Bait Compositions and Methods for Controlling a Pest by Physical Effects

(19) TZZ¥Z ¥_T

(11) EP 3 025 583 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.: 01.06.2016 Bulletin 2016/22 A01N 25/00 (2006.01) A01P 7/00 (2006.01) A01P 9/00 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 15196294.1

(22) Date of filing: 25.11.2015

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB • BERENGARDT, Ina GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO 51467 Bergisch Gladbach (DE) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • BUBLITZ, Mike Designated Extension States: 51399 Burscheid (DE) BA ME • RADECKI, Claudia Designated Validation States: 51429 Bergisch Gladbach (DE) MA MD • RODRIGUEZ Y FISCHER, Nicolas 50676 Köln (DE) (30) Priority: 28.11.2014 EP 14195431 (74) Representative: f & e patent (71) Applicant: BioGenius GmbH Fleischer, Engels & Partner mbB, Patentanwälte 50429 Bergisch Gladbach (DE) Braunsberger Feld 29 51429 Bergisch Gladbach (DE)

(54) BAIT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A PEST BY PHYSICAL EFFECTS

(57) The present invention relates to bait composition), to methods for controlling a pest by physical effects tions containing a swellable agent (preferably swellable employing said bait compositions and to the use of a hydrophilic polymer) having a median particle size Dv50 swellable agent for controlling a pest ingesting said bait of 100 μm and a phagostimulant for controlling a pest by composition. physical effects (eg. rupture of organs or dessicating ac- EP 3 025 583 A1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 3 025 583 A1 2

Description tivity ofthe active agent.Even thoughattempts have been made to provide a mere physical controlling effect on a [0001] The present invention relates to bait composi- target organism exerted exclusively by the swellable tions for controlling a pest by physical effects, to methods agent after ingestion, i.e. oral uptake by the target organ- for controlling a pest by physical effects employing said 5 ism, the obtained results were not fully satisfying. Hence, bait compositions and to the use of a swellable agent for commerciallyavailable formulations stillrely on theaction controlling a pest ingesting a composition, which com- of chemical and/or biological pesticides. prises said swellable agent by physical effects. [0008] It has surprisingly been found that ingestion of [0002] Conventional pesticidal bait compositions usu- a bait composition according to the present invention ally rely on the toxic effects of a stomach poison com- 10 which comprises at least a swellable agent in the form prising a chemical or biological toxicant. For instance, of particles having a median particle size Dv50 of 100 insecticidal bait compositions often employ one or more mm or less and at least a phagostimulant, but is substan- chemical toxicants, examples of which include organo- tially free of any pesticidal agent exerting a controlling chlorine, organophosphate, neonicotinoid, carbamate effect on the target organism by chemical or biological and pyrethroid pesticides. Neonicotinoids are a class of 15 action provides sufficient means for pest control, leading highly potent chemical insecticides, which can be em- to death of the target organism by substantially mere ployed as stomach or contact poison. physical effects. [0003] However, in recent years neonicotinoids have [0009] As the composition of the present invention is come under increasing scrutiny over environmental im- substantially free of any pesticidal agent exerting a con- pacts, including honey-bee colony collapse disorder,20 trolling effect on the pest by chemical or biological action leading to restrictions and bans on their use in several after ingestion of the composition by the pest, it is non- countries. In addition, exposure to conventional chemical toxic and safe to human health and the environment. pesticides can cause a variety of adverse health effects Remnants of the bait composition do not require special in humans, ranging from simple skin irritations to affecting waste disposal and can be deposited in the general the nervous system, affecting the hormone system and 25 household waste. The bait composition of the present causing cancer. invention is therefore also especially suitable for in- [0004] Although various attempts have been made to house/domestic use. Advantageously the bait composi- develop target-specific pesticides with less off-target ef- tions and methods of the present invention are also suit- fects, including the use of naturally occurring substances able to control species, which have developed resistance (biopesticides), to reduce detrimental effects on the30 to common chemical or biological pesticides. health of non-target species and the environment, there [0010] In terms of the present invention the term "bait is still a need for safer compositions. composition" refers to a composition that attracts a target [0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention organism and is ingested by the target organism through to provide an environmentally friendly bait composition its oral opening, i.e. consumed by oral uptake. Upon in- for controlling a pest as well as methods for pest control 35 gestion the bait composition preferably may get into the using such a composition and for the preparation of such gastro-intestinal tract of said organism to exert a control- compositions. Furthermore the composition should be ling effect on said organism by physical, preferably me- easy to handle and be non-toxic to the user and further chanical effects. non-target organisms, in particular to mammals. [0011] In terms of the present invention the term "con- [0006] This object is met by the bait composition and 40 trolling effect by biological or chemical action" refers to methods of the present invention. The bait composition the toxic effects exerted by common chemical and bio- of the present invention comprises at least one swellable logical pesticidal agents including e.g. organochlorine, agent and at least one phagostimulant to induce inges- organophosphate, neonicotinoid, carbamate and pyre- tion of the composition by the pest, but is substantially throid pesticides after oral uptake. In particular the term free of any pesticidal agent exerting a controlling effect 45 "biological or chemical action" refers to effects occurring onthe pestby chemical or biological actionafter ingestion in the target organism due to a (bio)chemical reaction of the composition by the pest. with or induced by said pesticide or a metabolite thereof. [0007] Various pesticidal compositions are known that, Common pesticides act e.g. on the central nervous sys- besides conventional chemical and/or biological toxi- tem or the reproductive system of an animal target or- cants (pesticides), comprise, among others, a so-called 50 ganism. However, said term does not include chemical superabsorbent polymer (SAP), commonly as carrier or biological substances in general. Rather chemical material and/or formulation aid. SAPs are cross-linked and/or biological substances, which are palatable to the polymers that have the ability to absorb several to some target organism without exerting a controlling effect on hundred times their own weight of deionized water and said target organism upon ingestion, may be present in thus are swellable agents in the sense of the present55 the composition. Substances, which may be present in invention. For instance, WO 89/12450 A1 discloses the the composition, also include preservatives, which may use of SAPs in pesticidal delivery agents for the control act as fungicide, bactericide and/or antiseptic. The term of terrestrial insects to enhance the distribution and ac- "pesticidal agents" according to the present invention

2 3 EP 3 025 583 A1 4 preferably refers to an agent selected from the list con- dine), chloridazon (aka pyrazone), chlorimuron, chlorine sisting of: 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis-(4-ethyl-phenyl)ethane, dioxide, chlormephos, chlormequat, chlorobenzilate, 1,2-dibromoethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloro- chloroneb, chlorophacinone, chloropicrin, chloropro- propane, 1,3,5-tri-(2-hydroxyethyl)-hexa-hydro-s-tri- pylate, chlorothalonil, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, chlo- azyne, 1,3-dichloropropene, 1,3-diphenyl urea, 1,4-5 rphonium chloride, chlorpropham, chlorpyrifos, chlorpy- dimethylnaphthalene, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid, 2,4,5- rifos-methyl, chlorsulfuron, chlorthal-dimethyl, chlorthia- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic mid, chlorthiophos, chlozolinate, chromafenozide, cini- acid, 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid, 2-(dithiocy- don ethyl, cinosulfuron, clethodim, clodinafop, clofencet, anomethylthio)-benzothiazol, 2-aminobutane (aka sec- clofentezine, clomazone, clomeprop, clopyralid, cloquin- butylamine), 8-hydroxyquinoline, abamectin (aka aver- 10 tocet mexyl, clothianidin, copper complex: 8-hydroxyqui- mectin), acephate, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, acetochlor, noline with salicylic acid, copper hydroxide, copper oxide, acibenzolar-S-methyl (benzothiadiazole), acifluorfen, copper oxychloride, coumachlor, coumafuryl, cou- aclonifen, acridinic bases, acrinathrin, AD-67 (4-(dichlo- maphos, coumatetralyl, cresylic acid, crimidine, cryolite, roacetyl)-1-oxa-4-azaspiro[4.5]decane, alachlor, alany- cufraneb, cumylphenol, cyanamide (H & Ca cyanamide), carb, aldicarb, aldimorph, aldrin, alkyl mercury com-15 cyanazine, cyanides: including calcium, hydrogen, sodi- pounds, alkyloxyl and aryl mercury compounds, allethrin, um cyanides, cyantraniliprole, cyazofamid, cyclanilide, alloxydim, allyl alcohol,alpha-cypermethrin (aka alpham- cycloate, cycloxydim, cycluron, cyenopyrafen, cyflufen- ethrin), aluminium phosphide, ametoctradin, ametryn, amid, cyflumetofen, cyfluthrin, cyhalofop-butyl, cyha- amidosulfuron, aminopyralid, amisulbrom, amitraz, am- lothrin, cyhexatin, cymoxanil, cypermethrin, cyprocona- itrole (aminotriazole), ammonium bituminosulfonate, am- 20 zole, cyprodinil, cyprofuram, cyromazine, DADZ (zinc- monium sulphamate, ammonium thiocyanate, ampropyl- dimethylditiocarbamate), dalapon, daminozide, dazom- fos, ancymidol, anilazine, anilofos, anthracene oil, an- et, DDT, delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis, del- thraquinone, aramite, asomate, asulam, atrazine, avig- tamethrin, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methyl sul- lycine HCl, azaconazole, azadirachtin, azafenidin, azam- phone, denathonium benzoate, desmedipham, desme- ethiphos, azimsulfuron, azinphos ethyl, azinphos-me- 25 tryn, di-1-p-menthene B470, di-allate, diafenthiuron, di- thyl, aziprotryne, azocyclotin, azoxystrobin, barban, bar- alifos, diazinon, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlofenthion, ium fluosilicate, barium nitrate, barium polysulphide, be- dichlofluanid, dichlone, dichlorophen, dichlorprop, flubutamid, benalaxyl, benalaxyl-m, benazolin,dichlorprop-p, dichlorvos, diclobutrazol, diclofop, di- bendiocarb, benfluralin, benfuracarb, benfuresate, ben- cloran, dicofol, dicrotophos, dicyclopentadiene, dieldrin, odanil, benomyl, benoxacor, bensulfuron, bensulide,30 dienochlor, diethatyl, diethatyl-ethyl, diethofencarb, dife- bensultap, bentaluron, bentazone, benthiavalicarb, ben- nacoum, difenoconazole, difenoxuron, difenzoquat, zalkonium chloride, benzobicyclon, benzovindiflupyr, difethialone, diflubenzuron, diflufenican, dikegulac, benzoximate, benzoylprop, benzthiazuron, beta-cy- dimefox, dimefuron, dimepiperate, dimethachlor, fluthrin, beta-cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenox,dimethenamid, dimethenamid-p, dimethipin, dimethiri- bifenthrin, binapacryl, bioallethrin, bioresmethrin, biphe- 35 mol, dimethoate, dimethomorph, dimethylvinphos, nyl, bis(tributyltin) oxide, bispyribac, bitertanol, bitumen, dimexano, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole-m, dinitramine, bixafen, blasticidin-S, Bordeaux mixture, boric acid, bos- dinobuton, dinocap, dinoseb: including acetate and salts, calid (formerly nicobifen), brandol (hydroxynonyl-2,6- dinotefuran, dinoterb, dioxacarb, dioxathion, diphaci- dinitrobenzene), brodifacoum, bromacil, bromadiolone, none, diphenamid (aka difenamide), diphenylamine, di- bromethalin, bromocyclen, bromofenoxim, bromophos, 40 quat (dibromide), disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, dis- bromophos-ethyl, bromopropylate, bromoxynil, bromu- odium phosphonate, disulfoton, ditalimfos, dithianon, conazole, bronopol, bupirimate, buprofezin, butachlor, dithiopyr, diuron, DNOC (2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol), butamifos, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, butralin, dodemorph, dodine, drazoxolon, edifenphos, emamec- butylate, cadusafos (aka ebufos), cafenstrole, calcium tin, endosulfan, endothal, endrin, EPN (O-Ethyl-O-(4-ni- carbide, calcium phosphide, camphechlor, captafol,45 trophenyl)phenylthiophosphonate), epoxiconazole, captan, carbaryl, carbendazim, carbetamide, carbo- EPTC (S-dipropylthiocarbamate), esfenvalerate, espro- furan, carbon disulphide, carbophenothion, carbosulfan, carb, etacelasil, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethalfluralin, carboxin, carfentrazone-ethyl, carpropamide, cartap, ethametsulfuron, ethanethiol, ethephon, ethidimuron carvone,cetrimide, chinin hydrochloride,chinomethionat (aka sulfodiazol), ethiofencarb, ethion (aka diethion), (aka quinomethionate), chlobenthiazone, chlomethoxy- 50 ethiprole, ethirimol, ethoate-methyl, ethofumesate, etho- fen, chloral-bis-acylal, chloral-semi-acetal, chloralose, prophos, ethoxyquin, ethoxysulfuron, ethychlozate, ethyl chloramben, chlorantraniliprole, chlorates: including 2,4-decadienoate, ethylene, ethylene oxide, ethylhex- magnesium, sodium, potassium chlorates, chlorbenside, anoate, etofenprox, etoxazole, etridiazole, etrimfos, fa- chlorbromuron, chlorbufam, chlordane, chlordecone, moxadone, fenamidone, fenaminosulf, fenamiphos (aka chloretazate (ISO: karetazan), chlorethoxyfos, chlo-55 phenamiphos), fenarimol, fenazaflor, fenazaquin, fenbu- rfenapyr, chlorfenprop, chlorfenson (aka chlorfenizon), conazole, fenbutatin oxide, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenchlo- chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlorflurenol (chlo- rphos, fenclorim, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenitrothion, fe- rflurecol), chlorhydrate of poly(iminino imido biguani- nobucarb, fenoprop, fenothiocarb, fenoxaprop, fenoxa-

3 5 EP 3 025 583 A1 6 prop-p, fenoxycarb, fenpiclonil, fenpropathrin, fenpropi- conazole, methabenzthiazuron, methacrifos, methami- din, fenpropimorph, fenpyrazamine, fenpyroximate, fen- dophos, methazole, methfuroxam, methidathion, methi- ridazon, fenson (aka fenizon), fenthion, fenthiosulf, fentin ocarb (aka mercaptodimethur), methomyl, methoprene, acetate, fentin hydroxide, fentrazamide, fenuron, fenva- methoprotryne, methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, methyl lerate, ferbam, ferric phosphate, fipronil, flamprop, flam- 5 bromide, methyl isothiocyanate, methyl p-hydroxyben- prop-M, flazasulfuron, flocoumafen, flonicamid (IKI-220), zoate, methyl-trans-6-nonenoate, methylenebisthiocy- florasulam, fluacrypyrim, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, fluazi- anate, methylnaphthylacetamide, methylnaphthylacetic nam, fluazolate (formerly isopropozole), flubendiamide, acid, metiram, metobromuron, metolachlor, metolcarb, flubenzimine, flucarbazone-sodium, flucycloxuron, flu- metominostrobin, metosulam, metoxuron, metrafenone, cythrinate, fludioxonil, flufenacet (formerly fluthiamide), 10 metribuzin, metsulfovax, metsulfuron-methyl, mevin- flufenoxuron, flufenzin (ISO: diflovidazin), flumequine, phos, milbemectin, mirex, molinate, monalide, monocar- flumetralin, flumetsulam, flumiclorac-pentyl, flumioxazin, bamide-dihydrogensulphate, monocrotophos, mono- fluometuron, fluopicolide, fluopyram, fluoroacetamide, linuron, monuron, MSMA (methyl arsonic acid), myclob- fluorodifen, fluoroglycofen, fluoxastrobin, flupoxam, utanil, N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide, N-acetyl thia- flupyradifurone, flupyrsulfuron-methyl (DPX KE 459), flu- 15 zolidin-4-carboxylic acid, N-octyl bicycloheptene dicar- quinconazole, flurazole, flurenol (flurecol), fluridone, boximide, N-phenylphthalamic acid, nabam, naled, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, flurprimidol, flurtamone, naphtalene, naphtylacetic acid hydrazide, napropamide, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutianil, flutolanil, flutriafol, flux- naptalam, neburon, nicosulfuron, nicotine, nitenpyram, apyroxad, folpet, fomesafen, fonofos, foramsulfuron, nitralin, nitrofen, nitrothal, nonylphenol ether polyoxyeth- forchlorfenuron, formetanate, formothion, fosamine, fo- 20 yleneglycol, nonylphenol ethoxylate, norflurazon, noru- setyl, fosthiazate, fosthietan, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, ron, novaluron, nuarimol, octhilinone, ofurace, ometh- furathiocarb, furconazole, furfural, furmecyclox, gamma- oate, orbencarb, orthosulfamuron, orysastrobin, oryzal- cyhalothrin, gentian violet, glufosinate, glutaraldehyde in, inorganic mercury compounds, oxadiargyl, oxadia- (aka glutardialdehyde), glyphosate: including trimesium zon, oxadixyl, oxamyl, oxasulfuron, oxine-copper, ox- aka sulfosate, guazatine, halauxiphen-methyl, halfen- 25 poconazole, oxycarboxin, oxydemeton-methyl, oxyfluor- prox (aka brofenprox), halosulfuron methyl, haloxyfop, fen, oxytetracycline, p-chloronitrobenzene, p-cresyl ac- haloxyfop-P (haloxyfop-R), HBTA (high boiling tar acid), etate, p-dichlorobenzene, paclobutrazol, paraquat, par- HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), heptachlor, heptama- athion, parathion-methyl, pebulate, pefurazoate, loxyloglucan, heptenophos, hexachlorobenzene, hex- penconazole, pencycuron, pendimethalin, penflufen, achlorophene, hexaconazole, hexaflumuron, hexameth- 30 penoxsulam, pentachlorophenol, pentanochlor, penthi- ylene tetramine (urotropin), hexazinone, hexythiazox, opyrad, pentoxazone, perchlordecone (mirex), perflui- hydramethylnon, hydroxy-(4-chloro-2-methylphe- done, permethrin, pethoxamid, phenmedipham, phe- noxy)-acetic acid, hydroxyphenyl-salicylamide, hymexa- nols, phenothrin, phenthoate, pherodim, phorate, phosa- zol, idanofan, imazalil (aka enilconazole), imazameth- lone, phosametine (LS830556), phosmet, phosphami- abenz, imazamox, imazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, im- 35 don, phosphane, phoxim, phthalide, picloram, picolinaf- azethabenz, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, imibencona- en, picoxystrobin, pinoxaden, piperalin, piperonyl butox- zole, imicyafos, imidacloprid, iminoctadine, indanofan, ide, piributicarb, pirimicarb, pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos- indaziflam, indolylacetic acid (aka auxins), indolylbutyric methyl, polyoxin, potassium permanganate, potassium acid, indoxacarb, iodofenphos, iodosulfuron, ioxynil, ip- phosphonates (formerly potassium phosphite), potassi- conazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isazofos, 40 um thiocyanate, pretilachlor, primisulfuron, probenazole, isocarbamid, isocarbophos (ISO: isopropyl o-(meth- prochloraz, procymidone, profenofos, profoxydim, pro- oxyaminothiophosphoryl)salicylate), isofenphos, isofen- hexadione, prohydrojasmon, promecarb, prometryn, phos-methyl, isofetamid, isolane, isoprocarb, isopropa- pronumone, propachlor, propamocarb, propanil, propa- lin, isoprothiolane, isoproturon, isopyrazam, isotianil, phos, propaquizafop, propargite, propazine, propetam- isouron, isoval, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, isoxathion, karbu- 45 phos, propham, propiconazole, propineb, propionic acid, tilate, kasugamycin, kelevan, kinoprene, kresoxim-me- propisochlor (ISO: 2-chloro-6’-ethyl-N-isopropoxymeth- thyl, lactofen, lambda-cyhalothrin, lenacil, lepimectin, lin- ylaceto-o-toluidide), propoxur, propoxycarbazone, pro- dane, linuron, lufenuron, magnesium phosphide, pyl-3-t-butylphenoxyacetate, propyrisulfuron, propyza- malathion, maleic hydrazide, maleic hydrazide and its mide, proquinazid, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, prothio- salts, mancopper, mancozeb, mandestrobin, man-50 carb, prothioconazole, prothiofos, prothoate, putrescine dipropamid, maneb, MCPA, MCPB, mecarbam, meco- (1,4-diaminobutane), pymetrozine, pyraclofos, pyraclos- prop, mecoprop-P, mefenacet, mefenpyr, mefluidide, trobin, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyranocoumarin, pyrasulfotole, mepanipyrim, mephosfolan, mepiquat, mepronil,pyrazophos, pyrazoxyfen, pyrethrins, pyridaben, pyrida- meptyldinocap, mercuric oxide, mercurous chloride fol, pyridalyl, pyridaphenthion, pyridate, pyrifenox, pyrif- (calomel), merphos (aka tributylphosphorotrithioite),55 luquinazon, pyriftalid, pyrimethanil, pyrimidifen, pyrimi- mesosulfuron, mesotrione, metaflumizone, metalaxyl, sulfan, pyriofenone, pyriproxyfen, pyroquilon, pyroxasul- metalaxyl-M, metaldehyde, metam: including -potassium fone, pyroxsulam, quinalphos, quinclorac, quinmerac, and -sodium, metamifop, metamitron, metazachlor, met- quinoclamine, quinoxyfen, quintozene, quizalofop, quiz-

4 7 EP 3 025 583 A1 8 alofop-P, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, res- in the case of insect targets it could be shown that the calure, resmethrin, rimsulfuron (aka renriduron), roten- bait composition of the present invention damages the one, S-metolachlor, saflufenacil, scilliroside, secbume- gastro-intestinal tract and also the exoskeleton structure. ton, seconal (aka 5-allyl-5-(1’-methylbutyl) barbituric ac- In this respect it is particularly surprising that the rather id), sedaxane, serricornin, sethoxydim, siduron, si-5 small particle size of the swellable agent as compared lafluofen, silthiofam, silver iodide, simazine, simecona- to agents such as Aqua Keep® J-500 or Aridall® 1092 zole, sintofen (aka cintofen), sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate, employed in the prior art, e.g. in U. S. Patent 4,983,390, sodium arsenite, sodium diacetoneketogulonate, sodium seems to be an important factor for the good pest control dichlorophenate, sodium dimethylarsinate, sodium o- provided by the compositions and methods of the present benzyl-p-chlorphenoxide, sodium o-nitrophenolate, so- 10 invention. dium p-nitrophenolate, sodium p-t-amylphenate, sodium [0013] In terms of the present invention the terms p-t-amylphenoxide, sodium silver thiosulphate, sodium "physical effect" or "controlling effect by physical means" tetraborate, sodium tetrathiocarbamate, sodium tetrathi- refer to any controlling effect exerted inside the body of ocarbonate, sodium thiocyanate, sodium-p-toluene-sul- a target organism which is not primarily based on the fonchloramid, spinetoram, spinosad, spirodiclofen,15 (biochemical) action of a chemical or biological toxicant spiromesifen, spirotetramat, spiroxamine, streptomycin, but on a substantially physical action of the swellable strychnine, sulcotrione, sulfaquinoxaline, sulfentrazone, agent inside the body of the target organism after inges- sulfosulfuron, sulfotep, sulfoxaflor, sulfuryl fluoride, sul- tion. Preferably such a physical action may be a mechan- profos, sumithrin, tau-fluvalinate, TCA (2,2,2-trichloroa- ical action and said physical effects may include, but are cetate), TCMTB (2-(thiocyanomethylthio) benzothia-20 not limited to, for instance, the increase in volume after zole), tebuconazole, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, teb- contact with water, leading to rupture of parts of the or- utam (aka butam), tebuthiuron, tecnazene, tefluben- ganism’s body,but also adesiccating action ofthe swella- zuron, tefluthrin, tembotrione, temephos, tepraloxydim, ble agent inside the organism’s body in the absence of terbacil, terbufos, terbumeton, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, water. terpenoid blend QRD-460, tetrachlorvinphos, tetracona- 25 [0014] In terms of the present invention the term "target zole, tetradifon, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, tetramethrin, organism" or "target pest" refers to the pest species tar- tetrasul, thallium sulphate, thiabendazole, thiacloprid, geted for control by the bait composition of the present thiamethoxam, thiazafluron, thiazopyr, thidiazuron, invention. Preferably, the target pest is selected from in- thiencarbazone, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, thi- vertebrates, more preferably from the group of hygiene ocyclam, thiodicarb, thiofanox, thiometon, thionazin, thi- 30 pests and even more preferably from the group of hy- ophanate (ethyl), thiophanate-methyl, thiosultap sodium, giene pests consisting of insects, snails and slugs. thiourea, thiram, tiadinil, tiocarbazil, tolclofos-methyl, [0015] The term "hygiene pests" as used herein refers tolfenpyrad, tolylfluanid, tolylphtalam (ISO: N-m-tolyl- to species that through direct or indirect contact with hu- phthalamic acid), topramezone, tralkoxydim, tralometh- man beings can transmit pathogens to or cause adverse rin, trans-6-nonen-1-ol, tri-allate, triadimefon, triadime- 35 health effects in human beings. Examples of hygiene nol, triapenthenol, triasulfuron, triazamate, triazbutyl, tri- pests include insects such as flies and mosquitoes which azophos, triazoxide, tribenuron (aka metometuron), through direct contact, for example by biting or stinging tribufos (s,s,s-tributyl-phosphorotrithioate), trichlorfon, or the like, transmit pathogens and/or cause pain to trichloronat, triclopyr, tricyclazole, tridemorph,and/orallergic reactions in human beings;and also pests, tridiphane, trietazine, trifenmorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumi- 40 including for example food pests, which by indirect con- zole, triflumuron, trifluralin, triflusulfuron, triforine, trim- tact, for example by ways of food contamination and/or edlure, trimethylamine hydrochloride, trinexapac (aka ci- through excrement may transmit pathogens to and/or metacarb ethyl), trioxymethylen, triticonazole, tritosul- cause allergies in human beings. In particular, the term furon, uniconazole, validamycin, valifenalate (formerly "hygiene pests" includes insects such as for example valiphenal), vamidothion, vernolate, vinclozolin, warfarin 45 ants, gadflies, moths, flies, fleas, lice, mites, cockroach- (aka coumaphene), XMC (3,5-dimethylphenol 1-(N- es, millipedes, bugs, ticks, and related species, among methylcarbamate), zeta-cypermethrin, zinc phosphide, which cockroaches are a particularly preferred target zineb, ziram and zoxamide, without being limited to pest in terms of the present invention. these. The composition of the present invention prefer- [0016] In terms of the present invention the term "sub- ably is substantially and even more completely free from 50 stantially free of any pesticidal agent" refers to a compo- any of these substances. sition not comprising such agents in an amount sufficient [0012] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is be- to observe a lethal effect associated to these agents on lieved that in the instant invention the volume increase the target pest 14 days after voluntary ingestion of the of the swellable agent upon contact with water inside the composition by the pest. Preferably the composition of body cavity of the target organism, e.g. in the gastro-55 the present invention comprises less than 0.1 wt.-% of intestinal tract, damages the structural integrity of at least any pesticidal agent exerting a controlling effect on the a part of the organism’s body, for instance by rupture, pest by chemical or biological action after ingestion, finally leading to the death of the organism. For example, based on total weight of the composition, more preferably

5 9 EP 3 025 583 A1 10 less than 0.05 wt.-%, even more preferably less than 0.01 present invention, i.e. a form of the composition ready to wt.-%, and still even more preferably of from less than be laid out for consumption by the pest, the water content 0.001 wt.-%. Most preferably the composition is com- of the composition preferably may be in the range of from pletely free of any pesticidal agent exerting a controlling 0.00001 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the effect on the pest by chemical or biological action after 5 composition including said water. More preferably, the ingestion. water content of the composition may be in the range of [0017] Unless indicated otherwise, the term "total 0.00005 to 20 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the weight of the composition" as used herein refers to the composition including said water. Most preferred, the wa- total weight of the composition at a (theoretical) water ter content of the composition may be in the range of content of 0 wt.-%. 10 0.0001 to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the com- [0018] In terms of the present invention the term "con- position including said water. Herein, said amount of wa- trolling effect" refers to an adverse effect to a pest indi- ter does not necessarily have to be absorbed by the vidual or population including, for instance, adverse de- swellable agent. For instance, by using suitable coating viations from natural development, growth inhibition, reg- materials, a premature uptake of water by the swellable ulation, killing and the like. Preferably, within a period of 15 agent from other components of the composition and/or 14 days after the ingestion of the bait composition of the the atmosphere may be avoided. Suitable coating mate- present invention at least 50% of the individuals of a rials include, for instance, water-soluble and/or biode- group of target organisms having ingested said compo- gradable polymers such as polylactic acids, polyglycol- sition are dead, more preferably at least 75%, even more ides, polycaprolactones, polyvinyl alcohols, polysaccha- preferably at least 80%, still even more preferably at least 20 rides, including starch, celluloses, chitosans, polyhy- 85%, particularly preferably at least 90% and most pref- droxyalkanoates, polyesters, derivatives and copoly- erably at least 95% or even 100%. mers as well as mixtures thereof, without being limited [0019] Herein, the amount of ingested bait composition to these. usually is in the range of from 0.001 to 100 wt.-% of the [0023] Moreover, the bait compositions of the present body weight of the pest and often exceeds 1 wt.-%, 5 wt.- 25 invention may be prepared using water-based solutions % or even 10 wt.-% of the body weight of the pest. and/or suspensions. The ready-to-use bait compositions [0020] In terms of the present invention the term of the present invention may then be prepared from these "swellable agent" refers to a substance capable of swell- water-based solutions or suspensions by conventional ing upon contact with water. As used herein, the term drying steps well known to those skilled in the art, includ- "swellable agent" specifically refers to an agent capable 30 ing, but not being limited to, evaporation at elevated tem- of absorbing at least five times its own dry weight (i.e. at peratures and/or under reduced pressure, oven drying a theoretical moisture content of 0 wt.%) of deionized etc., without being limited to these. Preferred bait com- water, preferably at least 10 times, more preferably at positions of the present invention may be in solid partic- least 50 times and even more preferably at least 100 ulate form. Such preferred composition may be prepared times. Several SAPs are capable of absorbing up to thou- 35 by mixing at least one swellable agent having a median sand times their own dry weight of deionized water. Upon particle size Dv50 of 100 mm or less, at least one phagos- absorbing water or a water containing liquid, the swella- timulant and water or an aqueous solution or suspension, ble agent preferably expands in size. In the present in- respectively, thereby allowing the swellable agent to vention the use of swellable agents is preferred which swell, e.g. to absorb at least 10 wt.-% of its own weight are capable of increasing their initial (dry) volume, i.e. 40 of water, before drying it as described above and com- their volume at a theoretical residual moisture content of minuting the dried material, if desired, e.g. by pestling, 0 wt.-%, at least 10 times, preferably at least 20 times, milling, crushing or the like. Herein, preferably at least more preferably at least 30 times, still even more prefer- one volume of water or aqueous solution or suspension ably at least 40 times and most preferably at least 50 may be used per volume of swellable agent. As the swol- times by the uptake of deionized water. 45 len material will be dried afterwards to remove the water, [0021] The bait composition of the present invention it is of course also possible to employ much larger preferably comprises less water than the maximum amounts of water or an aqueous solution or suspension, amount which can be absorbed by the swellable agent(s) e.g. about 100 volumes per volume of swellable agent. being present in the composition, i.e. preferably said [0024] Swellable agents in the sense of the present swellable agent(s) are not completely swollen before be- 50 invention include hydrophilic swellable agents, prefera- ing ingested by the target pest. Thus, the water content bly polymeric hydrophilic swellable agents. of a bait composition of the present invention also de- [0025] In terms of the present invention a hydrophilic pends on the particular swellable agent(s) used and pref- swellable agent has the capability to absorb and interact erably may range from 0 to 99 wt.-%, based on the total with water, water-containing liquids and/or other polar weight of the composition including said water, preferably 55 substances without being dissolved by them and increas- from 0.00001 to 90 wt.-%, more preferably from 0.00001 es its volume upon absorption. Preferably said hy- to 75 wt.-%. drophilic swellable agent also has the ability to retain the [0022] In a ready-to-use bait composition of the absorbed water under pressure.

6 11 EP 3 025 583 A1 12

[0026] Examples of hydrophilic swellable agents in the present in the composition in the form of particles. Herein sense of the present invention include polyacrylamide the term "particles" refers to a multitude of any discrete copolymers, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, solid form including regularly and irregularly shaped cross-linked carboxymethylcelluloses, polyvinyl alcohol grains, pellets, shells, fragments, beads, granules, copolymers, cross-linked polyethylene oxides, starch 5 spheres, and powders, without being limited to these. grafted copolymers of polyacrylonitrile, and polysaccha- Said particles have a median particle size Dv50 of 100 rides selected, for instance, from the group comprising mm or less, i.e. in the range of from > 0 to≤ 100 mm, xanthan gum, gellan gum, carrageenan, and alginate, preferably of from 0.1 to 90 mm, more preferably of from without being limited to these. Preferred are homo- and 1 to 80 mm, even more preferably of from 5 to 70 mm and copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers,10 most preferably of from 8 to 63 mm. Herein, particle size such as α, β-unsaturated carboxylic acids, e.g. acrylic distribution may preferably be monomodal. acid, their sodium, potassium, ammonium salts or mix- [0031] The volumetric median particle size Dv50 can tures thereof, with one or more cross-linkers, i.e. di- or be measured using known measuring methods and in- multifunctional monomer(s), such as for example N,N’- struments. In terms of the present invention said particle methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, 15 size is determined using the CIPAC MT 187 method for ethylene glycol di(methacrylate) or triallylamine. These particle size analysis by laser diffraction using a particle di- or multifunctional monomers lead to a cross-linking in size analyzer such as Mastersizer 2000 from Malvern the polymer chains, rendering the polymer water-insolu- Instruments Ltd, Malvern, UK. Therein the dispersed ble, yet water-absorbing. sample is passed through a beam of a monochromatic [0027] More preferably the at least one swellable agent 20 light source, e.g. a He-Ne gas laser with a wavelength used in the bait composition of the present invention may of 63 mm. The light scattered by the particles at various be a polymeric hydrophilic swellable agent which com- angles is measured by a multi-element detector and nu- prises at least one cross-linked acrylic polymer. Exam- merical values relating to the scattering pattern are then ples include optionally partially or fully neutralized homo- recorded for subsequent analysis. These numerical val- and copolymers, including graft copolymers, of acrylic 25 ues are then transformed using an appropriate optical acid, salts, esters, amides and mixtures thereof. Most model and mathematical procedure, applying the Fraun- preferably the at least one swellable agent used in the hofer theory to yield the proportion of total volume to a bait composition of the present invention may be a pol- discrete number of size classes forming a volumetric par- ymeric hydrophilic swellable agent which comprises at ticle size distribution. A more detailed description is given least one cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) and/or a salt30 in ISO 13320 or in the European Pharmacopoeia (for thereof, as many cross-linked acrylic polymers and in instance Ph. Eur. 7.0/2.09.31.00). particular optionally fully or partially neutralized, cross- [0032] Preferably the volumetric median particle size linked poly(acrylic acids) are excellent SAPs. Dv50 is determined under consideration of CIPAC MT [0028] A particular preferred swellable agent is for ex- 187 and ISO 13320:2009 using the following procedure ample a SAP which is a cross-linked poly(acrylic acid), 35 and equipment: A Carl Zeiss Axiolab drb KT (Carl Zeiss partially neutralized with sodium hydroxide, in the form AG, Oberkochen, Germany) equipped with a Zeiss CP- of particles having a minimum water content of 3 wt.- %, Achromat 5x/0.12 object lens and a Zeiss E-PI 10x/20 based on the weight of the total composition including ocular and a Mastersizer 2000 equipped with a helium- said water, and a median particle size Dv50 in the range neon gas laser having a maximum output power of 4 mW, of from of >0 to 63 mm, preferably of from 1 to 63 mm, 40 a beam wavelength of 633 nm, a beam diameter of 63 more preferably of from 5 to 63 mm and still even more mm (1/e2) and a beam divergence of 1.5 mrad equipped preferably of from 8 to 63 mm. Herein, preferably at most with a Scirocco 2000 sample dispersion unit were used. 2% of the SAP particles exceed a volumetric particle size Without additional preliminary treatment steps such as of 63 mm. milling or the like, a sample of the respective particles, [0029] The bait composition of the present invention 45 having a residual moisture content of not more than 5 may also comprise more than one swellable agent, i.e. wt.-%, based on the total weight of the particles, deter- it may comprise a mixture of two or more different swella- mined using a moisture analyzer Precisa XM60 (Precisa ble agents. These swellable agents may differ not only Gravimetrics AG, Dietikon, Switzerland) at a target with respect to their chemical composition, but also with weight loss of less than 10 mg per 5 grams of sample respect to their water content and/or water uptake be- 50 within 60 seconds at 105 °C, was analyzed at room tem- havior. Preferably, the swellable agent(s) is (are) present perature (23 °C) using the Mastersizer, where the meas- in the bait composition in a (combined) amount ranging uring range was set to 0.02 to 2000m m. The particles from 0.5 - 99 wt.-%, more preferably from 1 to 90 wt.-%, were introduced to the analyser beam using the dry pow- even more preferably from 5 - 75 wt.-%, still even more der feeder by direct spraying through the measurement preferably from 7.5 - 50 wt.-%, particularly preferably 55 area, wherein the material was loosened using an inte- from 10 - 40 wt.-%, and most preferably from 15 to 25 grated vibrator. The particles were dispersed and fed to wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition. the optical system (feed 70 %, gap 7 mm) using pressu- [0030] Preferably, the swellable agent(s) may be rized dry air (1.5 bar g). Herein the term "dry air" refers to

7 13 EP 3 025 583 A1 14 air preferably having a water content of equal to or less [0038] Fat and oils may not only act as a phagostimu- than 10 g per kg of air. Before starting the actual meas- lant in the bait composition of the present invention, but urement the laser was adjusted, the background was also as solvent, formulation base, consistency provider measured and the particle concentration (obscuration) etc, in particular if the bait composition is provided in form was adjusted, using e.g. an optical concentration of 6.3 5 of a gel. The fat(s) and/or oil(s) used for these purposes 6 0.7 %. Measurements of particle size were carried out may be the same or different from the one discussed in duplicate, wherein the result of each measurement is above as oil-based phagostimulants. Thus, even if the the average of three runs carried out automatically by bait composition does not comprise an oil-based phagos- theinstrument’s software. Measuringtime was 8 seconds timulant, it may comprise at least one natural or synthetic per run. The particle size is determined as an average 10 fat or oil, which preferably is an animal or a vegetable fat of these two measurements using Fraunhofer diffraction or oil. Said oil preferably may be selected from the group for opaque particles as mathematical model. consisting of fish oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, walnut oil, [0033] The term "phagostimulant" in the context of the peanut oil, nut oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, present invention refers to any natural or synthetic sub- olive oil, cumin oil, soybean oil, sesame oil and mixtures stance which stimulates and/or enhances feeding and/or 15 thereof. If present, the (combined) amount of fat and/or ingestion of the composition by the target pest including oil in the composition (including all fats and/or oils being fragrances and pheromones. present in the composition, irrespective of their purpose) [0034] Preferably, the at least one phagostimulant is preferably ranges from 1 to 99 wt.-%, preferably from 5 present in the bait composition in an amount ranging from to 98 wt.-%, more preferably from 10 to 95 wt.-%, still 0.1 to 99 wt.-%, more preferably from 1 to 95 wt.-%, even 20 even more preferably from 20 to 90 wt.-% and most pref- more preferably from 10 to 90 wt.-%, still even more preferably from 25 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of erably from 15 to 80 wt.-%, and most preferably from 20 the composition. In bait compositions comprising such to 75 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition. oils, the ratio of the combined amount of fats and/or oils If more than one phagostimulant is present in the com- to the combined amount of swellable agent preferably position, these values refer to the combined amount of 25 may range from 200:1 to 1:200, and in particular in gel phagostimulants. formulations more preferably of from 100:1 to 1:10, even [0035] Suitable phagostimulants according to the more preferably of from 75:1 to 1:5, still even more pref- present invention include carbohydrate-based phagos- erably of from 50:1 to 1:1 and most preferably of from timulants, protein-based phagostimulants, oil-based 10:1 to 2:1. phagostimulants, flavors, fragrances, pheromones and 30 [0039] The bait composition of the present invention combinations thereof. may comprise more than one phagostimulant. It may [0036] Carbohydrate-based phagostimulants include comprise e.g. a mixture and/or combination of two or mono-, oligo- and polysaccharides, such as sugars and more phagostimulants from different chemical classes. starches as well as products comprising said saccha- Of course, it is also possible to use natural or synthetic rides, like, for example, syrups, flours and brans, includ- 35 products, which already comprise a mixture of carbohy- ing, but not being limited to, potato starch, corn starch, drate-, protein- and/or oil-based phagostimulants, an ex- rice flour/bran, corn flour/bran, bread crumbs, oatmeal, ample of which is chocolate. Preferred combinations of honey, fructose, arabinose, galactose, lactose, sucrose, phagostimulants include, for instance, combinations of amylose, maltose, xylose, glucose, glucosamine, glyc- one or more carbohydrate-based phagostimulants with erol, icing sugar, fruit juice, corn syrup, maple syrup, mo- 40 one or more oil-based phagostimulants, such as choco- lasses, chocolate, and combinations thereof. Chocolate, late, sugar and plant oil, e.g. chocolate, icing sugar and icing sugar and combinations thereof may be preferred almond oil, or combinations of sugars and plant oils, e.g. phagostimulants. icing sugar and almond oil. In bait compositions compris- [0037] Protein-based phagostimulants include natural ing such combinations, the ratio of the combined amount and synthetic amino acids, peptides, and proteins as well 45 of carbohydrate-based phagostimulants to the combined as products comprising them, like, for example, beef, amount of oil-based phagostimulants preferably may poultry, fish, seafood, insects and parts thereof, egg al- range from 100:1 to 1:100, more preferably from 50:1 to bumin, soy bean flour, milk protein, fish meal, fish feed, 1:50 and most preferably from 10:1 to 1:10. yeast, yeast extract, silkworm pupae as well as hydro- [0040] Alternatively or in addition, natural and/or syn- lysates, such as animal digest, extracts and/or combina- 50 thetic flavors, fragrances and/or pheromones may be tions thereof, wherein fish feed may be preferred. Oil- present in the bait composition to lure the target organism based phagostimulants include natural or synthetic fats and/or to enhance ingestion of the composition by the and oils, preferably animal or vegetable fats and oils, as target organism. Suitable flavors, fragrances and/or phe- well as products comprising them, like, for example, fish romones are well known to those skilled in the art. Feed oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, nut oil, 55 stimulating flavors include, for instance, extracts of fish, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, olive oil, cumin oil, meat and insects, without being limited to these. Fra- soybean oil, sesame oil and combinations thereof, grances useful in the bait compositions and methods of wherein fish oil may be preferred. the present invention include fragrances derived from

8 15 EP 3 025 583 A1 16 meat, fish, seafood, onion, milk, butter, cheese and fruit may have a specific surface (BET, determined according fragrances derived from e.g. apple, apricot, blackberry, to ISO 9277-2014-01) of 200 m2/g. A suitable commer- banana, cherry, currant, gooseberry, grapefruit, raspber- cially available hydrophobic fumed silica is for example ry, strawberry and combinations thereof, without being Aerosil® R974 (Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany). limited to these. Preferred flavors may include fish, meat 5 [0046] If present, the (combined) amount of thickeners and seafood. in the bait composition of the present invention preferably [0041] Also suitable is commercially available animal may range of from 0.1 to 50 wt.-%, based on the total food, suchas dogfood orfish feed,in particulardry animal weight of the composition. feed. Such feed already contains a mixture of various [0047] If present, the combined amount of the other types of phagostimulants. For instance, a suitable com- 10 above mentioned additional components (apart from mercially available dog food comprises 19 wt.-% protein, thickeners) preferably may range of from 0.01 to 80 wt.- 7.5 wt.-% fat, 7.5 wt.-% ashes, 3 wt.-% fibre, 1.3 wt.-% %, more preferably from 0.1 to 70 wt.-%, even more pref- calcium and 1 wt.-% phosphorus and a suitable commer- erably from 1 to 50 wt.-%, still even more preferably from cially available fish feed comprises 46 wt.-% protein, 11 5 to 50 wt.-%, still even more preferably from 10 to 40 wt.-% fat, 3 wt.-% fibre and 6 wt.-% humidity. 15 wt.-%, including 20 to 40 wt.-% and 30 to 40 wt.-%. [0042] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, [0048] The target pest to be controlled in terms of the pheromones useful in a particular bait composition will present invention preferably is an animal species which depend, among others, on the target species to be at- preferably is selected from invertebrates. Preferred pests tracted to said bait composition. Pheromones for attract- are so-called hygiene pests and include snails and slugs ing a particular target species are well known to those 20 as well as insects. Preferred species to be controlled are skilled in the art. Pheromones useful for attracting cock- from the phyla Mollusca or Arthropoda, preferably from roaches are discussed for example in WO 2012/010509 the subphyla Hexapoda, Conchifera or Isopoda, even A2 and include the aggregation and sexual pheromones more preferably from the class of Insecta or Gastropoda, of the German cockroach, Blatella germanica, sexual among which the class of Insecta is preferred. pheromones of the American cockroach,Periplaneta 25 [0049] Snail and slug pests which can be controlled americana, sexual pheromones of brown-banded cock- using the bait composition and/or methods of the present roach Supella longialpa and mimics or combinations invention include those commonly causing problems in thereof. for example gardens, greenhouses or fields and include [0043] Preferably, the ratio of the combined amount of Helix spp., Helicella spp., Cepaea spp., Deroceras spp., phagostimulant(s) to the combined amount of swellable 30 Limax spp., Arion spp. and Ariolimax spp., without being agent(s) may range of from 200:1 to 1:200, more prefer- limitedto these.It willbe appreciated that thecomposition ably of from 100:1 to 1:10, even more preferably of from of the present invention is a bait composition for oral up- 75:1 to 1:5, still even more preferably of from 50:1 to 1:1 take. Thus, the bait composition as well as the method and most preferably of from 10:1 to 2:1. for controlling a pest according to the present invention [0044] The bait composition of the present invention 35 rely on the physical effects exerted inside the organism’s may comprise one or more additional components se- body after ingestion, and not a desiccating effect upon lected from the group comprising additional gel-forming external contact with the swellable agent. agents,thickeners, solvents,natural and synthetic waxes [0050] Stilleven morepreferred pestspecies to be con- and oils, surfactants, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, sus- trolled by the bait compositions and methods of the pending agents, deflocculating agents, pheromones, fra- 40 present invention are Pterygota or terrestrial insects, par- grances, flavors, dyes, colorants, stabilizers, fillers, pre- ticularly preferably from the order of Lepidoptera, Blatt- servatives (including fungicides, bactericides, antioxi- odea or Diptera, further particularly preferably from the dants and antiseptics palatable to the animal target or- suborder of Brachycera or from a family selected from ganism without exerting a controlling effect on the target the group consisting of Blaberidae, Blattellidae, Blatti- organism upon ingestion), bitter substances, which do 45 dae, Cryptocercidae, Polyphagidae, Nocticolidae and not repel the target organism, but deter accidental uptake Tryonicidae. Still even more preferred species to be con- of the composition by non-target organisms, and mix- trolled by the present invention are cockroaches, includ- tures thereof, without being limited to these. ing e.g. Blatta orientales, Blatella germanica, Blatella [0045] In cases where an intimate mixture of the asaina, Leucophaea maderae, Panchlora spp., Parcob- phagostimulant and the swellable agent is desired, the 50 latta spp., Periplaneta australasiae, Periplaneta ameri- present composition may preferably comprise thicken- cana, Periplaneta brunnea, Periplaneta fuliginaso, Peri- ers, desiccants and/or stabilizers, in particular if the com- planeta japonica, and Supella longialpa, wherein Peri- position is in the form of a paste or a gel. Particularly planeta americana, Blatella germanica and Blatta orien- preferred thickeners are hydrophobic and non-hydropho- tales are most preferred. bic fumed silica, wherein hydrophobic fumed silica is55 [0051] The bait composition of the present invention most preferred. A suitable hydrophobic fumed silica ac- may be preferably in solid form or in the form of a paste cording to the invention may be aftertreated with orga- or a gel, wherein a solid form may be particularly pre- nosilanes like for example dimethyl dichlorosilane and ferred. In terms of the present invention such solid forms

9 17 EP 3 025 583 A1 18 include bars, blocks, tablets and especially particulate employs the swellable agent(s) and phagostimulant(s) solid forms of any known shape, including grains, pellets, already described above. In addition, the bait composi- shells, fragments, beads, granules, capsules, powders tion employed in said method preferably is a bait com- and the like as well as mixtures thereof, without being position according to the present invention as already limited to these. Preferably, the individual particles of 5 described above. The pest to be controlled preferably is such a solid particulate have a median particle size Dv50 a pest as described above. Preferred ways of applying of 30 mm or less, more preferably of 20 mm or less and such a composition have also been described above. even more preferably being in the range of from 8 mm to Herein the bait composition may be in the form of a gel 10 mm. which is applied in the form of one or more spots or lines [0052] If the composition is in the form of a gel, for10 in a place where the pest will consume the composition. application said gel may preferably be provided in an The gel preferably may be applied by an applicator adapt- applicator adapted to provide spots or lines of said gel in ed to provide said spots or lines of the gel, which appli- a place where the pest will consume said composition. cator preferably may be selected from the group consist- Suitable applicators are known in the art. Preferably the ing of syringes and pistons, as already described above. applicator may be selected from syringes and pistons, 15 Preferred are also solid forms of the bait composition of without being limited to these. the present invention. Further, it may be preferred to offer [0053] In terms of the present invention the term a separate source of water to the target pest in order to "paste" refers to a suspension of particulate material in enhance swelling of the ingested bait composition of the a fluid having a solids content of at least 25 wt.-%, based present invention inside the body of the target organism. on the whole composition, which is not pourable at 25 °C 20 [0059] The present invention further relates to a meth- and a pressure of 1 bar. od for producing the bait compositions of the present in- [0054] In terms of the present invention the term "gel" vention comprising the steps of: refers to a form-retaining, yet easily deformable dispersed system comprising at least two components, a) providing at least one swellable agent in the form namely a colloidally dispersed solid comprising elongat- 25 of particles having a median particle size Dv50 of ed and/or heavily branched particles which spans and 100 mm or less and at least one phagostimulant, and ensnares a volume of a fluid as dispersing agent. The b) mixing the at least one swellable agent and the at solid suspension is coherent, i.e. it forms a three-dimen- least one phagostimulant. sional network in the dispersing agent. [0055] By the term "place where the pest will consume 30 [0060] The method preferably employs the swellable the composition" in the context of the present invention, agent(s) and phagostimulant(s) already described a place where the pest resides and forages for food is above. meant, including places where the pest resides tempo- [0061] Mixing can be performed using any known mix- rarily as well as places where the pest resides perma- ing methods and devices. In many cases it mays be ad- nently. 35 vantageous to employ an intimate mixture of the phagos- [0056] The present invention further relates to the use timulant(s) and the swellable agent(s) in the bait compo- of a swellable agent in the form of particles having a me- sition of the present invention, i.e. a mixture wherein the dian particle size Dv50 of 100 mm or less for controlling phagostimulant(s) and the swellable agent(s) are in con- a pest ingesting a composition which comprises said tact with each other and are homogeneously distributed swellable agent by physical effects. Herein the swellable 40 on a macroscopic level throughout the mixture. In partic- agent preferably is one or more of the swellable agents ular in the case of solid application forms in order to obtain described above. The composition preferably is a bait such an intimate mixture it may be preferred to let the composition according to the present invention as de- swellable agent(s) swell in the presence of the phagos- scribed above. Further, the pest to be controlled prefer- timulant(s) and optionally further ingredients of the com- ably is a pest as described above. 45 position by the absorption of water to allow a penetration [0057] The present invention also provides a method of the phagostimulant(s) into the swollen network of the for controlling a pest by physical effects comprising the swellable agent, before drying again and optionally com- steps of: minuting and/or shaping said mixture. [0062] Thus, the method may further comprise the op- 1) providing a bait composition which comprises at 50 tional steps of: least one swellable agent in the form of particles having a median particle size Dv50 of 100m m or less c) swelling the swellable agent(s) by the absorption and at least one phagostimulant, of water, before 2) applying at least a portion of the composition in a d) drying the mixture again, before, while or after place where the pest will consume the composition, 55 comminuting and/or shaping the mixture. 3) letting the pest consume the composition. [0063] Methods for drying such mixtures are well [0058] The method of the present invention preferably known to those skilled in the art and may be selected

10 19 EP 3 025 583 A1 20 according to the desired residual moisture content in the 2). composition, the ingredients being present in the com- [0068] These results show that the bait composition of position etc. the present invention which comprises a swellable agent and a phagostimulant, but is free of any pesticidal agent List of Figures 5 exerting a controlling effect on the pest by chemical or biological action, indeed can exert a controlling effect on [0064] Figures 1 and 2 show dissected individual of pests by physical means. The swellable agent as such Periplaneta americana 5 days after force-feeding. The leads to a rupture of the animal’s gastro-intestinal tract swellable agent is present gastro-intestinal tract (Fig. 1) and exoskeleton, leading to death of the pest. This effect and also led to rupture of the exoskeleton (Fig. 2). 10 is based on the volume increase of the swellable agent and therefore represents a mechanical, i.e. mere physi- Examples cal effect. Said effect is independent of a pesticidal agent exerting a controlling effect on the pest by chemical or Example 1: Force-Feeding of an Oil-based Gel Compo- biological action, as the composition is substantially free sition 15 of any such pesticidal agent.

[0065] To demonstrate that a bait composition which Example 2: Voluntary Uptake of an Oil-based Gel Com- comprises a swellable agent and a phagostimulant, but position is substantially free of any pesticidal agent exerting a controlling effect on the pest by chemical or biological 20 [0069] Another gel formulation was prepared from the action, indeed can exert a controlling effect on pests by following ingredients: physical means, cockroaches of the species Periplaneta americana were force-fed using an oil-based gel formu- Ingredient Amount [g] lation prepared from the following ingredients: 25 T 5066 F 10 chocolate 16 Ingredient Amount [g] almond oil 16 ® 1 Aerosil R974 80 icing sugar 8 almond oil 643 icing sugar 80 30 [0070] Ground T 5066 F (mean particle size Dv50 of T 5066 F2 20 approximately 8 mm) and icing sugar were added with 1 hydrophilicsilica commercially available from Evonik stirring to a mixture of molten chocolate in almond oil. Industries AG, Essen, Germany Individual doses of 0.1 mL of the resulting mixture were 2 cross-linked poly(sodium acrylate) commercially offered to adult cockroaches of the species Periplaneta 35 available from Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany americana. A voluntary uptake of the composition by the cockroaches was observed which lead to the death of approximately half of the sample group within 12 d, while [0066] Aerosil® R974, almond oil and icing sugar were in the control group all individuals survived. Dissecting mixed with stirring until a homogenized mixture was ob- of the dead individuals again proved ingestion of the tained. T 5066 F was added to said mixture with stirring. 40 swellable agent and rupture of the gastro-intestinal tract A sample group of 20 adult cockroaches of the species and the exoskeleton. Periplaneta americana were force-fed once with 0.1 mL of the resultant mixture each using a commercially avail- Example 3: Voluntary Uptake of Solid Particulate Com- able syringe (BD Venflon™ Pro Safety catheter 0.9 x 25 positions mm, BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) whose flexible can- 45 nula had been reduced to a length of 0.3 cm. In the control [0071] Composition A: 56 g of commercially available group animals were force-fed with 0.1 mL of almond oil. fish feed (TetraMin, Hauptfutter fur alle Zierfische, Tetra For force-feeding the flexible cannula was carefully in- GmbH, Melle, Germany) was ground and then mixed with serted into the oral opening of the cockroaches and the 14 g of the swellable agent T 5066 F. 1.20 L of water was above formulation was introduced by emptying the sy- 50 added and the resulting mixture was allowed to swell with ringe. 55% of the individuals were dead within 7 days [d]. stirring. The mixture was dried over night in a drying oven No mortality was registered in the control group within at 110 °C. The resulting dry matter was pestled to obtain the observed time period. particles which were readily consumable and palatable [0067] The dead individuals were dissected and ana- for cockroaches. Voluntary ingestion lead to a 100% mor- lyzed for the presence of swellable agent in their gas- 55 tality in the sample group of the tested cockroach species trointestinal tract (see Fig. 1). Swelling of the swellable (Blatella germanica) within 14 d. agent led to severe structural damages of the gastroin- [0072] Composition B: 6.0 g of commercially available testinal tract and even bursting of the exoskeleton (Fig.

11 21 EP 3 025 583 A1 22 dog food (fit + fun Hund Trockenfutter Mix, MultiFit 90 wt.-%, preferably from 5 to 75 wt.-%, more pref- Tiernahrungs GmbH, Krefeld, Germany) was ground and erably from 7.5 to 50 wt.-%, still even more preferably then mixed with 14 g of the swellable agent T 5066 F. from 10 to 40 wt.-% and most preferably from 15 to 2.1 L of water was added and the resulting mixture was 25 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composi- allowed to swell with stirring. The mixture was dried over 5 tion. 48 hours in a drying oven at 105°C. The resulting dry matter was collected and was readily consumable and 6. The bait composition according to any of the preced- palatable for cockroaches. Voluntary ingestion lead to ing claims, wherein the amount of the phagostimu- 27% mortality in the sample group of the tested cock- lant in the composition ranges from 0.1 to 99 wt.-%, roach species (Blatella germanica) within 14 d and 56% 10 preferably from 1 to 95 wt.-%, more preferably from mortality within 21 d whereas in the control group of the 10 to 90 wt.-%, still even more preferably from 15 to same species which was kept without any food no mor- 80 wt.-% and most preferably from 20 to 75 wt.-%, tality was observed within 14 d. based on the total weight of the composition.

15 7. The bait composition according to any of the preced- Claims ing claims, further comprising at least one natural or synthetic fat or oil, preferably an animal or a vege- 1. Bait composition for controlling a pest by physical table fat or oil, said oil more preferably being selected effects, comprising from the group consisting of fish oil, almond oil, ha- 20 zelnut oil, walnut oil, peanut oil, nut oil, sunflower oil, i) at least one swellable agent having a median rapeseed oil, corn oil, olive oil, cumin oil, soybean particle size Dv50 of 100 mm or less and oil, sesame oil and mixtures thereof, wherein the ii) at least one phagostimulant, amount of the at least one fat or oil in the composition ranges from 1 to 99 wt.-%, preferably from 5 to 98 wherein the composition is substantially free of any 25 wt.-%, more preferably from 10 to 95 wt.-%, still even pesticidal agent exerting a controlling effect on the more preferably from 20 to 90 wt.-% and most pref- pest by chemical or biological action after ingestion erably from 25 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the composition by the pest. of the composition.

2. The bait composition according to claim 1, wherein 30 8. The bait composition according to any of the preced- the at least one swellable agent is a hydrophilic ing claims, further comprising one or more compo- swellable agent, preferably a polymeric hydrophilic nents selected from the group consisting of addition- swellable agent, more preferably a polymeric hy- al gel-forming agents, thickeners, solvents, natural drophilic swellable agent comprising at least one and synthetic waxes and oils, surfactants, emulsifi- cross-linked acrylic polymer and most preferably a 35 ers, dispersing agents, suspending agents, defloc- polymeric hydrophilic swellable agent comprising at culating agents, pheromones, fragrances, flavors, least one cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) and/or a salt dyes, colorants, stabilizers, fillers, preservatives, bit- thereof. ter substances and mixtures thereof, preferably comprising hydrophobic and/or non-hydrophobic 3. The bait composition according to claims 1 or 2,40 fumed silica. wherein the at least one swellable agent is present in the composition in the form of particles, said par- 9. The bait composition according to any of the preced- ticles preferably having a median particle size Dv50 ing claims, wherein the composition is in solid form of from 0.1 to 90 mm, more preferably of from 1 to or in the form of a paste or a gel, preferably in solid 80 mm, even more preferably of from 5 to 70 mm and 45 form. most preferably of from 8 to 63 mm. 10. Use of a swellable agent in the form of particles hav- 4. The bait composition according to any of the preced- ing a median particle size Dv50 of 100m m or less ing claims, wherein the at least one phagostimulant for controlling a pest ingesting a composition which is selected from the group consisting of carbohy- 50 comprises said swellable agent by physical effects. drate-based phagostimulants, protein-based phagostimulants, oil-based phagostimulants, fla- 11. Use according to claim 10, wherein the swellable vors, fragrances, pheromones and combinations agent is a swellable agent as defined in any of claims thereof. 2 to 3 and wherein the composition comprising said 55 swellable agent preferably is a bait composition ac- 5. The bait composition according to any of the preced- cording to any of claims 1 to 9. ing claims, wherein the amount of the at least one swellable agent in the composition ranges from 1 to 12. Method for controlling a pest by physical effects com-

12 23 EP 3 025 583 A1 24

prising the steps of:

1) providing a bait composition which comprises at least one swellable agent in the form of particles having a median particle size Dv50 of 100 5 mm or less and at least one phagostimulant, 2) applying a portion of the composition in a place where the pest will consume the composition, 3) letting the pest consume the composition. 10

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the bait composition is a composition according to any of claims 1 to 9. 15 14. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 9, the use according to claims 10 or 11 or the method according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the pest is from the phyla Mollusca or Arthropoda, preferably from the subphyla Hexapoda, Conchifera or Isopoda,20 even more preferably from the class of Insecta or Gastropoda, still even more preferably from Ptery- gotaor terrestrial insects,particularly preferably from the order of Lepidoptera, Blattodea or Diptera, further particularly preferably from the suborder of25 Brachycera or from a family selected from the group consisting of Blaberidae, Blattellidae, Blattidae, Cryptocercidae, Polyphagidae, Nocticolidae and Tryonicidae and most preferably is selected from the group consisting of Blattella germanica (German 30 cockroach), Blatta orientalis (Oriental cockroach), Blattella asahina (Asian cockroach), Leucophaea maderae, Panchlora spp., Parcoblatta spp., Peri- planeta americana (American cockroach), Periplan- eta australasiae (Australian cockroach), Periplaneta 35 brunnea (brown cockroach), Periplaneta japonica (Japanese cockroach), Periplaneta fuliginosa (smokybrown cockroach) and Supella longipalpa (brown-banded cockroach). 40 15. Method of producing the bait composition according to any of claims 1 to 9 or 14 comprising the steps of

a) providing at least one swellable agent in the form of particles having a median particle size 45 Dv50 of 100 mm or less and at least one phagostimulant, and b) mixing the at least one swellable agent and the at least one phagostimulant. 50

13 EP 3 025 583 A1

14 EP 3 025 583 A1

15 EP 3 025 583 A1

16 EP 3 025 583 A1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• WO 8912450 A1 [0007] • WO 2012010509 A2 [0042] • US 4983390 A [0012]