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(11) EP 1 729 574 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: A01N 25/34 (2006.01) A01N 25/00 (2006.01) 07.01.2015 Bulletin 2015/02 A01N 25/10 (2006.01) A01N 47/34 (2006.01) A01P 7/04 (2006.01) (21) Application number: 05731548.3 (86) International application number: (22) Date of filing: 28.03.2005 PCT/US2005/010391

(87) International publication number: WO 2005/094578 (13.10.2005 Gazette 2005/41)

(54) PESTICIDE COMPOSITIONS PESTIZIDZUSAMMENSETZUNGEN COMPOSITIONS PESTICIDES

(84) Designated Contracting States: WO-A1-02/052940 US-A- 4 834 977 ES FR IT US-A- 4 834 977 US-A- 5 691 383 US-A1- 2002 004 459 US-A1- 2003 152 605 (30) Priority: 29.03.2004 US 557218 P US-B1- 6 397 516 US-B1- 6 668 483

(43) Date of publication of application: • DATABASECA [Online] CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS 13.12.2006 Bulletin 2006/50 SERVICE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, US; 1988, KOHAMA, TAKUJI ET AL: " or (73) Proprietor: Dow AgroSciences, LLC other -containing baits for insect Indianapolis, control" XP002580247 retrieved from STN Indiana 45268-1054 (US) Database accession no. 110:187821 & JP 63 218605 A (ARIGAKI YAKUHIN KOGYO K. K., (72) Inventors: JAPAN) 12 September 1988 (1988-09-12) • GRAHAM, Michael, Clair • DATABASECA [Online] CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS Zionsville, IN 46077 (US) SERVICE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, US; 1988, • KING, James, Edward TAKASAGO, YOSHIHARU ET AL: "Laminated Carmel, IN 46032 (US) sheets containing and fibrous • LOGAN, Martin, Charles materials" XP002580248 retrieved from STN Indianapolis, IN 46208 (US) Database accession no. 111:129029 & JP 63 • WUJEK, Dennis, George 238002 A (EARTH CHEMICAL CO., LTD., JAPAN; Zionsville, IN 46077 (US) TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.) 4 October 1988 (1988-10-04) (74) Representative: Dey, Michael et al • DATABASE WPI Week 200327 Thomson Weickmann & Weickmann Scientific, London, GB; AN 2003-271313 Patentanwälte XP002580249 & JP 2002 363020 A (TAKEDA Richard-Strauss-Strasse 80 CHEM IND LTD) 18 December 2002 (2002-12-18) 81679 München (DE) • DATABASE WPI Week 198928 Thomson Scientific, London, GB; AN 1989-204057 (56) References cited: XP002580250 & JP 01 143806 A (SUMITOMO EP-A1- 0 431 468 EP-A1- 0 846 417 CHEM IND KK) 6 June 1989 (1989-06-06) WO-A1-00/62610 WO-A1-01/17354 • DATABASE WPI Week 198942 Thomson Scientific, London, GB; AN 1989-304343 XP002580251 & JP 01 224307 A (SUMITOMO CHEM IND KK) 7 September 1989 (1989-09-07)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 1 729 574 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) EP 1 729 574 B1

Description

[0001] This invention is related to the field of compositions useful in the control of pests that eat cellulose, such as, termites. 5 [0002] Cellulose is the most abundant composition on the planet. It is a polymer that is made from glucose. Wood contains 50 weight percent cellulose and cotton contains 90 weight percent cellulose. Cellulose is a generic term for a composition that contains alpha cellulose, beta cellulose, and gamma cellulose. Alpha cellulose has a much higher degree of polymerization ("DP") than beta or gamma cellulose. Alpha Cellulose has a DP in the thousands depending on the source of the alpha cellulose. Alpha cellulose can be made into microcrystalline cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose 10 has a DP of less than 400. [0003] Pests that eat cellulose are very destructive. Termites are very destructive easily causing billions of dollars in damage each year. Research is constantly being conducted to find new measures that can better control termites, especially termite species that have been difficult to control in the past. [0004] This invention provides a solution to the problems of controlling pests that eat cellulose. 15 [0005] This invention is related to the field of compositions useful in the control of pests that eat cellulose, such as, termites, where said composition is compacted and where said composition comprises alpha-cellulose, water, and a pesticide. [0006] In particular, this invention is related to a process to form a compacted composition for use as a termite bait said process comprising the following steps: 20 (a) mixing alpha-cellulose, water, and a pesticide to form a mixture; followed by (b) compacting said mixture to a density greater than 1 g/cm 3 to form a compacted composition; followed by (c) drying said compacted composition to remove at least a portion of said water to produce voids in said compacted composition; 25 wherein the composition after step (c) has from 60 to 99 weight percent alpha-cellulose and 40 to 1 weight percent water based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose and said water, and furthermore the composition after step (c) has from 0.0001 to 10 weight percent pesticide based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose, said water, and said pesticide. [0007] This invention is further related to the composition obtainable after step (c) of the above-described process. 30 [0008] This invention is further related to the use of the composition produced by the above-described process for controlling termites by placing a termite bait in the ground. [0009] US 2003/0152605 A1 discloses a compacted composition for use for termite monitoring and control comprising a cellulose material, optionally including a termite killing agent, wherein said composition is compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc and which may be in the form of briquettes. An optimum density was 35 required because the applicants wanted more cellulose compacted into less volume thereby, according to the application, providing a longer term feeding composition. The composition comprises"purified cellulose" (it is not readily apparent from the application what this term means) or microcrystalline cellulose in a compacted form. [0010] US 2002/004459 A1 describes cellulose-containing aggregates used as carriers for additives, e.g. insecticides such as anti-termite agents, which are suitable for controlling termite infestation. It is further disclosed that the material 40 may be pelletized or briquetted and that the aggregates generally comprise an apparent bulk density in the range of from about 110 kg/m3 to about 550 kg/m3 at a moisture level in the range of from about 4-20% by weight. It is reported that, if necessary, moisture such as water is added in order to facilitate pellet or briquette formation. [0011] WO 00/62610 A1 discloses a termite bait matrix comprising cellulose, water and termite-preferred nutrients. Optionally, a termite toxin may be included. Compaction of the mixture of ingredients is also mentioned. 45 [0012] JP 63 218605 A relates to insecticide-containing baits for insect control, wherein crystalline cellulose is used and which are made into tablets. [0013] JP 63 238002 A relates to laminated sheets containing insecticides and fibrous materials such ascellulose for the control of domestic insects such as termites. [0014] JP 2002 363020 A describes a termite expelling agent comprising mannose, galactose, mannitol, lactose, 50 raffinose, rhamnose, xylitol, inositol, gellan gum and/or xanthan gum. As an example, a tablet having termite expelling effect is described including a pesticide, pine wood meal, i.e. cellulose, and water. [0015] JP 01 143806 A describes poison bait tablets for insect containing an insect juvenile hormone like compound, insect chitin formation inhibitor, cellulose, cereal powder, vegetable oil and sugar. [0016] JP 01 224307 A describes a toxic bait for elimination of insect pests, containing insect juvenile hormone and/or 55 chitin formation inhibitor in microcapsules, crystalline cellulose and cereal powder, wherein the composition is preferably in the form of tablets. [0017] WO 02/052940 A1 discloses a termite bait composition comprising a powdered cellulosic attractant such as microcrystalline cellulose or cellulose having a particle size in the range of approximately 1-100 micrometers and a

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termite killing agent. It is also mentioned that the termite bait composition may be compressed into tablets or granular form. [0018] US 4,834,977 A discloses a bait composition for the control of noxious insects comprising an insecticide, crystalline cellulose, crop product powders and a saccharide in specific amounts, wherein the composition is in a tablet form. 5 [0019] WO 01/17354 A1 relates to insecticide compositions comprising a compound of the type 1-phenyl pyrazole in combination with a moisture retaining agent of the organic type, e.g. a cellulose derivatives such as microcrystalline cellulose, and vegetable flower. Said composition may be in the form of granules which is obtained using compression. [0020] EP 0 431 468 A1 relates to a poison bait composition for the control of harmful insects such as cockroaches or termites, comprising as an active component a pyridylpyridone compound. Further, a food attractant and/or bait 10 material such as (crystalline) cellulose and other additives and/or auxiliary agents such as binders, e.g. sodium car- boxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, may also be present. It is further mentioned that the composition may be tabletted, i.e. compressed. [0021] US 6,668,483 B1 discloses a device for the control and elimination of termites and other insects, wherein the device is in the form of a rope comprising pesticide-free cellulose-containing strands as well as a pesticide-containing 15 (core) component. It is further described that the rope may be covered by a mesh preventing excess moisture from entering the rope, while still allowing moisture vapor to enter and provide an adequate level of wetness to be attractive to termites. [0022] EP 0 846 417 A1 discloses compositions for attracting and controlling termites comprising a steroid derivative as termite attractant and optionally a cellulose source and exogenous nitrogen source and water as well as a pesticide. 20 [0023] The prior art does not describe any composition which is dried after having been compacted to the desired density. Further, also a corresponding preparation process is not disclosed.

PESTS

25 [0024] Any cellulose eating pest can be controlled by the inventive compositions disclosed herein. In particular, termites can be controlled by the inventive compositions herein, especially subterranean termites such as Reticulitermes spp. and Coptotermes spp. Suitable examples of termites that can be controlled are: Reticulitermes flavipes ; Reticulitermes virginicus; Reticulitermes Hesperus; Heterotermes aureus; Coptotermes formosanus; Reticulitermes speratus; Reticu- litermes grassei; Reticulitermes santonensis; Macrotermes gilvus; and Reticulitermes hageni. 30 ALPHA CELLULOSE

[0025] Alpha cellulose is readily available. It can be purchased from a variety of sources. One particular source is International Fiber Corporation. It is particularly preferred if the alpha cellulose is in powdered form. 35 PESTICIDES

[0026] Examples of suitable insecticides that may be used are:

40 (a) , such as , cypemethrin, , , , , lambda- cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, , , , , fish safe pyrethroids (for example ethofenprox), natural , , s-, fenfluthrin, , 5-berizyl-3-furylme- thyl-(E)-(IR,3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-oxothiolan-3-ylidenemethyl) cyclopropane carboxylate, or any of their insecticid- ally active isomers; 45 (b) , such as, , -methyl, , sulprofos, , methyl par- athion, azinphos-methyl, demeton-s-methyl, heptenophos, thiometon, , , profenofos, tri- azophos, , , , , chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, , ter- bufos, fensulfothion, , , , pirimiphos-methyl, pirimiphos-ethyl, , fosthiazate or di- azinon; 50 (c) (including aryl carbamates), such as , alanycarb, , triazamate, cloethocarb, , furathiocarb, ethiofencarb, , thiofurox, , , , , or ; (d) Benzoyl ureas, such as , novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, , triflumuron, hexaflu- muron, or chlorfluazuron; 55 (e) Organic tin compounds, such as cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide or azocyclotin; (f) Pyrazoles, such as tolfenpyrad, pyridaben, and fenpyroximate; (g) Macrolides, such as avermectins or milbemycins, for example abamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, milbemycin, or ;

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(h) Hormones or pheromones; (i) Organochlorine compounds such as , benzene hexachloride, DDT, or ; (j) Amidines, such as or ; (k) Chloronicotinyl compounds such as diofenolan, , , , thiacloprid, , 5 or ; (l) Diacylhydrazines, such as halofenozide, , chromafenozide or methoxyfenozide; (m) Diphenyl ethers, such as diofenolan or pyriproxifen; (n) ; (o) ; 10 (p) Pymetrozine; (q) Diafenthiuron; (r) Toxins of microbial origin such as B.acillus thuringiensis endo- or exotoxins; (s) Phenylpyrazoles such as , vanilliprole, etiprole or acetoprole; (t) Pyridalyl; or 15 (v)

[0027] In addition to the major pesticides listed above, other pesticides having particular targets may be employed if appropriate for the intended utility of the inventive composition. Alternatively, insecticides, or acaricides, specific for particular insect species/stages may also be included in the inventive compositions (for example acaricidal ovo-larvicides, 20 such as clofentezine, flubenzimine, hexythiazox or ; acaricidal motilicides, such as or propargite; aca- ricides, such as acequinocyl, fenazaquin, spirodiclofen, etoxazole, bromopropylate or chlorobenzilate; or growth regu- lators, such as , , chloriluazuron or diflubenzuron). [0028] Examples of suitable insecticide synergists that may be used as a further active ingredient in the inventive compositions include , sesamex, safroxan and dodecyl imidazole. 25 [0029] Specific examples of preferred pesticides are thiamethoxam, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, spinosad, chlo- rpyrifos, chlorpyrifosmethyl, profenofos, lufenuron, indoxacarb, lambda-cyhalothrin, pymetrozine, pirimicarb, me- thidathion, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, fipronil, methoxyfenozide, chlorfenapyr, pyridaben, novaluron, noviflu- muron, pyridalyl, propargite and piperonyl butoxide. [0030] Mixtures of pesticides are also useful and many of the above can be synergistically used together. 30 [0031] However, it is most preferred to use a slow acting pesticide, especially with termites, so that the termites can take the pesticide, or pesticides, back to their colony and poison other colony members.

PREPARATION AND USE

35 [0032] In general the amount of alpha cellulose and water to use is not critical and can vary by a wide amount depending on the other components (such as pesticide(s), binder(s), attractant(s), etc.) added to mixture of alpha cellulose and water. According to the invention, the mixture of alpha cellulose, water, and the other components, if any, upon com- pacting, has a density greater than 1 gram per cubic centimeter. Densities less than 1 gram per cubic centimeter are also disclosed but are not preferable in most cases. Suitable ranges for alpha cellulose and water are in Table 1. 40 Table 1: Weight Percent Component (based on total weight of both components) Preferred Range More Preferred Range Most Preferred Range 45 Alpha Cellulose 60 to 99 65 to 95 70 to 90 Water 40 to 1 35 to 5 30 to 10

[0033] In general the amount of pesticide to use is also not critical. According to the invention amounts from 0.0001 50 to 10 weight percent based on the weight of the inventive composition are used (that is, alpha cellulose, water, pesticide, plus any other components desired). [0034] The compacted composition of alpha cellulose, water, pesticide, plus any other components desired can take any useful form. A useful form is a form that the desired pest can eat. Such forms are tablets, briquettes, pellets, granules, etc. These types of forms can be made by any process known in the art. In general, more water is needed to form good 55 pellets and less water is needed to form good briquettes. [0035] In an unexpected and surprising manner, it has been discovered that termites that have in the past been difficult to control with baits, feed especially well upon briquettes as opposed to pellets or tablets, possibly because the briquettes

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of this invention can absorb liquids more easily. Consequently, it is preferred to compact the inventive composition in the shape of a briquette. One machine that can do this process is Komarek model B-100-A two roll mill available from K. R. Komarek Inc., 1825 Estes Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. [0036] Once the inventive composition has been compacted, such as into briquettes, the briquettes are dried. This 5 drying can occur in any manner known in the art that will remove a portion of the water. This may seem paradoxical, in that it is desirable to have water in the compacted composition. After all, water is desired by cellulose eating pests, especially termites. However, while water Is removed from the compacted composition it is not entirely removed from the compacted composition. At least a portion of the water that is removed from the compacted composition leaves voids in the compacted composition. 10 [0037] The compacted composition can then be used as a bait to control cellulose eating pests, such as subterranean termites. Many methods are known to bait such pests. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the compacted composition is placed in the ground, perhaps inside another tube that allows access for termites, and prior to placing the compacted composition in the ground or tube, or leaving it in the ground or tube, additional liquid (such as water, or a mixture of water and sugar, or a mixture of water, sugar, and salts) is contacted with the compacted composition. This 15 method can attract even more termites to the now moistened, compacted composition, causing more feeding and more pesticide delivery to the termites and the colony. Since the compacted composition was first dried before being moisten the liquid can readily fill any voids left behind by the drying of the compacted composition. [0038] Optional ingredients to include in the inventive composition include, but are not limited to, a preservative to retard fungal growth, and a protectant such as a bittering agent to provide a safety factor for exposed bait. 20 [0039] An attractant is defined as any substance or combination of substances which will lure pests. Examples of attractants are carbon dioxide and terpenes. [0040] Feeding stimulants that can be used in the inventive composition are, for example, sugar, such as powdered sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, polyhydroxy alcohols such as glycerin, and starch. [0041] Examples of preservatives useful in the present invention are 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (PROXEL GXL®., 25 Avecia Inc. Wilmington, Del. 19850) methyl paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester) and propyl paraben (n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate). Other known fungistats would also be effective in increasing the longevity of the bait and retarding mold growth. [0042] The headings used herein are meant to be as a guide and are not to be used to interpret the scope of the invention.

30 EXAMPLES

[0043] These examples are provided to illustrate the invention. They are not to be used for limiting the scope of the invention.

35 Example A: Preparation of Pesticide Concentrate

[0044]

Pesticide Concentrate Table 40 Wt% Ingredient 50.5 Noviflumuron 38.1 Water

45 10.4 Pluronic P-104 0.7 Proxel GXL 0.3 Antifoam B

50 [0045] A pesticide concentrate containing the amounts of materials in the pesticide concentrate table was prepared as follows. [0046] Pluronic P-104 and water were mixed together to form a solution containing 23.3 weight percent Pluronic P- 104 based on the total weight of the mixture ("First Mixture"). The Pesticide concentrate was made by mixing together the First Mixture, the noviflumuron, the Proxel GXL, and the Antifoam B in the amounts required to achieve the indicated 55 weight percents.

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Example 1-A: Preparation of a Preferred Embodiment

[0047] In this example, a preferred embodiment of the inventive compositions disclosed herein is made. [0048] Ninety kg of cellulose (BH-100 from International Fiber Corporation) was weighed into a blender. A first mixture 5 of pesticide concentrate (see Example A) with water (1 part pesticide concentrate: 3 parts water) was then sprayed into the blender. Upon mixing, this produced a second mixture containing 0.5 weight percent pesticide, 9.2 weight percent water, and 90.3 weight percent cellulose, based on the weight of the second mixture. [0049] Additional water was sprayed into the blender to produce a third mixture that could be compacted into briquettes. The third mixture contained 0.4 weight percent pesticide, 27.9 weight percent water, and 71.7 weight percent cellulose, 10 based on the weight of the third mixture. [0050] The third mixture was then fed into a compaction device. The compaction device was the Komarek briquetter, model B-100-A two-roll machine. The machine was run under the following conditions to produce briquettes: a compaction force of 1,300 kg/cm2; a feed rate of 400-500 g/min; and a tip speed of 5 feet per minute. [0051] The briquettes coming off the compaction device were then screened with a vibratory screener. The material 15 that passed through a 4-mesh screen (4,750 micron size) was collected for recycling to the feed. [0052] The briquettes were then dried to remove a portion of the water.

Example 1-B: Preparation of another Preferred Embodiment

20 [0053] In this example, a preferred embodiment of the inventive compositions disclosed herein is made. [0054] 68.18 kg of cellulose (BH-100 from International Fiber Corporation) was weighed into a blender. A first mixture of pesticide concentrate (see Example A) with water (0.698 kg pesticide concentrate and 2.116 kg water) was then mixed into the blender. An additional 24.3 kg of water was then added to the blender. After thorough mixing, the mixture was fed into a model CL-2 California Pellet mill to produce 3/16" diameter pellets. 500 - 600 grams per minute of wet 25 pellets were produced at a rotational speed of 620 feet per min. The material coming off the pellet mill was screened. Product that passed through a 4-mesh screen (4,750 m) was disposed. The pellets were dried to remove a portion of the water.

Example 1-C: Preparation of another Preferred Embodiment 30 [0055] In this example, a preferred embodiment of the inventive compositions disclosed herein is made. [0056] 90.91 kg of cellulose (BH-100 from International Fiber Corporation) was weighed into a blender. 16.243 kg of BF-20 starch (From Grain Processing Corporation) was then mixed into the blender. A first mixture of pesticide concentrate (see Example A) with water (1.1 kg pesticide concentrate and 3.3 kg water) was then mixed into the blender. An additional 35 30.419 kg of water was then added to the blender. After thorough mixing, the mixture was fed into a model CL-2 California Pellet mill to produce 3/16" diameter pellets. 400 - 600 grams per minute of wet pellets were produced at a rotational speed of 620 feet per min. The material coming off the pellet mill was screened. Product that passed through a 4-mesh screen (4,750 m) was disposed. The pellets were dried to remove a portion of the water.

40 Example 2: Importance of Moist Baits

[0057] This example shows the importance of moisture to termites. [0058] The moist bait was prepared in accordance with Example 1-B. Additional water was added to the bait as indicated (either 0.43 ml/g; 0.85 ml/g; Or 2 ml/g; water/gram of bait) 45 [0059] The dry bait was prepared in accordance with Example 1-B. However no additional water was added. [0060] A one-way pair choice testing environment was used. The termites were placed in a harborage and a tube allowed them a passage to the food environment. In the food environment, the termites were given a choice of two different food sources. The termites were allowed to feed on the food choices for 7 days. Between 4 and 12 reps were performed and each rep had 100-200 termite workers. Bait consumption was measured as the difference between the 50 pre-weight and the post weight. [0061] At 0.43 ml/g R. flavipes, R. speratus, C. gestrol/travians, and H. aureus preferred the moist bait over the dry bait. The only other species tested had no preference R. hesperus. [0062] At 0.85 ml/g R. speratus, C. gestrol/travians, H. aureus, R. grassei, C. formosanus, and R. virginicus preferred the moist bait over the dry bait. R. flavipes and R. hesperus showed no preference. 55 [0063] At 2 ml/g R. speratus, and C. gestrol/travians preferred the moist bait over the dry bait. R. flavipes, R. hesperus, H. aureus showed no preference. R. grassei actually preferred the dry bait over the moist bait. [0064] This example shows the importance of moisture to termite feeding, and hence to the importance of the inventive composition’s ability to absorb moisture.

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Claims

1. A process to form a compacted composition for use as a termite bait said process comprising the following steps:

5 (a) mixing alpha-cellulose, water, and a pesticide to form a mixture; followed by (b) compacting said mixture to a density greater than 1 g/cm 3 to form a compacted composition; followed by (c) drying said compacted composition to remove at least a portion of said water to produce voids in said compacted composition;

10 wherein the composition after step (c) has from 60 to 99 weight percent alpha-cellulose and 40 to 1 weight percent water based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose and said water, and furthermore the composition after step (c) has from 0.0001 to 10 weight percent pesticide based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose, said water, and said pesticide.

15 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the composition after step (c) has from 65 to 95 weight percent alpha- cellulose and 35 to 5 weight percent water based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose and said water.

3. The process according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the composition after step (c) has from 70 to 90 weight percent alpha- cellulose and 30 to 10 weight percent water based on the weight of said alpha-cellulose and said water. 20 4. The process according to anyone of claims 1 to 3 wherein the composition after step (c) is in the form of a briquette.

5. The process according to anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein said pesticide is selected from permethrin, cypemethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, fen- 25 propathrin, cyfluthrin, tefluthrin, ethofenprox, natural pyrethrin, tetramethrin, s-bioallethrin, fenfluthrin, prallethrin, 5- benzyl-3-furylmethyl-(E)-(1R,3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-oxothiolan-3-ylidenemethyl) cyclopropane carboxylate, me- thidathion, chlorpyrifos-methyl, profenofos, sulprofos, acephate, methyl , azinphos-methyl, demeton-s- methyl, heptenophos, thiometon, fenamiphos, monocrotophos, profenofos, triazophos, methamidophos, dimeth- oate, phosphamidon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, phosalone, , fensulfothion, fonofos, 30 phorate, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, pirimiphos-ethyl, fenitrothion, fosthiazate, , fenoxycarb, alanycarb, pir- imicarb,triazamate, cloethocarb, carbofuran, furathiocarb, ethiofencarb, aldicarb,thiofurox, carbosulfan,bendiocarb, fenobucarb, propoxur, methomyl, oxamyl, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, teflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, triflu- muron, hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, chlorfluazuron, cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide, azocyclotin, tolfenpyrad, pyridaben, tebufenpyrad, fenpyroximate, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, milbemycin, spinosad, azadirachtin, 35 endosulfan, benzene hexachloride, DDT, chlordane, dieldrin, chlordimeform, amitraz, diofenolan, clothianidin, thi- acloprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, halofenozide, tebufenozide, chromaf- enozide, methoxyfenozide, diofenolan, pyriproxifen, Indoxacarb, Chlorfenapyr, Pymetrozine, Diafenthiuron, fipronil, vanilliprole, etiprole, acetoprole, Pyridalyl; or hydramethylnon.

40 6. The process according to claim 5 wherein said pesticide is noviflumuron or hexaflumuron.

7. The composition obtainable after step (c) according to anyone of claims 1 to 6.

8. A process comprising applying the composition produced by a process according to anyone of claims 1 to 6 to the 45 locus of one or more termites in an amount effective to lower the number of such termites in such locus.

9. Use of the composition produced by a process according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for controlling termites by placing a termite bait in the ground.

50 10. The use according to claim 9 wherein said termite bait is placed inside a tube wherein said tube allows access for termites.

11. The use according to claim 9 wherein prior to placing said termite bait in the ground said termite bait is contacted with an additional liquid comprising water. 55 12. The use according to claim 10 wherein prior to placing said termite bait inside a tube said termite bait is contacted with an additional liquid comprising water.

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13. The use according to claim 9 wherein after placing said termite bait in the ground said termite bait is contacted with an additional liquid comprising water.

14. The use according to claim 10 wherein after placing said termite bait inside a tube said termite bait is contacted with 5 an additional liquid comprising water.

Patentansprüche

10 1. Verfahren zum Bilden einer verdichteten Zusammensetzung zur Verwendung als ein Termitenköderprodukt, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

(a) Mischen von alpha-Cellulose, Wasser und einem Pestizid, um ein Gemisch zu bilden; gefolgt durch (b) Verdichten des Gemischs auf eine Dichte von größer als 1 g/cm 3, um eine verdichtete Zusammensetzung 15 zu bilden; gefolgt durch (c) Trocknen der verdichteten Zusammensetzung zum Entfernen von zumindest einem Teil des Wassers, um Hohlräume in der verdichteten Zusammensetzung zu bilden;

worin die Zusammensetzung nach Schritt (c) von 60 bis 99 Gewichtsprozent alpha-Cellulose und 40 bis 1 Gewichts- 20 prozent Wasser, basierend auf dem Gewicht der alpha-Zellulose und dem Wasser, aufweist, und worin weiterhin die Zusammensetzung nach Schritt (c) von 0,0001 bis 10 Gewichtsprozent Pestizid, basierend auf dem Gewicht der alpha-Cellulose, dem Wasser und dem Pestizid, aufweist.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, worin die Zusammensetzung nach Schritt (c) von 65 bis 95 Gewichtsprozent alpha- 25 Cellulose und 35 bis 5 Gewichtsprozent Wasser, basierend auf dem Gewicht der alpha-Cellulose und dem Wasser, aufweist.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, worin die Zusammensetzung nach Schritt (c) von 70 bis 90 Gewichtsprozent alpha-Cellulose und 30 bis 10 Gewichtsprozent Wasser, basierend auf dem Gewicht der alpha-Cellulose und dem 30 Wasser, aufweist.

4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, worin die Zusammensetzung nach Schritt (c) in der Form eines Presslings ist.

35 5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, worin das Pestizid ausgewählt wird aus Permethrin, , Fenvalerat, Esfenvalerat, Deltamethrin, Cyhalothrin, lambda-Cyhalothrin, gamma-Cyhalothrin, Bifenthrin, Fenpro- pathrin,Cyfluthrin, Tefluthrin, Ethofenprox, natürlichesPyrethrin, Tetramethrin, s-Bioallethrin, Fenfluthrin, Prallethrin, 5-Benzyl-3-furylmethyl-(E)-(1 R,3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-oxothiolan-3-ylidenmethyl)cyclopropancarboxylat, Methida- thion, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Profenofos, Sulprofos, Acephat, Methylparathion, Azinphos-methyl, Demeton-s-methyl, 40 Heptenophos, Thiometon, Fenamiphos, Monocrotophos, Profenofos, Triazophos, Methamidophos, Dimethoat, Phosphamidon, Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Phosalon, Terbufos, Fensulfothion, Fonofos, Phorat, Phoxim, Pirimiphos-methyl, Pyrimiphosethyl, Fenitrothion, Fosthiazat, Diazinon, Fenoxycarb, Alanycarb, Pirimicarb, Triazamat, Cloethocarb, Cabofuran, Furathiocarb, Ethiofencarb, Aldicarb, Thiofurox, Carbosulfan, Bendiocarb, Fenobucarb, Propoxur, Methomyl, Oxamyl, Lufenuron, Novaluron, Noviflumuron, Teflubenzuron, Diflubenzuron, 45 Triflumuron, Hexaflumuron, Flufenoxuron, Chlorfluazuron, Cyhexatin, Fenbutatinoxid, Azocyklotin, Tolfenpyrad, Py- ridaben, Tefubenpyrad, Fenpyroximat, Abamectin, Emamectinbenzoat, Ivermectin, Milbemycin, Spinosad, Azadi- rachtin, Endosulfan, Benzolhexachlorid, DDT, Chlordan, Dieldrin, Chlordimeform, Amitraz, Diofenolan, Clothianidin, Thiacloprid, Imidacloprid, Thiacloprid, Acetamiprid, Nitenpyram, Thiamethoxam, Halofenozid, Tebufenozid, Chro- mafenozid, Methoxyfenozid, Diofenolan, Pyriproxifen, Indoxacarb, Chlorfenapyr, Pymetrozin, Diafenthiuron, Fipro- 50 nil, Vanilliprol, Etiprol, Acetoprol, Pyridalyl oder Hydramethylnon.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, worin das Pestizid Noviflumuron oder Hexaflumuron ist.

7. Zusammensetzung, erhältlich nach Schritt (c) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6. 55 8. Verfahren, umfassend das Anwenden der nach einem Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 hergestellten Zusammensetzung auf den Ort einer oder mehrerer Termiten in einer Menge, die wirkungsvoll ist, um die Anzahl solcher Termiten an einem solchen Ort zu verringern.

8 EP 1 729 574 B1

9. Verwendung der nach einem Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 hergestellten Zusammensetzung zum Bekämpfen von Termiten durch Anordnen eines Termitenköders im Boden.

10. Verwendung nach Anspruch 9, worin der Termitenköder in einer Röhre angeordnet wird, wobei die Röhre einen 5 Zugang für Termiten erlaubt.

11. Verwendung nach Anspruch 9, worin vor dem Anordnen des Termitenköders in dem Boden der Termitenköder in Kontakt gebracht wird mit einer zusätzlichen Flüssigkeit, die Wasser umfasst.

10 12. Verwendung nach Anspruch 10, worin vor dem Anordnen des Termitenköders in einer Röhre der Termitenköder in Kontakt gebracht wird mit einer zusätzlichen Flüssigkeit, die Wasser umfasst.

13. Verwendung nach Anspruch 9, worin nach dem Anordnen des Termitenköders in dem Boden der Termitenköder in Kontakt gebracht wird mit einer zusätzlichen Flüssigkeit, die Wasser umfasst. 15 14. Verwendung nach Anspruch 10, worin nach dem Anordnen des Termitenköders in einer Röhre der Termitenköder in Kontakt gebracht wird mit einer zusätzlichen Flüssigkeit, die Wasser umfasst.

20 Revendications

1. Procédé permettant de préparer une composition compactée destinée à être utilisée comme appât pour termites, lequel procédé comporte les étapes suivantes :

25 a) mélanger de l’alpha-cellulose, de l’eau et un pesticide, pour en faire un mélange ; b) puis compacter ce mélange jusqu’à une masse volumique supérieure à 1 g/cm 3, pour en faire une composition compactée ; c) puis faire sécher cette composition compactée pour en chasser au moins une partie de ladite eau, de manière à ce qu’il se forme des vides au sein de ladite composition compactée ; 30 et dans lequel, après l’étape (c), la composition contient de 60 à 99 % en poids d’alpha-cellulose et de 40 à 1 % en poids d’eau, par rapport au poids desdites alpha-cellulose et eau, et la composition contient en outre, après l’étape (c), de 0,0001 à 10 % en poids de pesticide, par rapport au poids desdites alpha-cellulose et eau et dudit pesticide.

35 2. Procédé conforme à la revendication 1, dans lequel, après l’étape (c), la composition contient de 65 à 95 % en poids d’alpha-cellulose et de 35 à 5 % en poids d’eau, par rapport au poids desdites alpha-cellulose et eau.

3. Procédé conforme à la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel, après l’étape (c), la composition contient de 70 à 90 % en poids d’alpha-cellulose et de 30 à 10 % en poids d’eau, par rapport au poids desdites alpha-cellulose et eau. 40 4. Procédé conforme à l’une des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel, après l’étape (c), la composition se présente sous forme de briquette.

5. Procédé conforme à l’une des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel ledit pesticide est choisi parmi les suivants : 45 perméthrine, cyperméthrine, fenvalérate, esfenvalérate, deltaméthrine, cyhalothrine, lambda-cyhalothrine, gamma- cyhalothrine, bifenthrine, fenpropathrine, cyfluthrine, tefluthrine, éthofenprox, pyréthrine naturelle, tétraméthrine, s- bioalléthrine, fenfluthrine, pralléthrine, (E)-(1R,3S)-2,2-diméthyl-3-[(2-oxo-thiolan-3-ylidène)-méthyl]-cyclopropane- carboxylate de (5-benzyl-fur-3-yl)-méthyle, méthidathion, chlorpyrifos-méthyl, profénofos, sulprofos, acéphate, mé- thyl-parathion, azinphos-méthyl, déméton-s-méthyl, hepténophos, thiométon, fénamiphos, monocrotophos, profé- 50 nofos, triazophos, méthamidophos, diméthoate, phosphamidon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-méthyl, pho- salone, terbufos, fensulfothion, fonofos, phorate, phoxime, pirimiphos-méthyl, pirimiphos-éthyl, fénitrothion, fosthia- zate, diazinon, fénoxycarbe, alanycarbe, pirimicarbe, triazamate, cloéthocarbe, carbofurane, furathiocarbe, éthio- fencarbe, aldicarbe, thiofurox, carbosulfane, bendiocarbe, fénobucarbe, propoxur, méthomyl, oxamyl, lufénuron, novaluron, noviflumuron, téflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, triflumuron, hexaflumuron, flufénoxuron, chlorfluazuron, 55 cyhexatine, oxyde de fenbutatine, azocyclotine, tolfenpyrad, pyridabène, tébufenpyrad, fenpyroximate, abamectine, benzoate d’émamectine, ivermectine, milbémycine, spinosade, azadirachtine, endosulfane, hexachlorure de ben- zène, DDT, chlordane, dieldrine, chlordiméform, amitraze, diofénolane, chlothianidine, thiaclopride, imidaclopride, thiaclopride, acétamipride, nitenpyrame, thiaméthoxame, halofénozide, tébufénozide, chromafénozide, méthoxyfé-

9 EP 1 729 574 B1

nozide, diofénolane, pyriproxifène, indoxacarbe, chlorfénapyr, pymétrozine, diafenthiuron, fipronil, vanilliprole, éthi- prole, acétoprole, pyridalyle, hydraméthylnon.

6. Procédé conforme à la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit pesticide est le noviflumuron ou l’hexaflumuron. 5 7. Composition accessible après l’étape (c) selon l’une des revendications 1 à 6.

8. Procédé comportant le fait d’appliquer une composition produite par un procédé conforme à l’une des revendications 1 à 6 sur un lieu fréquenté par un ou plusieurs termite(s) en une quantité efficace pour faire diminuer le nombre de 10 tels termites dans un tel lieu de fréquentation.

9. Utilisation d’une composition produite par un procédé conforme à l’une des revendications 1 à 6 pour lutter contre des termites en disposant dans le sol un appât pour termites.

15 10. Utilisation conforme à la revendication 9, dans laquelle ledit appât pour termites est disposé à l’intérieur d’un tube, lequel tube laisse accès aux termites.

11. Utilisation conforme à la revendication 9, dans laquelle, avant de disposer ledit appât pour termites dans le sol, on met ledit appât pour termites en contact avec un liquide additionnel comprenant de l’eau. 20 12. Utilisation conforme à la revendication 10, dans laquelle, avant de disposer ledit appât pour termites à l’intérieur d’un tube, on met ledit appât pour termites en contact avec un liquide additionnel comprenant de l’eau.

13. Utilisation conforme à la revendication 9, dans laquelle, après avoir disposé ledit appât pour termites dans le sol, 25 on met ledit appât pour termites en contact avec un liquide additionnel comprenant de l’eau.

14. Utilisation conforme à la revendication 10, dans laquelle, après avoir disposé ledit appât pour termites à l’intérieur d’un tube, on met ledit appât pour termites en contact avec un liquide additionnel comprenant de l’eau.

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10 EP 1 729 574 B1

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

• US 20030152605 A1 [0009] • JP 1224307 A [0016] • US 2002004459 A1 [0010] • WO 02052940 A1 [0017] • WO 0062610 A1 [0011] • US 4834977 A [0018] • JP 63218605 A [0012] • WO 0117354 A1 [0019] • JP 63238002 A [0013] • EP 0431468 A1 [0020] • JP 2002363020 A [0014] • US 6668483 B1 [0021] • JP 1143806 A [0015] • EP 0846417 A1 [0022]

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