U.S. patent application number 14/228405 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for controlling bed bugs with solvent vapors.
This patent application is currently assigned to FMC CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is FMC Corporation. Invention is credited to Bruce C. Black, Kenneth W. Johnson, Michael J. Manning, Shreya N. Sheth, Linda Varanyak.
Application Number | 20140208636 14/228405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50514093 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140208636 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Black; Bruce C. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
Controlling Bed Bugs with Solvent Vapors
Abstract
The present invention provides an environmentally safe and
highly effective method for killing bed bugs by enclosing infested
items, belongings or possessions in a sealed container along with a
small amount of certain solvents, the vapors of which kill bed bugs
that are present.
Inventors: |
Black; Bruce C.; (Yardley,
PA) ; Sheth; Shreya N.; (Lawrenceville, NJ) ;
Varanyak; Linda; (Mercerville, NJ) ; Johnson; Kenneth
W.; (Lindenwold, NJ) ; Manning; Michael J.;
(Morrisville, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FMC Corporation |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FMC CORPORATION
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
50514093 |
Appl. No.: |
14/228405 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13048025 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
8707616 |
|
|
14228405 |
|
|
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|
61315582 |
Mar 19, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 13/003 20130101;
A01M 1/20 20130101; A01M 1/2022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/132.1 |
International
Class: |
A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20 |
Claims
1. A method for killing bed bugs comprising the steps of: 1)
placing a bed bug infested item into a sealable container, 2)
placing at least one solvent into the container, and 3) sealing the
container.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one solvent comprises
a solvent selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol,
1-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, ethyl acetate, hexane,
toluene, methyl chloride, chloroform and acetonitrile.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the at least one solvent is
present in the sealed container in a concentration of about 1% to
50% by volume saturation in air.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the at least one solvent is
present in the sealed container in a concentration of about 2% to
10% by volume saturation in air.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the at least one solvent is
isopropyl alcohol.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the sealed container is maintained
at ambient temperature until said bed bugs are killed.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the sealed container is maintained
at a temperature of about 40.degree. C., or less, until said bed
bugs are killed.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the sealed container is maintained
at a temperature of about 40.degree. C., or less to decontaminate
electrical equipment, clothes, luggage and insect monitors.
9. A method for killing bed bug eggs comprising the steps of: 1)
placing a bed bug egg infested item into a sealable container, 2)
placing at least one solvent into the container, and 3) sealing the
container.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one solvent is
isopropyl alcohol.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealed container is
maintained at ambient temperature until said bed bugs are
killed.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealed container is
maintained at a temperature of about 40.degree. C., or less, until
said bed bugs are killed.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the sealed container is
maintained at a temperature of about 40.degree. C., or less to
decontaminate electrical equipment, clothes, luggage and insect
monitors.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to using solvent vapors to control
bed bugs. In particular, solvent vapors kill and/or control bed bug
populations within an enclosed space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Blood feeding insects such as bed bugs are nuisance pests
that afflict humans, pets and domestic animals. Because of their
cryptic behavior, the detection and control of the common bed bug,
Cimex lectularius, is often very difficult and time consuming
[0003] Bed bugs are difficult and expensive to kill and/or control
once they have established a presence in a location. Common methods
for controlling bed bugs include vacuuming and steam cleaning
affected areas, washing bedding in very hot water, enclosing an
infested mattress or bedding in a black plastic bag and placing the
bag in direct sunlight on a hot day, contacting the insects with
insecticides or desiccant powders or whole house fumigation with
dangerous chemicals such as Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride). Extreme
heat, for example, temperatures of greater than 140.degree. F. for
several hours, or extreme cold, minus 20.degree. F. for several
days are other methods that have been used to kill bed bugs.
Spraying bed bugs with isopropyl alcohol is also known to kill the
insects; however bed bugs must come into direct contact with the
isopropyl alcohol in order for this treatment to be effective. Once
the alcohol has evaporated, bed bugs that were not contacted with
the alcohol are free to move about.
[0004] Bed bugs are able to cling to possessions and hide in small
spaces so that they may easily be transported in a traveler's
belongings. As a result, buildings where turnover of occupants is
high, such as hotels, dormitories and apartments, are especially
vulnerable to bed bug infestations.
[0005] Commercial bed bug monitors and traps have been used to
detect and capture these insects for later identification. Safe
disposal of trapped bed bugs or cleaning and decontamination of the
monitors and traps is a concern as any surviving bed bugs could
start a new infestation.
[0006] It would be most beneficial to provide a simple,
inexpensive, environmentally safe, and highly effective method for
killing bed bugs in infested areas and in items such as bedding,
suitcases, personal possessions and belongings and bed bug monitors
or traps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It has been discovered that certain solvent vapors can
effectively kill bed bugs. Very low concentrations of solvent
vapors, for example, isopropyl alcohol, contained in an enclosed
space can kill bed bugs that are in or on items, such as personal
belongings, bed bug monitors and bed bug traps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an environmentally safe and
highly effective method for killing bed bugs by enclosing infested
items (e.g., belongings or possessions) in a sealed container along
with a small amount of at least one solvent, the vapors of which
kill bed bugs that are present. Compared to complicated treatments
of expensive chemicals and processes that are disclosed in the
literature, the present invention provides an inexpensive, very
simple and safe method of killing bed bugs.
[0009] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method for killing bed bugs located in or on common household items
such as furniture, bedding, mattresses, luggage, electronic
equipment such as televisions, lamps and telephones, bed bug
monitors and bed bug traps by enclosing such items in a sealed
container along with a small amount of at least one solvent for a
period of time to kill bed bugs that are present.
[0010] A preferred aspect of the present invention is a method for
killing bed bugs comprising the steps of:
[0011] 1) placing a bed bug infested item into a sealable
container,
[0012] 2) placing a solvent into the container, and
[0013] 3) sealing the container.
[0014] It is preferred that the solvent have a low vapor pressure
and that it be essentially odorless. Suitable solvents include
alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and isopropyl
alcohol; ketones such as acetone; acetates such as ethyl acetate;
alkanes such as hexane; aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene;
chlorinated alkanes such as methyl chloride and chloroform and
organic solvents such as acetonitrile and mixtures thereof. A
preferred solvent is an alcohol and more preferably isopropyl
alcohol. In order for the solvent to be dispensed into the
atmosphere of the sealed container, the solvent may be incorporated
into a formulation which can be a gel form, a solid form, dissolved
in a polar solvent such as water, encapsulated, or impregnated into
or onto other materials. The solvent may be incorporated into an
absorbent material, for example, but not limited to, paper, cotton
batting, fiberized cellulose wood pulp, synthetic batting,
polyester batting, felt, bonded carded webs, high density
polyethylene sponge and high loft spunbond materials. One such
dispensing device is commercially available individually wrapped
isopropyl alcohol wipes. In order to regulate diffusion, a
semi-permeable membrane can be used to encase the absorbent
materials. The solvent can be dispensed from a container with a
semi-permeable top or with a sealed top containing small holes to
allow diffusion of the composition into the surrounding
atmosphere.
[0015] It is preferred that the solvent vapors be present in the
sealed container in a concentration of about 1% to 50% by volume
saturation in air, more preferably in a concentration of about 2%
to 10% by volume saturation in air.
[0016] Sealable containers which can be used in the present
invention include those that do not absorb the solvent vapors or
allow the solvent vapors to diffuse the sealable container.
Moreover, the sealable container should be of sufficient size such
that an object infested with bed bugs can be placed therein while
leaving enough air space to allow circulation of the solvent vapors
in and around the object. Suitable sealable containers include, but
are not limited to plastic bags, for example, Ziploc.RTM. Smart Zip
Seal.TM. Brand Bags from SC Johnson, metal containers, wood or
plastic boxes, brief cases, suitcases, plastic wraps, aluminum foil
and the like. If sealed properly, an entire room or building could
function as a sealable container.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a method of killing bed bugs in a sealed container by
volatilizing an alcohol selected from the group consisting of
methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropyl alcohol and mixtures
thereof.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a method of killing bed bugs by volatilizing an alcohol
selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol,
1-propanol, isopropyl alcohol and mixtures thereof in a bed bug
infested closet, room, hallway or building and sealing the closet,
room hallway or building.
[0019] Volatilization of the solvent can be accomplished by
evaporation of the solvent at ambient temperature, maintaining the
sealed container at an elevated temperature, for example, placing
the sealed container in a warm area (sunlit area, warm oven or the
like) or gently heating the solvent, for example with a commercial
hand warmer. When maintaining the sealed container at an elevated
temperature, it is preferred that the temperature be about
40.degree. C., or less, so as to prevent possible damage to the
item(s) within the sealed container. Similarly, if the sealed
container is placed in a sunlit area, it is preferred that the
contents of the sealed container be at a temperature of about
40.degree. C., or less, so as to prevent possible damage to the
item(s) within the sealed container.
[0020] The following examples further illustrate the present
invention and include protocols for the evaluation of the method of
the present invention but, of course, should not be construed as in
any way limiting its scope.
EXAMPLE 1
Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs in Sealed Containers
[0021] Into 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bags was
placed a plastic insect monitor which took up about 3/4 of the
available space in the sealable bag. Five adult bed bugs (BB)
(Cimex lectularius) or five bed bug nymphs (nymphs were contained
in an open 20 mL glass vial) were introduced into the bag. A 1.5
inch by 1.5 inch square of paper towel was treated with an alcohol
and placed into the plastic bag on top of the plastic fan so the
bed bugs could not directly contact the alcohol dosed towel. Each
plastic bag was sealed and maintained at ambient temperature, about
22.degree. C., throughout the test. The percent mortality was
determined at certain time intervals. Table 1 below summarizes the
experimental data.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Bed Bug Mortality Caused by Alcohol Vapors
In Sealed Containers % Mortality Treatment 45 minutes 60 minutes 75
minutes Control 0 0 0 (No solvent) Methanol 100% Adult BB 2.0 mL ND
80 ND *Ethanol 70% Adult BB 2.0 mL ND 60 ND Ethanol 100% Adult BB
2.0 mL ND 100 ND Isopropanol 100% Adult BB 0.1 mL 40 80 100 0.2 mL
60 80 100 0.3 mL 40 80 100 0.4 mL 60 100 100 0.5 mL 60 100 100 1.0
mL 60 100 100 3.0 mL ND 100 ND Isopropanol 100% Nymphs 1.0 mL 100
100 ND *Aqueous 70% ethanol solution ND = No Data
[0022] Alcohol vapors contained in a sealed plastic bag effectively
killed bed bugs in less than two hours.
EXAMPLE 2
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Sealed Containers
[0023] Into a 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bag was
placed a glass HPLC vial containing a small strip of filter paper
and 5 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and a 20 mL glass vial
containing a 1 inch by 1 inch piece of paper towel treated with
isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The plastic bag was sealed and maintained
at ambient temperature, about 22.degree. C., throughout the test.
The percent bed bug mortality was determined at certain time
intervals. Table 2 below summarizes the experimental data.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Bed Bug Mortality Caused by Isopropyl
Alcohol Vapors In Sealed Containers IPA Treatment amount %
Mortality mL 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes 75 minutes Control 0
0 0 0 (N0 solvent) 2.0 20 40 100 100 1.0 20 40 80 80 0.5 0 0 100
100 0.25 0 60 80 80 0.125 20 40 60 60 0.625 0 20 60 80 0.312 20 20
40 60 0.156 20 40 80 100 0.078 0 20 100 100 0.039 0 20 60 100
[0024] Isopropyl alcohol vapors contained in a sealed plastic bag
effectively killed bed bugs in less than two hours.
EXAMPLE 3
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Sealed Containers
[0025] Into a 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bag was
placed a glass HPLC vial containing a small strip of filter paper
and 2 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) and a 20 mL glass vial
containing isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The plastic bag was sealed and
maintained at ambient temperature, about 22.degree. C., throughout
the test. The percent bed bug mortality was determined at certain
time intervals. Table 3 below summarizes the experimental data.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Bed Bug Mortality Caused by Isopropyl
Alcohol Vapors In Sealed Containers IPA Treatment amount %
Mortality mL 15 minutes 30 minutes 45 minutes Control 0 0 0 (No
solvent) 2.0 0 0 100 1.0 0 0 100 0.5 0 0 100 0.25 0 0 100 0.125 0 0
100 0.625 0 0 100 0.312 0 0 100 0.156 0 0 100 0.078 0 0 100 0.039 0
0 100
[0026] Isopropyl alcohol vapors contained in a sealed plastic bag
effectively killed bed bugs in less than 1 hour.
EXAMPLE 4
Solvent Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Sealed Containers
[0027] Into 13 inch by 6 inch (2000 mL) sealable plastic bags was
placed a plastic insect monitor which took up about 3/4 of the
available space in the sealable bag. Five adult bed bugs (BB)
(Cimex lectularius) were introduced into the bag. A 1.5 inch by 1.5
inch square of paper towel was treated with 2 mL of a solvent and
placed into the plastic bag on top of the plastic fan so the bed
bugs could not directly contact the solvent dosed towel. Each
plastic bag was sealed and maintained at ambient temperature, about
22.degree. C., throughout the test. The percent mortality was
determined after one hour. Table 4 below summarizes the
experimental data.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Bed Bug Mortality Caused by Solvent Vapors
in Sealed Containers Treatment Solvent % Mortality (2 mL) after 1
hour Control (No solvent) 0 Acetone 100 Acetonitrile 60 Methyl
chloride 100 Ethyl acetate 100 Toluene 100 Chloroform 100 Hexane
100 Decyl alcohol 0 Octane 0
[0028] As can be seen from the test data above, bedbugs are
effectively controlled by vapors of certain solvents.
EXAMPLE 5
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs Inside A Laptop Computer
Enclosed In A Sealed Container
[0029] Several ports were removed from the side of a laptop
computer creating void spaces within the computer. Five HPLC vials
containing 2 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) each, the tops of
which were covered with a screen so the bed bugs could not escape,
were placed into the computer voids. The infested laptop was placed
into a sealable plastic bag along with a 20 mL glass vial
containing a 2 inch by 2 inch square of paper towel to which was
added 0.5 mL of isopropyl alcohol. The plastic bag was sealed and
kept at ambient temperature for about 4 hours. The plastic bag was
opened and the vials containing the bed bugs were examined. All bed
bugs were alive. The vials were replaced within the computer voids
and the original 2 inch by two inch square of paper towel was
replaced with a new square of paper towel treated with 0.5 mL of
isopropyl alcohol. The plastic bag was sealed and kept at ambient
temperature, about 22.degree. C., for about 18 hours. The plastic
bag was opened and the vials containing the bed bugs were examined.
All bed bugs were dead. The laptop computer was not damaged.
EXAMPLE 6
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In A Suit Case Enclosed In A
Sealed Container
[0030] A cloth covered suit case, with dimensions of 20.5 inches by
14.5 inches by 7.5 inches (2230 cu. in) and a zipper closure
device, was infested with bed bugs by placing HPLC vials containing
2 adult bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) each, the tops of which were
covered with a screen so the bed bugs could not escape, throughout
the main storage area of the suit case (4 vials) and affixing one
vial to the outside of the suit case. A paper towel containing 7.0
mL of isopropyl alcohol was placed in the main storage area of the
suit case and the case was closed with the zipper. The infested
suit case was double bagged inside heavy polypropylene plastic bags
along with a paper towel containing 3.5 mL of isopropyl alcohol.
The polypropylene bags were sealed with tape and maintained at
ambient temperature, about 22.degree. C., for 24 hours. The plastic
bags were opened and the vials containing the bed bugs were
examined. All bed bugs were dead.
EXAMPLE 7
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs In Personal Belongings
Within A Suitcase Enclosed In A Sealed Container
[0031] Into a cloth covered suit case, with dimensions of 20.5
inches by 14.5 inches by 7.5 inches and a zipper closure device,
was placed 3.75 pounds of tee shirts. The suit case was infested
with bed bugs by placing HPLC vials containing 2 adult bed bugs
(Cimex lectularius) each, the tops of which were covered with a
screen so the bed bugs could not escape, throughout the main
storage area of the suit case (4 vials) and affixing one vial to
the outside of the suit case. A paper towel containing 7.0 mL of
isopropyl alcohol was placed in the main storage area of the suit
case and the case was closed with the zipper. The infested suit
case was double bagged inside heavy polypropylene plastic bags
along with a paper towel containing 3.5 mL of isopropyl alcohol.
The polypropylene bags were sealed with tape and maintained at
ambient temperature, about 22.degree. C., for 24 hours. The plastic
bags were opened and the vials containing the bed bugs were
examined. All bed bugs were dead.
EXAMPLE 8
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapor Concentration Versus Time To Kill Bed Bugs
In A Sealed Container
[0032] An experiment was performed to determine the isopropyl
alcohol (IPA) concentration versus time to kill bed bugs in the
following manner:
[0033] Isopropyl alcohol was placed into 650 mL glass bottles and
the bottles were sealed with a polypropylene cap. The isopropyl
alcohol was allowed to evaporate completely. Each bottle was
opened, a glass vial containing 5 adult bed bugs (Cimex
lectularius), the top of the vial was covered with a screen so the
bed bugs could not escape, was quickly placed on the bottom of the
bottle and the cap replaced. The bottles were maintained at ambient
temperature, about 22.degree. C. The number of dead bed bugs was
assessed by visual examination of the bed bugs at 30 minutes, 1
hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. A bed bug
was considered dead if there was no movement displayed after gently
shaking the bottle. Table 5 below summarizes the amount of
isopropyl alcohol used and the % mortality of bed bugs from this
experiment.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 % Mortality of Bed Bugs Contacted With
Different Concentrations Of Isopropyl Alcohol In Sealed Containers
% Con- Amount centration % Mortality of IPA (wt/wt) in 0.5 1 2 3 4
24 48 (ml) Air Volume hour hour Hour Hour Hour Hour Hour 0.25 23.8
0 60 100 100 100 100 100 0.125 11.9 0 20 100 100 100 100 100 0.063
6.0 0 20 100 100 100 100 100 0.03 3.0 0 0 40 40 100 100 100 0.015
1.5 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 0.0075 0.75 0 0 0 0 0 40 100 0.004 0.4 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20
[0034] As can be seen from the test data above, bedbugs are
effectively controlled within 4 hours at ambient temperature when
vapors of isopropyl alcohol are present in concentrations of 3% or
higher. Lower concentrations are effective when bed bugs are
exposed to the vapors for longer periods of time.
EXAMPLE 9
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapors Kill Bed Bugs At Elevated Temperatures In
Sealed Containers
[0035] An experiment was performed to determine the isopropyl
alcohol (IPA) concentration versus temperature to kill bed bugs in
the following manner:
[0036] Isopropyl alcohol, 0.03 mL, was placed into three 650 mL
glass bottles and each bottle was sealed with a polypropylene cap.
The isopropyl alcohol was allowed to evaporate completely,
providing about a 3% concentration of alcohol vapor in the air.
Each bottle was opened and a glass vial containing 5 adult bed bugs
(Cimex lectularius), the top of the vial was covered with a screen
so the bed bugs could not escape, was quickly placed on the bottom
of the bottle and the cap replaced. One test flask was maintained
at 24.degree. C. (ambient temperature), one at 30.degree. C. and
one at 39.degree. C. A control bottle was included for each
temperature and contained no isopropyl alcohol. The number of dead
bed bugs was assessed by visual examination of the bed bugs at 30
minutes, 80 minutes, 130 minutes, 180 minutes, 240 minutes and 300
minutes. A bed bug was considered dead if there was no movement
displayed after gently shaking the bottle. Table 6 below summarizes
the amount of isopropyl alcohol used and the % mortality of bed
bugs from this experiment.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 % Mortality of Bed Bugs Contacted With
Isopropyl Alcohol At Elevated Temperatures In Sealed Containers %
Mortality 30 80 130 180 240 300 Temperature Minutes Minutes Minutes
Minutes Minutes Minutes 24.degree. C. 0 0 0 0 60 80 24.degree. C.
Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 30.degree. C. 0 0 40 40 100 100 30.degree. C.
Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.degree. C. 0 40 40 100 100 100 39.degree. C.
Control 0 0 0 0 0 0
[0037] As can be seen from the test data above, bedbugs are more
quickly killed by isopropyl alcohol vapors at elevated temperatures
when compared to ambient temperature.
EXAMPLE 10
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapor Concentration To Control the Hatching of
Bed Bug Eggs In A Sealed Container
[0038] Bed bugs were allowed to lay eggs on red construction paper
for easy visualization. The paper containing the eggs was cut to
sections containing about 50 to 55 eggs. A mid-embryogenic
vitelline membrane forms during egg development, usually about 6 to
7 days after being layed that is highly impermeable (e.g., prior to
this membrane formation, permeabilized eggs will uptake zenobiotics
which doesn't occur after vitelline membrane formation), therefore
pre-membrane development eggs that were 3-4 days old and post
membrane development eggs that were 10-11 days old were used.
Complete embryonic development typically requires 10-12 days at
25.degree. C. Isopropyl alcohol was placed into 650 mL glass
bottles and then sealed with a polypropylene cap (125 ul IPA or 3%
vapor concentration). The isopropyl alcohol was allowed to
evaporate completely. A one inch wet dental wick was included to
provide moisture in each bottle. Each bottle was opened, a glass
vial containing the cut paper with 50 bed bugs eggs (Cimex
lectularius), the top of the vial was covered with a screen so any
hatched bed bugs could not escape, was quickly placed on the bottom
of the bottle and the cap replaced. The bottles were maintained at
25.degree. C. Bed bug eggs were exposed to the alcohol vapor for
2.5 hours, 5.5 hours, 11 hours, 24 hours or 8 days. A control test
containing no alcohol was also included. Following IPA exposure,
the bed bug eggs were returned to a fresh, humidified bottle. The
numbers of live embryos and/or hatched nymphs were scored every
four days during development. A bed bug embryo was considered dead
if development ceased, melanized, or a nymph failed to emerge
following normal development. Tables 7A and 7B below summarizes the
isopropyl alcohol exposure time at 3% vapor concentration and the %
mortality of bed bug embryos from this experiment.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7A Percent of Bed Bug Eggs Hatching After
Contact With Isopropyl Alcohol Using 3-4 Day Old Eggs Exposure to %
Bed Bug Eggs Hatch Isopropyl Alcohol 4 days after 8 days after
(Hrs) treatment treatment 2.5 82 100 5.5 96 100 11.0 78 100 24.0 0
10 Continuous ND 0 Control 66 100
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7B % Mortality of Bed Bug Eggs Contacted With
Isopropyl Alcohol Using 10-11 Day Old Eggs Exposure to % Bed Bug
Hatch Isopropyl Alcohol 4 days after 8 days after (Hrs) treatment
treatment 2.5 100 100 5.5 100 100 11.0 83 83 24.0 0 0 Continuous ND
0 Control 100 100
EXAMPLE 11
Isopropyl Alcohol Vapor Control of First Instar Bed Bug Nymphs In A
Sealed Container
[0039] Isopropyl alcohol (0.03 mL, 0.0 mL, 0.125 ml; to provide 3%,
6% and 12% vapor, respectively) was placed into 650 ml bottles and
then sealed with a polypropylene cap. The isopropyl alcohol was
allowed to evaporate completely. A one inch wet dental wick was
included to provide moisture during the study. Each bottle was
opened, a glass vial containing from 26 to 65 first instar bed bugs
nymphs (1-3 days old, Cimex lectularius), the top of the vial was
covered with a screen so the bed bugs could not escape, was quickly
placed on the bottom of the bottle and the cap replaced. The flasks
were maintained at 25.degree. C. Bed bug nymphs were exposed to the
alcohol atmosphere for 2.5 hours, 5.5 hours, 12 hours or 24 hours.
A control test having no alcohol was also included. Following
exposure to isopropyl alcohol, the bed bug nymphs were returned to
a fresh, humidified bottle. The numbers of live nymphs were scored
after 24 hours. A bed bug nymph was considered dead if there was no
movement after gentle probing. Table 8 below summarizes the
isopropyl alcohol exposure time at various vapor concentrations,
exposure times and the % mortality of bed bug nymphs from this
experiment.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Percent Control of First Instar Bed Bugs
Nymphs With Isopropyl Alcohol Vapor Exposure to Isopropyl Amount of
Isopropyl Alcohol (Hrs) Alcohol in Bottle (mL) % Control Control 0
0 2.5 0.03 0 2.5 0.06 2.2 2.5 0.125 20.4 5.5 0.03 65.4 5.5 0.06 100
5.5 0.125 100 12 0.03 100 12 0.06 100 12 0.125 100 24 0.03 100 24
0.06 100 24 0.125 100
[0040] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
variations of the invention may be used and that it is intended
that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *