Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling termite infestation are described. The apparatus is comprised of a termite resistant housing having (1) a bottom, (2) sidewalls having an interior and exterior surface and (3) a top. The top includes means for accessing the interior of the housing to identify the presence of termites and to introduce toxic bait into the housing when the presence of termites is observed through the means for accessing the housing interior. The housing has at least one sidewall opening large enough to permit termites to pass through and nontoxic termite bait fixedly attached to the interior and/or exterior of one or more of the housing sidewalls. A number of alternative architectures are provided which have in common the feature of allowing termites to transition from nontoxic bait to toxic bait that is introduced in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the termite habitat at, without or within the apparatus. The nontoxic bait, which is affixed to the housing sidewalls, may be on the interior or exterior of the walls and the interior of the housing. The housing interior may be subdivided to allow bait replenishment sequentially in separate compartments within the housing and without disturbance of exhausted toxic bait compartments. The apparatus architecture, where the nontoxic bait is situated on the exterior of the housing walls and the interior of the housing is compartmentalized, provides maximum protection against termite disturbance at the monitoring, detecting and control stages.

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First Claim