Patent Description:
The invention relates to methods and the use of the carboxamide compound of formula (I) in combination with one or more other pesticidal actives in mixtures, especially for non-agronomic applications, against non-crop pests such ants, , wasps, termites, cockroaches, especially household pests and stored product pests as defined in the claims.

Pesticides, e.g. insecticides, are often used in crop applications. However, there is also a need for efficient pesticides, e.g. insecticides, in non-crop applications, e.g. in the household or for (professional) pest management in urban facilities and rural areas, e.g. in and around farm premises and animal housing, storage or the like.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a non-therapeutic method for controlling non-crop pests selected from termites, ants, wasps and cockroaches, comprising contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat, breeding grounds or their locus with a mixture comprising the pesticidally active carboxamide compound I
<CHM>
or
and at least one other insecticidal active ingredient selected from alpha-cypermethrin, chlorfenapyr and dinotefuran.

The terms "compound i) of formula (I)" are understood to include any stereoisomer, salt or tautomer thereof as well as any polymorphic crystalline form, co-crystal or a solvate.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods and the use of a compound I as defined herein, or a composition comprising it, for controlling or combating non-crop pests as defined in the claims.

Further, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling a population of social insects, which method comprises applying a compound I as defined herein, or a composition comprising itwherein the social insects are preferably termites, ants and wasps. The invention also relates to the use of a compound I as defined herein, or a composition comprising it, for controlling a population of social insects as defined in the claims.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling a population of non-social solitary or gregarious insects, which method comprises applying a compound I as defined herein, or a composition comprising it, where the non-social solitary or gregarious insects are cockroaches.

Carboxamide derivatives showing generally pesticidal activity have been described previously. <CIT> and <CIT> describe carboxamide compounds, their preparation and their use as pest control agents. <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe mixtures of carboxamides with other active ingredients. A composition comprising broflanilide and dinotefuran is know from <CIT> as being active in controlling certain insects, but said composition is not used to control or combat specific pests chosen from termites, ants, wasps or cockroaches.

Preparation of the carboxamide compound I, can further be accomplished according to standard methods of organic chemistry, e.g. by the methods or working examples described in <CIT> without being limited to the routes given therein.

The carboxamide compound i) of formula (I), which has been provisionally approved under the common name broflanilide, has been described in combination with fungicidal active compounds in <CIT> or with insecticidal active compounds in <CIT>.

However, although the carboxamide compound I, itself and its combined application with other insecticides is known to have shown activity against certain crop damaging insect pests, the carboxamide compound I, and some of its selected mixtures with pesticidally active compounds II, has not yet been described for solving discussed problems as mentioned above, especially in showing surprisingly synergistic effects in combination with selected pesticides in the control of non-crop pests.

The carboxamide compound of formula (I), as well as the interchangeably used terms "compound for methods according to the (present) invention", "compound according to the (present) invention", is applied in methods and uses according to the present invention.

The term "composition(s) according to the invention" or "composition(s) of the present invention" encompasses composition(s) comprising at least the carboxamide I, or mixtures of the compound I, with other pesticidally active compound(s) II as defined in the claims for being used and/or applied in methods according to the invention as defined above.

The compounds of the present invention may be amorphous or may exist in one ore more different crystalline states (polymorphs) which may have different macroscopic properties such as stability or show different biological properties such as activities. The present invention includes both amorphous and crystalline compounds I, their enantiomers or diastereomers, mixtures of different crystalline states of the respective compound I, its enantiomers or diastereomers, as well as amorphous or crystalline salts thereof.

The term "co-crystal" denotes a complex of the compounds according to the invention or a stereoisomer, salt, tautomer or N-oxide thereof, with one or more other molecules (preferably one molecule type), wherein usually the ratio of the compound according to the invention and the other molecule is a stoichiometric ratio.

The term "solvate" denotes a co-complex of the compounds according to the invention, or a stereoisomer, salt, tautomer or N-oxide thereof, with solvent molecules. The solvent is usually liquid. Examples of solvents are methanol, ethanol, toluol, xylol. A preferred solvent which forms solvates is water, which solvates are referred to as "hydrates". A solvate or hydrate is usually characterized by the presence of a fixed number of n molecules solvent per m molecules compound according to the invention.

The invention also relates to compositions containing compound I in combination with other pesticidal actives in pesticidally effective amounts for controlling non-crop pests as defined in the claims.

Typical problems arising with the use of presently available non-crop pest control agents such as pyrethroids are e.g. resistance of pests or unfavorable environmental or toxicological properties. Another problem encountered concerns the need to have available non-crop pest control agents which are effective against a broad spectrum of non-crop pests. Accordingly, there is a need to provide new and improved non-crop pest control agents, or suitable combinations of pesticidal active ingredients that overcome these problems.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new non-crop pest control agents, or suitable combinations of pesticidal active ingredients, which preferably exhibiting an enhanced pesticidal spectrum of action.

We have found that these objects are achieved by compositions comprising the compound I in combination with other pesticidal actives as defined in the claims.

Non-crop pests are pests of the classes Chilopoda and Diplopoda and of the orders Isoptera, Diptera, Blattaria (Blattodea), Dermaptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Siphonaptera, Thysanura, Phthiraptera, Araneida, Parasitiformes and Acaridida.

The compounds I disclosed hereinare especially suitable for efficiently combating the following pests:.

Activity of a compound against pests for plant protection in the agricultural field, that is, against crop pests, does not generally suggest activity of that compound against non- crop pests. Crop pest control always is a part of plant protection and plays a major role in agriculture and for the agricultural market.

Non-crop pest control, on the contrary, e.g. relates to protection of non-living organic materials, private households and/or public buildings (e.g. such as commercial, industrial and governmental premises). For these structures, very often professional applicators are hired for the treatment and for the control and combat of the non-crop pest infestations. Non-crop pest control products are also commonly used for pest management in rural areas, e.g. in and around farm premises, structures and animal housing and for the prevention of infestation by such pests.

The differences in requirements for crop / non-crop pest control generally and mainly - beside a possible difference in biochemical targets - emerge from the differences in the food and / or habitat of the pests.

Crop pests like that of the order Homoptera feed on the green parts of the plant by piercing them and sucking the plant liquids. Other crop pests of the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera order feed on the green parts of plants by biting off parts.

On the contrary, non-crop pests do not live on plants and do not or only in rare occasions feed on the green parts of the plant. Non-crop pests e.g. feed on non-living organic materials such as the homes, clothing and the food etc. of human beings and animals but also on electric wires etc. thereby introducing pathogenic germs into the human being's environment and destroying their homes and food. An example is the termite that primarily feeds on cellulose which is the major component of wood and paper products.

The properties of pesticides need to be adapted to their specific use. Systemic pesticides for example that by virtue of their water-solubility are introduced into the plant parts are suitable for controlling piercing-sucking or biting (i.e. crop) pests. However, they cannot generally be expected to show equal activity against non-crop pests who do not feed on the green plant parts but are controlled by mostly water-insoluble pesticides in baiting systems or by direct treatment. In many cases crop pest control pesticides are not suitable for non-crop pest controlling and vice versa. The market insecticides pirimicarb, acephate, pyrimidiven, and pyridaben are examples. They are active against crop insects but show low activity against non-crop pests.

Suprisingly, it has now been found that the compound I of the group of pesticidal carboxamides, namely the carboxamide of formula (I), exhibit broad spectrum activity against non-crop pests alone, and show synergistic effects in combination with other pesticidal actives.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the methods and uses according to the invention and as defined in the claims, the non-crop pest is selected from termites (Isoptera). More preferably, the non-crop pest is selected from: Calotermes flavicollis, Leucotermes flavipes, Heterotermes aureus, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes virginicus, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Termes natalensis, and Coptotermes formosanus.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling non-crop pest which is selected from termites, which method comprises applying a compound i) of formula (I) as defined in the claims.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the methods and uses according to the invention and as defined in the claims, the non-crop pest is selected from ants (Hymenoptera). More preferably, the non-crop pest is selected from: Crematogaster spp. , Hoplocampa minuta, Hoplocampa testudinea, Monomo um pharaonis, Solenopsis geminata, Sole- nopsis invicta, Solenopsis richteri, Solenopsis xyloni, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, Pogo- nomyrmex californicus, Dasymutilla occidentalis, Bombus spp. Vespula squamosa, Paravespula vulgaris, Paravespula pennsylvanica, Paravespula germanica, Dolicho- vespula maculata, Vespa crabro, Polistes rubiginosa, Camponotus floridanus, and Linepithema humile.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for controlling non-crop pest which is selected from ants, which method comprises applying a compound i) of formula (I) as defined in the claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, compositions comprising the compound I in accordance with the claims,are used for the protection of non-living organic materials, including but are not limited to house-hold goods such as fats, oils, mono- oligo- or polyorganosaccharides, proteins, or fresh or decaying fruits; cellulose-containing materials e.g. wooden materials such as houses, trees, board fences, or sleepers and also paper; and also materials, furniture, leathers, animal, plant and synthetic fibers, vinyl articles, electric wires and cables as well as styrene foams.

The invention also relates to above-mentioned textile material for the protection of plants or crops, e.g. tobacco, nuts, fruits, trees, wood.

For example, the nettings or textile material can be impregnated in the manner of a composition as described in <CIT> or <CIT>. The netting material, especially a material as described in <CIT>, can be used as a protection in the storage of tobacco as described in <CIT>, and can also be used in a similar manner for the protection of other goods.

In the protection of wood, the use of the compounds according to the invention can be done as described in <CIT>. In the protection of living plants, the use of the compounds according to the invention can be done as described in <CIT>.

The foils or nettings can also be used as mulch foil in the protection of crops.

Furthermore, there is a broad use of the compounds according to the invention, e.g. for protecting stored goods in a container as described e.g. in <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a netting, which comprises a compound I, preferably compound i) of formula (I), for the protection of plants, plant propagation material (seeds), fruits, flowers or crops in agriculture, turf, ornamentals or forestry.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for protecting stored goods which are selected from tobacco, nuts, cocoa, fruits, wood; which method comprises applying a compound I, preferably compound i) of formula (I).

Moreover, the composition comprising compound I, can be used for protecting cellulose-containing non-living organic materials.

Disclosed is that, the compound i) of formula (I), or a composition comprising it, is used for protecting mono- oligo- or polysaccharides and proteins.

The mixtures of this invention are used to control chewing insects As defined in the claims The chewing insects include essentially cockroaches (for example Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis, Supella longipalpa);), termites (for example Reticulitermes lucifugus); ants (for example Lasius niger, Monomorium pharaonis).

Even more preferred, the mixtures as defined in the claims are used to control insects and arachnids selected from the group of, , wasps, ants, cockroaches and/or termites.

Even more preferred, the mixtures as defined in the claims are used to control wasps.

Even more preferred, the mixtures as defined in the claimsare used to control ants.

Even more preferred, the mixtures as defined in the claimsare used to control termites.

Even more preferred, the mixtures as defined in the claimsare used to control cockroaches.

The mixtures of the invention can be converted to the customary compositions as described in this application.

The mixtures of the invention can be used for liquid applications such as e. g a spray solution to control animal pests on a variety of surfaces. The treatment of surfaces for example within or ouside from buildings is necessary to control the arthropods such as insects or arachnids. There is a great need for protecting the inhabitants effectively and with a longlasting residuality. Moreover, reasons of hygiene and structural engineering require that animal pests be prevented from entering into buildings, spreading and dwelling in buildings and infesting wood or other materials.

Other uses include the intergration or coating of the active compound composition according to the invention into/of materials such as pellets, granules, dusts, yarns, foils, textiles, wovens, braids, knits, felts, nonwovens, curtains, draperies, tarpaulins, fabrics, wood, papers, furnitures, fences in particular animal fences, paints etc. (integration of active ingredients into foils and nets is e.g. described in <CIT>; <CIT>,.

The present invention also relates to a material which comprises the active compound composition as defined in the claims. The material is preferably selected from the group of foil, mat, net, textile, woven, braid, knit, felt, nonwoven, curtain, drapery, tarpaulin, fabric, wood, paper, furniture, fence preferably animal fence, paint.

In the case of mixtures, a synergistic effect of the active compound combination is always present when the activity of the active compound combination exceeds the total of the activities of the active compounds when applied individually.

The expected activity for a given combination of two active compounds can be calculated according to <NPL>.

If, in the context of this description, the short form of the "common name" of an active compound is used, this comprises in each case all customary derivatives, such as the esters and salts, and isomers, in particular optical isomers, especially the commercially available form or forms. If the "common name" refers to an ester or a salt, this in each case also comprises all other customary derivatives, such as other esters and salts, the free acids and neutral compounds, and isomers, in particular optical isomers, especially the commercially available form or forms.

The subject of the present invention is a method for controlling a population of social insects, preferably ants, termites and wasps as defined in the claims.

It is often very desirable to combat the drawbacks caused by populations of social insects such as ants or termites or wasps, especially in the case of ant populations. Social insects are insects which live in a large society, or in a colony comprising a large number of such insects or congeners.

The expression social insects refer to the observation, that some insects may show "social" behaviors (e.g. feeding aggregations, parental care of the young, and communal nest sites). In order to qualify as 'eusocial', meaning being "truly social", a species must exhibit all four of the following characteristics, such as first, share of a common nest site, second, cooperation by the individuals in caring for the young, third "division of labor" meaning that sterile (or less fecund) individuals work for the benefit of a few reproductive individuals and last, offspring would contribute to colony labor while their parents are still alive (<NPL>).

In the case of ants, for example, these drawbacks generally stem from the inconvenience caused to individuals by the presence or passage of columns of ants in living areas or in the immediate vicinity thereof, such as in the garden or on the patio. The passage of such columns of ants on the lawn next to a private house may especially be particularly unpleasant for the resident wishing to relax by stretching out on the said lawn, on account of the bites inflicted by certain species.

The control of ants is also desirable as regards the cultivation of fruit trees and/or ornamental trees. The reason for this is that certain species of ant provide a role of defending aphids against their predators and thus contribute towards maintaining high populations of aphids, which are harmful to the good health of the trees concerned and/or to fruit yields. Certain species of ant sometimes cause even greater inconvenience. Thus, the pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis) may create anthills even inside living areas, which, in the case of blocks of flats poses problems.

Now, the inconvenience and/or damage caused by social insects such as ants or termites or wasps, preferably ants, are in direct proportion with the sometimes very large number which a population of such insects may reach, for example, in the case of ants, the very large number of individuals in the population of an anthill.

Methods for controlling ants or termites or wasps or cockroaches using insecticidal compounds are known. However, these methods are not always satisfactory.

The reason for this is that they often destroy only a small portion of the population concerned, for example, in the case of ants, a fraction of the workers whose function is to collect food outside the anthill. The destruction of this population category is not, however, sufficient to overcome the drawbacks caused by the ants. Indeed, the large capacity of ants to proliferate and their specialization based on the needs of the anthill are capable of rapidly compensating for this destruction, bringing about a new increase in the population.

The known methods moreover have the drawback that it is very difficult to treat all the individuals of the population, especially on account of the fact that, as regards ants, the anthills are fairly inaccessible, since they are generally located at a depth of several tens of centimetres below the surface of the ground.

One aim of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks.

Another aim of the present invention is to ensure the destruction of the larvae present in the anthill, or more generally in the nest or dwelling place of the said social insects.

Another aim of the present invention is to ensure the destruction of the laying females present in the anthill, or more generally in the nest or dwelling place of the said social insects.

Another aim of the present invention is to propose a method which allows the definitive destruction of all or almost all of a population of social insects such as ants or termites or wasps, preferably such as ants, or in another embodiment such as termites.

It has now been found that these aims could be totally or partly achieved by means of the control method according to the invention which is described in detail below.

The subject of the present invention is thus a method for controlling a population of social insects such as ants or termites or wasps, characterized in that there is applied to a minor fraction of this population an effective amount of a composition comprising a bait and a compound I as defined in the claims.

Populations of ants are preferred among the populations of social insects which may be controlled using the method according to the invention.

Populations of termites are also preferred among the populations of social insects which may be controlled using the method according to the invention.

In the sense of the present invention, control of a population of social insects such as ants, termites, wasps is understood to mean the control of the said insects, and more particularly the total or almost total destruction of the said population, in other words the destruction of more than <NUM>%, preferably more than <NUM>% and even more preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>%, of the said population.

An effective amount of the composition used in the method according to the invention is understood to mean an amount which is capable of controlling the whole population of social insects such as a population of ants or termites or wasps.

More particularly, the invention relates to a method for treating social insects such as ants, termites, or wasps with an effective amount of compound I as defined in the claims, this effective amount of composition being an amount used equal to the dose required to destroy at least <NUM> percent of the minor fraction of the population of social insects to which the said composition is applied, within a period of between <NUM> and <NUM> days, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> days. The minor fraction often corresponds in practice to the population living or circulating outside the common dwelling place or nest.

According to a more preferred variant of the invention, when the population of social insects is a population of ants, the effective amount of composition used for the method according to the invention may be determined more precisely within this range by systematic tests, depending on the species of ant whose population it is desired to control, and also depending on the size and extent of the anthills which may vary according to the nature of these species.

The invention thus also relates to a method for controlling social insects such as ants, termites, wasps which have a common dwelling place or nest in which they live with a substantial population of their congeners, the said method comprising a treatment with an effective dose of one or more areas frequented by, or assumed to be frequented by, the said social insects, the said area being outside the place of the said common dwelling but being a place in which the social insect circulate or are assumed to circulate.

The ants which may be controlled using the method according to the invention are especially:.

Although the paragraphs above refer to social insects, the methods of application and the uses according to the present invention as defined in the claims may in general also be applied to non-social solitary or gregarious insects, like cockroaches, which are commonly not categorized as social insects. Therefore cockroaches are non-crop pests, which are also preferably controlled and conbated by the methods of the present invention, and such methods and uses are further embodiments of the present invention.

The cockroaches which may be treated by the method of the invention are preferably selected from Blatella germanica, Blatella orientalis, Periplaneta americana, Periplaneta fuliginosa.

The bait employed in the composition used in the method according to the invention is a product which is sufficiently appetizing to incite cockroaches and social insects such as ants or wasps to eat it. In the case of ants, this bait is for example selected from animal and/or plant proteins, or alternatively from fats, also of animal and/or plant origin, or even from mono-, oligo- or polyorganosaccharides, especially from sucrose, lactose, fructose, dextrose, glucose or even molasses or honey.

The minor fraction of the population to which the composition employed in the method according to the invention is applied is generally between <NUM> and <NUM> percent of the total population, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> percent.

According to a preferred variant of the invention, the population of ants which may be controlled using the method according to the invention is a population of ants living in the same anthill. In this case, the minor fraction of the population to which the composition is applied generally consists of workers whose function is to collect food from outside the anthill, these being known as the harvester workers of the anthill.

According to another preferred variant of the invention, the ant or cockroach population which can be controlled by means of the method according to the invention is a population of cockroaches living in the same common dwelling place for cockroaches.

The dose of compound I in the composition used is between <NUM> and <NUM> percent, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> percent. However, applicable doses may further range from <NUM> to <NUM> or <NUM> percent, and for some applications the dose may even rise to up to <NUM> percent.

In the present text, the percentages corresponding to doses are, except where otherwise mentioned, weight / weight percentages.

The dose of bait in the composition used is generally between <NUM> and <NUM> percent, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%. The composition used may also comprise other additives such as a solvent for the active material, a flavoring, a preserving agent, a dye or a bitter agent.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, it is preferred to apply the composition by placing it in a closed bait-carrier box containing openings which are reserved, on account of their size, for the exclusive use of ants or cockroaches, or insects of similar size, in an area where these insects are likely to be found. The area may especially be in a public or private place, such as a living area, or alternatively on a balcony, a patio, in a garden or in a field. This variant is of improved safety, since it concerns an active material which is liable to present a risk in the case of accidental contact or ingestion by pets or children.

The details of applications for termites are in principle the same as described herein for ants. In addition, the methods and uses according to the invention may also be applied in buildings and construction, e.g. houses. According to climatic conditions and occurrence of termites, it may be a relevant goal to protect houses and other buildings from termites.

In particular, the invention relates to:.

In the methods and uses according to the invention and as defined in the claims, the compounds I are used in the form of compositions comprising an auxiliary and the carboxamide compound laccording to the invention.

A composition comprises a pesticidally effective amount of a compound I.

The term "effective amount" denotes an amount of the composition or of the compounds I, which is sufficient for controlling invertebrate pests in non-crop applications, e.g. in the protection of materials and which does not result in a substantial damage to the treated locus or material. Such an amount can vary in a broad range and is dependent on various factors, such as the invertebrate (e.g. insect) species to be controlled, the treated material, the climatic conditions and the specific compound I used.

The compound I can be converted into customary types of compositions, e. solutions, emulsions, suspensions, dusts, powders, pastes, granules, pressings, capsules, and mixtures thereof. Examples for composition types are suspensions (e.g. SC, OD, FS), emulsifiable concentrates (e.g. EC), emulsions (e.g. EW, EO, ES, ME), capsules (e.g. CS, ZC), pastes, pastilles, wettable powders or dusts (e.g. WP, SP, WS, DP, DS), pressings (e.g. BR, TB, DT), granules (e.g. WG, SG, GR, FG, GG, MG), insecticidal articles (e.g. LN), as well as gel formulations (e.g. GF). These and further compositions types are defined in the "<NPL>.

The compositions are prepared in a known manner, such as e.g. described by<NPL>; or <NPL>.

Examples for suitable auxiliaries are solvents, liquid carriers, solid carriers or fillers, surfactants, dispersants, emulsifiers, wetters, adjuvants, solubilizers, penetration enhancers, protective colloids, adhesion agents, thickeners, humectants, repellents, attractants, feeding stimulants, compatibilizers, bactericides, anti-freezing agents, anti-foaming agents, colorants, tackifiers and binders.

Suitable solvents and liquid carriers are water and organic solvents, such as mineral oil fractions of medium to high boiling point, e.g. kerosene, diesel oil; oils of vegetable or animal origin; aliphatic, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, e. toluene, paraffin, tetrahydronaphthalene, alkylated naphthalenes; alcohols, e.g. ethanol, propanol, butanol, benzylalcohol, cyclohexanol; glycols; DMSO; ketones, e.g. cyclohexanone; esters, e.g. lactates, carbonates, fatty acid esters, gamma-butyrolactone; fatty acids; phosphonates; amines; amides, e.g. N-methylpyrrolidone, fatty acid dimethylamides; and mixtures thereof.

Suitable solid carriers or fillers are mineral earths, e.g. silicates, silica gels, talc, kaolins, limestone, lime, chalk, clays, dolomite, diatomaceous earth, bentonite, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide; polysaccharide powders, e.g. cellulose, starch; fertilizers, e.g. ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, ureas; products of vegetable origin, e.g. cereal meal, tree bark meal, wood meal, nutshell meal, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable surfactants are surface-active compounds, such as anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, block polymers, polyelectrolytes, and mixtures thereof. Such surfactants can be used as emusifier, dispersant, solubilizer, wetter, penetration enhancer, protective colloid, or adjuvant. Examples of surfactants are listed in <NPL>).

Suitable anionic surfactants are alkali, alkaline earth or ammonium salts of sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, carboxylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of sulfonates are alkylarylsulfonates, diphenylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, lignine sulfonates, sulfonates of fatty acids and oils, sulfonates of ethoxylated alkylphenols, sulfonates of alkoxylated arylphenols, sulfonates of condensed naphthalenes, sulfonates of dodecyl- and tridecylbenzenes, sulfonates of naphthalenes and alkyl naphthalenes, sulfosuccinates or sulfosuccinamates. Examples of sulfates are sulfates of fatty acids and oils, of ethoxylated alkylphenols, of alcohols, of ethoxylated alcohols, or of fatty acid esters. Examples of phosphates are phosphate esters. Examples of carboxylates are alkyl carboxylates, and carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are alkoxylates, N-subsituted fatty acid amides, amine oxides, esters, sugar-based surfactants, polymeric surfactants, and mixtures thereof. Examples of alkoxylates are compounds such as alcohols, alkylphenols, amines, amides, arylphenols, fatty acids or fatty acid esters which have been alkoxylated with <NUM> to <NUM> equivalents. Ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide may be employed for the alkoxylation, preferably ethylene oxide. Examples of N-subsititued fatty acid amides are fatty acid glucamides or fatty acid alkanolamides. Examples of esters are fatty acid esters, glycerol esters or monoglycerides. Examples of sugar-based surfactants are sorbitans, ethoxylated sorbitans, sucrose and glucose esters or alkylpolyglucosides. Examples of polymeric surfactants are home- or copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone, vinylalcohols, or vinylacetate.

Suitable cationic surfactants are quaternary surfactants, for example quaternary ammonium compounds with one or two hydrophobic groups, or salts of long-chain primary amines. Suitable amphoteric surfactants are alkylbetains and imidazolines. Suitable block polymers are block polymers of the A-B or A-B-A type comprising blocks of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide, or of the A-B-C type comprising alkanol, polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide. Suitable polyelectrolytes are polyacids or polybases. Examples of polyacids are alkali salts of polyacrylic acid or polyacid comb polymers. Examples of polybases are polyvinylamines or polyethyleneamines.

Suitable adjuvants are compounds, which have a neglectable or even no pesticidal activity themselves, and which improve the biological performance of the compound I on the target. Examples are surfactants, mineral or vegetable oils, and other auxilaries. Further examples are listed by <NPL>.

Suitable thickeners are e.g. polysaccharides (e.g. xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose), anorganic clays (organically modified or unmodified), polycarboxylates, and silicates. Suitable bactericides are bronopol and isothiazolinone derivatives such as alkylisothiazolinones and benzisothiazolinones.

Suitable anti-freezing agents are e.g. ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, urea and glycerin. Suitable anti-foaming agents are e.g. silicones, long chain alcohols, and salts of fatty acids. Suitable colorants (e.g. in red, blue, or green) are pigments of low water solubility and water-soluble dyes. Examples are inorganic colorants (e.g. iron oxide, titan oxide, iron hexacyanoferrate) and organic colorants (e.g. alizarin-, azo- and phthalocyanine colorants). Suitable tackifiers or binders are e.g. polyvinylpyrrolidons, polyvinylacetates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylates, biological or synthetic waxes, and cellulose ethers.

Examples for composition types and their preparation are:.

The compositions types i) to xiii) may optionally comprise further auxiliaries, such as <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM> wt% bactericides, <NUM>-<NUM> wt% anti-freezing agents, <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM> wt% anti-foaming agents, and <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM> wt% colorants.

The compositions generally comprise between <NUM> and <NUM>%, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, and most preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>%, by weight of active substance. The active substances are employed in a purity of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, preferably from <NUM>% to <NUM>% (according to NMR spectrum).

When used in the protection of materials or stored products, the amount of active substance applied depends on the kind of application area and on the desired effect. Amounts customarily applied in the protection of materials are <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, of active substance per cubic meter of treated material.

Various types of oils, wetters, adjuvants, fertilizer, or micronutrients, and other pesticides (e.g. herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators, safeners) may be added to the active substances or the compositions comprising them as premix or, if appropriate not until immediately prior to use. These agents can be admixed with the compositions according to the invention in a weight ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

In the methods and uses according to the invention, the compound I of the present invention, may be preferably applied with other active ingredients as defined in the claims.

Such other actives may be, for example other pesticides as defined in the claims.

These additional ingredients may be used sequentially or in combination with the above-described compositions, if appropriate also added only immediately prior to use (tank mix). For example, the plant(s) may be sprayed with a composition of this invention either before or after being treated with other active ingredients.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, in the methods and uses according to the invention, the compound I, is combined with one or more other pesticidally active compound(s) selected from insecticides as defined in the claims.

Therefore, the present invention also relates to methods and uses, wherein a mixture or composition comprising at least one compound I, and one further pesticide is are applied as defined in the claims.

When applied in the methods and uses according to the present invention for controlling or combating non-crop pests, or for the prevention of infestation by such pests, the compound of formula (I) is preferably combined with another pesticidal active as defined in the claims With regard to such mixtures according to the present invention, which target non-crop pests, the following pesticidal active compounds (II) are especially preferred, when applied in combination with the carboxamide compound of formula (I):.

Mixtures of the carboxamide compound I, with chlorfenapyr as component II are especially preferred.

The compound I and the one or more compound(s) II are usually applied in a weight ratio of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in particular from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in particular from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, in particular from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

Depending on the desired effect, the application rates of the mixtures according to the invention are from <NUM>/ha to <NUM>/ha, preferably from <NUM>/ha to <NUM>/ha, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM>/ha, in particular from <NUM> to <NUM>/ha.

The mixtures, as described above for the methods and uses of the invention, may optionally comprise more than one compound II as combination partner. The mixture may comprise, apart from the compound I, one active compound II (binary mixture), two active compounds II (ternary mixture), three active compounds II (<NUM>-way mixture), four active compounds II (<NUM>-way mixture).

All explanations and preferences as described for the methods and uses for the compound I, also apply for the methods and uses wherein a mixture is used, e.g. the explanations and preferences regarding pests to be controlled, formulations or applications.

In the methods and uses according to the invention, the application of the carboxamide compound I mixtures, of the present invention is preferably as explained in the following. The animal pest (also referred to as "invertebrate pest"), i.e. the insects, arachnids and nematodes, can be contacted with the present composition(s) comprising compound I by any application method known in the art for non-crop pest control. As such, "contacting" includes both direct contact (applying the compounds/compositions directly on the animal pest and indirect contact (applying the compounds/compositions to the locus of the animal pest).

The compounds are employed in form of compositions by treating the insects surfaces, materials or rooms to be protected from insecticidal attack with an insecticidally effective amount of the active compounds. The application can be carried out both before and after the infection of the surfaces, materials or rooms by the insects.

The compounds of the invention can also be applied preventively to places at which occurrence of the pests is expected.

"Locus" means a habitat, breeding ground, area, material or environment in which a pest or parasite is growing or may grow.

Preferably, in the methods according to the present invention, the non-crop pests are controlled or combated by professional treatment in private households and public premises, such as in rural, urban, commercial, industrial and governmental areas, e.g. in and around farm premises and animal housing.

In general, "pesticidally effective amount" means the amount of active ingredient needed to achieve an observable effect on growth, including the effects of necrosis, death, retardation, prevention, and removal, destruction, or otherwise diminishing the occurrence and activity of the target organism. The pesticidally effective amount can vary for the various compounds/compositions used in the invention. A pesticidally effective amount of the compositions will also vary according to the prevailing conditions such as desired pesticidal effect and duration, environment conditions (e.g. climate, temperature), target species, locus, mode of application, and the like.

In the case of soil treatment or of application to the pests dwelling place or nest, the quantity of active ingredient ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> per <NUM><NUM>, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> per <NUM><NUM>.

Customary application rates in the protection of materials are, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM> of active compound per m<NUM> treated material, desirably from <NUM> to <NUM> per m<NUM>. Insecticidal compositions for use in the impregnation of materials typically contain from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %, and more preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> weight % of at least one repellent and/or insecticide.

The compounds I, are effective through both contact (via glass, wall, carpet, plant parts or animal parts), and ingestion (bait, or plant part).

For use against non-crop pests as described above, compounds lare preferably used in a bait composition.

The bait can be a liquid, a solid or a semisolid preparation (e.g. a gel). Solid baits can be formed into various shapes and forms suitable to the respective application e.g. granules, blocks, sticks, disks. Liquid baits can be filled into various devices to ensure proper application, e.g. open containers, spray devices, droplet sources, or evaporation sources. Gels can be based on aqueous or oily matrices and can be formulated to particular necessities in terms of stickyness, moisture retention or aging characteristics.

The bait employed in the composition is a product, which is sufficiently attractive to incite insects such as ants, termites, wasps, flies, crickets, bed bugs or cockroaches etc. to eat it. The attractiveness can be manipulated by using feeding stimulants or sex pheromones. Food stimulants are chosen, for example, but not exclusively, from animal and/or plant proteins (meat-, fish- or blood meal, insect parts, egg yolk), from fats and oils of animal and/or plant origin, or mono-, oligo- or polyorganosaccharides, especially from sucrose, lactose, fructose, dextrose, glucose, starch, pectin or even molasses or honey. Fresh or decaying parts of fruits, crops, plants, animals, insects or specific parts thereof can also serve as a feeding stimulant. Sex pheromones are known to be more insect specific. Specific pheromones are described in the literature and are known to those skilled in the art.

The bait may comprise further additives, such as vegetable flour, flavoring agents, polymeric binders, proteins, anti-oxidizing agents, preservatives.

The bait may further comprise vegetable flour, which is obtainable by milling of grains or cere-als from wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, sorghum, soybeans, corn, garbanzo or amaranth. Examples of the flavoring agent are cheese flavor, butter flavor, peanut flavor, peach flavor, strawberry flavor, milk flavor.

Suitable polymeric binders are polyvinylpyrrolidone and polysaccharides. Preferred polysaccharides are cellulose derivatives, selected from cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate or cellulose butyrate, and cellulose ethers, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, methylhydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethy cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose.

Examples of proteins are milk proteins (such as casein, sodium casein, calcium casein, lactalbumin, dried milk), plant protein (such as gluten, e.g. from wheat; soy extract, peanut extract, zein), animal protein (such as fish meal, meat meal, egg white, liver powder (e.g. from chicken liver or poultry liver), collagen, dried insects, such as crickets) or yeast. Typically, the protein has a crude protein content of at least <NUM> wt%, preferably at least <NUM> wt%, and most preferably at least <NUM> wt% based on dry matter of the protein.

Examples of the anti-oxidizing agent are erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, di-tert-butyl hy-droxytoluene (BHT), dl-alpha-tocophelol, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, methylhydroxyanisole, pro-pyl gallate, guaiac resin, L-cysteine hydrochloride.

Examples of the preservative are benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, salicylic acid, diphenyl, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, dehydroacetic acid, sodium dehydroacetate, isobutyl p-oxybenzoate, isopropyl p-oxybenzoate, ethyl p-oxybenzoate, butyl p-oxybenzoate, propyl p-oxybenzoate, cal-cium propionate, sodium propionate, <NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-isothiazolin-<NUM>-one (MIT), <NUM>,<NUM>-benzisothiazolin -<NUM>-one (BIT).

For use in bait compositions, the typical content of active ingredient is from <NUM> weight % to <NUM> weight %, desirably from <NUM> weight % to <NUM>% weight % of active compound.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the methods and uses according to the invention, the compound I, is present in the formulation form of an aerosol.

Formulations of compounds I, as aerosols (e. g in spray cans), oil sprays or pump sprays are highly suitable for the professional user for controlling pests such as flies or cockroaches. Aerosol recipes are preferably composed of the active compound, solvents such as lower alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol), ketones (e.g. acetone, methyl ethyl ketone), paraffin hydrocarbons (e.g. kerosenes) having boiling ranges of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> ° C, dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene, xylene, water, furthermore auxiliaries such as emulsifiers such as sorbitol monooleate, oleyl ethoxylate having <NUM>-<NUM> mol of ethylene oxide, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, perfume oils such as ethereal oils, esters of medium fatty acids with lower alcohols, aromatic carbonyl compounds, if appropriate stabilizers such as sodium benzoate, amphoteric surfactants, lower epoxides, triethyl orthoformate and, if required, propellants such as propane, butane, nitrogen, compressed air, dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, or mixtures of these gases.

The oil spray formulations differ from the aerosol recipes in that no propellants are used. For use in spray compositions, the content of active ingredient is from <NUM> to <NUM> weights %, preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> weight % and most preferably from <NUM> to <NUM> weight %.

The compounds I, and its respective compositions can also be used in fumigating coils, smoke cartridges, vaporizer plates or long-term vaporizers and also in moth papers, moth pads or other heat-independent vaporizer systems.

Insecticidal compositions for application to fibers, fabric, knitgoods, nonwovens, netting material or foils and tarpaulins preferably comprise a mixture including the insecticide, optionally a repellent and at least one binder. Suitable repellents for example are N,N-Diethylmeta-toluamide (DEET), N,N-diethylphenylacetamide (DEPA), <NUM>-(<NUM>-cyclohexan-<NUM>-yl-carbonyl)-<NUM>-methylpiperine, (<NUM>-hydroxymethylcyclohexyl) acetic acid lactone, <NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-hexandiol, indalone, Methylneodecanamide (MNDA), a pyrethroid not used for insect control such as ((+/-)-<NUM>-allyl-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-oxocyclopent-<NUM>-(+)-enyl-(+)-trans-chrysantemate (Esbiothrin), a repellent derived from or identical with plant extracts like limonene, eugenol, (+)-Eucamalol (<NUM>), (-)-<NUM>-epi-eucamalol or crude plant extracts from plants like Eucalyptus maculata, Vitex rotundifolia, Cymbopogan martinii, Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass), Cymopogan nartdus (citronella). Suitable binders are selected for example from polymers and copolymers of vinyl esters of aliphatic acids (such as such as vinyl acetate and vinyl versatate), acrylic and methacrylic esters of alcohols, such as butyl acrylate, <NUM>-ethylhexylacrylate, and methyl acrylate, mono- and di-ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as styrene, and aliphatic diens, such as butadiene.

The impregnation of nets is done in general by dipping the textile material into emulsions or dispersions of the insecticide or spraying them onto the nets.

The comprising compounds I can be used for protecting wooden materials such as trees, board fences, sleepers, etc. and buildings such as houses, outhouses, factories, but also construction materials, furniture, leathers, fibers, vinyl articles, electric wires and cables etc. from ants and/or termites (e.g. when the pests invade into houses and public facilities). The compounds I, are applied not only to the surrounding soil surface or into the under-floor soil in order to protect wooden materials but it can also be applied to lumbered articles such as surfaces of the under-floor concrete, alcove posts, beams, plywoods, furniture, etc., wooden articles such as particle boards, half boards, etc. and vinyl articles such as coated electric wires, vinyl sheets, heat insulating material such as styrene foams, etc. In case of application against ants, the ant controller of the present invention is applied to the crops or the surrounding soil, or is directly applied to the nest of ants or the like.

The present invention is now illustrated in further detail by the following examples.

As described further above, the compound I, preferably compound i) of formula (I), of the present invention shows surprisingly syngergistic effects with regard to biological activity and efficacy against non-crop pests.

Synergism can be described as an interaction where the combined effect of two or more compounds is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each of the compounds. The presence of a synergistic effect in terms of percent control, between two mixing partners (X and Y) can be calculated using the Colby equation (<NPL>): <MAT>.

When the observed combined control effect is greater than the expected combined control effect (E), then the combined effect is synergistic.

The following tests demonstrate the control efficacy of the compound i) of formula (I) alone, and its synergistic activity in mixtures (meaning in combination with other pesticidal actives) on specific pests.

However, the pest control protection afforded by the compounds, mixtures or compositions is not limited to these species. In certain instances, combinations of a compound of this invention with other invertebrate pest control compounds or agents are found to exhibit synergistic effects against certain important invertebrate pests.

The analysis of synergism or antagonism between the mixtures or compositions was determined using Colby's equation.

Glass vials were treated with <NUM>µl of varying concentrations of the technical grade active ingredient dissolved in acetone. Vials were turned on their sides and placed on an automated roller table. The vials were rolled (<NUM> rpm) uncapped to allow an even coating of the treatment. Each treatment was replicated five times.

Prior to infestation, cockroaches were incapacitated using carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>). Approximately <NUM> insects were transferred with featherweight, broad tip forceps into treated vials, and held in an environmental chamber at <NUM> and <NUM>% relative humidity for one hour. Following this exposure period, a small amount of CO<NUM> was used to incapacitate the insects facilitating removal from treated vials. Insects were then transferred to <NUM> oz plastic holding containers provisioned with a small piece of dry cat food and a cotton wick moistened with water, and returned to the environmental chamber. Mortality was assessed at <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> days after exposure (DAE).

Following further test systems may used to evaluate the efficacy of the compound i) of formula (I) against non-crop pests.

For ants, tests are conducted in Petri dishes. A thin layer of <NUM> percent agar in water is dispensed into the dishes and Florida sandy soil is spread over the agar (<NUM> for the small dishes and <NUM> for the larger dishes). The active ingredient is dissolved in acetone' and dispensed over the sand. Dishes are vented to evaporate the acetone, infested with ants, and covered. A <NUM>% honey water solution is placed in each dish. The dishes are maintained at <NUM> ° C and observed for mortality at various time intervals.

For termites, a thin layer of <NUM>% agar is dispensed into Petri dishes. A thin layer of pretreated soil is spread over the agar. For soil treatment, the active ingredient is diluted in acetone on a weight-to-weight basis and incorporated into <NUM> of soil. The soil is placed in a jar and vented for <NUM> hours. The moisture level of the soil is brought to field capacity by adding <NUM> of water. Termite workers are introduced into each dish. A small piece of filter paper is placed into each dish after <NUM> day as a food source, and additional water is added as needed to maintain soil moisture. Test dishes are held at a dark incubator at <NUM>° C and appr. <NUM>% relative humidity. Termites are observed daily for mortality (dead or unable to stand upright and showing only weak movement).

For Argentine ant, acrobat ant, and carpenter ant, tests are conducted in Petri dishes. Ants are given a water source, and then are starved of a food source for <NUM> hours. Baits are prepared with either <NUM>%honey/water solutions or ground cat chow. Active ingredient in acetone is added to the bait. <NUM> of treated honey water solution or <NUM> of treated cat chow, placed in a cap, is added to each dish. The dishes are covered and maintained at a temperature of <NUM>° C. The ants are observed for mortality daily.

For the fire ants, corn grit is used as a bait matrix. Corn grit bait is prepared using a mixture of defatted corn grit (<NUM>%), soybean oil (<NUM>%), acetone, and the active ingredient (<NUM>%). Petri dishes are supplied with a water source. Fire ant adults are placed into each dish. The next day, <NUM> of bait in bait containers is placed into the dishes. The ants are observed for mortality daily.

For house flies. Bait tests are conducted with adults aged <NUM>-<NUM> days post-emergence. Active ingredient in acetone is applied to a bait matrix consisting of a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture of powdered milk and sugar which was then allowed to dry. Assays are conducted in jars with <NUM> of bait in a pan placed in the bottom of each jar. House flies are placed into the bait jars which are covered. The test jars are held at <NUM>° C. Test jars are observed at <NUM> hours after treatment for knockdown (death plus morbidity (unable to stay upright).

For termites, active ingredient in acetone is applied to filter papers. are calculated on basis of the weight of the filter paper. Acetone only is applied for untreated controls. Treated papers are vented to evaporate the acetone, moistened with ml water, and placed Petri dishes with sand. Water is added during the test as needed. Bioassays are conducted with one treated filter and ca. <NUM> termite workers per test dish. Test dishes are maintained at <NUM>° C and appr. <NUM>% relative humidity and observed daily for mortality (dead or moribund insects) or intoxication. Dead or moribund insects are removed daily.

Claim 1:
A non-therapeutic method for controlling or combating non-crop pests selected from termites, ants, wasps and cockroaches, comprising contacting the pests or their food supply, habitat, breeding grounds or their locus with a mixture comprising the pesticidal active carboxamide compound (I)
<CHM>
and at least one other insecticidal active ingredient selected from alpha-cypermethrin, chlorfenapyr and dinotefuran.