Ground surface non-edible foraging matrix configurations for arthropod control

Abstract

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.