Patent ID: 12239120

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the devices disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are to be considered only exemplifications of the principles described herein, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” mean plus or minus 5% of the number that each term precedes.

The present disclosure relates in general to an apparatus for dispensing pesticides, and more particularly to an insect bait station for use with crawling pests or insects, including ants. It should be noted that while described in connection with ants, the bait stations disclosed herein may be used or otherwise adapted for use with any crawling pest or insect. It is also contemplated that the active pesticide may be combined and/or replaced with a repellent, attractant, or aromatic active.

The bait stations disclosed herein have better perceived and actual efficacy in attracting ants and eliminating a nest of ants. For example, the bait stations disclosed herein use liquid and/or gel formulations. Such formulations may have a higher sugar content than solid baits, and can be discovered more quickly by scouter ants. As such, ants are drawn to the bait more quickly than by other prior art bait stations. Further, the use of larger side-by-side doors within the bait stations allow ants to easily walk into and leave the bait station more easily when done feeding. The bait stations disclosed herein also make it easier for a first scouting ant to get to the bait, thereby more quickly establishing a pheromone trail leading to the bait, which other ants then follow to effectively treat the entire colony.

Still further, the bait stations disclosed herein include discreet designs that are less accessible to pets and children. The present disclosure uses a transparent or translucent housing, which allows the user to see the ants feeding and know it is efficacious. The see-through housing further serves as a use-up cue allowing the user to know when the formula is depleted. Even further, the use of an activation peel strip with the bait stations disclosed herein provides user satisfaction of being able to activate each individual bait station. This activation feature allows consumers to easily recognize that the bait station is fresh and ready to start attracting ants. As depicted inFIGS.1to9, a bait station100(e.g., an ant bait station102) generally includes a housing106and a liquid-soaked feeding pad108. Referring toFIG.3, the pad108allows for many ants to feed at the same time within the housing106by providing access to the pad108about a 360 degree perimeter thereabout. The pad108may retain, hold, carry, or otherwise be soaked with a liquid, which may be a liquid formulation having an active ingredient. The housing106is transparent, and includes an upper casing112and a lower casing114that are coupled together, e.g., via a fit or adhesive, to form an interior cavity116. In some embodiments, the upper casing112and the lower casing114may be ultrasonically welded. In some embodiments, the upper casing112and the lower casing114may be heat sealed. The upper casing112and the lower casing114are made from a clear plastic, such as, e.g., polypropylene. The configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the bait station100is presented as an example only. In other embodiments, other components and other configurations are possible.

Referring toFIG.4, the bait station100is shown disassembled. As mentioned above, the pad108is configured to be held, or retained, by the upper casing112and the lower casing114. The lower casing114is a substantially planar component that has a curved rectangular profile and includes a base120having a first surface122and a second surface124facing opposite directions, and a peripheral base flange126that defines an outer edge130. Further, the lower casing114includes an outer wall134that is spaced apart from the outer edge130and extends upwardly from the peripheral base flange126to a top edge136. The outer wall134defines a ramped front surface150. Further, the outer wall134mimics the profile of the outer edge130. More specifically, the outer wall134has a curved rectangular profile.

An inner wall152extends from the top edge136to the first surface122substantially perpendicularly thereto and surrounds a receiving space154. The inner wall152defines an inner ramped surface160that extends from the first surface122at an angle that may be greater than 100 degrees. In other instances, the inner ramped surface160may extend from the first surface122at an angle that is greater than 110 degrees. A tapered post162is disposed within the receiving space154and extends upward from the first surface122to a post end164. The tapered post162also represents a curved rectangular profile. As will be described in greater detail herein, the tapered post162is configured to retain the pad108while also providing structural support and rigidity to the bait station100. Furthermore, the lower casing114includes protrusions166that extend from the inner wall152into the receiving space154. These protrusions166may be provided to align and orient the pad108within the receiving space154. While the illustrated embodiment includes two protrusions166that are substantially triangular in shape, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer protrusions having different shapes and positioning.

Still referring toFIG.4, the upper casing112includes an upper flange168that corresponds to the profile of the peripheral base flange126, and further includes a dome170that extends upwardly from the upper flange168to a top surface174. Differently said, the upper flange168extends outwardly from a periphery of the dome170. The upper casing112may further include a de-nesting feature176disposed at a junction of the upper flange168and the dome170. As shown inFIG.7, in the embodiment illustrated, the de-nesting feature176is a protrusion that creates an internal corner177that may facilitate removal of the upper casing112from a mold during manufacturing thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, the de-nesting feature176extends around the dome170for at least 180 degrees; however, in alternative embodiments, the de-nesting feature may extend around the dome170for less than 180 degrees. Further, the de-nesting feature in alternative embodiments may be disposed at various locations on the upper casing112. When the bait station100is assembled, the upper casing112is seated on and permanently secured to the lower casing114, such that the upper flange168of the upper casing112is layered on the peripheral base flange126of the lower casing114, and an interior surface178(seeFIG.6) of the dome170rests against the outer wall134of the lower casing114. Once assembled, the dome170of the upper casing112and the inner wall152of the base120cooperate to define the interior cavity116and provide a protective covering that encases the pad108.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the upper casing112and the lower casing114may be ultrasonically welded. For example, the upper flange168and the peripheral base flange126may be welded along at least a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the upper flange168and the peripheral base flange126may be welded along an entire length or periphery thereof. Further, in some embodiments, the flanges168,126may be welded along a racetrack-shaped path disposed between the outer wall134and the outer edge130. Additionally or alternatively, the upper flange168and the peripheral base flange126may be coupled via fasteners, adhesives, press-fits, or heat sealing, for example. Ultrasonic welding, however, may be particularly useful because it creates a hermetic seal between the upper flange168and the peripheral base flange126, thereby creating a substantially leak-proof seal. Consequently, bait stations according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be mounted in a variety of orientations without experiencing leaks. For example, the bait station100of the illustrated embodiment may be mounted to a vertical wall so that its peripheral base flange126is substantially parallel to the vertical wall. The seal established by ultrasonic welding may prevent liquid or gel composition leakage.

Returning toFIG.3, the upper casing112further includes a plurality of apertures182on an upper ramped front surface184that provide access to the interior cavity116. The apertures182provide entryways through which insects, such as ants, may enter and exit the housing106. As will be described further herein, prior to use, a peelable label188(seeFIG.30) is disposed over the apertures182to seal the apertures182and the interior cavity116. The upper casing112and the lower casing114are constructed from a transparent or translucent material and, as a result, the pad108is visible to a user therethrough. In a different embodiment, one of the upper casing112and the lower casing114is constructed from a transparent or translucent material, e.g., the upper casing112. Further, the upper casing112and/or the lower casing114of the housing106may be composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the pad108is shown in greater detail. The pad108is generally racetrack-shaped and includes a central aperture192having a shape that conforms to a profile of the tapered post162. As best seen inFIG.5, once the bait station100is assembled, the tapered post162extends through the central aperture192of the pad108, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.6. Further, a space or gap194is defined between the pad108and the inner wall152of the base120, such that an ant may access or come in contact with an entire outer perimeter of the pad108.

The pad108comprises a polymer-based material, such as polyethersulfone, and is treated with a liquid formulation having an active ingredient, such as spinosad. However, alternative active agents are contemplated. In some embodiments, the formulation may comprise between about 0.005% and about 0.050% active ingredient, or between about 0.010% and about 0.040% active ingredient, or about 0.015% active ingredient. The pad108is configured to contain the liquid bait formulation and to prevent release or leaking of the liquid bait formulation from the housing106. Specifically, the high absorption capacity of the pad108ensures spills or leaks are avoided. Gravity and surface tensions at a bottom of the pad108also allow insects (e.g., ants) to feed at a bottom of the pad108. The tapered post162also provides reinforcement to the bait station100and prevents the pad108from being squeezed and releasing liquid when in use. Further, because the pad108includes a liquid impregnated therein, it provides a visual cue regarding the efficacy of the bait station100. For example, users can see through the housing106that the pad108is soaked with condensate, and the transparent housing further serves as a use-up cue allowing the user to see when the liquid is depleted. The pad108may use dyes to visually indicate condensate concentrations.

Returning toFIG.3, as mentioned above, the upper casing112includes the plurality of apertures182disposed on the upper ramped front surface184to provide access to the interior cavity116. The apertures182are access points for ants, and the use of multiple openings improves the efficacy of the bait station100. The apertures182are sized to allow access to only insects, such as ants, and prevent human contact. In the embodiment illustrated, three apertures182are used. However, other embodiments may use more or fewer apertures182. Similarly, although the apertures182of the illustrated embodiment are substantially rectangular in shape, other embodiments may use apertures that are oval, circular, square, triangular, etc. The apertures182are arranged in a row along a length of the upper ramped front surface184. Additional embodiments may use any arrangement of apertures182. Being disposed on the upper ramped front surface184allows the apertures182to be easily accessed by the ants.

Referring toFIG.7, a cross-sectional view of the bait station100is shown. The plurality of apertures182are positioned between the upper flange168and the top surface174of the upper casing112. More specifically, the plurality of apertures182are positioned adjacent the top edge136of the lower casing114when assembled. As a result, the bait station100is configured so that insects can travel over the upper ramped front surface184, through the apertures182, and down the inner ramped surface160to reach the pad108. The plurality of apertures182are spaced from the base120of the lower casing114during use, which provides the gap194that enables an insect to access or come in contact with the pad108. Further, referring toFIGS.7and8, the gap194extends around an entire outer perimeter of the pad108to enable insects to access the entire perimeter thereof.

Referring toFIG.9, therefore, the apertures182and the gap194enable ants199to walk around the pad108without getting stuck. The pad108provides 360 degree feeding, thereby accommodating large amounts of ants or other insects. As a result, a large amount of ants may feed from the pad108, which allows then to return and eliminate their colony or nest.

Referring toFIG.10a, the bait station100is provided in a pack of four196, and individual stations may be separated from the pack when desired. Perforations or score lines are provided between the flanges126,168of the bait stations100when connected to one another in pack form, which allows a user to separate an individual bait station100when desired. Accordingly, the upper casings112and the lower casings114may be produced in sets of four.FIG.10billustrates another pack of four196bcomprising bait stations100baccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The bait stations100bare substantially identical to the bait stations100shown inFIGS.1-10a,with identical elements identified using like reference numerals. However, the bait stations100bdiffer in some aspects, as described herein or as apparent from the figures. For example, each of the bait stations100bincludes a de-nesting feature176bthat is disposed on a smaller portion of the upper casing112when compared to the de-nesting feature176shown inFIG.4, e.g., between 80 and 120 degrees around the dome170. Further, the de-nesting features176bmay be disposed at different locations on the bait stations100b.More specifically, the de-nesting features176bare disposed on portions of the upper casings112that correspond to sides198of the pack of four196bto facilitate removal of the collective four upper casings112from a mold during manufacturing thereof. Therefore, two of the bait stations100bmay have their de-nesting feature176disposed on a side of the dome170that is different from the other two bait stations100b.In some embodiments, the de-nesting features may occupy the upper casing112for less than 180 degrees about the dome170. In some embodiments, the de-nesting features may occupy the upper casing112for less than 100 degrees about the dome170.

Referring now toFIGS.10a,11, and12, as mentioned above, the peelable label188is provided over the apertures182to seal the apertures182and the interior cavity116prior to use. The peelable label188enables the bait station100to have an enhanced shelf life. For example, the bait station100may be stored for three years before use. Further, providing the peelable label188on each individual bait station100in a pack allows for a user to select which bait station100and how many bait stations100to use. That is, a user may remove the peelable label188from only one bait station100in a pack so that only one bait station100is activated. The peelable label188is configured to be easily removed by a user.

FIGS.13and14illustrate a bait station200according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1-12, the configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the bait station200is presented as an example only. Further, the bait station200is substantially identical in design and functionality to the bait station100, with identical elements identified using the same reference numerals, except as described herein or as apparent from the figures.

The bait station200includes a gel296. The gel296has a large “pool” surface area for ants to congregate along to eat and share food by a process called “tropholaxis”. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the gel296is disposed on the first surface122in the receiving space154of the lower casing114(see, e.g.,FIG.3). The gel296may be a gel that shrinks and dries up. The gel296may include water, an active ingredient, and a thickener such as carrageenan, in any amount that is effective and appropriate for causing the water and the insecticidally-active ingredient to form a gel. In some embodiments, Indoxacarb is the active ingredient. For example, the gel296may be composed of 0.1% Indoxacarb. Further, the gel296may be an aqueous gel that may include at least 10 wt % water.

In one embodiment, the gel296may be a hydrogel that allows easy feeding, provides non-spill storage for liquid bait without liquid dripping, and allows uninhibited ant feeding. Generally, hydrogels provide accessibility similar to liquids, while behaving like a solid. For example, hydrogels are not free-flowing and, thus, would prevent ants from getting stuck. Further, due to the viscosity of hydrogels, they are generally spill resistant, which can reduce mess when tipping the bait station100. Accordingly, the bait station200may be placed at an angle or vertically without leaking its contents.

FIGS.15-21illustrate a bait station300(e.g., an ant bait station302) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the bait station300is presented as an example only. Further, the bait station300may be similar in design and functionality to the bait station100ofFIGS.1-12, with similar elements identified using like reference numerals, except as described herein or as apparent from the figures.

Referring toFIG.15, similar to the bait station200illustrated inFIGS.13and14, the bait station300includes a housing306that is configured to hold a gel. The housing306includes an upper casing312and a lower casing314that are coupled together, e.g., via a fit or adhesive, to form an interior cavity316. AlthoughFIGS.15-19do not depict the bait station300with a gel disposed therein, it should be understood that the bait station300is configured to hold a gel. For example, the bait station300is configured to hold the gel296shown inFIGS.13and14. Additionally or alternatively, the bait station300may hold a liquid soaked feeding pad (see, e.g., the liquid soaked feeding pad108inFIGS.1-12), or a liquid alone.

Referring toFIG.16, the bait station300is shown disassembled. As mentioned above, the housing306is configured to hold or retain a gel between the upper casing312and the lower casing314. The lower casing314is a substantially planar component that has a rectangular profile and includes a base320having a first surface322and a second surface324facing opposite directions, and a peripheral flange326that defines an outer edge330having curved corners332. Further, the lower casing314includes an outer wall334that is spaced apart from the outer edge330and extends upwardly from the flange326to a top edge336. The outer wall334includes curved sections340and substantially straight sections342. More specifically, as best seen inFIG.17, the outer wall334includes a curved section340adjacent each curved corner332of the outer edge330. Each curved sections340is arranged so that its curvature is opposite a curvature of the corresponding curved corner332. The substantially straight sections342extend between each curved section340and extend substantially parallel to the outer edge330adjacent thereto. An inner wall352extends from the top edge336to the first surface322to define a curved receiving space354(seeFIG.16). The curved receiving space354predominately represents an oval or curved rectangular profile.

Returning toFIG.15, the upper casing312includes an upper flange366that corresponds to a profile of the peripheral base flange326, and further includes a dome368that extends upwardly from the upper flange366to a top surface374. When the bait station300is assembled, the upper casing312is seated on and permanently secured to the base320, such that the upper flange366is layered on the peripheral base flange326. Further, as best seen inFIG.20, and an interior surface378of the dome368rests against the outer wall334of the base320. Once assembled, the dome368of the upper casing312and the inner wall352of the lower casing314cooperate to define the interior cavity316and provide a protective covering that encases the gel.

With reference again toFIG.15, the upper casing312further includes a plurality of apertures382along the top surface374that provide access to the interior cavity316. Similar to the apertures182shown inFIGS.1-12, the apertures382provide entryways through which insects, such as ants, may enter and exit the housing306. Similarly, prior to use, a peelable label388(seeFIG.31) is disposed over the apertures382, which seals the apertures382and the interior cavity316. The upper casing312and the lower casing314are constructed from a transparent or translucent material and, as a result, the gel and/or pad is visible to a user therethrough. In a different embodiment, one of the upper casing312and the lower casing314is constructed from a transparent or translucent material, e.g., the upper casing312. Further, the upper casing312and/or the lower casing314of the housing306may be composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene.

Turning now toFIG.19, as mentioned above, the upper casing312includes the plurality of apertures382disposed on the top surface374to provide access to the interior cavity316. The apertures382are sized to allow access to only ants and to prevent human contact. In the embodiment illustrated, ten apertures382are used. However, other embodiments may implement more or fewer apertures382. Similarly, although the apertures382of the illustrated embodiment are substantially oval in shape, other embodiments may implement apertures that are rectangular, circular, square, triangular, etc. The apertures382are arranged in a circular pattern along a top edge384of the upper casing312. Additional embodiments may implement arrangements of apertures382in alternative configurations.

Referring toFIGS.20, a cross-sectional view of the bait station300is shown. The plurality of apertures382are positioned on the top surface374adjacent the dome368of the upper casing312. More specifically, and as best illustrated inFIG.19, the plurality of apertures382are arranged along an oval path spaced inward from the dome368. As a result, the plurality of apertures382provide access to the interior cavity316. Further, because the apertures382extend around an entire outer perimeter of the interior cavity316, insects can access the interior cavity316from any surrounding direction.

FIGS.22-27illustrate a bait station400according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the configuration of these components for, and their inclusion in, the bait station400is presented as an example only. Further, the bait station400may be similar in design and functionality to the bait station100ofFIGS.1-12, with similar elements identified using like reference numerals, except as described herein or as apparent from the figures.

Referring toFIG.23, the bait station400includes a housing406that is configured to hold a liquid therein. The housing406includes an upper casing412and a lower casing414that are coupled together, e.g., via a fit or adhesive, to form an interior cavity416. AlthoughFIGS.22-27do not depict the bait station400with a liquid disposed therein, the bait station400may be configured to hold the liquid. Further, the bait station400may hold other compositions therein. For example, the bait station400may carry the gel296shown inFIGS.13and14. Additionally or alternatively, the bait station400may hold a liquid soaked feeding pad (see, e.g., the liquid soaked feeding pad108inFIGS.1-12).

Like the aforementioned embodiments, the upper casing412and the lower casing414are constructed from a transparent or translucent material and, as a result, the pad, gel, and/or liquid is visible to a user therethrough. In a different embodiment, one of the upper casing412and the lower casing414is constructed from a transparent or translucent material, e.g., the upper casing412. Further, the upper casing412and/or the lower casing414of the housing406may be composed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene.

Still referring toFIG.23, the bait station400is shown disassembled. As mentioned above, the housing406is configured to hold or retain liquid between the upper casing412and the lower casing414. The lower casing414is a substantially planar component that has a rectangular profile and includes a base420having a first surface422and a second surface424facing opposite directions, and a peripheral flange426that defines an outer edge430having curved corners432. Further, the lower casing414includes an outer wall434that is spaced apart from the outer edge430and extends upwardly from the peripheral base flange426to a top edge436.

Referring toFIG.24, the outer wall434includes curved sections and substantially straight sections442. More specifically, FIG. the outer wall434includes first curved sections444adjacent each curved corner432of the outer edge430. Each of the first curved sections444is arranged so that its curvature is opposite a curvature of the corresponding curved corner432. Further, the outer wall434includes second curved sections446disposed on a first side thereof. The second curved sections446are equally spaced along a length of the lower casing414. Third curved sections448are provided on a second side of the outer wall434so that they correspond to the second curved sections446along the length of the lower casing414. The second curved sections446of the outer wall434extend substantially perpendicularly from the first surface422and have a semi-oval profile. Similarly, the third curved sections448of the outer wall434extend substantially perpendicularly from the first surface422and have a semi-oval profile that is smaller than the semi-oval profile of the second curve sections446. The substantially straight sections442extend between each of the first, second, and third curved sections444,446,448and are shaped to be substantially parallel to the outer edge430adjacent thereto.

Referring toFIG.26, a base top surface450extends from the top edge436to an inner wall452. The inner wall452extends from the top surface450to the first surface422to define a receiving space454. The receiving space454predominately represents an elongate channel (seeFIG.24). Further, as best seen inFIG.26, the inner wall452includes sections having varying pitches. More specifically, the inner wall452includes a first pitch section456that may extend from the base top surface450at an angle α. In some instances, the angle α may be greater than 90 degrees. In some instances, the angle α may be greater than 100 degrees. The inner wall452also includes sections that extend substantially perpendicularly from the base top surface450. For example, the inner wall452includes a second pitch section458that extends substantially perpendicularly from the base top surface450.

Referring toFIG.27, a cross-sectional view of the bait station400is illustrated. The receiving space454extends along a length of the lower casing414. In some instances, the receiving space454may extend along at least 60% the length of the lower casing414. Further, in some instances, the receiving space454may extend along at least 75% the length of the lower casing414.

Turning back toFIG.25, the upper casing412includes an upper flange466that corresponds to a profile of the peripheral base flange426(see, e.g.,FIG.23). The upper casing412further includes a first ramped surface468and a second ramped surface470that are connected to each other by side walls472. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls472are generally curved walls; however, they may be straight in alternative embodiments. The first ramped surface468, the second ramped surface470, and the side walls472extend from the upper flange466to a top surface474at varying pitches. For example, as best seen inFIG.26, the first ramped surface468may be angled from the upper flange466at an angle greater than 90 degrees. Further, in some instances, the angle may be greater than 110 degrees. The second ramped surface470may be angled from the flange466at an angle similar to or less than the angle of the first ramped surface468. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second ramped surface470may be angled from the flange466between 90 degrees and 100 degrees. Therefore, when in use, the upper flange466adjacent the second ramped surface470may be disposed in a corner such that the second ramped surface470is proximate a wall or surface that insects, e.g., ants, may be traveling on.

When the bait station400is assembled, the upper casing412is seated on and permanently secured to the base420, such that the upper flange466is layered on the peripheral base flange426, and an interior surface of the first ramped surface468, the second ramped surface470, and the side walls472rest against the outer wall434of the lower casing414. Once assembled, the top surface474of the upper casing412and the inner wall452of the lower casing414cooperate to define the interior cavity416and provide a protective covering that encases the liquid, gel, and/or pad.

Referring toFIG.28, the upper casing412further includes a plurality of apertures482on the top surface474that provide access to the interior cavity416. Similar to the apertures182shown inFIGS.1-14, the apertures482provide entryways through which insects, such as ants, may enter and exit the housing406. The apertures482are sized to only allow access to ants, and prevent human contact. In the embodiment illustrated, eight apertures482are used. However, other embodiments may use more or fewer apertures482. Similarly, although the apertures482of the illustrated embodiment are substantially oval in shape, other embodiments may use apertures that are rectangular, circular, square, triangular, etc. in shape. The apertures482are arranged in a linear pattern along a length of the upper casing412. Additional embodiments may use any arrangement of apertures482. Like the aforementioned embodiments, prior to use, a peelable label488(seeFIG.32) is disposed over the apertures482, which seals the apertures482and the interior cavity416.

Returning again toFIG.26, accordingly, the first ramped surface468provides insects, such as ants, access to the interior cavity416. More specifically, the first ramped surface468provides a ramp for ants to travel on to reach the plurality of apertures482. Further, when the bait station400is assembled, the apertures482are disposed proximate the first pitch surface456. Therefore, the apertures482provide access to the first pitched section456of the lower casing414, which provides a path to the liquid for the ants.

Referring toFIGS.30-32, each of the aforementioned bait stations100,300,400is shown. As previously discussed, each bait station according to the present disclosure may include a peelable label disposed over the respective apertures. The peelable label may be a foil sheet that is heat sealed to the bait station. Therefore, activation and use of the bait station requires removal of the peelable label. For example, referring toFIG.30, the bait station100includes the peelable label188over the apertures182disposed on the upper ramped front surface184(see, e.g.,FIG.6). An end190of the peelable label188is configured to be pulled to remove the label188and activate the bait station100. Similarly, referring toFIG.31, the bait station300includes the peelable label388over the apertures382disposed along the top surface374(see, e.g.,FIG.15). A corner390of the peelable label388is configured to be pulled to remove the label388and activate the bait station300.FIG.32illustrates the bait station400having a peelable label488disposed over the apertures482on the top surface474(see, e.g.,FIG.27). Similar to the aforementioned embodiments, an end490of the label is configured to be pulled to remove the label488and activate the bait station400. The peelable label thus enhances a bait station's shelf life. Additionally, the label ensures that the bait station remains spill resistant during storage even when the bait station houses a liquid therein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments disclosed herein. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the application are reserved.