Title of Invention

"TERMITICIDE COMPOSITIONS"

Abstract The present invention is related to a termiticide composition characterized in that it comprises from 0.0001% by weight to 0.3% by weight bifenthrin; and from 0.0001% by weight to 0.3% by weight of acetamiprid.
Full Text TERMITICIDE COMPOSITIONS
The present invention relates generally to pesticidal compositions. In
particular, it pertains to compositions useful for control of soil-borne termites.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Termites are undisputedly the most destructive of all structural insects.
Termites are estimated to cause 1.5 billion dollars of damage to structures
annually, and an additional one billion dollars is spent on treatment. Depending on
the type of termite, a colony can cover as much as 22,000 square feet. These
industrious insects work 24 hours a day, gradually eating wood and any other
cellulose containing material in their environment. Since they remain hidden
within the wood in which they are feeding, in mud tubes, or in the soil, they
typically wreak havoc undetected. There are two types of termites, described as i)
dry wood termites, and ii) subterranean termites. Of these two types, the
subterranean termites usually live in the soil (i.e., soil-borne), from which they
build mud tubes to structural wood where they then feed.
Control of soil-borne termites can be accomplished by strategic application
of a termiticide to the soil where there is a termite infestation, to provide a
continuous chemical barrier in the soil surrounding and beneath a structure.
However, the final distllbution of a liquid termiticide in soil is the result of a whole
series of variables: soil moisture, soil type, solubility of the active ingredient in
water, formulation type, and application variables such as volume applied, pressure
and nozzle type. A standard method for placing the termiticide in the soil is by
physical means, a method that may, or may not be totally reliable for reasons set
forth above. Such physical means include, inter alia, (1) the digging of trenches
around the outside of a structure, then flooding the trenches with termiticide, or (2)
by injecting the termiticide directly into the soil using a mechanical device, such as
a soil rod. These methods are very labor-intensive, and require an inordinate
amount of termiticide to be effective. Another method for control of soil-borne
termites is by the application of a termiticide directly to the surface of soil, thereby
in theory creating a chemical barrier in the soil when the termiticide leaches into
the soil. Termiticides having potential utility in application directly to the surface
of soil are in the form of a liquid termiticide. A liquid termiticide is defined as a
formulation containing at least one termiticide where the formulation is dispensed
in an aqueous medium prior to its application to a locus where termite control is
needed. Examples of formulations that can be dispensed in aqueous medium to
provide a liquid termiticide include, without limitation, formulations of the
termiticide bifenthrin, sold by FMC Corporation under the names and trademarks
of Talstar® GC Flowable Insecticide/Miticide, or Talstar® Termiticide/Insecticide.
However, the termiticide in most liquid termiticides prepared from these
formulations are not particularly mobile in the soil. That is to say, the termiticide
does not appreciably spread downwardly and laterally from its point of application
on the surface of the soil. Reasons for the immobility of such termiticides in liquid
termiticides when placed on the soil include, inter alia, (1) the limited water
solubility of the termiticide, for example, of about 3 parts per million (ppm) or less,
and (2) the tendency of the termiticide to bind to the soil. Consequently when a
liquid termiticide containing such relatively water-insoluble, soil-binding
termiticides are applied to the soil, there may be gaps, or thinly treated areas, in the
desired continuous chemical barrier caused by the immobility of the termiticide in
the soil. Termites, therefore, can gain access to food sources/structures through
gaps and thinly treated areas in the chemical barrier. One advantage to certain
liquid termiticides of this type, such as bifenthrin, is that they are repellent to
termites.
Other liquid termiticides, for example, acetamiprid are not repellent to
termites, but are more water-soluble and consequently have higher soil mobility.
These types of liquid termiticides are shorter lived, but can inflict high mortality to
the termite population relatively quickly.
Hence, it would be advantageous to provide a continuous chemical barrier
to termites that has long lasting termite repellency coupled with a shorter-term
ability to provide high mortality to termites.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been unexcpectedly found that application of a termiticide
composition containing a mixture of two termiticides, i.e., bifenthrin and
aceiamiprid, results in a continuous chemical barrier which provides both a long
lasting termite repellent component and a fast acting termite killing component. It
has also been found that application of a combination of bifenthrin and acetamiprid
to an area infested by termites results in unexpectedly improved control of the
termiitsr, as compared to the results with either of these materials alone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It has now been unexpectedly found that application of a liquid termiticide
composition containing bifenthrin and acetamiprid, results in a continuous
chemical barrier which provides both a long lasting termite repellent component
an.d a fast acting termite killing component as well as more effective elimination of
termites in the area to which the combination is applied. The amount of bifenthrin
in. the combination should be equal to from about 0.0001 to about 0.3 percent by
weight and the amount of acetamiprid should be equal to from about 0.0001 to
about 0.3 percent. Ail percents are percent by weight based on the total weight of
the composition. Preferred results are achieved with an amount of bifenthrin equal
to from 0.001 to 0.06 percent and an amount of acetamiprid equal to from 0.01 to
0.1 percent. An especially preferred termiticide composition of the present
invention is comprised of 0.03% by weight to 0.06% by weight of bifenthrin and
0.0125% by weight to 0.1% by weight of acetamiprid.
As set forth above, a liquid termiticide is any formulation containing a
termiticide where the formulation is
dispensed in an aqueous medium prior to application are, therefore, within the scope of the present invention. Formulations of bifenthrin which are particularly useful are set forth below:

(Table Removed)
Bifenthrin FMC Corporation
Talstare GC Flowable Insecticide/Miticide Bifenthrin FMC Corporation
Formulations of acetamiprid that are particularly useful in the context of the present invention include, without limitation, acetamiprid (sold under the name and trademark of INTRUDER), sold as a 70% wettable powder.
Using methods known to those skilled in the art, the formulations of termiticides are dispersed in an aqueous medium to provide a composition containing a termiticidally effective amount of a
termiticide.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention it is associated to a termiticide composition characterized in that it comprises from 0.0001% by weight to 0.3% by weight bifenthrin; and from 0.0001% by weight to 0.3% by weight of acetamiprid
The following examples further illustrate the present invention, but, of course, should not be construed as in any way limiting its scope. The examples set forth certain biological data illustrating the efficacy of the compositions of the present invention in controlling termites. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts, percentages, and the like are by weight.
EXAMPLE 1 Test to Determine Termite Mortality by Soil Applications of Combinations of Bifenthrin and Acetamiprid The compositions of the present invention were tested for termiticide activity in the following manner: Test compositions made up of Talstars Termiticide/lnsecticide and a 70% wettable powder of acetamiprid in distilled water were prepared that provided


appropriate rates of application of combinations of bifenthrin and acetamiprid, as
well as bifenthrin and acetamiprid alone.
Glass tubing', 13 mm in diameter, was then cut into 20 cm sections in
sufficient quantity to conduct the test. Each 20 mm section of tubing was marked
at 5 cm, 8 cm, and 18 cm distances from one end of the tube designated as the
bottom. Each section of tubing was packed with a sandy soil (3% wt/wt moisture
content) by first placing a section of a 1 cm diameter wooden dowel into the
bottom of the glass tube up to the 8 cm marking, then introducing approximately 2
cm of soil into the other end of the tube designated as the ,top. The soil was then
gently packed into the tube from the top using a second section of the 1 cm
diameter wooden dowel. The process was repeated using 2 cm aliquots of soil
until the soil level was adjacent to the 18 cm marking, thereby providing a column
of soil 10 cm in height. An agar plug, which was formed in a section of the 13 mm
diameter glass tubing of the type used to conduct these tests, was cut into 3 cm
sections. A 3 cm section of agar was then gently pushed into the bottom of each
tube containing the soil until the agar plug firmly touched the soil at the 8 cm
marking, thereby creating a 5 cm void in the bottom of each section of tubing.
Following placement of the agar plugs in each section of tubing; two sections of
applicator sticks cut in 6 cm lengths were inserted into the bottom end of each tube
thereby forcing about 1 cm of each stick into the agar plug to hold the agar plug in
place. Plastic caps, with an inside diameter of 13 mm and holes drilled in their
centers, were placed on the bottom ends of each of the sections of tubing. A
sharpened applicator stick was then inserted into the hole in each plastic cap
through the agar plug to the intersection of the agar plug and the soil. The
applicator stick was then gently removed in a rotating manner to provide a means
for a free flow of liquid through the soil. Each section of tubing was then stood
upright, and 0.5 mL aliquots of each suspension of bifenthrin, acetamiprid or
combinations thereof , as prepared above, were pipetted onto the top of the soil.
Upon application of the test suspensions the top of each section of tubing was
covered with a small piece of aluminum foil. The tubes were then allowed to stand
for about 20 hours to allow movement of the termiticide(s) downward into the soil.
After this time a plastic cap of 13 mm inside diameter was placed on the top of
each section of tubing. The plastic caps with the holes drilled in their centers were
removed from the bottom of each section of tubing, and a piece of 0.5 cm x 4 cm
filter paper was then placed between the two sections of applicator sticks. Fifty
termite (Reticulitennes flavipes) workers were then inserted into the 5 cm void in
the bottom of each section of tubing. New plastic caps without holes drilled in
their centers were placed on the bottom of each section of tubing. The sections of
tubing were then stored in an upright position, with the termites, located below the
soil. At 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, and 22 days after treatment (DAT), termite
mortality was measured. The following results were obtained:
(Table Removed)
DAT is Days After Treatment
• EXAMPLE 2
Test to Determine Termite Mortality by Direct Application of
Combinations of Bifenthrin and Acetamiprid to Termites
The compositions of the present invention were tested for termiticide
activity in the following manner:
Test compositions made up of Talstar® Termiticide/Tnsecticide and a 70%
wettable powder of acetamiprid in distilled water were prepared that provided
appropriate rates of application of combinations of bifenthrin and acetamiprid, as
well as bifenthrin and acetamiprid alone.
Solutions of the test materials were applied directly to 50 termites
(Reticuliterm.es flavipes) per petri plate using a track sprayer calibrated to deliver
1.2 ml per petri plate at 40 psi. After application, petri dishes with treated termites
were inverted onto fresh petri plates containing dry filter paper. After all
applications were completed, termites were then transferred to petri dishes
containing moist soil with cardboard as a food source. Expired termites were
removed at each reading. At 0 hours, 1 hour, 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days after
treatment (HAT or DAT, respectively), termite mortality was measured. The
following calculation determined whether the combination treatments provided
enhanced activity over what would be expected based on the activity of each active
ingredient separately:
(Percent Mortality of A 4- /1QO - Percent Mortality of A * Percent Mortality of B)) * 100
100 V 100 100
A and B refer to the two separate treatments of two different active ingredients at specific rates.
(Table Removed)
HAT is Hours After Treatment
DAT is Days After Treatment
Combination treatments where enhanced effects were observed above and beyond what
would be anticipated based on each active ingredient alone.
In the context of the present invention, the term "termiticide" refers to the
active chemical compound or ingredient, such as bifenthrin or acetamiprid, that
kills or repels termites. The term "termiticide" refers to a formulation of a
termiticide where the formulation can be dispensed in an aqueous medium prior to
its application to a locus where termite control is desired. The term "locus" refers
to any locations where control of termites is needed or is expected to be needed.
Such locations include, without limitation, buildings, trees, posts, poles, fences,
and locations adjacent to buildings, trees, posts, poles, fences, as well as other
locations. The term "repellency" refers to driving back, warding off, or keeping
termites away through the use of a termiticide in a termite barrier. The terms
"mortality", "percent mortality", "control", or "percent control" may be used
interchangeably, and refer to the killing of and/or repelling of termites.
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.





We Claim:
1) A termiticide composition characterized in that it comprises
i) from 0.0001 % by weight to 0.3% by weight bifenthrin; and
ii) from 0.0001 % by weight to 0.3% by weight of acetamiprid.
2) A termiticide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition contains from 0.001% by weight to 0.006% by weight of bifenthrin and 0.01% by weight to 0.1 % by weight of acetamiprid.
3) A termiticide composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition contains from 0.03% by weight to 0.06 % by weight of bifenthrin and 0.0125 % by weight to 0.1 % by weight of acetamiprid.
4) A termiticide composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of bifenthrin:acetamiprid is between 1:20 and 1:2.
5) A termiticide composition substantially as herein described with reference to the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

3087-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(22-08-2008).pdf

3087-delnp-2005-abstract.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-assignment.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Claims-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Claims-(22-08-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Claims-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-claims.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(22-08-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-correspondence-others.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Description (Complete)-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-delnp-2005-description (complete)-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-description (complete)-22-08-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Form-1-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-delnp-2005-form-1.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Form-13-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-delnp-2005-form-18.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Form-2-(12-09-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Form-2-(22-08-2008).pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-Form-2-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-form-2.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-form-3.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-form-5.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-GPA-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-101.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-PCT-210-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-210.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-220.pdf

3087-DELNP-2005-PCT-237-07-05-2008.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-237.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-304.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-326.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-pct-373.pdf

3087-delnp-2005-petition-137-(12-09-2008).pdf


Patent Number 233374
Indian Patent Application Number 3087/DELNP/2005
PG Journal Number 13/2009
Publication Date 27-Mar-2009
Grant Date 29-Mar-2009
Date of Filing 11-Jul-2005
Name of Patentee FMC CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1735 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19103, U.S.A.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 BALLARD, JAMES, B. 7 CHESTNUT ROAD, MEDFORD, NJ 08055, U.S.A.
2 WRIGHT, JOHN, F. 31 HARROWGATE DRIVE, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08003, U.S.A.
PCT International Classification Number A01N
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/001764
PCT International Filing date 2004-01-23
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 66/442,046 2003-01-23 U.S.A.