Abstract:
An insect control station for baiting and/or trapping insects that includes a base, a cover, and an insert locked between the base and cover. The insert is preferably a glueboard or tray. The glueboard, to which insects stick, is used for trapping insects in an environment. The tray is used for holding a toxic bait or attractant that the insect takes back to its nest. The tray may also be used to hold glue for trapping purposes. To maximize the safety of the naive person, especially a child, who does not know what an insect control station is, the base and cover are locked to each other with two hand operated keyless locks that operate independently of the other. The keyless locks are recessed relative to the cover at a span having a width greater than a child&#39;s hand such that a child may not operate the locks at the same time with one hand. The operating portion of the lock is located on the base so that if two hands operate the two different locks, the cover will not move. Further, the cover must first slide away from the locks before the cover may be removed from the base, whereupon access to the interior is gained. The base and cover are shaped to hold the insert against a floor of the base even if the insect control station is mounted upside down. The insect control station further has a low profile so that it can be tucked into narrow spaces, is rigid so that it can be stepped on without damaging the insert, and includes ramped openings for the crawling insects. The invention further discloses a method for controlling insects.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an insect control station for baiting and/or trapping insects, more particularly to a tamper-resistant insect control station, and more specifically to a tamper-resistant insect control station with a hand operated keyless lock. 
     An insect control station is an apparatus for baiting and/or trapping insects in an environment. The apparatus is left unattended in a work, school, home, shopping or entertainment environment or some other inside or outside environment. The apparatus is desirably placed at some location in such environment that is relatively inaccessible. The inside of the apparatus may include glue, to which insects stick, or may include a bait or attractant that the insect takes back to its nest. 
     Insect control glues, baits and attractants may or may not be toxic. Whether or not a compound is toxic to people or pets is dependent upon the expert consulted, the concentration of the chemical, the time of exposure and other factors. However, access to the glues, baits and attractants by people and pets can be minimized by maximizing the safety features of the means and methods that house the glues, baits and attractants. 
     Insect control glues, baits and attractants are further subject to dust, moisture and other nonhuman disturbances. For example, dust may stick to the insect control glue and water or moisture may dilute or dissolve the bait or attractant. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A feature of the present invention is an insect control station. The term “insect” when used herein includes small invertebrates such as but not limited to ants, roaches, beetles, crickets, spiders, mites, flies and moths. The term “insect” when used herein specifically excludes vertebrate animals such as mice and rats. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an insect control station, of a reusable insect control station. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an insect control station, of a relatively rigid insect control station. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an insect control station, of inserts for the insect control station where the inserts include bait tray inserts and trap inserts and where the inserts are replaceable. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in an insect control station, of the station having multiple holes for pin connectors for securing the station to a surface. 
     A feature of the present invention is the provision in an insect control station having a base, a cover for the base, and openings between the cover and the base to permit insects to enter the inside of the insect control station, of a resilient catch that is depressed to unlock the cover from the base and that is recessed relative to the cover making it difficult for an unauthorized person to open the insect control station. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the resilient catch being on the base such that, when the resilient catch is depressed, the cover remains generally motionless whereby another hand must be used to remove the cover from the base. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the insect control station having two resilient catches, wherein a span between the two resilient catches or the span of the width of the cover is about the width of the hand of an average sized adult male and therefore greater than the width of a hand of a child. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the two resilient catches being independent of the other such that each of the resilient catches must be opened to remove the cover from the base. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the base and cover being shaped such that, even if the two hand operated keyless locks are opened at the same time, the cover and base cannot be drawn apart until the cover and base slide apart partially in a common plane. In other words, gaining access to the inside of the control station is a two or three step operation: the hand operated keyless locks are opened by hand, then the cover and base are moved in a sliding motion in a common plane, and then the cover and base are drawn apart. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the resilient catch having a surface characteristic that is different from adjacent surfaces such that the location of the resilient catch may be determined on the basis of touch. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of an insert in the insect control station that holds glue, bait or other attractant, where the base and cover are shaped to hold the insert to the floor of the base even if the insect control station is turned upside down. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of at least one of the base and cover having a first ramp leading from a surface on which the insect control station is mounted to the opening in the insect control station, of the insert having a receptacle, and of a second ramp on the insert leading from the opening into the receptacle. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of the profile of the insect control station being minimized. In other words, a height of the insect control station is preferably between about a quarter of an inch and about one inch. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of rigid sidewalls between the cover and the base such that, even if the insect control station is stepped on, the inside of the insect control station remains generally undisturbed. 
     Another feature of the invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of means for mounting the base to a surface which are independent of the cover such that the cover may be removed from the base even if the base is fixed to the surface. 
     Another feature of the invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of a lock between the base and the cover and a slide between the base and the cover, wherein each of the lock and slide must be operated in turn to release the cover from the base and gain access to the inside of the insect control station. 
     Another feature of the invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of a lock between the base and the cover and a slide between the base and the cover, wherein each of the lock and slide must be operated to release the cover from the base and gain access to the inside of the insect control station, and wherein the range of the sliding movement is relatively small such that the insect control station may be surrounded on all four sides without undermining the capability of the cover to be slid relative to the base and then drawn off the base. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station, of a portion of the cover being formed from a see-through plastic such that the bait and/or glue in the insect control station may be inspected without opening the station. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such an insect control station of the cover having knockout portions wherein baits and attractants may be fed into the inside of the insect control station without removing the cover from the base. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that insect glue, glueboards, lures, baits and attractants are relatively inaccessible as housed in the insect control station. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the inside of the insect control station is relatively accessible for authorized personnel to replace or add glueboards, lures and attractants and/or clean the inside of the insect control station and/or perform other servicing by hand of the inside of the insect control station. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it is keyless and therefore convenient for the service technician. A keyed insect control station is less convenient because the service technician must have the proper key for the proper box. If the service technician does not have the correct key, those insect control stations will go unserviced until the next visit to the service site. Or the service technician may drive back to his or her home base, get the proper key, and return to the service site. Further, the step of using a key is burdensome at a service site having dozens of insect control stations. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that, to the naive person or child with no understanding of the insect control station, a tortuous path must be undertaken for gaining access to the inside of the insect control station. The tortuous path is a two or three step operation. First, each of the independent hand operated locks must be opened at the same time. Then the cover must be slid one way. Then the cover must be drawn away from the base in a direction generally normal to the slide. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the two or three step operation requires the use of two hands because the hand operated locks are located on the base and biased to return to the locked position upon removal of the fingers and because the cover remains motionless until slid away from the base. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the insect control station may be mounted in any position. These positions include the upright, sideways and upside down positions. These positions further include angled positions such as in a stairwell on the runner of a staircase. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the glueboard, bait or attractant is housed away and relatively isolated from dust and moisture. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present insect control station and shows the cover, tray insert and base. 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present insect control station and shows the cover, glueboard insert and base. 
     FIG. 3A is a top view of the present insect control station and shows the base and cover engaged to each other in a closed position. 
     FIG. 3B is a side partially broken away view of the insect control station of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the insect control station of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the base shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 5A is a partial section view of the insect control station and shows the closed or locked position for the resilient catch or lock. 
     FIG. 5B is a partial section view of the insect control station and shows the resilient catch or lock in the open position, without a sliding of the cover. 
     FIG. 5C is a partial section view of the insect control station and shows the resilient catch or lock in the open position, with a sliding of the cover. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 shows the present insect control station  10 . The insect control station  10  generally includes a base  12 , cover  14 , and tray insert  16 . 
     The base  12  generally includes a first resilient catch portion or lock portion  18  and a second resilient catch portion or lock portion  20 , extensions or insert hold down tabs  22 , a cover hold down tab  24 , a cover tab receptor  26 , a pair of slide stops  27 , a ramped peripheral edge  28 , and a floor  29 . 
     The cover  14  generally includes a first rigid catch portion or lock portion  30  and a second rigid catch portion or lock portion  32 , a roof  34 , extensions or insert hold down legs  36  depending from the undermost surface or ceiling of the roof  34 , a cover hold down tab  38 , a pair of slide stops  39 , and a base tab receptor  40 . 
     The tray insert  16  generally includes a first receptacle  42 , a second receptacle  44 , a third receptacle  46 , a fourth receptacle  48 , a ramp  50  leading into receptacles  42  and  44 , a ramp  52  leading into receptacles  42  and  46 , and a peripheral hold down edge  54 . 
     Functionally, generally, the first resilient catch portion  18  of the base  12  catches or locks with the first rigid catch portion  30  of the cover  14 . First resilient catch portion or lock  18  and first rigid catch portion or lock  30  are referred to as a whole as the first resilient catch or the first lock or the first connection. The second resilient catch portion  20  of the base  12  catches or locks with the second rigid catch portion  32  of the cover  14 . Second resilient catch portion or lock  20  and second rigid catch portion or lock  32  are referred to as a whole as the second resilient catch or the second lock or the second connection. The first and second locks are depressed, such as shown in FIGS. 5A,  5 B and  5 C, and must further be depressed at the same time, whereupon the cover  14  is slid to disengage the tab  38  of the cover  14  from the tab receptor  26  of the base  12  and to disengage the tab  24  of the base  12  from the tab receptor  40  of the cover  14 . Then the cover  14  may be removed from the base  12  in a direction perpendicular to the planes of the floor  29  and roof  34 . The cover  14 , after the locks have been opened and prior to being removed from the base, may slide away from the locked position until stops  39  of the cover  14  abut the stops  27  of the base  12 . Then, with the cover  14  removed from the base  12 , the tray insert  16  is tucked into the base  12  under the hold down tabs  22  and laid flat on the floor  29 . Then the cover  14  is positioned to be slightly offset from the base  12 , dropped down on the base  12 , and slid shut so that the locks snap shut. As the locks snap shut, the hold down legs  36  confront portions of the tray insert  16  so that each of the ends of the tray insert  16  are held to the floor  29  of the base  12 . 
     More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 C, the base  12  includes the floor  29 . Floor  29  defines a plane and is relatively flat. Floor  29  is generally formed in the shape of a rectangle. As shown in FIG. 3C, which illustrates the bottom surface of base  12 , floor  29  is relatively rigid and includes longitudinal ridges  60 . Longitudinal ridges  60  lead into a bottom peripheral edge  62 . Longitudinal ridges  60  further lead into two sets of oblique ridges  64 . The bottom surfaces of ridges  60 , peripheral edge  62  and ridges  64  make contact with a surface on which the insect control station  10  lies or to which the insect control station is attached. Ridges  64  provide a location and sufficient surface area for an attachment means such as double sticky tape. Bottom peripheral edge  62  includes comer platform portions  66  having pin connector holes  68  for pin connectors such as screws or nails for mounting the insect control station  10  to a horizontal, vertical, oblique or overhanging surface such that the insect control station  10  may be mounted horizontally, vertically, obliquely, or in an upside down fashion. Floor  29  further includes a “ceiling”  70  that is spaced from the surface making contact with the ridges  60 , bottom peripheral edge  62  and ridges  64 . Bottom peripheral edge  62  runs about the entire periphery of the base  12  and forms a seal relative to the spaces formed by the “ceiling”  70  to minimize insects from forming nests underneath the insect control station  10 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, floor  29  includes comer cutout portions  72  formed opposite of the corner platforms  66 . Portions or platforms  72  receive the heads of pin connectors. Holes  68  extend through the comer cutout portions  72 . Floor  29  further includes the ramped peripheral edge  28  that extends about almost the entire periphery of floor  29  with the exception of portions cutout for the hold down tab  24  and for the first and second resilient catch portions or lock portions  18  and  20 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, base  12  further includes sidewalls  74 ,  76  and  78 . Each of the sidewalls  74 ,  76  and  78  is integrally molded with floor  29  and provide support for the cover  14 , and further provide support for the insect control station  10  such as when the station  10  is stepped upon by the foot of a person. Each of the sidewalls  74 ,  76  and  78  includes an upper surface that makes contact with the cover  14 . Sidewalls  74  and  76  are upright and include slide stops  27  which extend from the floor  29  and an inner surface of the sidewalls  74  and  76  and run to the inside of the station  10 . Slide stops  27  function as stops to meet the slide stops  39  of the cover  14 . Slide stops  27  further function as an integral brace for their respective sidewalls  74 ,  76 , both of which include another brace  80 . Brace  80  also extends from the floor  29  and from the inner surface of its respective sidewall  74 ,  76 . Further, as a whole, brace  80  and its respective neighboring brace or stop  27  function as a locator for elongate stop  39  as the cover  14  is dropped into place on top of the base  12  such that the cover  14  is keyed to fit the base  12  in only one way. Sidewall  74  leads integrally into the first resilient catch portion  18  and sidewall  76  leads integrally into second resilient catch portion  20 . Catch portions  18  and  20  are cantilevered over cutout portions  82  of the floor  29  via integral triangular braces  182  (shown in FIG. 3B) and are resilient. Such resiliency is provided by the polymer or copolymer or plastic from which the base  12  is molded. Catch portions  18  and  20  are biased outwardly toward the peripheral edge  28  of the base  12 . Each of the catch portions  18  and  20  includes a pointed tip or catch  84  and a tapered surface  86  leading into the pointed tip or catch  84 . Sidewall  78  includes a pair of integral posts  86  at each of two undulating sidewall comer sections  88 . Posts  86  provide further support for the station  10  when the station  10  is stepped on by a person. Insert hold down tabs  22  extend inwardly from the undulating sidewall comer sections  88  and are spaced from the floor  29  or more specifically are spaced from cutout portions  90  formed in the floor  29 . Between the undulating sidewall comer section  88 , sidewall  78  extends integrally in a linear fashion and includes a hat shaped opening  92  through which insects may enter. Sidewall  78  may also be referred to as an end wall. The uppermost portion of opening  92  forms the receptor  26  for receiving the tab  38  of the cover  14 . 
     Base  12  further includes the cantilevered hold down tab  24  that holds down the cover  14 . Tab  24  is cantilevered over cutout portion  94  formed in floor  29 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 A, cover  14  includes roof  34 . Roof  34  is generally rectangular. Roof  34  is flat and lies in a plane. Roof  34  includes a plurality of ridges  96  extending in the longitudinal direction from adjacent one end of the roof  34  to adjacent the other end of roof  34  in the nature of ridges  60  of base  12 . Ridges  96  extend from an underside or ceiling of the roof  34 . Each of the stops  39  extends downwardly from a ridge  96 . 
     Further extending from the underside or ceiling of the roof  34  are the first and second rigid catch portions  30  and  32 . Each of the first and second rigid catch portions  30  and  32  includes a pointed tip or catch  98  and a tapered or oblique surface  100  leading into the catch  98 . Rigid catch portions  30  and  32  form portions of sidewalls  102  and  104 . Each of the sidewalls  102  and  104  makes contact with the floor  29  when the cover  14  is on the base  12 . Each of the sidewalls  102  and  104  includes an opening  106  through which insects enter. Cover  14  further includes sidewall or end wall  108 . End wall  108  includes undulating corner wall sections  110  extending between a pair of posts like posts  86 . End wall  108  further includes a inverted hat shaped opening  112 . Tab receptor  40  for receiving the tab  24  of the base  12  forms the lowermost portion of the inverted hat shaped opening  112 . 
     Cover  14  further includes extensions or insert hold down legs  36  that depend from the ceiling of the roof  34 . Extension  36  is matched with ridge  96  to be integral with and depend from such ridge  96 . Extension  36  includes a cutout such that, when the insect control station is on a horizontal surface, extension  36  includes two horizontally extending surfaces at different heights. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3B, a first horizontally extending surface  114  is spaced from floor  29  by a first distance and the other or second horizontally extending surface  115  is spaced from the floor  29  by a second distance greater than the first distance. The first horizontally extending surface  114  confronts the edge  54  of tray insert  16 . The second horizontally extending surface  115  confronts the upper surface of an end wall  116  of receptacle  42  of tray insert  16 . 
     Cover  14  further includes the cantilevered hold down tab  38  that cooperates with tab receptor  26  of base  12 . Tab  38  is formed at a cutout portion at one end of roof  34 . It should also be noted that the other end of roof  34  includes a cutout portion that leads into inverted hat shaped opening  112 . 
     It should be noted that each of base  12  and cover  14  is molded plastic. Accordingly, all of the features and elements of base  12  and cover  14  are integral with each other. 
     Tray insert  16  is preferably molded from plastic. Tray insert  16  is shaped to be generally tailored to match the floor  29  of the base  12 . Tray insert  16  includes a cutout portion  120  to extend about hold down tab  24 . The portion of tray insert  16  having receptacle  42  fits on one portion of the floor  29  and the portion of tray insert  16  having elongate receptacles  44  and  46  fits on the floor portion between sidewalls  74 ,  76  and  78 . Tray insert  16  includes molded information  122 , specifically an arrow  122 , to be matched with molded information  124 , specifically an arrow  124 , molded into floor  29  of base  12 . Tray  16  includes receptacle  48 , a rather small receptacle preferred for holding a pheromone tablet. Receptacle  42  is located or aligned directly underneath one of a pair of knockout portions  126  formed in the roof  34  of the cover  14 . Knockout portion  126  is a relatively thin portion such that, if desired, portion  126  may be knocked out to form a hole. An inner wall forming a portion of both receptacles  44  and  46  is aligned directly underneath another knockout portion  126 . A nozzle may be inserted through holes formed by the knockouts  126  to squeeze bait, such as in gel, powder or granular form, into receptacles  42 ,  44  and  46  without removing the cover  14  from the base  12 . Further, as indicated above ramp  50  leads into two receptacles  42 ,  44  and ramp  52  leads into two receptacles  42  and  46 . 
     FIG. 2 shows an insect glueboard  130 . Insect glueboard  130  includes a base  132 , a sticky surface  134  that may contain a chemical lure or attractant, and a peel away covering  136  having a nonstick surface  138 . The peel away covering  136  is peeled off the sticky surface  134  prior to or after the glueboard  130  has been inserted into the base  12 . The glueboard  130  is inserted into the base  12  by tucking corner edges  140  under the hold down tabs  22 . Then the cover  14  is snapped onto the base  12 . When so snapped on such that the locks are locked, the first horizontally extending surface  114  that confronts the edge  54  of tray insert  16  also confronts the peripheral edge portion  142  of the glueboard  130 . 
     FIG. 3A shows the cover  14  locked to the base  12 . In the locked or closed position, it can be noted that tab  24  of the base  12  holds down the end wall  108  of the cover  14  and that end wall  78  of the base  12  holds down the tab  38  of the cover  14 . FIG. 3A further shows that, for the cover  14  to be removed from the base  12 , the cover  14  must slide in the “x” direction relative to the base  12 . The slide distance required is the longitudinal distance between the distal edge of tabs  24  and  38  and the respective inner surface of the sidewall  108  or sidewall  78 . Tabs  24  and  38  may therefore be referred to as slides. FIG. 3A further shows that the perimeter or size of the cover  14  is slightly less than the perimeter or size of the base  12 . 
     FIG. 3B shows first side opening  106  and a second side opening  150 . One side opening  150  is formed between sidewall  74  and adjacent post  86  and another side opening  150  is formed between sidewall  76  and adjacent post  86 . The insect control station  10  further includes the end openings  92  and  112 . The insect control station  10  thus includes six openings for insects: two side openings  106 , two side openings  150 , one end opening  92  and one end opening  112 . FIG. 3B further shows the relatively low profile of the insect control station  10 . Preferably, when the base  12  and cover  14  are in the closed position, a height of the insect control station  10  is between about one-quarter of an inch and about one inch. More preferably, when the base  12  and cover  14  are in the closed position, a height of the insect control station  10  is between about one-quarter of an inch and about fifteen-sixteenths of an inch. 
     FIG. 3C shows that the first resilient catch  18  and second resilient catch  20  are tucked within or recessed within the perimeter of the cover  14 . It can be further noted from FIG. 3C that the first resilient catch  18  and second resilient catch  20  are tucked in or recessed within the peripheral edge  28  of the base  12  such that, as to the insect control station  10  as a whole, the locks or catches are recessed within the station  10 . More specifically, cover  14  includes a first perimeter edge portion  152  and a second perimeter edge portion  154 . The distance between the perimeter edges  152  and  154  is preferably about the width of the hand of an adult male of average size and is thus greater than the width of a hand of a child, especially a small child. Preferably, a distance between the first and second portions  152  and  154  of the periphery is between about two and about eight inches, more preferably between about two and one-half inches and about six inches, and most preferably between about three and about five inches. 
     FIG. 4 shows the tray insert  16  partially locked into place with the hold down tabs  22 . FIG. 4 further shows that the inner ends of the stops or braces  27  and  80  confront the peripheral edge  54  of the tray insert  16  such that the tray insert  16  is customized to fit the floor  29  and so as to minimize lateral sliding movement (i.e., in the “y” direction) of the tray insert  16  relative to the base  12 . FIG. 4 further shows that longitudinal movement (i.e., in the “x” direction) of the tray insert  16  is minimized at one end by end wall  78  and its corner sections  88  and at the other end by the base or support for tab  24 . FIG. 4 further shows the alignment between ramp  50  and  52  with the ramped peripheral edge  28  such that an insect has a relatively easy path up ramps to receptacles  42 ,  44  and  46 . FIG. 4 further shows a tapered surface transition  160  that runs from the sidewall  74  (or  76 ) to a pressing or finger surface  162  of the first resilient catch portion  18  (or the second resilient catch portion  20 ). This tapered transition  160  is a surface characteristic that permits one opening the locks to identify by touch what is to be depressed with the fingers. Accordingly, one can quickly find the pressing surface  162  by running a finger along sidewall  74  (or  76 ), feeling the tapered transition  160  and pressing the immediately next surface  162 . This immediately next surface is a raised portion (provided by the tapered transition  160 ) and may be referred to as a “pad.” 
     The insect control station  10  is a fully tamper-resistant insect control station for baiting and trapping insects indoors, and in areas protected from direct rain outdoors. Though very difficult to open without instructions, the insect control station  10  is quick and easy to service with no key needed, even when secured down. In addition, a small child&#39;s hand is too small to be able to release the locking prongs or resilient catches and open the station  10 . The station  10  is ideally suited for use in child-sensitive areas, such as homes, schools, and day care centers, as well as nursing homes and hospitals, and in other sensitive areas such as food processing, service and storage areas. In addition to providing safety and decreased loss of bait and glue traps, the station  10  projects a clean, professional image for the service personnel and the service company. 
     To open the insect control station  10 , one&#39;s left hand may be placed over the left side of the station  10  as the station  10  is oriented in FIG.  3 A. Then, the thumb and first finger of the left hand squeeze the first and second resilient catches  18  and  20  toward each other. The thumb and forefinger can by touch identify where to squeeze generally by the cutout portions  82  and specifically by the tapered transition  160 . Squeezing too hard with the thumb and forefinger is self-defeating because the thumb and forefinger begin to press into the rigid edges  152  and  154  of the cover  14 , thereby holding the cover  14  closed when one is attempting to remove the cover  14 . Then, with a proper squeezing, one&#39;s right hand may grasp the cover  14  and slide the cover  14  slightly to the right and lift the cover  14  off in the “z” direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the planes in which the roof  34  and floor  29  lie. To replace the cover  14 , set the cover  14  on top of the base  12  about one-quarter inch to the right of center and then slide the cover  14  about one-quarter inch to the left to lock or snap the cover  14  to the base  12 . 
     Tray insert  16  is made of a relatively rigid material and fits inside the station  10 . Tray insert  16  has four reservoirs or receptacles  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  which may be used to hold gel, liquid and granular baits for ants, roaches, and other insects such as silverfish, crickets, stored product pests and spiders. Use of multiple baits in the present station  10  increases the effectiveness at least in ant baiting. Another reason for multiple receptacles is that different baits attract different insects. Still another reason for multiple receptacles is that different baits attract different species of insects, such as different species of ants. Yet another reason for multiple receptacles is that, even for one species, different baits are effective at different times of the day or night, month or year. Glue may be used in any of the reservoirs or receptacles, but glue is preferred for use in ramped receptacle  42 , to which access is easy for the crawling insect. Station  10  may therefore be used at the same time for both trapping purposes (where glue is used, such as in receptacle  42 ) and baiting purposes (where baits, lures or attractants are used, such as in receptacles  44 ,  46  and  48 ). Receptacle  48  is preferred for use as a receptacle for pheromone tablets. Tray inserts  16  may be thrown away to avoid cleaning, but are sufficiently sturdy and rigid to be used repeatedly. It should be noted that the tray inserts  16  may be used alone, without a base  12  and cover  14 , when economics so dictate or when a full station  10  is not required. 
     For trapping-only applications, the station  10  may be fitted with the glueboard  130 . The insect control station  10  protects the trap boards or glueboards  130  (and insert tray  16 ) from moisture, dust and debris, and from disturbance such as getting swept or washed away, crushed, or stolen. Pheromone tablets may be placed directly on the glueboard  130  for enhanced trapping. Four pre-formed comer holes  68 , a center knockout hole  170  formed in the floor  29  of the base  12 , and spots  64  on the bottom of the base  12  for liquid nails or double-sided tape provide multiple securing options for increased safety and to prevent loss. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show a base  12  and cover  14  having a plastic that one can see through, such as a translucent, clear or transparent plastic. The cover  14  and base  12  may be formed of a plastic that is opaque, translucent or transparent. A plastic that one can see through is preferred for the cover  14  for quick inspection. However, if desired, the plastic of the base  12  and/or cover  14  may be opaque such that the customer (such as a restaurant) may not wish its customers to see the insects that have been trapped or that are feeding in the insect control station. The insect control station  10  is most preferably about six and one quarter inches in longitudinal length, about three and one-half inch in lateral length and about five-eighths of an inch in height. 
     It should be noted that baits, attractants, traps, and glue may be referred to as insect control characteristics. It should be further noted that the insert tray  16  may be referred to as an insect control station and may be used by itself as a stand alone insect control station. 
     Baits or attractants may take various forms such as a granular form  172 , a gel form  174 , or a tablet form  176 . A bait may also take a powder form or a liquid form. Glue  178 , for trapping insects, is usually a relatively viscous liquid or gel. 
     The insect control station  10  is insect-sized. In other words, each of the six openings for insects, two side openings  106 , two side openings  150 , one end opening  92  and one end opening  112 , is sufficiently great to permit insects into the station  10  and sufficiently small to bar or minimize entry of an adult sized mouse. The height of each of the openings  92 ,  106 ,  112 ,  150  is preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about three-quarters of an inch, more preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about five-eighths of an inch, even more preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about one-half inches, and most preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about seven-sixteenths of an inch. The length of the openings  92 ,  106 ,  112 ,  150  is preferably as great as possible. The length of the openings though is limited by the preference for sidewalls that prevent a crushing of the station  10  if the station  10  is stepped upon. Generally, the size of the openings  92 ,  106 ,  112  and  150  are no greater than insect-sized. Further, the distance between the floor  29  of the base  12  and ceiling of the cover  14  is sufficiently small to bar or minimize regular movement of an adult-sized mouse. 
     The station  10  may be selectively used for either baiting (such as with baits  172 ,  174  and  176  as shown in FIG. 1) or trapping (such as with the glueboard  130  as shown in FIG.  2 ). Or the tray insert  16  may include both a glue and a bait. A bait is a chemical or attractant that may ultimately kill an insect, prevent an insect from reproducing, eating, flying, crawling or that substantially damages a function or sense of the insect. A trap is a chemical or device that contains the insect so as to prevent the insect from getting away such as by flying or crawling. Chemical traps are most preferred. Traps may include baits or attractants so as to lure the insect into the trap. A bait may be toxic or nontoxic. 
     A method of the present invention includes the steps of providing an insect control station or housing  10 , selectively leaving a bait inside of the insect control station  10 , and selectively leaving a trap inside of the insect control station  10 . The method also includes one or more of the following steps of leaving the bait and trap inside of the station  10  at the same time, excluding mammals such as mice from the inside of the station  10 , sizing the openings  92 ,  106 ,  112 ,  150  as indicated above, sizing the height of the station  10  as provided for above such that the station  10  has a low profile, providing an insect-sized station or housing  10 , providing a ramp  28  on the station  10 , providing commitment ramps  50 ,  52 , and excluding ramps through most of the length of the outer sidewalls for receptacles  44  and  46 . 
     The provision of both a bait and a trap within an insect control station permits the service personnel to determine whether an insect is feeding (i.e., whether bait has been taken) and what type of insect is in the area (since this insect is trapped in the trap). Further, when several different types of bait are in the station, it may be determined what type of bait is being taken. 
     It should further be noted that the station or housing  10  is insect-sized and that the openings,  92 ,  106 ,  112 ,  150  are insect-sized or, at the most, no greater than insect-sized. The baits and traps left inside of the station or housing  10  are target for and customized for insects. The baits and traps are insect baits and insect traps. 
     It should further be noted that multiple pin connector holes  68  are preferred. Insect control stations undergo a high degree of trauma. For example, stations are stolen, stepped upon, and hit by floor cleaning devices. 
     It should further be noted that the inside of the station or housing  10  is insect-sized. More specifically, the distance between the base  12  and the cover  14  is no greater than the size of an insect. More preferably, the distance between the base  12  and cover  14  is sufficiently small to bar or minimize regular movement of an adult sized mouse. In other words, the distance between a plane defined by the base  12  and a plane defined by the cover  14  is preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about three-quarters of an inch, more preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about five-eighths of an inch, even more preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about one-half inches, and most preferably between about one-sixteenth of an inch and about seven-sixteenths of an inch. 
     As to nonmovement of the cover  14  in the “z” direction when the cover  14  is locked to the station or housing  10 , it should be noted that three sets of elements contribute to such nonmovement. A first set of elements is the tab  24  and sidewall  108  found on one end of the station  10 . A second set of elements is the tab  38  and end wall  78  found on the other end of the station. The third set of elements are the locks themselves found in the middle portion of the station  10 . More specifically, each of the catch portions  30 ,  32  of the cover  14  includes a braced horizontally extending member  180 . Member  180  is integral with its respective catch portion  30 ,  32 . When the cover  14  is grasped, such as when grasped in the middle portion at peripheral edge portions  152 ,  154 , members  180  bring pressure to bear on the underside of base catch portions  18  and  20 , thereby preventing the cover catch portions  30  and  32  from slipping vertically through the base catch portions  18  and  20  and thereby preventing the middle of the cover  14  from bowing outwardly. It should be further noted that triangular brace  182  on base catch portions  18  and  20  aids in resisting the catch portions  18  and  20  from being pushed up in the vertical direction by members  180  when an attempt is made to pull up the cover  14  when the catches are engaged. Station  10  accordingly presents four peripherally distributed sets of surfaces that bring pressure to bear against each other when an attempt is made to remove the cover in the “z” direction, with one set of surfaces being on one end of the station  10 , a second sets of surfaces being one the other end of the station  10 , and two sets of surfaces being in a middle portion of the station  10 . 
     The insect control station  10  may bait and trap both crawling and flying insects. Crawling insects include ants, roaches, and other crawling insects such as silverfish, crickets, stored product pests and spiders. Flying insects include wasps, bees, the common house fly, the biting horse fly, and the fruit fly. It should be noted that many flying insects also crawl. 
     Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.