was conducted by a professional entomologist associated with the USDA-ARS Insect Research Unit and the University of Delaware (not an official opinion of either institution) who stated that: Proof of concept of the inhibitory activity of AMR on methanogenic bacteria species has been demonstrated in large mammals, such as goats and cattle. At the genus level, Methanobrevibacter is a predominant Archaea in the rumen and this organism is significantly inhibited with the supplementation of AMR. These same Archaea also colonize the guts of cockroaches which, similar to termites, are also significant residential pests. The results obtained are very promising and the concept of using AMR technology to manage xylophages is very sound.

(59) Saponins, essential plant oils, and/or naturally occurring statins (e.g., such as those found in red yeast rice) however, can be challenging to process, can have limited longevity in the field, have a specified mode of action, and they can be prohibitively expensive.

(60) Certain synthetic compounds also believed to be AMRs. The synthetic compounds may be quicker, easier and cheaper to produce and may have a different mode of operation than other AMRs. For example, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and ethyl propionate are believed to interfere with the biosynthesis of psuedomurein by symbiont Archaea (methanogens).

(61) Diallyl disulfide has a chemical formula C.sub.6H.sub.10S.sub.2 and is also known as garlicin. Garlicin is produced from sodium disulfide and allyl bromide or allyl chloride at temperatures of about 40-60 C. in an inert gas atmosphere as indicated in the below reaction.

(62) ##STR00001##

(63) The sodium disulfide is generated in situ by reacting sodium sulfide with sulfur. The reaction is exothermic and its theoretical efficiency of 88% has been achieved.

(64) Diallyl trisulfide has a chemical formula S(SCH.sub.2CHCH.sub.2).sub.2 and is also known as allitridin. Allitridin is produced in a similar manner to garlicin and has the below structural formula.

(65) ##STR00002##

(66) Ethyl propionate is an ethyl ester of propionic acid and has a chemical formula C.sub.2H.sub.5(C.sub.2H.sub.5COO) and the below structural formula.

(67) ##STR00003##

(68) The synthetic compounds may in part control Archaea via interference with psuedomurein production, which is a protein unique to a methanogen and is critical to its long term viability and function. This mode of action differs from other reported means of controlling methanogenesis, and therefore represents an improved method when used alone or in conjunction with other processes. Expanded control mechanisms can offer improvements in longevity and overall efficacy of controlled methanogenesis.

(69) Laboratory Study 5

(70) Use of diallyl sulfide, which may be considered a synthetic garlic oil (GOS), was evaluated for its ability to control Archaea compared to the effects of other potential AMRs such as natural/pressed Garlic Oil (GO) and dehydrated Garlic Powder (GP). Control samples with and without contaminants were captured along with test samples that included contaminants and different concentrations (250 ppm and 500 ppm) of different AMRs (GO, GOS and GP). The concentration of methane in each of the samples was measured at 0, 9, 16 and 23 days.

(71) Results of Laboratory Study 5

(72) FIG. 18 is a table and FIG. 19 is a graph of the methane concentration in the control and test samples. After 23 days incubation under laboratory conditions, the presence of GOS yielded the best control response in terms of methane production. Natural pressed GO also exhibited the preferred antimethanogenic response, at least through the initial incubation period. The length and magnitude of antimethanogenic responses for both the GO and GOS were concentration dependent with the higher (i.e., 500 ppm) application rates lasting longer than the lower (i.e., 250 ppm) dosage. The amount of methane produced in the presence of dehydrated GP was the same as that in the positive control test system. The absence of antimethanogenic activity with the GP is presumably due to the loss of volatile diallyl sulfides (which are the active ingredients in the GOS) during the production process.

(73) As a termite (or other xylophage) grows and develops, methanogens clearly play an integral role in the reproduction, growth, development and overall activity of the organism. As such, the AMRs (e.g., red yeast rice, statins, essential oils, synthetic compounds) could be utilized to control termites and all other wood-boring and cellulose digesting pests including but not limited to: i) the Emerald Ash Borer, ii) weevils, iii) wood-boring caterpillars (Lepidoptera) such as Carpenterworms (Prionoxystus robinae), iv) cockroaches and v) wood-boring Bostrichidae beetles (formerly referred to as the family Lyctidae). The socioeconomic cost and destruction caused by such organisms is significant, and a means to control them using safe, natural, sustainable means is of great benefit to society.

(74) The AMRs, described herein, can be applied in a myriad of ways including, but not limited to, feed baits, aerial applications, dustings, coatings, pellets, powders, slurry, bead, preparation, food supplement, stake, and spike. According to one embodiment, the anti-methanogenic compound is incorporated into cellulose based building materials.

(75) The AMRs may be applied at various stages of the targeted organisms (xylophages) life cycle to yield effective treatment under various scenarios. The AMRs could be applied to locations where the pests are known to inhabit or feed. Individual AMRs may be applied or a combination of AMRs may be applied either together or sequentially.

(76) FIG. 20 illustrates an example feed bait process. The process starts in (A) where a bait station 100 is located in the ground 110. A monitoring device 120 is then paced into the ground 110 within the bait station 100. A station cover 130 is then placed on top. The process then flows to (B) where termites discover and occupy the monitoring device 120 in the bait station 100. The paths that the termites follow to get to the monitoring device 120 are illustrated as 150. The process then continues in (C) where the monitoring device 120 is removed and replaced with bait (food source with an AMR) 140. The termites 155 from the monitoring device 120 are then placed on the bait 140 in the bait station 100 as illustrated in (D).

(77) By controlling the activity of methanogens as disclosed, this provides a unique and important means of pest management.

(78) According to one embodiment, the method further includes adding a pheromone or food source to the environment along with the AMR (added together or in any sequential order) to entice the targeted pest (xylophages) to consume the AMR. Any substrate consumed by a xylophage could be utilized including fermentable substrates in liquid, solid, fibrous, and/or emulsified states.

(79) It is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed AMRs or specific embodiments and examples, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.