Patent Description:
This invention relates generally to a crawling insect pest monitor and/or product transfer station and more particularly to a device for use on the exterior or interior of a structure for attracting and killing crawling insect pests entering the station. The crawling pest station is designed to monitor for pest activity in the zone of influence and to expose visiting pests to slow-activating pesticide treatments that result in a transfer of pesticide product back to areas that harbor such crawling insect pests, which will also aid in killing off a colony of insects. The crawling pest station is designed to protect pesticides and tacky surfaces so as to maximize their effective life-span.

Crawling pests, such as the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) are well known to carry disease and are widely considered to be undesirable insects. The German cockroach is a smaller member of the cockroach family and is frequently a pest in food processing and preparation areas including hotels, nursing homes, hotels and other institutions. They are widespread pests capable of surviving in many different parts of the world. They are a type of thigmotactic insect, meaning that they generally react to a physical stimulus, and here prefer tight spaces. Such insects frequently hide out of sight in cracks and crevices that are easy for humans to overlook. Such insects also reproduce rapidly and thus are susceptible to treatments that are slow acting and can be transferred between pests.

Numerous designs of crawling insect pest stations are commercially available, some use large containment areas, while others use wide open, flat surfaces with various forms of attractants and capture mechanisms, such as glue boards. Problems exist with such devices. For example, cockroaches have been observed to contact the edges of glue boards and escape. It was discovered that when such glue boards were rolled into cylinders, cockroaches would fill the underside of the glue roll. Similarly, a flat glue board was placed with its glue side or sticky side down and another flat glue board was placed with its sticky side up. It was found that the entire surface of the glue side down board was filled while only the edges of the sticky side up board were filled. Thus, it is desirable to provide a crawling insect monitor that is directed to crawling insets who desire small, narrow, or covered spaces.

Many of the currently available crawling insect pest stations also leave the glue surface or the pesticide surface exposed to environmental conditions such as light, water and physical objects that could impact effectiveness. This also leaves potentially hazardous substances typically found in glues and pesticides exposed to potential human contact. This also exposes the pesticides and glues to other physical contacts that may erode their presence and thus minimize their effectiveness. It is therefore also desirable to provide an attraction station having features that are effective at concealing and protecting the attracting, trapping, and killing areas of the station.

<CIT> discloses provides a trap for improving the capture rate, in particular a cockroach trap comprises a plate, which is flat, a first birdlime adhered to at least a portion of the plate, a slant having an inclined plane and a vertical section, the slant being disposed on the plate and adjacent to at least a part of the first birdlime and a second birdlime adhered onto the vertical section.

It is further desirable to provide an attraction station that maximizes the effectiveness of pesticides and allows for safe monitoring and killing of crawling insects and insect colonies while providing a dual action treatment that either captures the crawling insect or exposes the insect to pesticide.

The present invention provides a system for detecting and reducing a population of a colony of crawling insects, the system comprising:
an insect station comprising a lower housing member, an upper housing member connected directly or by one or more intermediate members to the lower housing member, and an adhesive positioned therebetween at an aperture in the lower housing member.

According to the invention a secondary element is provided that is positioned at least partially below the lower housing member of the insect station and configured to kill one or more members of the population of the crawling insect colony, and the lower housing member is curved or of varying contour. Preferred embodiments are defined in the annexed dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a crawling pest monitor and a product transfer station designed to hold and protect a pest attractant, a pest trapping mechanism and a pesticide. The crawling pest station is designed to monitor for pest activity in the zone of influence and expose visiting pests to slow-acting pesticide treatments that result in a transfer of pesticide product back to harborage areas.

A domed container having a lower housing member which is curved or of varying contour, a curved or angled upper housing member connected directly or by one or more intermediate members to the lower housing member, a tacky surface on one of the lower housing member or the upper housing member, the tacky surface either being a tacky substance applied directly to the lower housing member's upper surface / upper housing member's lower surface or to another piece of material that this secured to the lower housing member or upper housing member, a pesticide which is placed opposite the tacky surface on the interior of the station, such as being either applied directly to the curved upper housing member's lower surface or removably secured to the upper housing member's lower surface, and an attractant placed in between the upper member member and the lower housing member.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a wall-mounted attraction station for killing crawling insects. The station includes at least one member mounted to a wall, preferably removably mounted to the wall. This may be accomplished with a station that includes a base member that is secured to the wall by screws, tape, glue or other means. Alternatively, the base member may releasably connect to a second base member which is secured to the wall. For example, the station's base member may slide into the second base member so as to allow the station to be monitored easily, cleaned, replaced or refreshed as necessary.

In a further preferred embodiment the attraction station protects a sensing device that senses the presence of crawling insects that interact with the attraction station or that crawl in the vicinity of the attraction station. The attraction station can serve as a physical filter to reduce false positive signals from the sensing device and maximize signals related to crawling pest activity in the vicinity.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.

The figures show exemplary features and concepts of the invention by illustration. The intent of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to provide features that both attract and kill crawling insects on the interior of a structure in a shortened or finite window of time, while also exposing insects to an agent that can be taken back to a colony to reduce and/or eliminate a population of insects making up the colony. The window of time being measured generally from when the crawling insect enters an area, such as the interior or exterior area of the structure, and until the crawling insect is attracted to and killed by the attraction station. The stations can be used to monitor an area to determine if the area has an insect infestation that needs to be addressed with additional methods. Furthermore, a killing agent can be introduced at the station that can kill the insects at the station and also be taken back to the colony by an insect to reduce and/or eliminate the population of the colony.

Exemplary features and aspects of the present invention for monitoring, attracting, and killing crawling insects, such as cockroaches, beetles, etc., within a shortened window of time are illustrated in <FIG>. For example, <FIG> show various views of an insect monitoring station <NUM> according to aspects of the invention. The monitoring station <NUM> includes a lower housing member <NUM> and an upper housing member <NUM> that are in rotatably communication with one another. As shown in the figures, this may be accomplished by each of the housing members <NUM>, <NUM> having hinge components <NUM>, <NUM>, which, when connected together, allows the housing members to be rotated in relation to one another. This is best shown with <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the upper housing member <NUM> is rotated to a closed position where it is in contact or near contact with the lower housing member <NUM>. However, in <FIG>, the upper housing member <NUM> has been rotated via the hinge to allow access to an interior between the lower and upper housing members <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, although the monitoring station <NUM> is shown to have two housing members each having hinge components <NUM>, <NUM> that are snapped together to form the hinge, it is contemplated that other configurations allow the members to rotate relative to one another. For example, having portions with an axle, rod, or other member extending therethrough on each of the housing members would allow the members to rotate relative to one another as well. As will be understood, the rotating of the housing members allows access to an interior of the station <NUM> to monitor, modify, clean, replace, or otherwise manipulate the station <NUM>, as needed.

The lower housing member <NUM> is shown throughout the figures, and is isolated in <FIG>. The lower housing member <NUM> includes a lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> includes a substantially planar portion <NUM> and a curved or domed portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the planar portions <NUM> are positioned generally at each end of the curved or domed portion <NUM>. The planar portions are not necessary in all embodiments.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the height of the peak of the curved portion <NUM> of the lower surface <NUM> has a height <NUM>, which can be defined as the distance between the peak and the planar portions <NUM>, or the peak and the surface to which the insect station is located. It is preferred in some embodiments that the height <NUM> of the peak of the curved portion <NUM> be from about <NUM>/<NUM> inches to about <NUM>/<NUM> inches. More preferably, the height <NUM> of the peak of the curved portion <NUM> is about <NUM>/<NUM> inches. This height has been determined to be most effective for capturing insects traveling underneath, as will be explained. The width of the curved portion <NUM> can vary, and is not to be limiting to the invention.

The upper surface <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM> also includes a curved portion <NUM>, which runs substantially parallel with the lower surface <NUM>. This also includes the substantially planar portions.

Other aspects of the lower housing member <NUM> include a cutout <NUM> through the upper and lower surfaces of the lower housing member <NUM>, which can include a recessed section <NUM> generally outlining the cutout <NUM> and extending only partially through the surfaces. As will be understood, an adhesive <NUM> can be positioned at the cutout <NUM> and relative to the lower housing member <NUM> such that is exposed through the cutout towards the lower surface <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM>, in some embodiments, could be a glue board or other structure with a tacky surface that can be positioned at the cutout <NUM>. For example, it is contemplated that the adhesive <NUM> could be a glue board that is sized to fit within the recessed portion so that the ledge of the recessed portion <NUM> contacts a portion of the tacky surface to hold the adhesive <NUM> in place at the cutout <NUM>. Insects that walk under the domed lower housing member <NUM> can contact the adhesive, such as by their wings contacting the tacky substance exposed through the cutout <NUM>, and can become stuck thereat to trap the insect. Furthermore, to attract more insects into walking under the domed lower housing, an attractant may be added to the lower surface <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM> to lure the insect toward the adhesive <NUM> exposed at the cutout.

It should further be appreciated that, when only one housing is included, the cutout need not be included, and instead, the adhesive can be positioned directly on the underside of the domed/curved portion <NUM> of the lower surface <NUM>. However, having the cutout <NUM> and the upper housing member <NUM> will allow for easier access to the adhesive <NUM> such that it can be removed, examined, and/or replaced.

Extending from the lower housing member <NUM> at a side generally opposite the hinge <NUM> is a plurality of tabs <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> are spaced apart and are configured to be inserted into a base member <NUM> to connect the lower housing member <NUM> thereto, which can temporarily connect the lower housing member <NUM> to the base member <NUM>. This connection, along with the upper housing member <NUM>, will allow the station <NUM> to be positioned on generally any surface and at generally any orientation. Therefore, the insect station <NUM> is not limited in its ability to be used on or around any surface for trapping insects to monitor the level of insect infestation at a particular location.

As mentioned, the insect station <NUM> shown in the figures also includes an upper housing member <NUM> rotatably attached to the lower housing member <NUM>. The upper housing member <NUM> includes a lower surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM> as well. The lower surface <NUM> may include portions that are substantially parallel to the lower housing member <NUM>, such as having one or more substantially planar portions <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> may generally match the curve of the upper and lower surfaces of the lower housing member <NUM>. This is also the case for the upper surface <NUM>, which can include a similar curved portion <NUM>. In addition, the upper housing member <NUM> includes a hinge portion <NUM> for communicating and/or interacting with the hinge portion <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM> in order to allow the upper housing <NUM> to rotate relative to the lower housing. For example, in the figures, the hinge portion <NUM> of the upper housing member <NUM> is shown to have a plurality of rod or axle like members spaced by spacers. The hinged portion <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM> is shown to have snap or clasping features that are able to snap onto the rods and to be held thereat to allow the rotation to occur.

The underside of the upper housing member <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As shown, the lower surface <NUM> can include a boundary section <NUM> that can be formed by an extruded wall extending away from the lower surface <NUM>. In <FIG>, this boundary <NUM> is shown to be positioned generally on the curved portion <NUM> of the lower surface <NUM>. The boundary <NUM> can be included as a section to position the adhesive <NUM>, such as the glue board with the tacky surface. Still other types of adhesive materials may be used, such as, but not limited to, sprays, gels, liquids, glues, solids, and the like. The boundary <NUM> can provide guidance for orienting the adhesive material such that the adhesive will be substantially aligned with the cutout <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM>, which will aid in catching more insects as they pass under and/or through the station. It should be appreciated, however, that the boundary <NUM> need not be included in all embodiments, and that the adhesive could be included in the recessed portion <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM>, as has been previously disclosed.

Additional aspects of the upper housing include tabs <NUM> that are inserted into the base member <NUM>, as well as a central tab or snap member <NUM>. The outer tabs <NUM> are substantially spaced and aligned with the lower tabs <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. This allows the pair of tabs <NUM>, <NUM> to be insertable into the slots <NUM> of the base member <NUM>, and can aid in the positioning and orientation of the insect monitoring station <NUM>.

Furthermore, the upper housing member <NUM> can include a central tab <NUM>, which may also be known as a snap member. The central tab includes a protruding portion <NUM>, which is to interact with a cutout <NUM> in the base body <NUM>, which will removably secure the lower and upper housing member <NUM>, <NUM> to the base <NUM>. The snap member <NUM> can be activated by a button <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM>. The button <NUM>, when depressed, will press the central tab <NUM> as well. Lowering the tab <NUM> enough will allow the protruding portion <NUM> to become disengaged from the base cutout <NUM>, which will allow the lower and upper housing members <NUM>, <NUM> to be released from the base <NUM>. To re-attach the components, the tabs of the housing members are aligned with the slots of the base <NUM> and the housing members are inserted until the protruding portion <NUM> of the central tab <NUM> is repositioned in the base cutout <NUM>. As the central tab <NUM> is generally resilient, this will hold the housing members in place relative to the base, such that the monitoring station <NUM> can be positioned in generally any orientation and at generally any location.

The base <NUM> is shown in isolation in <FIG>. As mentioned, the base <NUM> includes a base body <NUM>. Tab slots <NUM> are positioned through the body on opposite sides of the snap slot <NUM>. The slots are configured to align with the tabs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing members. The cutout <NUM> is also shown in <FIG>, and is positioned to receive the protruding member <NUM> of the central tab <NUM>, which aids in holding the components of the monitoring station together.

Also shown in <FIG> extending from the ends of the base <NUM> are securing tabs <NUM>. The securing tabs or flanges <NUM> are shown to be curved members, but may take generally any shape or form. Furthermore, the securing tabs <NUM> are shown to include apertures thereto. The base <NUM> can be positioned at generally any location to determine if insects are present. For example, the base <NUM>, and thus, the insect station <NUM>, can simply be put on a ground surface, such as the floor, without securing the station <NUM> in place. However, if the station <NUM> is to be secured in position, the tabs <NUM> or other securing means can be utilized. This can be especially helpful when the surface attaching the station to is a ceiling, vertical wall, or other non-horizontal surface. The base <NUM> can be secured to the surface in a number of ways. For example, in the configuration shown in <FIG>, the tabs <NUM> can be used with screws, bolts, hooks, rods, pins, or other connecting or surface penetrating members to extend through the tabs and into the surface. The connection members would hold the base <NUM> and any connecting housing members in place independent of the orientation thereof. However, this is not to be the only way to secure the station <NUM> to a surface. For example, adhesives could also be added to the base to removably secure the base <NUM> to a surface at any orientation. A recess, such as a groove, can be formed into the underside of the base <NUM> (opposite the snap cutout <NUM>) to receive and house and adhesive, when used. The adhesive could also be placed at the underside of the tabs <NUM> for removably securing the base to a surface. In any manner, it is to be appreciated that the base <NUM> and corresponding insect station could be secured to a surface at generally any orientation, configuration, or the like.

The base <NUM> can take generally any shape as well. For example, <FIG> shows a base <NUM> that is shaped different than the base of <FIG>. However, the base in <FIG> includes many of the same features as those previously disclosed, which allows the base to be used with the housing members to form the insect station as has been disclosed and described.

Therefore, the insect station <NUM> as has been shown and described provides a hinged book style station, with an upper housing member <NUM> and lower housing member <NUM> hingeably connected to one another such that the housings can be opened. An adhesive is positioned generally between the housing members <NUM>, <NUM>, with at least a portion of a tacky part of the adhesive <NUM> being exposed to and through a lower surface <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM>. The housings include a curved portion, with the curved portion <NUM> of the lower surface <NUM> of the lower housing member <NUM> having a height <NUM> at the peak of the curve. The height is preferred to be from about <NUM>/<NUM> inches to about <NUM>/<NUM> inches, and more preferably to be about <NUM>/<NUM> inches. This height has been shown to be most effective in catching an insect, such as the wings of the insect, to the adhesive for trapping the insect to the insect station <NUM>.

In use, an adhesive <NUM> is positioned in the hinged housing members, and a location is determined for determination of a number of insects in an area. A base <NUM> may be removably secured at the selected location, such as by screws, adhesives, pins, hooks, bolts, rods, or other connecting members to hold the base <NUM> in place. The housings with the adhesive are attached to the base <NUM> by aligning the tabs of the housings with the slots of the base <NUM>. This may also include inserting at least one resilient tab with a protruding member to become positioned in at least one cutout of the base <NUM>, wherein the tab and base interact to be held in place.

A selected amount of time is allowed to lapse, and then the station <NUM> checked to determine the number of insects caught by the station. The number of insects attached to the adhesive can be an alert as to an infestation or to determine if a more aggressive extermination is required to rid the area of the insects. Therefore, the insect station <NUM> can be used as a monitoring device to alert a user if there is an insect problem at the location of the station <NUM>.

The insect station <NUM> is small enough to be generally non-noticeable in use, but large enough that the adhesive is able to collect a number of insects to determine if there is an insect problem. The station <NUM> can also be varied in size to monitor insects and bugs of different sizes.

Furthermore, additional means for attracting insects to the station can be used, such as adding an attractant to the underside of the curved portion or on the surface opposite the curved surface of the lower housing member. Pesticides could also be added on and around the components of the insect station <NUM>. The pesticides could be used to stick to the insects that may not adhere to the tacky surface of the adhesive. The insects would still take the pesticides with them and could pass these on to other insects, thus eliminating a number of insects not caught by the station. Still further, additional tacky surfaces can be provided to attempt to capture a larger number of bugs and insects.

There are many cockroach control products sold, including bait, gel, granule, and aerosol spray formulations. Baits are formulated as granules or solid blocks, gels, or liquids. Some bait products already have the active ingredient in the bait station, and others are packaged as a liquid that is poured into a bait container provided in the package. Gels typically come packaged with a syringe or a tube for dispensing. It is to be appreciated, that the use of varying types and ingredients for the pesticides could be used in order to prevent the buildup of a resistance to the pesticide. Therefore, according to at least some aspects of the invention, it is recommended to rotate use of a pesticide with the insect station when a pesticide is to be included. The present invention is not to be limited to particular pesticides, however, and it is to be appreciated that generally any type of approved pesticide could be used in conjunction with the insect station. Furthermore, the pesticides could be included in, on, and/or around the portions of the insect station, such as a coating on a surface or granules dispersed in the tacky surface of the adhesive.

The addition of a secondary element with the station as has been described can provide for additional benefits. For example, while the station will allow for monitoring and killing of insects, the addition of a secondary element, such as a glue board, attractant, pesticide, or some combination positioned at or near the station can further provide the benefit of killing both the insects in contact with the elements, as well as with controlling insect colony populations. According to the invention, a secondary member is positioned under the lower member of the housing. This secondary member can be coated or otherwise incorporated with an attractant, glue, pesticide, dust, killing agent, or some combination thereof. For example, a killing agent could be utilized that attaches or is ingested by a crawling insect such that the insect is able to return to its colony before the effects of the agent are fully felt. At this point, the agent can be passed to the other members of the colony, which could in effect, eliminate an entire population of insects in an area.

The monitoring station can provide protection for the secondary member or element. Further, while some examples of killing and/or control agents have been disclosed, it is to be appreciated that this is not to be an exhaustive list. For example, any pesticide or killing agent is contemplated to be included or used with a monitoring station. This includes, but is not limited to, repellant and non-repellant pesticides, dusts, aerosols, glues, and the like.

It is contemplated that a crawling insect can come in contact with the killing agent when approaching the station. The station, as has been disclosed, provides a covered area that shelters the insect from light, which makes it an attractive location. When the insect returns to its colony, it can take back portions of the killing agent to spread to other insects in order to kill off other members of the colony population.

Testing has shown that the combination of the insect station and a killing agent can greatly increase the mortality rate of a colony of insects. For example, in one such test, a colony was prepared in which approximately <NUM> cockroaches formed said colony. These consisted of <NUM> adult males, <NUM> adult females, and <NUM> nymphs. It was found that the use of the insect station with a one-inch panel containing a glue, an attractant tablet, and a non-repellant pesticide killed <NUM>% of the colony within one week of introduction. Using only the attractant and a non-repellant pesticide killed <NUM>% of the colony after one week, and just the use of the pesticide resulted in <NUM>% of the colony being killed within one week of introduction.

The components of the insect station can comprise a number of materials, such as rigid materials. For example, the components may comprise molded polymers that are attached to one another. The material used to form the housing may be translucent to allow for visual inspection, if desired. While the station has been described as being made from a molded plastic, it can also be formed from any structurally rigid material such as steel, aluminum, cardstock, wood, or other material. In some embodiments, the housing members may comprise a one-piece molded object or printed object (e.g., 3D printed), wherein the finished product includes the two housing members being rotatable to one another. The opening ability of the housing members, and the removability of the housing members from the base, allows for a simple design that can be inspected, maintained, and serviced with ease. This can include monitoring of the adhesive, replacing the adhesive, and/or replenishing or refreshing the attractants and/or pesticides.

Additional modifications or alternatives to the insect station <NUM> as shown and described may be included. For example, the insect station <NUM> can include a first panel or bottom member that is preferably generally planar and has a surface configuration to provide a surface which can be tacky or contain a pesticide. The panel is preferably a flat panel, but may also be curved, formed with angled panels, have a wavy surface or otherwise be formed as desired for the particular crawling insect.

The member can be connected to a top member, which may be one or both of the housings, either directly or through one or more intermediate members. For example, one or more side walls may be included that connect the bottom member to the top member(s). For example, the top member may be connected to the bottom member by another hinge or be slideably connected so as to be easily replaceable. The top member can be curved to include a rolled or domed structure. The space in between the top member and the bottom member can forms an interior that has one or more openings. The interior height between the housing members can be similar to the height of the lower housing curved surface, as previously disclosed.

A pesticide can be applied to a lower surface of the top member. Alternatively, the pesticide may be applied to an upper surface of the bottom member. A tacky or sticky substance, such as an adhesive, can be added opposite the pesticide on the interior of the station <NUM>. In this manner, the pesticide and the sticky substance are contained within the interior, thus increasing their protection from water, light and other potential environmental contaminents. This also helps to minimize the potential for human contact with potentially hazardous surface treatments and maximizes the life of the pesticides used against the crawling insects. As they are on opposite sides of the interior, the pesticide acts with the crawling insect that is not caught by the sticky substance.

According to additional aspects of the invention, the insect station <NUM> of the invention may be a molded plastic housing. The housing can include a first side and a second side. A thin side wall on the first side acts as a hinge and a snap or other securing means secured at the second side allows for the interior to be accessed as desired. This allows the user to check to see how many insects have been captured and to monitor for insect activity. The material used to form the housing may be translucent to allow for visual inspection, if desired. While the station has been described as being made from a molded plastic, it can also be formed from any structurally rigid material such as steel, aluminum, cardstock, wood, or other material. Preferably, the housing is the size of a deck of cards or half a deck of cards.

An additional aspect of the invention is the provision of an easily removable and replaceable station <NUM>. Preferably, a bottom member of the housing is removably secured to the wall or desired surface. For example, the bottom member may be slidably received in a second base member that is secured to the wall. The second base member may be screwed, glued or otherwise secured to the wall to keep it in place both during use and when the remainder of the station <NUM> is removed for service or replacement. In this manner, an attractant or other portions of the station <NUM> can be replaced without needing to replace the entirety of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the pesticide or sticky surface may be placed on one or more removably secured chemistry panels. The removably secured chemistry panel may be slidably removable or secured by removable tape, hook and loops, or other means to the interior of the station <NUM>. This allows a user to replace only the desired portion of the station <NUM>.

Still further, it should be appreciated that the insect station <NUM> of the invention can be used in conjunction with other monitoring systems, such as electronic, remote monitoring systems. The station <NUM> could interface with such an electronic monitor such that it would reduce or otherwise mitigate false positive signals of the electronic monitors and would maximize signals related to crawling pests. For example, the station <NUM> could protect or otherwise be positioned in the vicinity of an electronic sensing device, such as those disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The sensing device generally senses the presence of crawling insects that may interact with the insect station <NUM> of the invention. This includes any insects that may be within the vicinity of the station. The station <NUM> of the invention could serve as a physical filter to reduce false positive signals from the sensing device and maximize signals related to the crawling pests in the vicinity. This could be done by the use of a camera sensing the station <NUM> such that a user can view the number of insects crawling in, on, or around the station <NUM>. Other electronics, such as optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, and the like, could be used in conjunction with the station <NUM> to aid in determining a number of insects in an area, such as that in or around the area of the insect station <NUM>.

Furthermore, a sensor could be operatively connected to the insect station <NUM> to provide an alert to the electronic sensing system to indicate that an insect has crawled in the area covered by the insect station <NUM>. The alerts would indicate to a user that there is insect activity in or around the insect station such that the user could know to check the insect station for the amount of insects caught.

The combined use and interfacing of the insect station <NUM> and an electronic sensing system would provide yet another layer of alert, monitoring, and/or data for a user to indicate if there is a problem with insects that may need to be addressed in another manner. Therefore, it is to be appreciated that the combination and/or interfacing of the insect station <NUM> can be done with generally type of monitoring system used or considered for monitoring the number of crawling insects.

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following nonlimiting Examples. It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating certain embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only.

The materials used in the following Examples are provided herein:.

Laboratory strains of adult German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica), approximately <NUM> weeks old as well as German cockroach nymphs approximately <NUM> weeks old were reared on Rodent Chow in temperature ranges of <NUM>-<NUM>°F, and approximately <NUM>-<NUM>% relative humidity. Conditions of a <NUM> hour light: <NUM> hour dark cycle were used unless otherwise noted.

For each replicate to be tested, a large food tote was prepared by first greasing the middle of the food tote with a thin layer of insect grease and then placing a piece of rodent chow, cardboard harborage and moistened water wick in the food tote. Carbon dioxide was then used to anesthetize tubs of German cockroaches of the appropriate ages. The number of cockroaches per tote was determined so that for each test bait, there are three totes of <NUM> adult male cockroaches, <NUM> gravid female cockroaches, and <NUM> cockroach nymphs. The cockroaches were allowed a minimum of <NUM> hours to recover from the effects of the carbon dioxide prior to testing.

To determine the number of interactions between the cockroaches and the trap, three monitors were videotaped and the first sixty interactions with each trap were counted. The three monitors were a commercially available trap comprising a generic tented paper cockroach monitor with a glue board on the floor of the tent (Monitor A), a commercially available cockroach monitor comprising a round plastic cockroach with ramps leading to a glue board and including an attractant tablet placed on the glue board (Monitor B), and a monitor exemplary of the disclosure (Disclosure Monitor). Monitor B also include a top that conceals from view cockroaches that are caught on the glue board. <FIG> represents the number of cockroaches caught during the first <NUM> interactions. As shown, the Disclosure Monitor achieved a significantly higher percentage of interactions resulting in a catch. Monitor A did not catch anything and Monitor B caught less than <NUM>%, whereas the Disclosure Monitor caught nearly <NUM>%.

The previously described test preparation of Example <NUM> was modified by including a <NUM> inch panel with a pesticide formulation. In this test, a liquid residual known for being repellant to insects, a liquid residual known for not being repellant to insects, and dust formulation of a pesticide were placed in the colony testing containers. The embodiment of the present invention (the Disclosure Monitor) contained a glue board, an attractant tablet, and a treatment of non-repellent pesticide. <FIG> shows data collected from the colony after <NUM> week. As <FIG> shows, the present invention achieved a <NUM>% mortality after one week of interaction. This was substantially better than the control pesticides. The residual non-repellant had the second highest mortality rate, which was only <NUM>%.

Claim 1:
A system for detecting and reducing a population of a colony of crawling insects, the system comprising:
an insect station (<NUM>) comprising a lower housing member (<NUM>), an upper housing member (<NUM>) connected directly or by one or more intermediate members (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the lower housing member (<NUM>), and an adhesive (<NUM>) positioned therebetween at an aperture (<NUM>) in the lower housing member (<NUM>); and
characterized in that
a secondary element is positioned at least partially below the lower housing member (<NUM>) of the insect station (<NUM>) and configured to kill one or more members of the population of the crawling insect colony, and the lower housing member (<NUM>) is curved or of varying contour.