Device for controlling pests

Abstract

The present invention is a device for delivering pesticide to pests, comprising (a) an outer layer comprising a porous water-insoluble polymeric; (b) an inner layer in contact with the outer layer, the inner layer comprising a water-soluble feeding stimulant and a carbohydrate which is at least partially gelatinized; and (c) a toxicant which is present on or in the outer layer, the inner layer, or both. The types of pests for which the device may be used to deliver pesticide are any pests which are able to be controlled by the toxicants used in the device and that can be attracted to an object to feed and/or lay eggs, such as the apple maggot fly, the Mediterranean fruit fly, the house fly, the oriental fruit fly, the blueberry fruit fly, the olive fruit fly, the melon fruit fly, and the Mexican fruit fly as well as other flies, beetles, wasps, moths, cockroaches, and any other insect that can be lured to a device for feeding or egg laying. The porous water-insoluble polymeric materials are pits, shellacs, linseed oil and other water soluble or water suspendible material that becomes insoluble upon drying. Examples of water-soluble feeding stimulants are sugary products chosen from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, molasses, maltodextrins, and corn syrup as well as corn flour, gluten or other sugary or proteinaceous and lipid materials for insects other than flies. Examples of carbohydrates are corn flour, cornstarch, wheat starch, and potato starch. Toxicants which may be used are dimethoate, phyloxine B, avermectin, azinphosmethyl, diazinon, permethrin, Imidacloprid, Malathion, Methomyl, or other insecticides available in sufficient quantity to kill insects upon feeding or alighting on the sphere. A high boiling liquid such as glycerin may optionally be added to the carbohydrate/first layer of the device to prevent cracking.