Naphthalenic compounds as termite bait toxicants
View Patent ↗Termite foods mixed together in a matrix suitable to be used as baits and attractants for termites are provided. They comprise cellulose, naphthalenic compounds, water and potentially other termite-preferred nutrients. Methods of monitoring the presence of termites using such matrices and methods of controlling termites using such matrices to deliver termite toxins are also provided.
1. A termite bait matrix comprising:
a) cellulose;
b) water; and
c) one or more naphthalenic compounds selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxynaphthalimide and sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium salts thereof, 1,8-napthalimide, copper naphthenate and zinc naphthenate in amounts sufficient in termite matrices to kill termites ranging from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm.
2. The termite bait matrix of claim 1 further comprising a water-retention agent.
3. The termite bait matrix of claim 2 wherein the water-retention agent is in an amount up to about 0.05 g/kg.
4. The termite bait matrix of claim 1 further comprising a termite toxicant.
5. The termite matrix of claim 4 wherein said termite toxicant is selected from the group consisting of:
streptomycin sulfate, rifampicin, albendazole, neomycin sulfate, sorbic acid, antimycotics, benzofenyl ureas, imidacloprid, hydroximethanon, juvenile hormone mimics.
6. The termite bait matrix of claim 1 contained within a termite-accessible container or coating.
7. A method of killing termites comprising:
a) placing the termite bait matrix of claim 1 in a termite habitat; and
b) allowing termites to feed on said bait matrix.
8. A method of monitoring termite activity in a region comprising:
a) placing the termite bait matrix of claim 1 in said region; and
b) assessing the presence of termites at the site of said termite bait matrix.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said termite bait matrix further comprises a water-retention agent.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said termite bait matrix is contained within a water-retentive, vapor-permeable coating or container.
11. The termite bait matrix of claim 1 wherein the one or more naphthalenic compounds selected from the group consisting of N-hydroxynaphthalimide and sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium salts thereof, 1,8-napthalimide, copper naphthenate and zinc naphthenate in amounts ranging from about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm.