| abstract |
This invention describes a cellulose bait that is hermetically sealed with a non-biodegradable material through which termites can tunnel or chew. The envelopes of the subject invention are preferably made of a soft/flexible material. Because the bait is hermetically sealed (“HS baits”) in a weather-resistant enclosure, it can remain in the environment for extended periods until termite feeding occurs. Not only is the bait protected, the environment is also protected from the toxicant because the toxicant is completely sequestered until it is encountered by the foraging termites. This novel bait system does not require monitoring. Such baits can be placed in large quantities in places where monitoring is not practical and/or economical. The subject bait packs can be distributed in large quantities in agricultural fields or in large areas such as an entire city for area-wide population management of subterranean termites. The subject invention also provides surprising advantages associated with bypassing bait inspection and replacement; the subject invention eliminates “station avoidance” by some termite species. In other preferred embodiments, HS baits of the subject invention can be used in conjunction with durable, sturdy station housings. |