Methods and apparatus for pest monitoring or control

Methods and apparatus for monitoring or controlling pests typically in an above-ground setting are provided, particularly those harmful social insects which live in colonies and communicate through chemical signals, such as termites. Included are a pest-edible matrix, a plurality of interchangeable housings, each defining an interior chamber capable of holding the matrix, a device for removably connecting each of the housings to at least one other of the housings whereby the interior chambers are disposed in communication with each other through orifices defined in the housings, a device for mounting at least one of the housings to a mounting surface proximate to the pests, whereby the housings may be detached from each other, rearranged, eliminated, supplemented, and reattached while the matrices are provided within an environment that has relatively restricted air movement and controlled moisture evaporation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for monitoring or 
controlling pests, and more particularly to the monitor or control of 
harmful social insects which live in colonies and are capable of 
communication through chemical signals, such as insects of the order 
Isoptera, and more specifically, termites. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
There are presently available a number of methods and apparatus that may be 
utilized for monitor or control of harmful social insects. In general, 
such methods and apparatus are directed to controlling pests once they 
have been detected as a result of a monitoring procedure. After detection, 
the pests are controlled by inducing the pests to ingest or otherwise come 
into contact with a toxicant in a matrix which is attractive to pests, 
particularly pests from a specific nest or colony. 
Subterranean termites typically dwell in soil and often form large 
colonies. Members of the colony forage for food and burrow galleries or 
passageways in the soil outwardly from the colony nest, and portions of 
food located by foraging termites are returned to the nest. Termites 
communicate the location of a food source to other termites within the 
colony by chemical signals such as pheromones. These characteristics may 
be exploited in the field of the present invention to effectively control 
pest infestations. In the course of traveling to the nest, an insect may 
leave highly specific trail pheromones which direct or recruit other 
insects to a food source. Subsequently, other insects, usually from the 
same colony, detect the chemical signal and are thus directed to that food 
source. The concentration and composition of these pheromones can be 
species and colony specific, and trail pheromones may be very different 
from feeding-initiating pheromones. Insects can leave feeding-initiating 
pheromones in a food source itself, communicating the desirability of the 
food. Deposit of specific pheromones in a toxicant-containing matrix food 
source by foraging insects aids in recruiting other nestmates to the 
toxicant-containing matrix, whereupon they forage, are exposed to 
toxicant, and deposit more pheromone, thus creating a cyclical control 
method. Toxicants to be delivered to insect populations are preferably 
slow-acting, lethal at concentrations which do not repel target insects, 
and capable of being combined with an insect food. Insects directly 
contacting or ingesting the toxicant will not be killed immediately, but 
will travel to their colony to recruit other nestmates to the toxicant, 
thereby resulting in the control of large numbers of colony members due to 
interactions with the colony before death occurs. 
In providing methods and apparatus for monitoring of and delivery of 
toxicant to pests, it is advantageous to minimize disruption to a site 
where pests have begun feeding. Where such a site is located in the soil, 
site disruption is minimized, for instance, as described in PCT 
international publication 93/05004 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,726, by using a 
station housing which is permanently fixed into the soil and capable of 
being periodically refilled with replacement monitoring and 
toxicant-containing matrices. 
Despite the availability of such methods and devices, there exists a need 
in the art for methods and apparatus for pest monitoring or control that 
are capable of use in above-ground applications where placement of an 
apparatus within a hole would be impractical, such as where pests are 
present in structures, trees, and the like, and which provides a stable, 
minimally disrupted site where it is possible to have the replenishment of 
toxicant-containing matrix with the ability to restrict exposure to such 
matrix by pest control personnel. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In order to aid in the understanding of the present invention, it can be 
stated in essentially summary form that it is directed to methods and 
apparatus for monitor or control of pests where pest consumption of a 
matrix may be periodically monitored and supplemented while maintaining a 
stable feeding environment for the pests. The methods and apparatus can be 
used for in-ground and above-ground interior and exterior settings such as 
structures, including homes, and in trees, on or near fences and the like, 
and most preferably, are used in above-ground settings. The methods and 
apparatus are particularly useful in part because they are capable of 
monitoring and/or controlling pests while providing minimal disruption to 
a site where pests have begun feeding. 
More specifically, the invention relates in one of its aspects to a 
connectable device for use in monitoring or controlling pests wherein the 
device comprises a primary housing, a connecting means and a mounting 
means. The primary housing comprises an exterior surface and defines an 
interior chamber and a plurality of orifices disposed between the exterior 
surface and the chamber. The connecting means is for connecting the 
primary housing to a secondary housing such that at least one of the 
orifices of the primary housing is at least partially aligned with an 
orifice defined by the secondary housing so that the chamber of the 
primary housing communicates with an interior chamber defined by the 
secondary housing. The mounting means is used for mounting the exterior 
surface of the primary housing to a mounting surface of a structure 
proximate to the pests to be monitored or controlled so that at least one 
of the orifices of the primary housing is disposed adjacent to the 
mounting surface to provide a pathway between the chamber of the primary 
housing and the structure. A pest-edible matrix can be provided inside the 
chamber for monitoring or controlling pests. 
In another of its aspects, the invention relates to an apparatus for 
monitoring or controlling pests comprising a plurality of housings, 
connecting means, mounting means and at least one cover. The cover is used 
to essentially cover any of the housing orifices not in direct 
communication with other orifices of other housings or disposed adjacent 
to the mounting surface. 
In another of its aspects, a primary housing and at least one secondary 
housing are provided, each housing having a first exterior surface and a 
second exterior surface and defining an interior chamber. A first orifice 
is disposed between the first exterior surface and the interior chamber, 
and a second orifice is disposed between the second exterior surface and 
the interior chamber. The connecting means can connect each of the 
secondary housings to at least one other of the housings such that the 
first exterior surface of each of the secondary housings contacts the 
second exterior surface of another of the housings. Thus, the first 
orifice of each of the secondary housings is in communication with the 
second orifice of another of the housings so that the interior chambers of 
connected housings are in communication with each other. The second 
orifice of one of the secondary housings of the apparatus is not in direct 
communication with any of the first orifices of the other housings. A 
cover is provided for covering the non-communicating second orifice. 
The invention also contemplates an apparatus for monitoring or controlling 
pests comprising flexible first, second and third sheets. The first sheet 
defines an orifice disposed therethrough and has a detachable flap 
disposed to cover the orifice, a generally planar interior surface, and an 
opposing generally planar exterior surface. The second sheet defines a 
view port disposed therethrough and has a detachable, movable viewing flap 
capable of movement to cover and uncover the view port, a generally planar 
lower surface, and an opposing generally planar upper surface. The third 
sheet has a generally planar inside surface and an opposing generally 
planar outside surface. Means are provided for attaching the interior 
surface to the lower surface at a first path at least partially 
surrounding the orifice and the view port, thereby defining a volume 
between the first and second sheets. Means are also provided for 
demountably attaching the inside surface to the upper surface at a second 
path at least partially surrounding the view port and for detachably 
mounting the exterior surface to a mounting surface proximate to the pests 
along a third path surrounding the orifice. 
In another of its aspects, the invention relates to an apparatus for 
monitoring or controlling pests comprising a plurality of housings and 
mounting means for mounting the exterior surface of each of the housings 
to a mounting surface proximate to the pests in side-by-side arrangement 
so that the interior chambers of the housings are in communication with 
the mounting surface through the first orifice and in communication with 
each other through the second orifice. 
The invention further relates to several methods for using apparatus and 
devices similar to the above apparatus and devices for monitoring or 
controlling pests. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide methods and apparatus 
for pest monitoring or control that are highly effective in monitoring 
pest colonies and/or controlling large pest colonies with the use of only 
very small amounts of toxicant. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide methods and 
apparatus for pest monitoring or control whereby toxicant is applied in a 
strictly defined and controlled manner to minimize exposure to the 
environment by confining the toxicant to very limited quantities, coverage 
domain, and time periods. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide methods and 
apparatus for pest monitoring or control that are environmentally 
responsible yet contemplate a minimal number of simple components and 
steps. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide apparatus and 
methods for pest monitoring or control wherein the apparatus may be easily 
and safely serviced while minimizing risk of exposure to persons handling 
toxicants. 
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide apparatus and 
methods for pest monitoring or control that maximize toxicant intake by 
pests while significantly reducing the amount of toxicant used. 
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent 
from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, 
and the attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The following portion of the specification, taken in conjunction with the 
drawings, sets forth the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are the best modes 
contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention in a 
commercial environment, although it should be understood that various 
modifications can be accomplished within the parameters of the present 
invention. 
Referring now to the drawings for a detailed description of a first 
embodiment of the present invention, reference is first made to FIGS. 1-8 
depicting apparatus 10 including a plurality of housings 12, each 
preferably formed of a durable material which is preferably resilient, 
essentially non-biodegradable, and temperature and ultraviolet radiation 
degradation resistant, such as any of various well-known polymers, 
including polystyrene, as well as non-corrosive metals and wax. Referring 
to FIGS. 3 and 6, each housing 12 includes generally planar first exterior 
surface 13, opposing, generally planar second exterior surface 14, and 
defines interior chamber 15 capable of containing at least one pest-edible 
matrix 16 within surrounding inner surface 20 partially defining interior 
chamber 15. 
A suitable matrix is any matrix suitable for the pest species being 
monitored or controlled and is preferably formable from fibrous or 
modified fibrous substances, e.g., cellulose-containing materials. 
Suitable cellulose-containing materials include, but are not limited to, 
paper, paper products (either 100% virgin paper, recycled paper, or a 
combination of virgin paper and recycled paper), cotton linter, cardboard, 
paperboard, wood particles or wood flour, recycled paper or cellulose 
ethers such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and 
hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, commercially available under the tradename of 
Methocel.RTM. (trademark of The Dow Chemical Company), or other 
agricultural fibers. These materials can be bleached, typically with one 
or more solutions, e.g., aqueous solutions, of bleaching chemicals. Paper 
products and cotton linter can optionally be textured or roughened and can 
also optionally comprise a plurality of laminated plies. 
For use with termites and other pest species which are attracted to, or 
reliant on, the presence of sufficient moisture, water can be added to the 
matrix and the matrix can further comprise a humectant or other moisture 
adjusting means for maintaining the moisture content within the interior 
chamber typically at a preselected level. Pheromone mimics and other 
components making the matrix attractive or non-repellent to the pest 
species being monitored or controlled can also be provided. 
The matrix may also include a toxicant, preferably one which is slow 
acting, which can be impregnated or incorporated into the matrix. 
Alternatively, should monitoring of suspected insect activity without 
insect control be desired, the matrix may be utilized without toxicant. 
Suitable toxicants are for example, chemical insecticides, insect growth 
regulators, microbial pathogens or toxins derived therefrom such as those 
described in PCT international publications WO 93/23998 and WO 93/24011. 
Preferred chemical insecticides are those described in PCT international 
publication WO 93/24011, particularly preferred are those insecticidal 
compounds referred to in the claims of PCT international publication WO 
93/24011, and more preferably hexaflumuron. Compounds which are 
structurally similar to hexaflumuron as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
5,556,883, or other acyl urea compounds as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,833,158, e.g., flufenoxuron, may also be utilized. Other suitable 
toxicants may include certain benzoylphenylurea compounds like those 
disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/745,387, filed Nov. 8, 1996, and 
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/029,742, 60/029,747, and 
60/029,748, all filed Nov. 8, 1996, and the toxicants disclosed in PCT 
international publication WO 96/32009. U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,883, U.S. 
application Ser. No. 08/745,387 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 
60/029,742, 60/029,747, and 60/029,748 are all incorporated by reference 
herein for their teachings of various pesticide compounds which could be 
used as the toxicant in connection with the present invention. 
Self-tapping stanchions 22 are attached to inner surface 20 proximate to 
opposing first corners 23, and bored stanchions 24 are similarly attached 
to inner surface 20 proximate to opposing second corners 25. Each housing 
12 defines housing first orifice 26 disposed between first exterior 
surface 13 and interior chamber 15, and housing second orifice 28 (see 
FIG. 4) disposed between second exterior surface 14 and interior chamber 
15. Each housing 12 includes a connecting means for connecting it to a 
second housing such that orifice 28 of the first housing is at least 
partially aligned with orifice 26 defined by the second housing (i.e., the 
two orifices are in communication with each other) so that interior 
chamber 15 of the first housing communicates with interior chamber 15 
defined by the second housing. As shown in FIG. 3, proximate to first 
exterior surface 13, each housing 12 further includes perimeter shoulder 
30, and proximate to second exterior surface 14, each housing includes 
perimeter step 32, whereby first exterior surface 13 of each housing 12 is 
capable of mating engagement with second exterior surface 14 of another 
housing 12. Disposed at each perimeter shoulder 30 are a plurality of 
channels 33, with each channel 33 including a barbed, outwardly 
projecting, latching finger 34 (see FIG. 5) which is adapted to function 
as a one way snap mechanism. Positioned at each step 32 is a plurality of 
inwardly projecting notches 35 disposed to correspond with channels 33 of 
another housing 12. Each notch 35 includes slot 36, so that a housing 12 
may be attached to another housing 12 by snapping each finger 34 into one 
corresponding slot 36 as first exterior surface 13 of housing 12 is 
positioned in mating engagement with second exterior surface 14 of the 
other housing 12. Each housing 12 may be removably and interchangeably 
connected to other housings 12 by relative flexure of fingers 34 with 
respect to slots 36 and disposing each finger 34 into one slot 36. 
Detachment of housings 12 so positioned in mating engagement may be 
effectuated by use of a bladed instrument, such as a screwdriver, into one 
of pry grooves 37 defined in each housing 12 proximate to second exterior 
surface 14. In addition, each of housings 12 may be removably and 
interchangeably connected to other housings 12 using any of a variety of 
connecting means rather than the previously described fingers and slots. 
Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of housing first orifice 26 may be 
modified, typically enlarged to a preselected size, by removing one or 
more frangible breakout portions, including large breakout portion 38 and 
opposing small breakout portions 39 disposed between interior uprights 18. 
Of course, it will be recognized that the breakout portions illustrated in 
FIG. 4 are exemplary only, and that additional breakout portions may be 
disposed at numerous locations in housing 12. Referring to FIG. 3, 
opposing matrix holding plate notches 40 are also defined by each housing 
12 proximate to second exterior surface 14, and disposed adjacent to each 
matrix holding plate notch 40 is flexible matrix holding plate retaining 
finger 41. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, cover 42 includes generally planar cover 
outside surface 43, cover inside surface 44, and a pair of cover 
stanchions 45 disposed adjacent to cover inside surface 44 proximate to 
diagonally opposite corners of cover 42. Cover 42 is preferably formed of 
a durable material which is preferably resilient, essentially 
non-biodegradable, and resistant to temperature and ultraviolet radiation 
degradation, such as any of various well-known polymers, non-corrosive 
metals and wax. Each cover stanchion 45 defines cover bore 46, and cover 
outside surface 43 defines a pair of countersunk portions 47 corresponding 
with cover bores 46. Cover bores 46 are disposed for alignment with 
self-tapping stanchions 22 of housing 12 when cover 42 is mounted to 
housing 12, as will be described. Cover 42 further includes cover 
perimeter shoulder 48, and disposed at cover shoulder 48 is a plurality of 
cover channels 50, with each cover channel 50 including a smooth, 
outwardly projecting latching finger 52. Consequently, cover 42 is capable 
of mating engagement with second exterior surface 14 of housing 12 by 
snapping each latching finger 52 into one corresponding slot 36 of housing 
12. Once engaged with housing 12, cover 42 essentially covers or conceals 
housing second orifice 28 (see FIG. 4) of housing 12. Cover 42 positioned 
in mating engagement with housing 12 may be detached using a bladed 
instrument within pry grooves 37. Cover 42 may be removably and 
interchangeably connected to any housing 12 by relative flexure of 
latching fingers 52 with respect to slots 36 and disposing each latching 
finger 52 in one slot 36. Further, cover 42 may be removably connected to 
housing 12 using any of a variety of connecting means rather than the 
previously described latching fingers 52 and slots 36. For instance, as 
previously noted, cover bores 46 are disposed for alignment with 
self-tapping stanchions 22, so that when cover 42 is engaged with housing 
12, further attachment of cover 42 to housing 12 may be accomplished by 
using a threaded fastener, such as a self-tapping screw, not shown, 
disposed through each cover bore 46 and threadably engaged in each 
self-tapping stanchion 22. Preferably mounted to cover inside surface 44 
are one or more moisture units 54 to adjust moisture content within the 
present invention. Moisture units 54 may be formed of any suitable 
moisture retaining material, for example, an absorbent, sponge-like 
material, and mounted to cover 42 for instance, by adhesive. Moisture 
units 54 may in some instances be used to adjust moisture content within 
interior chamber 15 to a preselected level. 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, generally planar matrix holding plate 56, 
having tabs 58, may be removably mounted to housing 12 by snapping each 
tab 58 into one matrix holding plate notch 40, with matrix holding plate 
56 maintained in place by matrix holding plate retaining fingers 41 (see 
FIG. 3). Alternatively, matrix holding plate 56 may be disposed in 
permanent attachment to housing 12, for instance, by permanently attaching 
tabs 58 within matrix holding plate notches 40, by integrally forming 
matrix holding plate 56 with housing 12, or by otherwise suitably 
attaching matrix holding plate 56 to housing 12 utilizing any of a variety 
of fasteners, adhesives, or the like. Matrix holding plate 56 serves to 
operably hold matrix 16 in place in interior chamber 15, and may also 
display instructions, notices, and other pertinent information to users 
upon removal of cover 42 from housing 12. 
Referring to FIG. 1, housing 12, referred to as primary housing 60, may be 
mounted to mounting surface 62 proximate to a location of known insect 
activity in such a manner that first exterior surface 13 (see FIG. 6) of 
housing 12 is mounted to mounting surface 62. Interior chamber 15 will 
then be in communication with mounting surface 62 through housing first 
orifice 26 (see FIG. 6) which is disposed adjacent to mounting surface 62 
to provide a pathway between interior chamber 15 and mounting surface 62. 
Mounting surface 62 may be located indoors or outdoors, may be the surface 
of a structure, such as a home, or a tree, fence, or similar, and is 
appropriately selected and prepared for intervention by creating a pathway 
for the insects to gain access to mounting surface 62. Mounting of primary 
housing 60 to mounting surface 62 may be accomplished, for instance by 
disposing a fastener, not shown, through each bored stanchion 24 (see FIG. 
3) and into mounting surface 62. The fasteners may be selected from 
presently available fasteners including screws, nails, pins and the like. 
In addition, primary housing 60 may be mounted to mounting surface 62 by 
other means, including magnetic means, adhesives, caulk, and tapes. For 
monitoring or control of insects or pests, matrix 16, containing an insect 
toxicant, if desired, is disposed within interior chamber 15 of primary 
housing 60, as described, and moisture may be added to moisture units 54 
and cover 42 is snapped into mating engagement with primary housing 60 at 
second exterior surface 14 (see FIG. 3). Also, matrix 16 may in some 
instances be provided without toxicant, whereby monitoring of suspected 
insect activity in an above-ground setting may be accomplished prior to 
use of toxicant to control insects. 
Cover 42 may, in addition, be removably secured to primary housing 60 by 
use of threaded fasteners through cover bores 46 (see FIG. 7) and into 
self-tapping stanchions 22 (see FIG. 3), thereby lessening the chance of 
unauthorized or accidental removal of cover 42. Cover 42 is used to 
essentially or substantially cover housing second orifice 28 (see FIG. 4) 
which is not in direct communication with (i.e., not immediately adjacent 
to) any other orifices of other housings or disposed adjacent to mounting 
surface 62 of the structure. Primary housing 60 and cover 42 thus maintain 
matrix 16 in an environment within interior chamber 15 that preferably has 
relatively restricted air movement so as to minimally disturb foraging 
insects or pests, and which, when it is desired, is substantially 
light-free and controls moisture evaporation. Housing 12 and cover 42 
isolate matrix 16 from the environment, preventing exposure to toxicants 
by persons encountering the present invention, as matrix 16 cannot be 
accessed from any external opening of housing 12 or cover 42, and also 
serve to prevent moisture loss while enclosing matrix 16 of variously 
presented shapes and sizes. As is apparent from the above description, 
cover 42 is movable between a first position covering housing second 
orifice 28 and a second position wherein housing second orifice 28 is not 
covered. 
In the event that mounting surface 62 is non-planar and defines an edge 
through which insect access to the present invention is to occur, one or 
more different-sized breakout portions may be provided in primary housing 
60, so, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where mounting surface 62 
includes edge 66 through which insect access to the present invention is 
to occur, large breakout portion 38 (see FIG. 3) may be removed from 
primary housing 60 prior to mounting to mounting surface 62, and primary 
housing 60 mounted so that the edge of housing 12 which formerly comprised 
the large breakout portion 38 is disposed in engagement with edge 66. 
Also, one or more additional breakout portions may be provided in housing 
12, such as small breakout portions 39 (see FIG. 3) which may be removed 
from primary housing 60 prior to mounting to mounting surface 62. Small 
breakout portions 39 are particularly advantageous where insect access to 
the present invention is desired through an orifice smaller than that 
provided by large breakout portion 38, for instance, when the present 
invention is to be disposed in engagement with elevated pest tunnels. 
Insect consumption of matrix 16 may be monitored by viewing through cover 
42 where cover 42 is transparent or translucent, or by removing cover 42 
from primary housing 60 when an essentially light-free environment is 
being maintained to reveal matrix 16 through housing second orifice 28 
(see FIG. 4), while maintaining primary housing 60 in place with respect 
to mounting surface 62. In the event that a substantial portion of 
toxicant-containing matrix 16 has been consumed, as illustrated in FIG. 1 
by matrix 16 present in primary housing 60, additional toxicant may be 
delivered to the insects by mounting another housing 12, referred to as 
secondary housing 70, to primary housing 60 by snapping fingers 34 of 
secondary housing 70 into slots 36 of primary housing 60. Secondary 
housing 70 is typically substantially similar to and interchangeable with 
primary housing 60. Secondary housing 70 is thus positioned in mating 
engagement with primary housing 60, with first exterior surface 13 of 
secondary housing 70 disposed adjacent to second exterior surface 14 of 
primary housing 60, and housing first orifice 26 of secondary housing 70 
being at least partially aligned with and communicating with housing 
second orifice 28 of primary housing 60. Consequently, insects present in 
interior chamber 15 defined by primary housing 60 may freely move into 
interior chamber 15 of secondary housing 70 and begin to consume matrix 16 
therein because the interior chambers of primary housing 60 and secondary 
housing 70 are in communication with each other. By attachment of cover 42 
to secondary housing 70 in the manner previously described with respect to 
attachment to primary housing 60, the present invention may be constituted 
in an extended, stacked form, providing additional matrix 16 in an 
environment where the interface between mounting surface 62 and primary 
housing 60 has remained largely undisturbed, whereby insects may move from 
matrix 16 of primary housing 60 to matrix 16 of secondary housing 70 with 
minimal disruption to their feeding environment. 
Clearly, after a substantial portion of matrix 16 of secondary housing 70 
has been consumed, as may be revealed from periodic monitoring of activity 
in secondary housing 70, yet another housing 12 may be added by mounting 
to secondary housing 70 in a manner similar to that previously described 
with respect to mounting of secondary housing 70 to primary housing 60. 
Further additional housings 12 may be similarly added, thereby forming an 
extended stack of housings 12 attached to primary housing 60. Addition of 
housings 12 does not disturb the pre-existing network of access galleries 
or passageways previously established between the termite colony or nest 
and primary housing 60. 
A stack of housings 12 mounted to primary housing 60 may be disassembled 
and reassembled with the relative position of individual housings 12 
within the stack being thereby interchangeable, or with the removal of 
selected housings 12 in which matrix 16 has been substantially consumed. 
Also, placement of a new, unused housing 12 between a housing 12 having 
current insect activity and primary housing 60 may induce the insects to 
eat through matrix 16 of the new housing 12 to return to primary housing 
60. 
It will be recognized that although removal of primary housing 60 from 
mounting surface 62 may in some instances be appropriate, in general, 
primary housing 60 will be left in place, attached to mounting surface 62, 
in order to provide insects with a familiar and stable interface between 
the environment inside or on mounting surface 62 and inside housings 12 
and primary housing 60. 
In the event that matrix holding plate 56 is removably mounted to housing 
12 and after all or a portion of matrix 16 in housing 12 has been 
consumed, if desired, a new, replacement matrix 16 may be disposed in 
housing 12 by removing matrix holding plate 56 from housing 12, placing 
the new, replacement matrix 16 within interior chamber 15 after removal of 
any remaining portion of original matrix 16, and thereafter replacing 
matrix holding plate 56 by inserting each tab 58 of matrix holding plate 
56 into matrix holding plate notches 40. 
In a second embodiment of the present invention, two or more housings 12 
are arranged in side-by-side arrangement, for example, as depicted in 
FIGS. 9-10, showing a pair of housings 12 and a pair of covers 42 
removably attached in side-by-side fashion to mounting surface 62. 
Mounting surface 62 has been appropriately selected and prepared for 
intervention by creating a pair of pathways for the insects to gain access 
to mounting surface 62 proximate to each housing 12, with each interior 
chamber 15 communicating through a respective housing first orifice 26 
(see FIG. 6) with an insect pathway at mounting surface 62. Small breakout 
portions 39 are removed from adjacent sides of each housing 12 thereby 
permitting communication directly between housings 12. Matrix 16 is 
disposed within interior chamber 15 of each housing 12. As noted, mounting 
of housing 12 to mounting surface 62 may be accomplished by disposing a 
fastener through each bored stanchion 24 (see FIG. 3) and into mounting 
surface 62, or by other means including magnetic means, adhesives, caulk 
and tapes. Moisture may be added to moisture units 54, and each cover 42 
snapped into mating engagement with one housing 12. As described, covers 
42 may also be secured to housings 12 by use of threaded fasteners through 
cover bores 46 (see FIG. 7) and into self-tapping stanchions 22 (see FIG. 
3). When monitoring indicates that a substantial portion of matrix 16 in a 
housing 12 has been consumed, one of the pair of housings 12 may be 
removed from mounting surface 62, and a new, replacement housing 12 
substituted therefor. Prior to attachment to mounting surface 62, a 
corresponding small breakout portion 39 of a new replacement housing 12 
can be removed, so that upon attachment to mounting surface 62, a new 
replacement housing 12 communicates with remaining original housing 12 
through the openings in the housings 12 formed by removing the small 
breakout portions 39. In this way, insects feeding in remaining original 
housing 12 may freely move into a new replacement housing 12 to consume 
additional matrix 16. Subsequently, when insect feeding in a new 
replacement housing 12 has been established, remaining original housing 12 
may be replaced with another housing 12 while a new replacement housing 
continues in place with respect to mounting surface 62. It will be 
apparent that alternative replacement of a housing 12 of the pair of 
housings 12 may thereafter continue indefinitely, with a high degree of 
insect environmental continuity achieved by replacing only one of 
side-by-side housings 12 at any given time. It will be recognized of 
course that, where more than two housings 12 are employed in a 
side-by-side array, replacement of one or more selected housings 12 may 
occur such that at least one housing 12 where insects are feeding does not 
have to be replaced during each replacement operation. 
First and second embodiments of the present invention may be used 
concurrently, as depicted in FIG. 11, where a plurality of housings 60 is 
attached to mounting surface 62, with each housing 60 communicating with 
at least one other housing 60 through a breakout portion, and those 
housings 60 communicating with more than one other housing 60 utilizing 
more than one appropriately located breakout portion. In addition, each 
housing 60 may have one or more secondary housings 70 attached thereto. Of 
course, the array of housings 60 and secondary housings 70 illustrated in 
FIG. 11 is arbitrary and exemplary only, with each housing 60 capable of 
communication with other housings 60 on each side thereof through 
appropriately located breakout portions and with any number of secondary 
housings 70. 
Further, it will be recognized that primary housings 60 and secondary 
housings 70 may, in the alternative, be disposed in permanent attachment 
to each other in certain circumstances. In this regard, first exterior 
surface 13 of one secondary housing 70 may be fixed in stacked mating 
engagement with second exterior surface 14 of one of the primary housings 
60 or another secondary housing 70, and/or a small breakout portion 39 of 
one housing 60 may be removed and the opening in the housing 60 formed 
thereby placed adjacent to the opening in another housing 60 formed in the 
same manner (removal of its small breakout portion 39) when housings 60 
are permanently mounted in a side-by-side configuration. 
In a third embodiment of the present invention, and as depicted in FIGS. 
12-16, apparatus 10 includes a plurality of thin, flexible first sheets 
150, each having generally planar sheet interior surface 151 (see FIG. 12) 
and opposing generally planar sheet exterior surface 152 (see FIG. 13), 
defining sheet first orifice 153 (see FIG. 13) disposed through first 
sheet 150, and including flap 154 disposed to cover sheet first orifice 
153. Flap 154 may be integrally formed with and attached to first sheet 
150 by cutting first slits 155 through first sheet 150 to simultaneously 
form flap 154 and sheet first orifice 153. As shown in FIGS. 12-13, first 
slits 155 do not form a continuous perimeter of flap 154 due to the 
presence of connecting fingers 156, which serve to attach flap 154 to 
first sheet 150 at sheet first orifice 153. As will be described, flap 154 
may be detached from first sheet 150 by grasping tab 157, pulling flap 154 
to tear connecting fingers 156, thereby exposing sheet first orifice 153. 
Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 13, a releasable adhesive cover, not 
shown, may be disposed at sheet exterior surface 152, covering sheet first 
orifice 153 instead of flap 154, so that sheet first orifice 153 may be 
exposed by removing the releasable adhesive cover. 
Although not essential to the present invention, each flap 154 may 
additionally define, as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 15, sheet second orifice 
160 disposed through flap 154 and include second flap 162 disposed to 
cover sheet second orifice 160. Sheet second orifice 160 thus defined is 
smaller in area than sheet first orifice 153. Second flap 162 may be 
integrally formed with and attached to flap 154 by cutting second slits 
163 through flap 154 to simultaneously form second flap 162 and sheet 
second orifice 160. In a manner similar to that previously described with 
respect to first slits 155, second slits 163 do not form a continuous 
perimeter of second flap 162 due to the presence of connecting fingers 
156, which attach second flap 162 to flap 154 at sheet second orifice 160. 
Further, second flap 162 may be detached from flap 154 by grasping second 
tab 164, pulling second flap 162 to tear connecting fingers 156, thereby 
exposing sheet second orifice 160. 
Also as illustrated in FIGS. 12-16, apparatus 10 includes a plurality of 
thin, flexible second sheets 166, each having generally planar lower 
surface 168 (see FIG. 12), and opposing generally planar upper surface 170 
(see FIG. 13), defining view port 172 (see FIG. 14) disposed through 
second sheet 166, and including viewing flap 174 disposed to cover view 
port 172. Viewing flap 174 may be integrally formed with and attached to 
second sheet 166 by cutting arched slit 176 through second sheet 166 to 
simultaneously form viewing flap 174 and view port 172. As shown in FIGS. 
12-13, arched slit 176 does not form a continuous perimeter of viewing 
flap 174 due to the presence of perforated edge 178, which serves to 
bendably attach viewing flap 174 to second sheet 166 at view port 172. As 
will be described, viewing flap 174 is capable of opening and closing 
movement with respect to view port 172 by bending at perforated edge 178, 
and is also capable of detachment from second sheet 166 by grasping 
viewing flap 174 to tear along perforated edge 178, thereby exposing view 
port 172. Additionally, FIGS. 12-16 depict a plurality of thin, flexible 
third sheets 180, each having generally planar inside surface 182 (see 
FIG. 12), and opposing generally planar outside surface 183 (see FIG. 13). 
First, second and third sheets 150, 166, and 180 may be integrally formed 
from a single piece of a thin, flexible, generally planar material, such 
as a polymeric sheet that is optionally metallized or stretchable. First, 
second and third sheets 150, 166, and 180 may be formed of transparent or 
translucent materials to simplify inspection, or may be opaque to provide 
an essentially light-free environment for preferably thin, flexible matrix 
184 (see FIGS. 14-16) as will be described. Although not critical to the 
present invention, other than the materials being ones which are 
essentially resistant to insect attack, first, second and third sheets 
150, 166, and 180 are preferably formed of a durable material which is 
essentially non-biodegradable and resistant to temperature and ultraviolet 
radiation degradation. 
Thin, flexible matrix 184 is provided and may be selected to be any 
pest-edible matrix that is suitable for use associated with the 
monitoring, reduction or elimination of the pest species being monitored, 
and is flexible to provide the capability to conform in an advantageous 
manner as the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a 
non-planar surface. As used herein with respect to descriptions of a 
matrix, the term "flexible" will be deemed to include a matrix formed as 
one or more continuous physical structures that have a relatively high 
degree of flexibility, such as a paper sheet-like structure, and will also 
include a matrix formed from an aggregated group or collection of 
independent particulate structures, such as wood particles, wood flour, or 
the like, with the members of such aggregated group or collection capable 
of relative movement with respect to each other so that the aggregated 
group or collection as a whole is capable of flexing movement when 
contained between first and second sheets 150 and 166 as hereinafter 
described. Flexible matrix 184 may in general comprise a matrix material 
selected from those discussed above in connection with the previous 
embodiments of the present invention so long as matrix 184 remains 
flexible and can include a toxicant such as those toxicants discussed 
above. Alternatively, should monitoring of suspected insect activity 
without insect control be desired, flexible matrix 184 may be utilized 
without toxicant. 
Each sheet interior surface 151 may be fixed to lower surface 168 of second 
sheet 166 by folding along first fold line 185 and attaching first sheet 
150 and second sheet 166 together along first path sides 186 which at 
least partially surround sheet first orifice 153 and view port 172. 
Thereafter, flexible matrix 184 may be placed into volume 188 (see FIG. 
16) defined between each first sheet 150 and second sheet 166, and sealed 
into place by fixing sheet interior surface 151 to lower surface 168 at 
first path interior side 190 preferably while preserving the pliable, 
flexible nature of matrix 184, first sheet 150 and second sheet 166. Such 
fixing may be accomplished by heat sealing or a number of other means well 
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
Referring to FIGS. 12-16, each inside surface 182 of third sheet 180 may be 
demountably attached to upper surface 170 of second sheet 166 by folding 
along second fold line 192 and pressing together, for demountable 
attachment along second path 194 which at least partially surrounds view 
port 172. Fold line perforations 193 are provided for detachment of third 
sheet 180 from second sheet 166 as will be described. Demountable 
attachment of third sheet 180 to second sheet 166 may be accomplished 
using releasable adhesive 196 disposed on inside surface 182 of third 
sheet 180, or by any of a number of other modes of demountable attachment 
including attachment using a zipper, attachment using hook and loop 
fasteners, and attachment using a plurality of snaps. 
Referring to FIG. 13, sheet exterior surface 152 of first sheet 150 may be 
detachably mounted to non-planar mounting surface 197 (see FIG. 14) 
proximate to the insects at third path 198 surrounding sheet first orifice 
153 by any of a variety of means, such as foam adhesive tape 199, although 
it will be recognized that numerous other modes of flexibly detachably 
mounting first sheet 150 to non-planar mounting surface 197 may be 
utilized. As will be discussed, each pliable (i.e., flexible) housing unit 
200 (see FIG. 14) formed by a first sheet 150, a second sheet 166 and a 
third sheet 180 may also be detachably mounted to upper surface 170 of 
second sheet 166 of a second pliable housing unit 200 after third sheet 
180 has been detached from a second pliable housing unit 200 by detaching 
along fold line perforations 193. 
By forming first sheet 150, second sheet 166, third sheet 180 and matrix 
184 of pliable, flexible materials, by fixing first sheet 150 to second 
sheet 166, by demountably attaching third sheet 180 to second sheet 166, 
and by detachably mounting first sheet 150 to non-planar mounting surface 
197 or to another second sheet 166 so that their pliable, flexible 
characteristics are preserved, each pliable housing unit 200 may be 
disposed in conforming attachment to an uneven, non-planar surface. Of 
course, it will be appreciated that each pliable housing unit 200 may be 
mounted to a generally planar surface with equal efficacy. Also, first 
sheet 150, second sheet 166 and third sheet 180 are capable of maintaining 
an environment within volume 188 that has relatively restricted air 
movement, controlled moisture evaporation, and is essentially light-free. 
In a method of the present invention, flap 154 may be removed from first 
sheet 150 of a pliable housing unit 200 to expose flexible matrix 184. In 
those instances where a second flap 162 has been provided, second flap 162 
may be removed from flap 154 while maintaining flap 154 in connection with 
first sheet 150 in order to expose a relatively smaller area of flexible 
matrix 184, with the area of flexible matrix 184 to be exposed in a 
particular situation selected on the basis of a number of factors 
including insect activity, placement characteristics, and environmental 
factors such as expected temperature and humidity ranges. Next, where foam 
adhesive tape 199 has been provided with a removable backing during 
storage and handling, such removable backing will be removed, and pliable 
housing unit 200 may be detachably mounted to non-planar mounting surface 
197 proximate to the insects, typically after appropriately selecting and 
preparing mounting surface 197 for intervention by creating a pathway for 
the insects to gain access to mounting surface 197. Referring to FIG. 14, 
in many instances it may be preferable to mount pliable housing unit 200 
so that viewing flap 174 is disposed to be upwardly liftable, in order to 
help prevent entry of extraneous material into pliable housing unit 200 in 
the event that third sheet 180 does not form a tight attachment to second 
sheet 166. Due to the pliable, flexible nature of each pliable housing 
unit 200, it is possible to detachably mount a pliable housing unit 200 to 
surfaces that are curved, undulating, rough, uneven or otherwise 
distinctly non-planar. 
After mounting pliable housing unit 200 to non-planar mounting surface 197, 
third sheet 180 is peeled back from second sheet 166 to reveal upper 
surface 170. Thereafter, viewing flap 174 is bent away from second sheet 
166 at perforated edge 178 to reveal a portion of flexible matrix 184 
through view port 172. Moisture may be added to flexible matrix 184, for 
instance by injecting water at multiple points in flexible matrix 184 
using a syringe until the moisture content is in a desired range, which 
may be 65% to 70% total moisture for some applications. After moisture 
content is adjusted, viewing flap 174 is bent back to cover view port 172, 
and third sheet 180 is reattached to second sheet 166, whereupon pliable 
housing unit 200 is prepared for use. 
Subsequently, insect consumption of flexible matrix 184 may be monitored by 
peeling back third sheet 180 from second sheet 166, and bending viewing 
flap 174 away from second sheet 166 to reveal flexible matrix 184 through 
view port 172. Where second sheet 166 and third sheet 180 have been formed 
from transparent or translucent materials, inspection of flexible matrix 
184 may be accomplished by directly viewing through second sheet 166 and 
third sheet 180, without peeling third sheet 180 from second sheet 166 or 
bending viewing flap 174 away from second sheet 166. 
In the event that a substantial portion of toxicant-containing flexible 
matrix 184 has been consumed, additional toxicant may be delivered to the 
insects by adding more toxicant-containing flexible matrix to the location 
where the pest feeding has occurred or by detaching third sheet 180 from 
second sheet 166 at fold line perforations 193 (see FIG. 12) and detaching 
viewing flap 174 from second sheet 166 at perforated edge 178, thereby 
exposing view port 172. Next, another pliable housing unit 200 is prepared 
for use as previously described, and mounted to upper surface 170 of 
second sheet 166 of the original pliable housing unit 200 by alignment 
with the original pliable housing unit 200 so that view port 172 of the 
original pliable housing unit 200 aligns with sheet first orifice 153 of 
the other pliable housing unit 200, or by mounting the other pliable 
housing unit 200 partially to the upper surface of second sheet 166 of the 
original pliable housing unit 200 and partially to non-planar mounting 
surface 197 so that view port 172 of the original pliable housing unit 200 
at least partially overlaps with sheet first orifice 153 of the other 
pliable housing unit 200. Due to the flexible characteristics of each 
pliable housing unit 200, the second pliable housing unit 200 may be 
disposed in conforming attachment to the original pliable housing unit 
200, and this attachment may be accomplished by any of a variety of modes 
of flexible detachable mounting, including foam adhesive tape. In this 
way, insects may move from flexible matrix 184 of the original pliable 
housing unit 200 to flexible matrix 184 of the second pliable housing unit 
200. 
It will of course be appreciated that after a substantial portion of 
flexible matrix 184 of the second pliable housing unit 200 has been 
consumed, a third pliable housing unit 200 may be added by mounting to the 
second pliable housing unit 200 in a manner similar to that previously 
described with respect to mounting the second pliable housing unit 200 to 
the original pliable housing unit 200. Further additional pliable housing 
units 200 may be similarly added, thereby forming a flexible or pliable 
stack of pliable housing units 200. Also, due to demountable attachment of 
each pliable housing unit 200 to non-planar mounting surface 197 or to 
another pliable housing unit 200, a stack of pliable housing units 200 may 
be disassembled and reassembled with the relative position of individual 
pliable housing units 200 within the stack being thereby changeable, or 
with the removal of a pliable housing unit 200 whose flexible matrix 184 
has been substantially consumed. Although removal of the original pliable 
housing unit 200 from non-planar mounting surface 197 may in some 
instances be appropriate, in general, original pliable housing unit 200 
will be left in place, attached to non-planar mounting surface 197, in 
order to provide insects with a familiar and stable interface between 
their environment inside non-planar mounting surface 197 and pliable 
housing units 200 attached to original pliable housing unit 200. 
Clearly, the first and third embodiments of the present invention may be 
used concurrently when the relative sizes of housings 12 and pliable 
housing units 200 are appropriately selected. As depicted in FIG. 17, for 
example, primary housing 60 may be attached to mounting surface 62, 
secondary housing 70 may be mounted to primary housing 60, and a pliable 
housing unit 200 may be prepared for use as previously described and 
mounted to second exterior surface 14 of secondary housing 70 by disposing 
pliable housing unit 200 so that housing second orifice 28 of secondary 
housing 70 aligns with sheet first orifice 153 of pliable housing unit 
200, with attachment of pliable housing unit 200 to secondary housing 70 
accomplished by any of a variety of modes of flexible detachable mounting, 
including foam adhesive tape. In the event that no secondary housing 70 is 
present, pliable housing unit 200 may be attached to primary housing 60, 
and in addition, the first embodiment of the present invention may be used 
with the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a manner entirely 
similar to that previously described. 
In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 18 
and 19, each of the first and third sheets 150 and 180 may be integrally 
formed from a single piece of a thin, flexible, generally planar opaque 
material, while each second sheet 166 may be separately formed of a thin, 
flexible generally planar, transparent or translucent material. Sheet 
interior surface 151 of first sheet 150 may be fixed to lower surface 168 
of second sheet 166 by attaching together along first path sides 186 and 
first path exterior side 191, followed by placing flexible matrix 184 into 
volume 188 and sealing into place at first path interior side 190. With 
second sheet 166 formed of a transparent or translucent material, 
monitoring of insect consumption of flexible matrix 184 may be 
accomplished by peeling back third sheet 180 from second sheet 166 
revealing transparent or translucent second sheet 166. In addition, 
viewing flap 174 may be bent away from second sheet 166 at perforated edge 
178 for direct inspection of flexible matrix 184 through view port 172. 
In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIGS. 20-23, 
apparatus 10 includes a plurality of housings 312, each preferably formed 
of a durable material which is preferably resilient, essentially 
non-biodegradable, and temperature and ultraviolet radiation degradation 
resistant, such as any of various well-known polymers, including 
polystyrene, as well as non-corrosive metals and wax. Each housing 312 is 
similar to housing 12 of the first embodiment but is not depicted as 
having a square-like shape as housing 12 is depicted in FIGS. 1-6. Each 
housing 312 includes generally planar first exterior surface 313 (see FIG. 
23), opposing, generally planar second exterior surface 314 (see FIG. 21), 
and defines interior chamber 315 capable of containing at least one matrix 
316, typically two matrices 316, within surrounding inner surface 320 (see 
FIG. 21) partially defining interior chamber 315. A suitable matrix can be 
selected from those discussed above in connection with the previous 
embodiments of the present invention and can either include a toxicant 
selected from those discussed above or not include a toxicant. 
Referring to FIG. 21, self-tapping stanchions 322 are attached to inner 
surface 320 proximate to opposing first corners 323, two bored stanchions 
324 (only one bored stanchion 324 is shown in FIG. 21) are similarly 
attached to inner surface 320 proximate to opposing second corners 325, 
and two bored stanchions 327 (only one bored stanchion 327 is shown in 
FIG. 21) are similarly attached to inner surface 320 proximate to 
self-tapping stanchions 322. Each housing 312 defines housing first 
orifice 326 (see FIG. 23) disposed between first exterior surface 313 and 
interior chamber 315, and housing second orifice 328 (see FIG. 22) 
disposed between second exterior surface 314 and interior chamber 315. 
Proximate to first exterior surface 313, each housing 312 further includes 
perimeter shoulder (lip) 330, and proximate to second exterior surface 
314, each housing 312 includes perimeter step 332, whereby first exterior 
surface 313 of each housing 312 is capable of mating engagement with 
second exterior surface 314 of another housing 312. Disposed at each 
perimeter shoulder (lip) 330 are a plurality of channels 333, with each 
channel 333 including a barbed, outwardly projecting, latching finger 334 
(see FIG. 23) which is adapted to function as a one way snap mechanism. 
Positioned at each step 332 is a plurality of inwardly projecting notches 
335 disposed to correspond with channels 333 of another housing 312. Each 
notch 335 includes slot 336, so that one housing 312 may be attached to 
another housing 312 by snapping each finger 334 into one corresponding 
slot 336 as first exterior surface 313 of housing 312 is positioned in 
mating engagement with second exterior surface 314 of another housing 312. 
Each housing 312 may be removably and interchangeably connected to other 
housings 312 by relative flexure of fingers 334 with respect to slots 336 
and disposing each finger 334 into one slot 336. Housings 312 can also be 
removably and interchangeably connected to other housings 312 by inserting 
appropriate fasteners, e.g., screws, through bored stanchions 327 of one 
housing 312 into bored stanchions 327 of another housing 312. Detachment 
of housings 312 so positioned in mating engagement may be effectuated by 
use of a bladed instrument, such as a screwdriver, into one of pry grooves 
337 defined in each housing 312 proximate to second exterior surface 314, 
and if fasteners have been used to secure mated housings 312 together by 
inserting the fasteners through the bored stanchions 327 thereof, by 
removing the fasteners from the bored stanchions 327. In addition, each of 
housings 312 may be removably and interchangeably connected to other 
housings 312 using any of a variety of other connecting means rather than 
the previously described fingers and slots and/or fasteners and bored 
stanchions 327. 
The configuration of housing first orifice 326 may be modified by removing 
one or more breakout portions, including large breakout portion 338 and 
opposing small breakout portions 339 disposed between interior uprights 
318. Of course, it will be recognized that the breakout portions 
illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 are exemplary only, and that additional 
breakout portions may be disposed at numerous locations in housing 312. 
Housing 312 further comprises four partially bored stanchions 340 attached 
to inner surface 320 proximate the small breakout portions 339 and 
interior uprights 318. 
Referring to FIG. 20, cover 342 is similar to cover 42 of the first 
embodiment but is not depicted as having a square-like shape as cover 42 
is depicted in FIGS. 1-2 and 7-8. Instead, cover 342 is depicted in FIG. 
20 as having merely a rectangular shape. In all other respects, cover 342 
is the same as cover 42 of the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 20, 
cover 342 includes generally planar cover outside surface 343 and 
generally planar cover inside surface 344 which opposes cover outside 
surface 343. Although not shown, cover 342 also includes a pair of cover 
stanchions disposed adjacent to cover inside surface 344 proximate to 
diagonally opposite corners of cover 342. Like cover 42 of the first 
embodiment, cover 342 is preferably formed of a durable material which is 
preferably resilient, essentially non-biodegradable, and resistant to 
temperature and ultraviolet radiation degradation, such as any of various 
well-known polymers, non-corrosive metals and wax. Each cover stanchion 
defines cover bore 346 extending therethrough, and cover outside surface 
343 defines a pair of countersunk portions 347 corresponding with cover 
bores 346. Cover bores 346 are disposed for alignment with self-tapping 
stanchions 322 (see FIG. 21) of housing 312 when cover 342 is mounted to 
housing 312, as will be described. Cover 342 further includes cover 
perimeter shoulder 348, and disposed at cover perimeter shoulder 348 is a 
plurality of cover channels 350, with each cover channel 350 including a 
smooth, outwardly projecting cover finger 352. Consequently, cover 342 is 
capable of mating engagement with second exterior surface 314 (see FIG. 
21) of housing 312 by snapping each cover finger 352 into one 
corresponding slot 336 of housing 312. Cover 342 positioned in mating 
engagement with housing 312 may be detached using a bladed instrument 
within pry grooves 337. Cover 342 may be removably and interchangeably 
connected to any housing 312 by relative flexure of cover fingers 352 with 
respect to slots 336 and disposing each cover finger 352 in one slot 336. 
Further, cover 342 may be removably connected to housing 312 using any of 
a variety of connecting means rather than the previously described cover 
fingers 352 and slots 336. For instance, as previously noted, cover bores 
346 are disposed for alignment with self-tapping stanchions 322, so that 
when cover 342 is engaged with housing 312, further attachment of cover 
342 to housing 312 may be accomplished by using a threaded fastener, such 
as a self-tapping screw, not shown, disposed through each cover bore 346 
and threadably engaged in each self-tapping stanchion 322. Preferably 
mounted to cover inside surface 344 are one or more moisture units 354 
which can be used to adjust moisture content within the present invention. 
Moisture units 354 may be formed of any suitable moisture retaining 
material, for example, an absorbent, sponge-like material, and mounted to 
cover inside surface 344 for instance, by adhesive. 
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 23, generally planar matrix holding plate 356 has 
generally planar outside surface 359 and generally planar inside surface 
361 which opposes outside surface 359. Projecting away from inside surface 
361 are posts 358. Typically, there are four posts 358, and posts 358 
extend generally perpendicularly away from inside surface 361. Matrix 
holding plate 356 may be mounted to housing 312 by inserting each post 358 
of matrix holding plate 356 into one partially bored stanchion 340 of 
housing 312. Matrix holding plate 356 may be either permanently or 
removably attached to housing 312. For instance, posts 358 and partially 
bored stanchions 340 can be sized in a manner well known to those skilled 
in the art such that matrix holding plate 356 is adapted to be either 
permanently or removably attached to housing 312. In a preferred 
embodiment of the invention, posts 358 and partially bored stanchions 340 
are sized in such a manner that once posts 358 are received in partially 
bored stanchions 340, any attempt to remove matrix holding plate 356 from 
housing 312 would result in breakage and detachment of posts 358 from 
inside surface 361 of matrix holding plate 356. This design would 
typically be utilized to deter the removal by pest control operators of 
matrix holding plate 356 from housing 312 as a means of replacing spent 
matrices 316 with new matrices 316. It is also contemplated that matrix 
holding plate 356 can be integrally formed with housing 312 or otherwise 
suitably attached to housing 312 utilizing any of a variety of fasteners, 
adhesives, or the like. Matrix holding plate 356 serves to operably hold 
matrix 316 in place in interior chamber 315, and may also display 
instructions, notices, and other pertinent information to users upon 
removal of cover 342 from housing 312. 
The apparatus 10 of the fifth embodiment including housing 312 can be used 
in the above-described methods of the invention in the same manner as 
described in connection with the first embodiment and housing 12. In the 
event that mounting surface 362 is non-planar and defines an edge 366 
through which insect access to the present invention is to occur, one or 
more different-sized breakout portions may be provided in primary housing 
360 and utilized in the same manner as described above with respect to 
primary housing 60. 
Insect consumption of matrix 316 may be monitored by viewing through cover 
342 where cover 342 is transparent or translucent, or by removing cover 
342 from primary housing 360 when an essentially light-free environment is 
being maintained to reveal matrix 316 through housing second orifice 328 
(see FIG. 22), while maintaining primary housing 360 in place with respect 
to mounting surface 362. In the event that a substantial portion of 
toxicant-containing matrix 316 has been consumed, as illustrated in FIG. 
20 by matrix 316 present in primary housing 360, additional toxicant may 
be delivered to the insects by mounting another housing 312, referred to 
as secondary housing 370, to primary housing 360 by snapping fingers 334 
(see FIG. 23) of secondary housing 370 into slots 336 (see FIG. 21) of 
primary housing 360. In this way, secondary housing 370 is positioned in 
mating engagement with primary housing 360, with first exterior surface 
313 (see FIG. 23) of secondary housing 370 disposed adjacent to second 
exterior surface 314 (see FIG. 21) of primary housing 360, and housing 
first orifice 326 (see FIG. 23) of secondary housing 370 communicating 
with housing second orifice 328 (see FIG. 22) of primary housing 360. 
Consequently, insects present in interior chamber 315 defined by primary 
housing 360 may freely move into interior chamber 315 of secondary housing 
370 and begin to consume matrix 316 therein. By attachment of cover 342 to 
secondary housing 370 in the manner previously described with respect to 
attachment to primary housing 360, the present invention may be 
constituted in an extended, stacked form, providing additional matrix 316 
in an environment where the interface between mounting surface 362 and 
primary housing 360 has remained largely undisturbed, whereby insects may 
move from matrix 316 of primary housing 360 to matrix 316 of secondary 
housing 370 with minimal disruption to their feeding environment. 
Clearly, after a substantial portion of matrix 316 of secondary housing 370 
has been consumed, as may be revealed from periodic monitoring of activity 
in secondary housing 370, yet another housing 312 may be added by mounting 
to secondary housing 370 in a manner similar to that previously described 
with respect to mounting of secondary housing 370 to primary housing 360. 
Further additional housings 312 may be similarly added, thereby forming an 
extended stack of housings 312 attached to primary housing 360. Addition 
of housings 312 does not disturb the pre-existing network of access 
galleries or passageways previously established between the termite colony 
or nest and primary housing 360. 
A stack of housings 312 mounted to primary housing 360 may be disassembled 
and reassembled with the relative position of individual housings 312 
within the stack being thereby interchangeable, or with the removal of 
selected housings 312 in which matrix 316 has been substantially consumed. 
Also, placement of a new, unused housing 312 between a housing 312 having 
current insect activity and primary housing 360 may induce the insects to 
eat through matrix 316 of the new housing 312 to return to primary housing 
360. 
It will be recognized that although removal of primary housing 360 from 
mounting surface 362 may in some instances be appropriate, in general, 
primary housing 360 will be left in place, attached to mounting surface 
362, in order to provide insects with a familiar and stable interface 
between the environment inside mounting surface 362 and housings 312 
attached to primary housing 360. 
In the event that matrix holding plate 356 is removably mounted to housing 
312 and after all or a portion of matrix 316 in housing 312 has been 
consumed, if desired, a new, replacement matrix 316 may be disposed in 
housing 312 by removing matrix holding plate 356 from housing 312, placing 
the new replacement matrix 316 within interior chamber 315 after removal 
of any remaining portion of original matrix 316, and thereafter replacing 
matrix holding plate 356 by inserting posts 358 of matrix holding plate 
356 into partially bored stanchions 340 of housing 312. 
As described above with respect to housings 12 and the second embodiment of 
the present invention, two or more housings 312 can also be arranged in 
side-by-side arrangement in the same fashion. In addition, as described 
above with respect to housings 12 and the concurrent use of the first and 
second embodiments of the invention, housings 312 may also be arranged in 
concurrent side by side and stacked fashion wherein each housing 312 may 
act as a primary housing 360 by attachment thereto of one or more 
secondary housings 370. 
The present invention contemplates a number of methods and apparatus which 
may be utilized, with particular methods and apparatus optimized for a 
particular target pest and environmental settings apparent to a person 
skilled in this art using the teachings provided herein. Although the 
descriptions and teachings primarily focus on the control of termites, it 
will be recognized that variations of these methods and apparatus and 
their applicability to insects and pests other than termites would be 
readily recognized and used by a person skilled in this art. The present 
invention having been described in its preferred embodiments, it is clear 
that the present invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and 
embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art without 
departing from the scope of the invention and without the exercise of 
inventive faculty. In particular, geometric shapes other than rectangular 
or square housings and apparatus can be used without necessarily departing 
from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the 
present invention is defined as set forth by the scope of the following 
claims.