Optimum density termite bait composition

Abstract

A composition in compacted form for use for termite monitoring and control comprises a cellulose material which may be purified cellulose or micro-crystalline cellulose as a base bait, the composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring and controlling termite infestations which comprises the steps of a) preparing such a composition; b) placing the composition in a bait station; c) monitoring the station at periodic time intervals for termites; and d) upon observing termite infestation in the bait station, replacing the above composition with a bait composition containing a termite killing agent.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A composition in compacted form for use for termite monitoring and control comprising a cellulose material selected from the group consisting of purified cellulose and micro-crystalline cellulose as a base bait, said composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc.  
     
     
         2 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet.  
     
     
         3 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said cellulose material is purified cellulose.  
     
     
         4 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said cellulose material is micro-crystalline cellulose.  
     
     
         5 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  additionally containing an active ingredient for killing or controlling termites.  
     
     
         6 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  additionally containing a termite attractant and/or pheromone.  
     
     
         7 . A composition as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said tablet has been compacted to a density of between approximately 1.033 g/cc and 1.377 g/cc.  
     
     
         8 . A composition as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said composition is in a compacted form selected from the group consisting of tablets, briquets and extruded forms.  
     
     
         9 . A method for monitoring and controlling termite infestations comprising the steps of 
 (a) preparing a composition in compacted form comprising a cellulose material selected from the group consisting of purified cellulose and micro-crystalline cellulose, said composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc;    (b) placing said composition in a bait station;    (c) monitoring said station at periodic time intervals for termites; and    (d) upon observing termite infestation in said bait station, replacing the composition in said bait station with a bait composition containing a termite killing agent.    
     
     
         10 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet.  
     
     
         11 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said cellulose material is purified cellulose.  
     
     
         12 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said cellulose material is micro-crystalline cellulose.  
     
     
         13 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said composition additionally contains a termite attractant and/or pheromone.  
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said termite killing agent is selected from the group consisting of chitin synthesis inhibitors, juvenile hormone mimics, stomach toxicants, contact insecticides and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said tablet has been compacted to a density of between approximately 1.033 g/cc and 1.377 g/cc.  
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said composition is in a compacted form selected form the group consisting of tablets, briquets and extruded forms.  
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said composition in compacted form is in the form of a tablet prepared by applying a tableting pressure of between approximately 516 and 1377 kg/cm 2 .  
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said synthesis inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron and dimilin.  
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 18  wherein said synthesis inhibitor is dimilin.  
     
     
         20 . A method for controlling termite infestations comprising the steps of 
 (a) preparing a composition in compacted form comprising a cellulose material selected from the group consisting of purified cellulose and micro-crystalline cellulose, said composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc, and a termite killing agent; and    (b) placing said composition in a bait station.    
     
     
         21 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  wherein said composition is in the form of a tablet.  
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  wherein said cellulose material is purified cellulose.  
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  wherein said cellulose material is micro-crystalline cellulose.  
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 20  wherein said termite killing agent is dimilin.