Non-toxic ant-repelling gel
OwnerDennis B. Jenkinsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A natural non-toxic ant-repelling gel or tape is created by combining certain fatty acids with a thickening agent. The gel or tape has the surprising ability to be used safely around food, children and pets, because it is derived from an edible source. Over time, the gel composition hardens to become less tacky, thicker and more resilient and resistant to wear and tear. The gel or tape is applied to permanently block or repel ants. Since this is an oil-based gel composition, it is also long-lasting and water-proof, so it can be used outside. One particular use is to block the path of ants attempting to access a hummingbird feeder or nectar bird feeder.
Claims5
A method for safely blocking and repelling ants from invading hummingbird nectar feeders using a water-resistant gel composition non-toxic to hummingbirds, the method comprising the following steps:
- Obtaining free oleic acid from monounsaturated oil;
- Formulating a gel composition containing the free oleic acid and a thickening agent, the thickening agent selected from the group consisting of a high viscosity wax, an oleophilic gelling agent, a polymer, a copolymer of acrylic acid, a high surface area material, a clay, precipitated silica, diatomaceous earth, fumed silica, surface-treated fumed silica, silicone, silicon dioxide and combinations thereof such that the composition has the smell of dead ants;
- Enclosing the gel composition within a packaging means selected from the group consisting of a syringe, a flexible squeeze tube, a squeeze tube, a caulking gun, a paste dispenser, a can, a bottle, a spray bottle, a bag, a pouch, a packet, tube, and combinations thereof;
- Applying a layer of the gel composition from the packaging means in a contiguous band around a hummingbird feeder supporting pole or hook to repel ants therefrom;
- Triggering the necrophobic instinct of ants to flee;
- and
- Physically irritating the ants being blocked and repelled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.