University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Other

Faith M Oi

Philip G Koehler

Michael E Scharf

Xuguo Zhou

Marsha M Wheeler

Monique R Coy

Matthew R Tarver

Methods, matrix compositions and kits for increasing the mortality of termites () and interfering with termite development using RNA interference techniques to target cellulase, lignocellulase, hexamerin, broad, farnesoic acid methyl transferase, cytochrome P450 and vitellogenin activity are provided.

Use of RNA interference to validate new termiticide target sites and a method of termite control

Below ground kits, methods, apparatus and configurations for controlling arthropods such as termites, ants, and roaches. An embodiment has alternating layers of a first layer consisting of a mixture of a non-edible foraging matrix mixed with a slow-acting and non-repellant toxicant, where the first layer is adjacent to another layer of non-toxic edible/attractant materials allow for the treatment of different arthropods. The non-edible foraging matrix can be selected from at least one of: soil, gravel, rocks, pebbles, shale, and mixtures thereof. The nontoxic layer can include materials such as foam and cellulose. Different arthropods such as termites, fire ants, carpenter ants, and roaches can be treated with the subject embodiments.

Alternating layer non-edible foraging matrix configurations for crawling arthropods

Below ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites, ants, and roaches. A first embodiment fills a chamber with a food and places it adjacent to an arthropod population such as termites, so that live termites can then enter the entrance/exit of the tube to reach the food. Once termites are inside the tube, a non-edible foraging matrix, such as a disc of loose soil, sand, rocks, shale, and gravel that is treated with a slow acting and non-repellant toxicant, is placed between the food in the chamber and the termite entrance/exit. Termites are forced to pass through and disperse the slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant through their tunnels and living space in order to kill termites over time.

Below ground non-edible foraging matrix configurations for arthropod control

Above ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire ants, roaches, combinations, and the like. Embodiments can include mounting a chamber on the inside and outside of a manmade structure such as a house, a building, and a shed. Additionally, the invention can be mounted on a foundation beneath the structure. Furthermore, the above ground invention can be mounted on a side of a fence. Still furthermore, the invention can be placed on the sides of natural items that need protection such as trees, and the like. And still furthermore, the invention can be attached to a planter. Methods for mounting can include adhesive layers such as peel and stick tape, as well as removable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners. Other fasteners can include nails, screws and stake type members. The chambers can be wrapped in shrink wrap, and the like. The chamber can be cylindrical disc shape having one closed end and closed sides, such as plastic cup, Petri dish, and the like, and can be non-opaque so that interior contents can be viewed from outside. Additionally, the upper end of the chamber can be opened with a removable lid so that chambers can be reused over time. The lower end can include a layer of an edible non-toxic material such as a layer of foam, and the like. On top of the edible layer, can be a layer of a non-edible foraging matrix that contains the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant within the foraging matrix, and this layer can be visible through the top of the chamber. Arthropods climbing up the sides of manmade and natural structures can then pass through the edible foam type layer in the open end of the chamber and then forage into the layer containing the non-edible material which is mixed with the slow-acting non-repellent toxicants. Arthropods leave the above ground chamber in the same direction they came and take the toxicant back to their galleries and colonies where the arthropods will be killed over time.

Above ground non-edible foraging matrix configurations for arthropod control

Surface ground kits for controlling arthropods such as termites, carpenter ants, fire ants, roaches, and the like, and combinations thereof. Embodiments can include mounting a chamber on a ground insertable member having an edible food source, such as a wood stake, and pressing the member into the ground until the chamber is against the ground surface. The chamber can be cylindrical disc shape having one closed end and closed sides, such as plastic cup, Petri dish, and the like. Optionally, the chamber can be non-opaque so that the interior contents can be viewed from outside the chamber. The lower open end of the chamber can be a layer of an edible non-toxic material such as a layer of foam, and the like. On top of the edible layer, can be a layer of a non-edible foraging matrix that contains the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant within the foraging matrix, and this layer can be visible through the top closed portion of the chamber. Arthropods can be attracted to the kit device by the edible portion of the ground insertable member. The arthropods can then pass through the edible foam type layer in the open end of the chamber and then forage into the layer containing the non-edible material which is mixed with the slow-acting non-repellent toxicants. The arthropods leave the chamber in the same direction they came taking the slow-acting non-repellent toxicant back to their galleries and colonies where the arthropods are killed over time. Ground engaging members such as stake(s) and/or teeth and/or lower extending edges can also be used. Removable lid portions such as snap tops, screwable threads, and hinged tops can allow the chambers to be monitored and/or reusuable overtime.

Ground surface non-edible foraging matrix configurations for arthropod control

A termite control system kit. A several step process starts with taking a tube with a removal cap at one end, such as a two to four inch PVC tube, and filling the inner chamber with a food source such as rolled cardboard. The tube is then placed with its open end adjacent to a termite population so that live termites can then enter the entrance/exit of the tube to reach the food source. Once termites are inside the tube, the cap is removed from the tube, and a non-edible foraging matrix, such as a disc of loose soil and or sand that is treated with a slow acting and non-repellant toxicant, is placed between the food source in the chamber and the termite entrance/exit of the chamber. Slow acting and non-repellent toxicants can be non-immediate lethal doses of fipronil, chlorfenapyr, imidacloprid, and chlorpyrifos. The termites are then forced to pass through and disperse the slow-acting and non-repellent toxicant on soil particles or other non-edible foraging matrices through their tunnels and living space in order to kill termites. Termites that contact tunnels and living space contaminated with the treated non-edible foraging matrix particles die over time.

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Faith M Oi