Entangling/Entrapping Synthetic Setae for Control of Insects and Other Pests

In nature, some beetle larvae possess specialized barbed hastate setae that serve as an entanglement defense mechanism and incapacitate other insects. CDC researchers have developed synthetic setae for control and entrapment of insects and other pests. While smaller synthetic setae can trap mosquitoes and small insects, larger “macro” setae can be used for entrapment of bats, rodents, etc. Once used, the setae can be "reset" by a vigorous shaking of the fabric. This solution to pest control would be long-lasting and non-toxic, with the additional benefit of avoiding the evolutionary selection of pesticide resistant organisms.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Insect and pest control agents Population sampling and monitoring		Fine entanglement setae can be used anywhere insects congregate, including mosquito bed netting, resting boxes, curtains, or wall linings Mosquitoes and other pests trapped in the setae will quickly desiccate Easy reuse of setae by shaking Long-lasting, non-toxic (no insecticide) alternative to insect control

Development Stage:
Prototype

Related Invention(s):
E-166-2013/0
E-223-2013/0


Inventors:

Robert Wirtz (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 61/772,790
PCT Application No. PCT/US2014/020541
US Application No. 14/772,973

Licensing Contact:
Tara Kirby, Ph.D.
Email: tara.kirby@nih.gov
Phone: 240-669-5128

OTT Reference No: E-175-2013/0
Updated: Feb 21, 2014