WO2017083916A1

WO2017083916A1 - Termite attractant and/or bait packaging and installation systems

Info

Publication number: WO2017083916A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/051102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Alexander BROWN; Garry Joseph James RYAN
Original assignee: Pest Ip Pty Limited
Priority date: 2015-11-17
Filing date: 2016-11-16
Publication date: 2017-05-26

Abstract

A termite attractant packaging that includes a sealed housing for containing the attractant, the housing having a base and a top, with at least one termite access passage having an inlet opening at or adjacent the housing base and an outlet opening that opens into a region of the housing at or near the top, wherein the only water access to the housing is via the at least one termite access passage or passages. In preferred forms the packaging is insulated for internal temperature stability, and is part of a system that includes bait and an optional detection means to signal occupation of the system by termites.

Description

TERM ITE ATTRACTANT AND/OR BAIT PACKAGING AND INSTALLATION SYSTEMS

Field of the Invention

[0001 ] The present invention relates to improved termite attractant and/or bait packaging and installation systems that can be tailored for use in bothn ground and above ground applications.

[0002] The term "bait" is used herein to refer to an attractant material that has an incorporated termiticide for destroying the termites. The termiticide can come in a variety of forms, most of which are designed to be taken back to the main termite nest for wider distribution and ultimate eradication of the entire termite colony.

[0003] The invention in one aspect has been developed particularly for use with bait, which is prone to deterioration in effectiveness once it has been exposed, particularly in wet conditions. However, it will be clear that that aspect of the invention is equally suited to preserving attractant materials and keeping it desirable to termites for an extended period.

Background of the Invention

[0004] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0005] Termites are attracted to timber, cellulose and a range of other materials, most of which are edible to them. These products will be collectively termed herein as attractants.

[0006] Based on this knowledge, most systems for monitoring, and monitoring and eradicating, termites utilise a quantity of attractant to lure the termites to a device or location where monitoring and/or treatment can easily occur. For those systems designed to eradicate the colony from which the termites have originated, a combination may be used which includes: attractant to which a termiticide may be applied at a later stage; and/or the use of bait, which is attractant which already has an incorporated termiticide.

[0007] Termiticides come in a variety of forms, but in most cases are chemical products capable of killing the termites in a delayed process without them being aware it is present. The aim in most cases is that the termiticide is transported back to the colony to transfer to other termites and so destroy the entire nest. The method of operation varies but can include disabling their immune systems or muscle actions, or slowly killing them by other means.

[0008] One problem with termiticides, is that the shelf lives are limited, and the

effectiveness of the formulations, and/or the attractiveness of the bait or attractant, can be further reduced by exposure to moisture. This can be a major problem, as a majority of termite monitoring and baiting stations are typically located for surface user access in the top 20cm layer of the ground, which is the zone in which the termites usually travel, and are usually provided with side openings as well as base openings through which the termites can gain access. This upper region of the ground is vulnerable to water passage due to rain and run off from other water sources, so water ingress into stations of this kind is highly likely at some stage.

[0009] This is one of the reasons why termite stations are rarely provided pre-loaded with bait, and that for those that are, the effectiveness may well be in question, unless a very regular and expensive replacement program is initiated.

[0010] Another problem with current monitoring and baiting stations is that the termites will generally only be active in these stations during periods in which the ambient conditions within the station are within a preferred range. This means that treatment times can be protracted when ambient conditions are cycling into and out of this preferred range. Furthermore, high temperatures can in some cases be detrimental to the longevity of the termiticide and/or other elements of the bait and/or attractant.

Summary of the Invention

[001 1 ] According to a first aspect the present invention provides a termite attractant packaging particularly suited for in ground applications, the packaging including;

a sealed housing for containing the attractant, the housing having a base, side walls and a top; and

a termite access passage having an inlet opening at or adjacent the housing base and an outlet opening that opens into a region of the housing at or adjacent the housing top,

wherein the only water access to the housing is via the termite access passage. [0012] In preferred forms the termite attractant is a bait which is an attractant that includes a termiticide.

[0013] Preferably, the only main air access to the housing is also via the termite access passage.

[0014] Desirably, the termite access passage includes one or more u bends intermediate the inlet opening and the outlet opening, more preferably at a location toward the outlet opening.

[0015] In one form the termite access passage is in the form of a tube located within the sealed housing having an inlet sealingly secured to a region of the housing at or adjacent it's base, with an outlet opening end in a region near the top of the housing.

[0016] In other forms, the termite access passage is external to the sealed housing. In such forms the passage may be integrally formed with the sealed housing and be defined by one chamber, or a series of interconnecting labyrinthine chambers, that terminates in an outlet into the region of the sealed housing at or adjacent the housing top.

[0017] In one form the packaging is generally elongate and of a sealed tubular form such as a cylinder, preferably with a vertically longitudinally extending partition wall separating the sealed housing from the region defining or containing the termite access passage. In embodiments where the termite access passage includes one or more u-bend formations created by interconnecting chambers, these are defined by a series of further walls extending parallel to and transverse to the longitudinal access. In other embodiments, an appropriately bent tube is housed within the portion of the tube housing the termite access passage.

Optionally a single lid is used to form the sealed top to the housing and to the termite access passage. The tubular package may also include an inspection passage that extends into the package that provides a viewing window into either or both of the termite access passage and the sealed housing so that termite presence can be confirmed by some form of manual or electrical visual inspection method if desired.

[0018] According to a second aspect the present invention provides a termite attracting system particularly suited to in ground applications, the system including:

a termite attractant packaging according to the first aspect of the invention; and a main body of attractant located within the sealed housing of the packaging.. [0019] In preferred forms, the package also includes at least one plug means within the termite access passage. Preferably the plug means includes some form of attractant and is readily removable by the termites for them to gain access to the main body of attractant.

Suitable materials may include cellulose or sawdust or other particulate matter, ideally in a form that is readily mouldable into plug formations. However, other materials known to be attractive to, and removable by, termites such as polystyrene could also be used.

[0020] In one form a first plug is provided at or adjacent the inlet opening to the termite access passage, the passage being configured, if required, to easily retain the plug. In other forms, a second plug is provided at or adjacent the outlet opening to the termite access passage, the passage again being configured, if required, to easily retain the plug. In some embodiments both a first and second plug and optionally further plugs will be provided.

[0021 ] In one form the termite attracting system is specifically configured for insertion into existing manual detection termite stations such as the Xterm™ device. This and other similar devices have perforate housings into which are inserted medium life attractant elements such as portions of timber with additional space into which bait can subsequently be added once termite presence is detected. The present invention enables addition of the bait at the time the stations are installed, or when the timber attractant is renewed, thereby reducing the risk of disturbing the termites to add the bait.

[0022] It will also be appreciated that the system of the invention can be used on its own by direct installation into the ground, as the termites will still be attracted to the package without the addition of further attractant.

[0023] The system can also be used to further enhance the operation of existing termite monitoring, detection and control systems that incorporate automatic termite detection means. In one preferred form of the invention, the system includes at least one termite removable plug in the termite access passage, the plug serving not only to block the passage and protect the bait, but also as a compromise point for a physically actuated termite detection system such as that described in WO2015154127 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) where a switch or indicator of some form is biased into an off position by means of a tie anchored in the plug material which is released to actuate the switch or indicator when the plug is removed or consumed. Preferably, the tie is anchored in a plug element located at or adjacent the top of the sealed housing so that the plug is protected from deterioration by water around the termite passage inlet adjacent the base.

[0024] In a preferred form that incorporates an electronic detection system associated with the physically actuated system described above, the detection system utilises electronically "always off" technology. This means that the system is not switched on until termites are detected which enables longer battery life. All embodiments described herein may also include some form of viewing system for manually conducting a visual check for the presence of termites. Preferably the viewing system is configured such that viewing can take place by opening or removing a cover which is over an otherwise sealed unit so that the termites are not unduly disturbed by change in atmospheric conditions.

[0025] According to a third aspect the present invention provides a termite attractant packaging particularly suited for, but not limited to, in ground applications, the packaging including;

a housing for containing the attractant, the housing having a base, side walls and a top accessible from a surface of the ground, wherein at least the top of the housing adjacent the ground surface includes insulation means to significantly reduce the impact of above surface temperature fluctuations on the environment within the housing.

[0026] Desirably, the insulation also extends to the upper portion of the housing adjacent the top.

[0027] Preferably, the packaging further includes a termite access passage having an inlet opening at or adjacent the housing base and an outlet opening that opens into a region of the housing at or adjacent the housing top, wherein the only water access to the housing is via the termite access passage.

[0028] The packaging of the third aspect can be converted to a system by the addition of attractant or bait to the housing.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect aspect the present invention provides a termite attractant packaging particularly suited for above ground installations, the packaging including; a housing adapted to receive a portion of attractant, the housing being fully bounded by two or more walls including a wall with an access opening through which the termites can enter, wherein the housing includes insulation means to significantly reduce the impact of temperature fluctuations external to the housing on the environment within the housing.

[0030] Preferably, the wall including the access opening is generally planar to assist engagement with the surface through which the termites will enter, which may be a surface of the ground for external applications, or a surface of a building element such as a timber skirting, beam or architrave for internal applications.

[0031 ] The insulation means of the housings according to the third and fourth aspects of the invention can be of any suitable form including, but not limited to: expanded polyethylene (EPE), expanded polystyrene, the use of double skin structures of suitable materials with added insulation material, or a bounding a layer of air, or an insulating vacuum, there between.

[0032] In one particularly preferred form, features of many of the key aspects of the invention are incorporated into a single multi application system comprising two parts. In this embodiment, the packaging which houses the attractant or bait is fully insulated and forms a longitudinally extending hollow tubular segment, which when combined with a removably interengagable longitudinally extending termite access passage, forms a generally tubular assembly that is preferably generally cylindrical. This facilitates easy insertion into core drilled holes in the ground or into the centre portion of other existing generally cylindrical monitoring and bait stations.

[0033] In this manner, the combined two part assembly can be used for in-ground applications, with the specially configured termite access passage inhibiting water access to the attractant, and the insulated housing reducing the impact of ambient temperature fluctuations, particularly via temperature fluctuations at or above the ground surface. However, should the need arise to utilise a bait system in an above ground application, such as inside a home where termite activity has been detected, the specially configured termite access passage portion can be removed and the insulated housing part with bait can be secured on its own directly to a suitable portion of the building structure such as a skirting, beam or architrave, or any other location where termite activity is present.

[0034] To enable this dual function means are provided with at least the insulated housing to facilitate attachment to either the termite access portion or to an internal structure if required. Any suitable fastening means can be used including adhesive tape, removable clips or fasteners etc. [0035] In other embodiments configured for use in external above ground surface mounted applications, the insulated housing may be of any suitable shape. While it may be preferable to have all peripheral walls of the housing insulated, portions of the walls that in use will contact a more temperature stable region such as the ground or a large building component of relatively high thermal mass, can be left uninsulated provided the desired temperature control within the housing can still be achieved.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a termite attractant system including:

a container including a base having at least one termite entry opening,

side walls extending upwardly from the base and a lid that sealingly engages the side walls to define an internal void,

said lid and side walls being made from or including a layer of thermal insulating material, and said container including first access means for inserting bulk attractant into the void.

[0037] Preferably the base is also made from or includes an insulating material.

[0038] In one preferred form the first access means are formed in or formed by said lid. Desirably, a second access means, smaller than the first door means, is also provided for insertion of a termiticide or bait.

[0039] Preferably a viewing window is provided in the lid with a movable cover to allow or prevent admission of light through the window.

[0040] Desirably, the at least one termite entry opening is sized to admit termites whilst excluding larger unwanted pests such as worms and beetles.

[0041 ] Preferably the insulated housings are configured to maintain temperatures at or close to a temperature range of 25 to 36 degrees Celcius or whatever may be the preferred range in which relevant species of termites to be targeted are happy to forage.

[0042] Desirably, the system is configured to keep the void temperature within about plus or minus 2 degrees Celcius.

[0043] In a preferred form, the container base and/or walls is marked with partially pre-cut openings ready for different applications to enable tailoring of the container on site as required. [0044] In this regard, the attractant system of the fifth embodiment may be configured for use with embodiments of the other aspects of the invention. For example, the insulated container may include amounts of a bulk attractant such as wood, but also include a bait that is also disposed within the insulated container that is packaged according to the other aspects of the invention to protects its effectiveness until it is consumed.

[0045] In particularly preferred embodiments (New two half cylinder embodiment) of the first aspect of the invention, the termite attractant packaging has a sealed housing for containing the attractant that is defined by the inner void of a thick walled cylinder formed from an insulating material with insulated end caps, where termite access passages are formed by providing passageways in the thick walled cylinder.

[0046] In one preferred form, the thick walled cylinder is made from an extruded

polyethylene material, or similar, that defines an outer wall and a spaced apart inner wall, the inner and outer walls preferably having a corrugated spacer and reinforcement element disposed therebetween. The corrugated spacer acts to provide a plurality of longitudinally extending termite access passages, while also defining an air gap which provides the insulation. In one form the gap between the inner and outer cylinders is approximately 5-6mm. The cylinder walls may be made by co-extruding sections of the wall, optionally interconnected by "live hinges", which can then be cut to length and joined longitudinally by ultrasonic welding or adhesive or other suitable means to form a complete tube. For example each cylinder may be made from two sections of semicircular section, or three or more sections.

[0047] In an alternative form, the thick walled cylinder may be made from expanded polyethylene (EPE) or expanded polystyrene or similar, and the termite access passages are formed by moulding or melting or otherwise creating passageways into the outer surface that extend from the base up toward the top of the cylinder. These passageways may be formed as open channels, and the cylinder subsequently wrapped in a flexible sheeting material to close off the channels and convert them to fully bounded passages.

[0048] In such alternative embodiments where the channels are formed externally, a complex pattern of access passages can be provided which may include small chamber areas where additional attractant materials may be provided for consumption on route to the sealed housing. [0049] In both versions, the termite attractant packaging also includes a base element to close off at least the end of the inner wall of the thick walled cylinder to seal off the base of the internal void, and a preferably removable top cap of some form. Desirably the top cap includes a viewing window that has a selectively openable covering, such that light is kept out in normal use, but the window can be uncovered for viewing into the device without needed to remove the top cap. The top cap is releasably securable to the thick walled cylinder by any suitable means which may included a threaded connection.

[0050] The thick wall cylinder is configured such that access to the termite access passages is provided at or adjacent the base of the cylinder, either by leaving the lower ends of the thick walled cylinder open to the passages, or fully closing the lower end and providing an access slit or openings into the passages via a lower portion of the external walls.

[0051 ] Below the top cap there is provided a top portion that operates to seal off the upper end of the internal void and provide an entry passage into the void where the attractant or bait is placed.

[0052] In one particularly preferred form the top portion includes a configuration of passages that link the multiple passages extending within the walls of the thick walled cylinder, to the single entry passage into the void, via a "roundabout" like connecting ring or loop passage.

[0053] Desirably, the single entry passage into the void includes means to detect the presence of termites at this location. While that may include sensors such as heat sensors or cameras or other suitable detection means, in the preferred form there is included a

compromise point for a physically actuated termite detection system such as that described in WO2015154127 as referenced above, where a switch or indicator of some form is biased into an off position by means of a tie anchored in plug material provided in the access passage which is released to actuate a switch or indicator when the plug is removed or consumed. Consumption of the plug enables temite access to the sealed housing which contains attractant that may include a termiticide

[0054] In a currently preferred form, the detection system includes a communication device, which may for example be Wifi or BluetoothTM enabled, which facilitates a message to be sent to a server advising that termites are present. This message can be on forwarded to one or more designated stakeholders which include a third party monitoring company, a pest control agency or the householder.

[0055] The preferred "always off" configuration may include an arrangement whereby one side of a terminal of the communication device is active, and the other active terminal of the energy source, which may be a battery, is bridged when a metal wire, previously connected to the tensioned compromise point, completes the circuit between the two components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0056] A preferred embodiment(s) of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings(s) in which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment termite attracting system according to the second aspect of the invention based on a first embodiment termite attractant packaging according to the first aspect of the invention including bait in stick/block form;

[0058] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the first embodiment system taken on line A-A of Figure 1 (without lid);

[0059] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the first embodiment system taken on line B-B of Figure 1 (without lid);

[0060] Figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment termite attracting system according to a second aspect of the invention based on a second

embodiment attractant packaging according to the first aspect of the invention where the termite access passage is provided within the sealed housing, including bait in pellet form;

[0061 ] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a third embodiment termite attracting system according to the second aspect of the invention based on a third embodiment attractant packaging according to the first aspect of the invention including bait in ribbed stick form; [0062] Figure 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a fourth embodiment termite attracting system according to the second aspect of the invention based on a fourth embodiment attractant packaging according to the first aspect of the invention including plug means provided within a u-bend formation;

[0063] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment, being the first embodiment attractant packaging according to a third aspect of the invention configured for subterranean applications incorporating features of the first aspect of the invention together with a biased trigger means for sending a signal when termites have broken into the sealed housing where the bait is contained;

[0064] Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment termite attracting system of Figures 1 to 3 inserted within an example of an existing monitoring device that utilises slats of timber as an attractant; and

[0065] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a variation to the system shown in Figures 1 to 3 incorporating a sixth embodiment, being a second embodiment of the third aspect of the invention suitable for use in and above ground.

[0066] Figure 10 is an exploded part sectioned perspective view of a seventh embodiment being the first embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention;

[0067] Figure 1 1 is an exploded perspective view an eighth embodiment of the invention embodying a number of the inventive aspects;

[0068] Figure 12 is a sectional assembly view of the eighth embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 ;

[0069] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating an extruded material suitable for use in the eighth embodiment and showing one possible method of manufacture; and

[0070] Figure 14 is a cut away perspective view of an alternative thick walled cylinder illustrating one configuration and possible method of manufacture. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

[0071 ] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0072] Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a first embodiment termite attracting system 1 incorporating a first embodiment termite attractant packaging shown generally at 2 including attractant in the form of a stick or block of bait 3. The packaging 2 includes a sealed housing 4, which in this embodiment is a longitudinal portion of a cylindrical tube in which side the bait 3 is located. The packaging includes a base 5, side walls 6 and a top in the form of part of a lid 7 which seals the top of the housing.

[0073] A termite access passage shown generally at 8 is provided in the adjacent longitudinal portion of the cylindrical tube which is separated from the sealed housing by a longitudinally extending partition wall 9. The access passage has an inlet opening 10 at a location adjacent the housing base 5 and an outlet opening 12 that opens into an upper region 13 of the housing adjacent the top 7.

[0074] In this particular embodiment the access passage follows a labarynthine path through a series of interconnected chambers and includes at least one u-bend portion 15. The interconnected chambers are defined by a series of additional transverse and longitudinal partition walls 16 and 17 as shown. The inlet opening 10 is formed by an opening in the base 5 and the outlet opening 12 is formed by an opening in the main partition wall 9. Provided in the inlet opening is an optional first plug 19 and in the outlet opening an optional second plug 20. These plugs are made of any suitable material that acts as, or incorporates, an attractant material that is desirable to the termites. It may include materials such as sawdust or other forms of cellulose or could even be polystyrene, so long as it is in a form that is attractive to and removable by the termites so they can enter the access passage to get at the bulk attractant or bait 3.

[0075] Referring next to Figure 4 there is shown a second embodiment attracting system 1 based on a second embodiment termite attractant packaging 2 and wherever possible like reference numerals will be used to denote corresponding features.

[0076] The primary difference in this second embodiment is that the termite access passage 8 is located within the sealed housing 4, rather than adjacent to it, and in this particular embodiment is in the form of a bent tube arrangement 21 as shown. The tube 21 is sealed at a proximal end against the housing base 5, incorporates a u-bend arrangement 15 in the upper housing region 13, with the distal end of the tube defining the outlet opening 12. This second embodiment also shows use of a bait 3 in pellet form.

[0077] Turning next to Figure 5 there is shown a third embodiment attracting system 1 based on a third embodiment termite attractant packaging 2 and once again like reference numerals will be used to denote corresponding features.

[0078] In this third embodiment the primary differences reside in the provision of a simplified termite access passage that is external to the sealed housing as in Figures 1 to 3 , but which terminates at the end of the first riser region in the outlet opening 12 which goes directly to the upper region 13 of the sealed housing 4. In this embodiment the bait 3 is provided in stick form which has fluted edges to maximise the contactable surface area to increase the potential rate of transfer of the termiticide conveyed back to the nest by way of adhesion to the termites.

[0079] This third embodiment also includes a viewing chamber or inspection passage 23 which is defined in part by a further partition wall 24 which is at least partially transparent so that activity within the sealed housing can be confirmed without needing to disturb the termites. While the inspection passage has been illustrated for convenience as being adjacent the sealed chamber where the bait is, it could also or alternatively be located so as to provide visual inspection of the termite access passage.

[0080] Figure 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment termite attractant packaging 1 illustrating the presence of water or another material 26 within the u-bend region 15. Water could accumulate here after extreme flooding. However, the invention also envisages the possible deliberate addition of a plug like material in this region. This could be of a similar material to that used in the first and second optional plugs 19 and 20, or could be tailored to include additional properties such as a dessicant to keep the bait or attractant in the sealed chamber fresh and protect from damage due to excessive airborne moisture.

[0081 ] Turning next to Figure 7 there is shown a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment at least partially insulated attractant packaging 2 according to the third aspect of the invention complete with bait 3. Again like reference numerals will be used to denote features corresponding to those present in the other examples. This embodiment also incorporates a simplified termite access passage 8 of the kind shown in Figure 5, along with a termite detection system shown generally at 30.

[0082] The insulation means is in the form of insulation material 31 which is added to or incorporated into the structure of the lid 7 and the portion of the walls 4 adjacent the upper region 13 of the housing 2. In this manner the temperature within the housing is protected in use to some degree from extreme fluctuations in the external ambient temperature which will have most impact via the exposed lid and portion of the housing adjacent the ground surface

[0083] The termite detection system 30 can take any suitable form but in the illustrated embodiment comprises a switch means 32 which includes means to bias it toward an activated position, which is held in a deactivated position as shown by means of a tie 33 which has an anchor end 34 embedded into a consumable plug element 20. As the termites consume the material of plug 20, the anchor 34 is compromised and released causing the switch to return under action of the associated biasing means to an activated position there by triggering the switch. The switch can be mechanical or electrical/electronic and will be connected to some form of signal means (for example mechanical, visual, audible, electrical/electronic) which will indicate, preferably via remote monitoring means, that termites are present. The trigger mechanism is preferably designed for minimal movement so as not to frighten away the termites during activation.

[0084] In one preferred form the electronics are configured so that power is only consumed when termites are detected, thereby enabling extended battery life. In this configuration, it is movement of the switch mechanism that completes an open circuit and provides power to signal means.

[0085] A further embodiment of various aspects of the invention including at least the third aspect of the invention is illustrated in Figure 9. This system 1 is similar in general structure to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 -3 and 5-8 in that the termite access passage 8 is provided external to the sealed housing 2 and again like reference numerals will denote corresponding features. However, the primary difference is the fact that these two components are formed as two separate parts and the housing 2 is fully insulated at least on what will be externally exposed surfaces on installation. In this manner the housing 2 can be connected with the termite access passage 8 for in ground installations, or used independently for above ground installations. [0086] To enable this dual functionality, the housing includes a generally planar wall 40 with an opening 41 positioned to align with the exit opening 12 from the access passage 8 which is ideally, but not essentially, formed in a matable generally planar external wall 42. The housing 2 also includes means for connection with either the access passage component 2, or a planar building element for an internal application, such as an architrave, beam or skirting. In the illustrated form this means of connection is my means of an adhesive element which may be separate portions as shown as items 43 to 45. Preferably the housing 2 also includes a panel 46 which is frangibly connected with the wall 40. In this manner, when the housing 2 is being used in an internal application, the panel 46 can be broken away thereby increasing the termite access opening into the housing 2.

[0087] Turning next to Figure 10 there is shown an exploded perspective cutaway view of a seventh embodiment, being a first embodiment according to the fifth aspect of the invention. In this regard the termite attractant system 50 includes a container 51 having a base 52 having at least one termite entry opening 53. In the illustrated form the termite entry openings may be pre-formed cuts in the base which are pushed out as required during use. The openings 53 may comprise small openings preferably sized to allow termites in, but not other unwanted earth dwelling life forms such as beetles and worms. Alternatively, the openings may be sized to receive an independent attractant or bait packaging or system such as the examples shown in Figures 1 to 9.

[0088] Side walls 55 extend upwardly from the base to define, with the base, an internal void 56. This void 56 is closed by a lid 57 that sealingly engages the side walls 55. The lid 57 and side walls 55 are made from an insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, as, in this case, is the base 52. Other materials may also be suitable, including composites, or the structure may include air voids to provide the insulation. Preferably the insulation is selected according to the intended application to try and maintain temperatures at or close to a temperature range of 25 to 36 degrees Celcius, or whatever may be the preferred range in which relevant species of termites to be targeted are happy to forage.

[0089] The container 51 also includes first access means, such as a first reclosable opening 58 through which bulk attractant can be inserted as needed. Alternatively, the lid 57 itself may function to provide that access. Also desirably provided on the container is a second access means such as smaller recloseable opening 59 through which bait or termiticide can be inserted. Preferably a viewing window 60 is also provided with opening cover 61 to keep out the light. [0090] This system can be utilised in many ways. Firstly, it can be used solely as a means of attracting termites to determine if they are present in the area. To do this bulk attractant such as wood is placed into the box and one or more of the small pre-cut apertures in the base are pushed out to provide an access path to the termites. The insulation ensures a far higher chance of termite occupation, on the basis that the temperature range will make inhabitation possible even during mid summer and winter when the temperature extremes in many regions would make this impossible with prior art uninsulated devices.

[0091 ] The system can be checked for inhabitation via the viewing window, and if a decision is then made to try to eradicate them, some form of bait or termitide could be added via the second access 59 without disturbing the bulk attractant. Additional bulk attractant could be added if needed via the lid 57 or first access opening 58.

[0092] If there are concerns regarding possible ground water ingress into the void 56, or there is a desire to include a bait element in the system that is protected for longevity, then the same system 50 can be used in combination with one of the other embodiments shown in the remaining figures. In such a configuration, the small base holes 53 are left closed and the larger one is pushed through, and an attractant packaging or system of the other embodiments is sealingly inserted into the pushed through opening. In this manner, termites wanting to access any bulk attractant will be forced to travel upwardly into that device, and gain access to the protected attractant or bait, before the bulk attractant can be consumed.

[0093] Figures 1 1 , 12 and 13 illustrate an eighth embodiment of the invention which combines the concepts of a container for the bait or attractant that is sealed until use with protection from moisture, and a thermally insulated environment preferably provided by a thick walled cylinder structure. In this first example, the insulation is achieved by a hollow wall structure in which an air gap provides the required insulation.

[0094] More specifically the termite attractant packaging 70 includes a thermally insulated thick walled cylinder 71 with an insulated lid 72 and insulated sealing base portion 73. The thick walled cylinder in this first example is made from an extruded material that defines an inner wall 74, an outer wall 75 and an internal corrugated spacer formation 76. The corrugated spacer formation 76 separates the wall of the cylinder into a plurality of longitudinally extending passage 77. These are preferably sized to allow access to termites but not to other undesired pests such as beetles or worms. In one form the gap between the walls is around 5mm. These walls can be made from any suitable material including polyethylene, and by any suitable means such as by extrusion. An example of one possible method of manufacture by extrusion is shown in Figure 13. The extrusion is configured to form co-extending segments 80 of the cylinder, optionally interconnected by live hinge formations 81 . The segments are designed to readily facilitate sealing interconnection along mating longitudinal surfaces to form the sealed cylinder.

[0095] An alternative thick walled cylinder structure is shown in Figure 14 (not to scale). In this particular embodiment, the cylinder is formed from a rigid foam insulating material such as expanded polyethylene. A series of open channels 85 are formed in the outer surface of the cylinder, which may include pockets in which further attractant 86 can be disposed, and the channels are closed off to form passages by means of an aluminium foil 87, or other suitable wrap, attached around the outer surface.

[0096] Disposed above the thick walled cylinder to close off the void is a detection and communication module shown generally at 90. This module provides the means to allow the termites controlled ingress into the void 91 where attractant or bait 91 is located. This is achieved via three main elements. The first is a distribution arrangement which connects the open ends of the multiple passages 77 or 85 via a ring or "roundabout like " passage 92 to a single termite entry chamber 93. The chamber includes an inlet 94 into the void 91 , which is initially blocked off by means of a consumable plug of attractant 95. Embedded with this plug 95 is a tie 96 which extends through a separating wall 97 and is held in tension via a compression spring 98.

[0097] The separating wall 97 divides the module 90 into two regions, the first with the plug 95 being the section the termites transit through, and the other being the sealed unit that houses the communications equipment and electronics. In the illustrated form, the electronics are very simple and the system is biased to an off position whereby the tie 96 embedded in the plug 95 holds the spring away from the live connections 99 between the battery 100 and communications device 101 . Once the plug is consumed, this arrangement is compromised, the tie is released and the spring is released which pushes the live terminals together and activates the communication device.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection and communication module has a clear or open surface above the termite entry chamber 93, so that the presence of termites can be checked by looking through a viewing window 105 in the lid 72, that has a cover 106 for keeping the light out when not being used. The module 90 may also include an opening or one or more pre-perforated aperture outlines 107, which can be pushed out if it is necessary to provide direct access into the void to add termiticide or extra bait as required.

[0099] The lid 72 can be secured to the thick walled cylinder by any suitable means. In the illustrated example, a male thread 108 as been hot formed into the outer uppermost portion of the thick walled cylinder 71 , and a corresponding female thread 109 has been formed on the inside lower portion of the lid.

[00100] In preferred applications of embodiments of the invention configured for in ground applications, the termite attractant packages are charged with an amount and form of bait and plugs as required, and inserted into the ground where the presence of termites is considered likely. The resulting system can be inserted directly into the ground as a standalone unit, or alternatively pre-loaded into other stations such as the Xterm™ device discussed above prior to installation, or added in to other existing stations already present in the ground such as that shown in Figure 8. In this example an embodiment of the invention such as that shown in Figures 1 -3 is inserted into the centre cavity of an existing generally cylindrical termite station 36 which has perforations 37 around its peripheral walls 4 which allow termite access to attractant in the form of slats of timber 38. They can also be added into large insulated attractant systems of the fifth aspect of the invention such as the embodiment described in reference to Figure 10 in the manner outlined above.

[00101 ] Regardless of whether timber elements or other attractants are already present if being added to existing systems, it has been found that termites will thoroughly explore surrounding regions. As a result at least some will be drawn to the attractant in some or all of the plugs and bait present in the system and work their way into the access passage. They will then progress through the passage, usually mudding up their path as they go, until they eventually break into the sealed housing 4 or void 91 where they will begin to consume the bait 3 or 92. Once the bait source has been detected and inlet and outlet passages established, additional worker termites will assist in the bait harvesting process, eventually leading to the demise of the colony.

[00102] The advantage of the packaging and systems of the invention that incorporate the specially configured termite access passage that extends upwardly from a low set entry point to the top region of a containment regions, is that the bait is kept fresh and undamaged for a longer period, by substantially reducing the risk of water ingress. In this regard any water running down the inside of the hole in which the station has been placed doesn't make its way into the sealed chamber. In fact this can only occur when the level of water within the ground is higher than the lowest point of the termite access passage outlet opening 12 or 94.

Furthermore, even if the ground water level reaches this height momentarily, the air captured within the sealed chamber and access passage may, to some extent, act as an air lock and further discourage water ingress. Additionally, if the system incorporates some form of dessicant within the sealed housing or the access passage, air borne moisture damage can also be limited.

[00103] A further advantage of the invention is that the bait can be factory packaged in a form that is sealed and disposable, thereby eliminating the need to handle termiticide laden bait materials on site. This makes use of the product open to a broader user base and potentially suitable for DIY applications subject to local restrictions that may apply.

[00104] For embodiments that incorporate the insulating elements of the third aspect of the invention there are the considerable additional advantages over the prior art. In this regard, in regions and seasons where the ambient temperatures fluctuate significantly, this can cause temperate variations within the installation that are outside of the termites preferred

temperature range which is thought to be approximately 25-36 degrees centigrade. When this happens, the termites usually avoid the installations when outside this preferred range, sometimes only coming back when back in the range. With the insulation of the third aspect, it can be possible to keep or at least extend the periods at which the temperature is acceptable increased periods of activity leading to faster elimination of the colony.

[00105] While several distinct embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that features of the various embodiments are not limited to the particular combinations shown, and that within the inventive concept features from one embodiment may be combined with features from one or more other embodiments. For example, the earlier embodiments with a single termite access passage could be modified to include additional termite access passages. Similarly, the u bends from some of the earlier embodiments could be incorporated into the later embodiments.

[00106] Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention could be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1 . A termite attractant packaging including;

at least one termite access passage having an inlet opening at or adjacent the housing base and an outlet opening that opens into a region of the housing at or adjacent the housing top,

wherein the only water access to the housing is via the at least one termite access passages.

2. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 1 configured for exposed in ground use wherein at least the top of the housing including the top of the termite access passage that would be adjacent the ground surface includes insulation means to significantly reduce the impact of above surface temperature fluctuations on the environment within the housing.

3. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2 configured for exposed above ground use wherein the sealed housing and termite access passage are fully insulated on all externally exposed surfaces.

4. A termite attractant packaging according to according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the termite access passage includes one or more u-bends intermediate the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

5. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 4 wherein the at least one u-bend is located toward the outlet opening.

6. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of termite access passages are provided.

7. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 6 wherein said plurality of termite access passages all lead to a single entry point into the sealed housing.

8. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a sealing plug of termite consumable material is provided at or adjacent the entry into the sealed chamber.

9. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 8 wherein termite detection means are provided associated with the plug to detect the presence of termites during the time the plug is consumed.

10. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 9 wherein the plug is configured as a compromise point for termite detection means in the form of a physically actuated termite detection system where a switch of indicator is biased against resilient means into either an off position by means of a tie anchored in the plug material which is released to actuate the switch or indicator once enough of the plug has been consumed sufficiently to release the tie.

1 1 . A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims including some form of termite detection means associated with a communication means to relay a detection signal to a location remote of the packaging once the presence of termites has been detected.

12. A termite attractant packaging according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the packaging is configured to fit into the external housing of existing termite monitoring and controlling structures.

13. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims configured for optional use internally whereby the termite access passage is optionally removable from adjacent the base such that the packaging can be placed directly against an internal surface whereby termites can then access the sealed housing directly.

14. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims including openable viewing means to visually check for termites with minimised disruption to the conditions within the housing.

15. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims including an opening for selectively admitting bait and/or termiticide in to the housing with minimised disruption to the conditions within the housing.

16. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims configured in a generally cylindrical form.

17. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims configured wherein the walls of the housing are formed from, or include, an insulating material.

18. A termite attractant packaging according any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing includes insulating material made from an extruded polymeric material having an inner wall and an outer wall with a corrugated spacer portion there between, thereby defining a plurality of longitudinally extending termite access passages.

19. A termite attractant packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the housing includes insulating material made from an expanded polymeric foam material.

20. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 19 wherein one or more termite access channels are moulded into the surface of the foam material which is then covered with an outer layer to define closed termite access passages.

21 . A termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims including detection means responsive to the presence of termites and communication means to communicate a detection signal remote of the packaging.

22. A termite attractant packaging according to claim 21 wherein a power source is provided for the communication means which is not connected until the termites are detected.

23. A termite attractant system, the system including:

a termite attractant packaging according to any one of the preceding claims; and a body of attractant located within the sealed housing of the packaging.

24. A termite attractant system according to claim 23 in the form of a termite control system, wherein the attractant is in the form of a bait with termiticide.

25. A termite attractant system including:

a container including a base having at least one termite entry opening,

said lid and side walls being made from or including a layer of thermal insulating material, and

said container including first access means for inserting bulk attractant into the void.

26. A termite attractant system according to claim 25 wherein the termite entry opening is sized to admit termites whilst excluding larger unwanted pests such as worms and beetles.

27. A termite attractant system according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the base includes one or more partically pre-cut openings which can be selectively opened according to the particular configuration in which the system is to be used.

28. A termite attractant system according to any one of claims 25 to 27 configured for use with a termite attractant packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 24 whereby termite entry into the internal void is only via the sealed housing and/or termite access passage of the attractant packaging.

29. A termite attractant system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein insulation is provided to maintain maintain temperatures at or close to a temperature range of 25 to 36 degrees Celcius or whatever may be the preferred range in which relevant species of termites to be targeted are happy to forage.

30. A method of making a termite attractant packaging of claim 18 including the steps of extruding two or more generally rigid arcuate cylinder wall segments and sealingly joining these to form an insulated thick walled cylinder.