Insect control device and associated methods

#Insect control devices and associated methods are generally described.

#Insecticidal agents are generally effective in repelling, knocking down, and/or killing many disease-carrying insects such as arthropods. For example, Transfluthrin is a vapor-active pyrethroid compound that delivers efficacy against flying arthropods. Solutions of transfluthrin are often used in household products for controlling flying insects, many of which rely on temporary spraying or heat-diffused systems for pyrethroid release or distribution. However, these solutions can produce an unpleasant odor and/or cause respiratory irritation. Currently available devices for delivery of pyrethroid compounds can also be bulky, heavy, and difficult to pack and carry, and often require electricity to heat and/or activate pyrethroid release (e.g., a Liquid Emanatory Device (LED)) or burned (e.g. mosquito coil). Additionally, these solutions and devices often provide an undesirably limited length of time for protection from insects. Accordingly, additional devices and methods are needed.

#Insect control devices and associated methods are generally described. The subject matter of the present invention involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and/or articles.

#Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the figures:

#FIG. 1 shows an exemplary schematic of an insect control device, according to some embodiments;

#FIG. 2A shows exemplary schematics of an insect control device, according to some embodiments;

#Insect control devices and associated methods are generally described. Typically, the devices include one or more substrate materials impregnated or otherwise loaded with an active insecticidal species (e.g., a pyrethroid). In some cases, the device may provide protection against arthropods or other insects over prolonged periods of time. Such devices may be lightweight, low-cost, reusable, and disposable, and can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes.

#An advantageous feature of some embodiments described herein is the ability to release an active species (or combination of active species) without need for a source of external energy, such as heat, electricity, batteries, flame or the like (e.g., a “passive” device). In some cases, the device may be activated to release the active species by minimal airflow and/or ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the device may include one or more materials designed to release the active species at different release rates, such that the overall performance of the device is sustained or is substantially unchanged for long periods of time (e.g., three weeks or longer). For example, the device may include a first substrate capable of releasing an active species at a relatively faster rate, as well as a second substrate capable of releasing the same and/or different active species at a relatively slower rate. The release rate of the active species may be tailored by selection of the active species, substrate materials, and various fabrication conditions, as described more fully below.

#In some embodiments, insect control devices are provided. Typically, the device may include a substrate or substrates loaded with one or more active species such as an active insect control/insecticidal species, where the substrate or substrates are provided in a sealed container. Use of the device may then, in some cases, involve unsealing the container to expose the loaded substrate(s) to the environment to be protected, upon which a vapor containing the active species is released. The device may protect the environment by, for example, repelling, knocking down, and/or killing insects such as arthropods (e.g., mosquitos) over a particular area. For example, a lid or other form of packaging may be removed from the sealed container to expose the loaded substrate(s) to the environment. In some cases, the loaded substrate(s) may be provided as a sheet in folded or rolled form, and may be unfolded or unrolled during use. The device may be, for example, hung or otherwise mounted on a surface, or may be a free-standing structure placed on a surface. Some embodiments may involve forming a quilt or pad from multiple layers loaded substrate, for example, to create a pad for outdoor protection. In other embodiments, the loaded substrate(s) are provided in the form of adhesive strips that can be worn by a user on clothing, shoes, or directly on the skin of the user. The term “user” generally refers to a person or animal wearing and/or otherwise utilizing the methods and/or devices described herein.