WO2004098281A1

WO2004098281A1 - Pest control means

Info

Publication number: WO2004098281A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/001996
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Anthony Knight
Original assignee: Network Pest Control Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Network Pest Control Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2003-05-07
Filing date: 2004-05-07
Publication date: 2004-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2005-11-07
Also published as: GB0310433D0

Abstract

A pest control apparatus (10) incorporating improvements in and relating to pest control means, comprising a body (20) and a lid (22). The body (20) of the apparatus comprises first (24) and second (26) compartments: the first compartment (24) forming a tunnel with at least one external access aperture (28) therein and the second compartment (26) communicating with the first compartment (24) by way of an aperture. The lid (22) of the apparatus is detachable, hinged and lockable, with the ability to accommodate a paper (76) or mechanical record keeping means.

Description

TITLE: Pest control means

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to pest control means. i When attempting to reduce the numbers of, or to eradicate pests in a particular area, one dan either entrap or poison the pest, i depending on the requirements of the particular situation.

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Traps are devices that entice the pest, usually with bait such as food, a scent, sound or other isuitable lure into the device. The idea of i j a trap is to attract the pest into the device, such that upon taking the

I bait, the pest becomes entrapped. Alternatively, the device may

I contain a mechanism that is capable of killing the pest. In any event, the trap needs to be checked regularly, often daily, to empty trapped or dead pests, and to reset the trap. This is time consuming.

Alternatively, bait stations may be used. A bait station is similar to a trap in that it contains a bait or lure that is impregnated with a toxin. However, the pest is encouraged to enter the station, ingest the bait and then leave. In this way, more than one pest may be 'caught' without the need for checking, and emptying the device daily. The dead pests are usually collected from the vicinity of the bait station at a later i time. .

Furthermore, combination pest control devices may be used that contain either poison bait or a mechanism for entrapping the pest. This arrangement means that the same device can be used with either a i trap or poison bait, depending on the needs of the situation.

In the event of persistent pest problem, or where large numbers

I of pests are to be controlled, the bait station is a preferred solution i because it is capable of controlling a large number of pests, whilst only needing to be checked or restocked at intervals. i I

In order for a bait or trap station to work effectively, it must be 'attractive' to the pests. Thus, the design of the station must be i carefully thought-out in order; for the pests to be effectively attracted into the station. It is well known that pests, and especially rats, are wary of new objects introduced into their environment, so any device that reduces this 'avoidance reaction' will improve the effectiveness of control.

Commonly, bait stations comprise a box having a number of i compartments therein. A first compartment normally takes the form of a tunnel section that passes all the way through the box. The tunnel usually has openings at both ends to allow uninhibited access to the

I \ interior of the box, and may allow the pest to pass straight through the box, the purpose of which being twofold; firstly, a pest will rarely venture into new territory unless he can clearly see an escape route; and secondly, such an arrangement allows the tunnel section to be

I positioned to coincide with an existing tunnel, drain pipe or other suitable 'run'. ,

Normally, the bait is kept in another compartment of the box called the bait chamber, which is separated from the tunnel by an internal wall and is accessed via an aperture between the tunnel and the bait chamber.

The object of this arrangement being; firstly, to encourage the pest to use at least the tunnel section of the bait station regularly; and secondly, to restrict or prevent access to the poison contained therein by larger 'non-target' animals, such as cats and dogs, but more importantly by children. i

Eventually, it is hoped that the pest will either stray into, or be j lured into the bait chamber ψhen it has become accustomed to the presence of the bait station. At present, the bait chambers of such devices often require the pe:sts to enter deep into the station, which they are often reluctant to do, thus leading to reduced efficacy of the control programme. A station that allows a pest to feed, whilst i

! maintaining visual contact with the escape route, should improve this

I efficacy.

When the pest enters the bait chamber, he may choose to eat some of the bait. As previously discussed, the bait is normally impregnated with a poisonous substance that acts in a time-delayed fashion thereby allowing the pest to exit the bait station before dying i soon, but nonetheless, a convenient distance away.

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A major problem associated with bait stations is their tendency

I to become wet inside in wet weather because when it rains, there is i often splashing of rainwater through the exterior openings of the bait

I station. As poison bait is usually made of cereal-based components, the high internal humidity that ntiay result from rain entering the bait chamber may often cause the|bait to spoil prematurely, making it less i palatable to the pests.

Furthermore, when the interior of the bait station is wet, it may i l be difficult for the pest to use it 'because the floor may be slippery. If however, the interior of the bait chamber were to remain i largely dry, the bait may kee;p in better condition, for longer, thereby improving the bait 'take' by the pests.

Bait stations are comijionly fabricated from plastics materials. Another problem associated with these bait stations is their ineffectiveness due the pest's reluctance to enter them. This may be

I due to their intrinsic design, or to the material from which it is made. A design that reduces this reluctance of pests to enter may greatly improve the efficacy of a control programme. i

I Furthermore, because bait stations are used by pests that tend to scurry quite quickly, it is quite common for the bait station to be moved by the pests over a _jperiod of time. This may reduce the effectiveness of the device, especially where it has been positioned to

! coincide with a known 'run' or pest route. Furthermore, because the bait station needs to be checked quite frequently for inspection, re-fill and record keeping purposes, easy access to the interior of the dejvice is essential. A record card may be i kept near to the poison, for exjample stuck to the inside of the device,

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I which must be filled out by a< person responsible for pest control at regular intervals. Preferably, ithe pest control technician should not

often nee to ben own an ,write a an awkward ang e, on any recor label stuck on the underside' of a hinged lid. This can make record keeping problematic. Also, auditors bait station would find it useful to be

able to check visually from ithe outside when it was last serviced, without having to open the

Children can tamper with bait stations and traps, which is problematic because they ^', may contain toxins or hazardous mechanisms. The design must be such as to reduce the likelihood of such tampering and to allow the bait station to be securely fastened in- situ.

Unfortunately, a bait station designed with the some or all of the above considerations in mind; does not exist. The present invention i aims to provide a solution tb at least one or more of the above problems. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a pest control apparatus comprising a body and a lid, the body having

access aperture therein to allow an animal to pass from the exterior to the interior of the body; and ; the second compartment communicating with the first compartment by way of an aperture; wherein i the base of the first compartment slopes downwardly towards the at least one external access aperture and has grip means thereon. i i Preferably, the slope of .the base of the first compartment is such that fluids, for example rain water and pest urine etc., drain from the first compartment to the exterior of the bait box.

The grip means preferably takes the form of ribs or undulations. i Alternatively, the grip means may be in the form of a roughened surface, dimples or other suitable means such as an elastomeric pad.

The grip means is most; preferably moulded into the base of the

I pest control apparatus.

The grip means may be adapted to allow the easy addition of

I materials such as soil to be held in the entrance tunnels to provide a more natural floor, thereby encouraging pests to enter the bait station. Preferably, the dimensions of the pest control apparatus are chosen such that only the animals that are intended to enter are able to do so. The pest control apparatus may be manufactured of a plastics i material or other water resistant material or treated material to improve

provides a pest control apparatus comprising a body and a lid, the body having first and i

I second compartments formed therein; i the first compartment forming a tunnel with at least one external

I access aperture therein to allbw an animal to pass from the exterior to j the interior of the body; and i the second compartment communicating with the first compartment by way of an apierture; wherein the lid of the pest contrpl apparatus is detachable. The lid may be hinged. A record label may be located on an i inside surface of the lid, enabling records to be kept alongside the pest control apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, a mechanical record keeping means

viewing aperture in a wall of the pest control apparatus. Where such i mechanical record keeping _;means is provided, it is preferably only adjustable from the interior, whilst being visible from the exterior of the i pest control apparatus. A third aspect of the apparatus provides a pest control apparatus comprising a body and a lid, the body having first and second compartments formed therein;

There are preferably two external access apertures, which may be at opposite sides of tne first compartment. Additionally or alternatively, the first compartment is straight, allowing a line-of-sight entry and exit from either sid;e of the pest control apparatus. The first compartment may also be formed as a tube that passes through the pest control apparatus. The exterior apertures of the pest control apparatus are preferably sized to allow access to the box only by animals, which are intended to enter.

In a preferred embodiment, the aperture enabling access

! between the first and second compartments is large enough for the intended animal to pass through.

In an alternative embpdiment, the first compartment is large enough for a variety of animals to pass through, but the aperture between the first and second compartments is only large enough for the desired animal species to lpass into the second compartment. Preferably, some or all apertures of the invention are at least

I partially rounded.

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Additional compartments may be incorporated inside the pest control apparatus. For example, a plurality of bait chambers may be present or an intermediate compartment between the tunnel and the at least one bait chamber. Preferably, these bait chambers are directly linked to the first chamber, allowing the pest to feed at the same time as viewing an escape route^' to the outside. Preferably also, where

I I provided the intermediate compartment will have its floor at the same

I I level as the raised floor of the- first compartment.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pest control apparatus comprising a body and a lid, the body having first and second compartments formed therein; the first compartment forming a tunnel with at least one external access aperture therein to allbw an animal to pass from the exterior to

I the interior of the body; and

1 the second compartment communicating with the first compartment by way of an aperture; wherein the second compartment is adapted to receive a removable retaining means, the removable retaining means being adapted to receive bait or a trap. The removable the users contact with

removable retaining means may be a wire, rod or spike, which is

I inserted into the bait or it may be a tray containing the bait. Furthermore, the removable retaining means may be disposable. Where the removable r ietaining means is a tray, it may comprise two or more compartments for retaining different baits or for catching

I spilled bait. ^'

Additionally or alternatively, the removable retaining means may be adapted to retain liquid bait or 'tracking dust', which the pests may pick-up as they pass through the first compartment. In any of the

I preferred embodiments described above that allow, the floor level of i the bait compartment may bei lower than the floor level of the tunnel or the intermediate compartment. Preferably still, the sidewalis and/or floor of the bait and/or interme Idiate compartments are sloped such that if the animal drops any of the >bait, it falls harmlessly into the bottom of the bait compartment. This fejature is hoped to reduce the likelihood of i dropped bait being carried on the feet or fur of the animal to the outside i of the bait station where it may be ingested by another animal or child. The removable retaining means may be adapted to retain a mechanical trap. The trap and or removable retaining means is most preferably designed such that! the trigger for the trap is located within the first compartment of the apparatus, whilst the trap mechanism is

! housed in the second compartment. Where possible, the trap trigger is i most preferably located at oit near to floor level. The pest control i apparatus may be proved with attachment means so that it can be secured to a wall, floor or other suitable object. The attachment means is preferably detachable from the pest control apparatus. The i i attachment means is preferably in the form of a plate that can be affixed to a surface having a protrusion thereon. The protrusion may be arranged to engage with an aperture of the pest control apparatus and may be secured therewith using a screw, split-pin or other suitable i means.

I I

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described i by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings

I in which: i Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the pest control apparatus of the invention positioned along a 'run';

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a pest control apparatus i according to the invention in perspective; i Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a 'bait station' embodiment of a pest control apparatus according to the invention with the lid removed;

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Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a rap' embodiment of a

I pest control apparatus according to the invention with the iid removed;

I Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the inside surface of the lid of a pest control apparatus acco i rding to the invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an attachment means for a

I pest control apparatus according to the invention; and

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the lid of the invention having a mechanical record keeping means thereon. i Referring to figure 1 ,; a pest control apparatus 10 is shown positioned on a 'run' 12, whelre a floor 14 meets a wall 16. Pests, and especially rodents tend to use the same routes or 'runs' 12 regularly.

I Because rodents do not like to be exposed, runs 12 are normally near to walls 16, or inside enclosed spaces, e.g. pipes. The pest control apparatus 10 is therefore adapted to be easily positioned next to a wall

16 or by virtue of being of generally tubular construction 18, at the end i of a pipe outlet.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the pest control apparatus

10, which comprises a body 20 and a lid 22. The body 20 is divided i into first 24 and second 26 compartments. Access to the first compartment 24, which is fo Irmed as a tunnel is by way of external

apertures 28, which help to prevent rainfall from entering the apparatus 10 via the external access apertures 28.

The floor 34 of the first compartment 24 is sloped towards the external access apertures 28 to help prevent rainwater from entering the apparatus 10. The floor 34 has grip means 36 integrally formed therein in the form of chevrorj-ribs. i The first compartment 24 is accessible via a hinged 37 lid 38 which clips shut using lugs 40. The hinge 37 is integrally formed with the body 20 by way of a lihe of weakness in the moulding, which facilitates the manufacture of jthe apparatus 10.

Also shown in Figure 2 is the lid 22, which is completely detachable from the body 20 of the apparatus 10. The lid 22 is secures to the body 20 by way of a key 42 operated locking mechanism 44 and by way of clips 45. The locking mechanism 44 is protected from dirt i ingress and tampering by way of fold-over, push-pit cappings 46, which i are designed to look like bolt heads, to enhance the 'pipe-like' camouflage effect of the who e apparatus, thus reducing the likelihood of tampering. Release of the ocking mechanism 44 using the key 42 is facilitated by springs 48. The second compartment 26 has formations 50 therein for receiving a bait retaining means 52 or a trap (not shown), each of i which are explained in greater detail below.

The apparatus 10 is secured to a surface (not shown) using a securing means (not shown) I, which is affixed to the body 20 of the apparatus 10 by way of a screw plate 53.

Figure 3 shows a 'bait box' embodiment of the pest control i apparatus 10 wherein a removable bait retaining means 52 is retained within the first 24 and second* 26 compartments of the apparatus 10 by way of formations 50 in the body 20 that engage with the bait retaining means 52. Further retention is obtained by arranging the top edge of the bait retaining means 52 to coincide with a formation or surface (not shown) of the lid 22 (not shown). The position of the bait retaining means 52 is such that the pest can feed whilst remaining in the first j compartment 24, within eyesight of an external aperture 28.

The bait retaining means 52 comprises an open-topped box having first 54 and second 56 compartments. The first compartment 54 houses a bait block 58, which is held in-situ using a pin 60. The pin

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60 is bent at either end 62 aiϊid is arranged to slide up or down in a i i guide 64 which is integrally formed with the bait retaining means 52. Thus, as the bait block 58 is coinsumed or melts in high temperatures, it moves downwards, thereby ensuring that the bait block is remains i secure for as long as possible, before being entirely consumed. The i first compartment 54 can alsp be used for retaining a quantity of loose bait or liquid bait if required.

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I Access to the first compartment 54 from the second compartment 56 and vice-versa is by way of a cut away 66. The i second compartment 56 is substantially dish-shaped thereby helping to minimise egress of breakaway bait 58 from the apparatus 10.

Turning now to Figure 4 of the drawings, a 'trap' embodiment of i the invention is shown wherein the bait retaining means 52 is replaced

(e.g. the weight of a pest) is applied to the pad 74 of the trap 70. The level of the pad 74 is arranged! to coincide with the level of the floor 34 of the first compartment 24 of the apparatus 10.

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The trap 70 is retained by engagement of edges thereof with the formations 50 of the body 20. i

Referring now to Figure 5, the inverted lid 22 of the apparatus i 10 is shown revealing a reqord label 76. Because the lid 22 is i completely removable, it makes filling-out the record card by hand 78 much easier. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the attachment means 80, i which is used for securing the apparatus 10 to a surface (not shown).

The attachment means comprises a plate 82 and a pin 84. The plate i

82 is securable to a surface^ (not shown) using a self-adhesive pad, adhesive material (e.g. epoxy resin) or mechanical fastening means

wheel 90 can be 'clicked' to a desired position to reveal information via the aperture 92. The wheel is:not easily adjusted accidentally by virtue of the teeth 96 engaging with the protrusion 98. Indeed, the wheel can i only be rotated if the lid 22 is olompletely removed. A record label 77 is also provided on the inside surface of the lid 22 for additional information to be hand written if desired.

Claims

1. A pest control apparatus comprising a body and a lid, the body having first and second compartments: the first compartment forming a tunnel with at least one external access aperture therein and the second compartment communicating with the first compartment by way of an aperture.

2. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base of the first compartment slopes downwardly towards the at least one external access aperture and has a grip means thereon.

3. A pest control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the slope of the base of the first compartment is such that fluids drain from the first compartment to the exterior of the apparatus.

4. A pest control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the grip means takes the form of ribs or undulations.

5. A pest control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the grip means is in the form of a roughened surface, dimples or other suitable means such as an elastomeric pad.

6. A pest control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the grip means is moulded into the base of the pest control apparatus.

7. A pest control apparatus according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the grip means is adapted to allow the addition of materials such as soil to be held in the entrance tunnels.

8. A pest control apparatus according to all preceding and subsequent claims, wherein it is manufactured from a plastics material or other water resistant material or treated material.

9. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid of the pest control apparatus is detachable.

10. A pest control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the lid is hinged.

11. A pest control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a record label is located on an inside surface of the lid.

12. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid of the pest control apparatus has a locking means to prevent unintended or unauthorised access to the interior of the pest control apparatus.

13. A pest control apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the locking means is protected by way of selectively removable cover or dust cap.

14. A pest control apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the dust caps are disguised to resemble pipe fittings.

15. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is substantially tubular.

16. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there are two external access apertures at opposite sides of the first compartment.

17. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is straight, allowing a line-of-sight entry and exit from either side of the pest control apparatus.

18. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment is formed as a tube that passes through the pest control apparatus.

19. A pest control apparatus according to all preceding and subsequent claims, wherein some or all apertures of the apparatus are at least partially rounded.

20. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein additional compartments may be incorporated inside the pest control apparatus.

21. A pest control apparatus according to claim 20, wherein a plurality of bait chambers are present or an intermediate compartment between the tunnel and at the least one bait chamber.

22. A pest control apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the bait chambers are directly linked to the first chamber.

23. A pest control apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the intermediate compartment has its floor at the same level as the raised floor of the first compartment.

24. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second compartment is adapted to receive a removable retaining means, the removable retaining means being adapted to receive bait or a trap.

25. A pest control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the removable retaining means may be a wire, rod or spike, which is inserted into the bait.

26. A pest control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the removable retaining means is a tray containing the bait.

27. A pest control apparatus according to claims 24 to 26, wherein the removable retaining means is disposable.

28. A pest control apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the removable retaining tray may comprise two or more compartments for retaining different baits or for catching spilled bait.

29. A pest control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the removable retaining means may be adapted to retain liquid bait or 'tracking dust'.

30. A pest control apparatus according to all preceding and subsequent claims, wherein the floor level of the bait compartment may be lower than the floor level of the tunnel or the intermediate compartment.

31. A pest control apparatus according claim 30, wherein the sidewalls and/or floor of the bait and/or intermediate compartments are sloped.

32. A pest control apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the removable retaining means is adapted to retain a mechanical trap.

33. A pest control apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the trap and/or removable retaining means is designed such that the trigger for the trap is located within the first compartment of the apparatus, whilst the trap mechanism is housed in the second compartment.

34. A pest control apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the trap trigger is located at or near to floor level.

35. A pest control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pest control apparatus is provided with attachment means so that it can be secured to a wall, floor or other suitable object.

36. A pest control apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the attachment means is in the form of a plate that can be affixed to a surface having a protrusion thereon.

37. A pest control apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the protrusion is arranged to engage with an aperture of the pest control apparatus and secured therewith using a screw, split-pin or other suitable means.