Method and apparatus for the destruction of imported fire ants of the genus Solenopsis
US4756118A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01M2200/011
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for the mechanical destruction of members of the genus Solenopsis, the South American Fire Ant, by the introduction of intense heat, vapor, insecticides, and/or steam directly into the colony by incorporating the use and application of specific compounds and mixtures of hydrocarbons, pyrethroids, insecticides, oxidizing agents, and/or vaporizing liquids, injected into the individual ant colonies by a variety of methods, including a pressurizing injection gun, with or without a heating attachment. The device is designed to obtain the proper penetration of the Imported Fire Ant colony in order to rapidly and totally infuse the entire chamber area, as well as the lateral foraging tunnels, with a thermal vapor (fog) containing an insecticide known to be lethal to Formicoidea (ants). Additionally, upon cooling, the vapor recondenses into a residue that has a prolonged residual killing effect for continued control purposes. An additional effect of this system is that the mere contact of the superheated vapor is lethal to those ants in the immediate vicinity of the lance so that the system is not totally dependent on insecticidal properties of the active ingredients.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.