Composite material including a thermoplastic polymer, a pest food material and a pesticide

A method, comprising:

• providing a pest control device including a pesticidal bait for one or more species of pest;
• and
• installing the device in an area to be protected from the pests;
• wherein the pesticidal bait includes a composite material including a plastic structural matrix;
• a cellulosic food material contained within the matrix that is palatable to the pest;
• and a pesticide contained within the matrix that is toxic to the pest.

A method for making a composite material, comprising:

• providing a mixture of a softened or molten thermoplastic polymer having a softening or melting point below about 220° C., a cellulosic food material that is palatable to at least one species of wood-destroying pest and a pesticide that is toxic to the pest;
• forming the mixture to provide a workpiece having a desired shape;
• and
• cooling the workpiece to a temperature below the softening or melting point of the plastic to provide a solid composite article;
• wherein the composite material exhibits greater palatability than untreated wood in a standard one-way paired-choice test.

A composite material comprising:

• a plastic structural matrix;
• a cellulosic food material contained within the matrix that is palatable to at least one species of wood-destroying pest;
• and
• a pesticide contained within the matrix that is toxic to the pest;
• wherein the composite material is operable to be consumed or displaced by the pest;
• wherein the composite material exhibits greater palatability than untreated wood in a standard one-way paired-choice test;
• and
• wherein the plastic structural matrix comprises a thermoplastic polymer having a melting point below about 220° C.