Patent ID: 6026609
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A01M

Abstract:
An apparatus for killing South American fire ants comprising:a. a steam generator for heating water;b. a pump for pressurizing water, said pump being connected to said steam generator in order to allow water flow from said steam generator to said pump;c. a probe, being substantially in the shape of a long and slender rod, with its long axis oriented vertically, having an interior cavity in fluid connection with said pump, with the outside surface of said probe opening into said interior cavity through a plurality of orifices situated along its length, whereby hot pressurized water escapes to the outside of said probe through said orifices; andd. a hydraulic cylinder coupled to said probe, with the long axis of said hydraulic cylinder being oriented vertically, and being aligned with said long axis of said probe, with said hydraulic cylinder being capable of ramming said probe downward into an ant mound to a depth of at least three feet, so that the hot pressurized water escaping through said orifices is injected directly into said ant mound.