Crawling, flying, and pestilent insects are troublesome to catch and dispose of, particularly for individuals who are afraid of, or repulsed by, such creatures. Existing devices such as fly swatters are currently used to crush such insects. However, the messy carcass of the dead insect is left remaining on the walls and/or on the fly swatter. Prior art fly swatters are known to have used frontal adhesives, but the frontal planes of the fly swatter do not provide a readily available means of rapidly, effectively, and hygienically entombing and completely sealing the flying and crawling insects. Moreover, such devices also fail to adequately seal the exposed adhesive surfaces on the device after insect contact, adhesion, and sealing. This is necessary to prevent future coincidental adhesive contact with surrounding surfaces or objects, including the user of the device.
Another disadvantage of prior art devices is that insect contact is established on an essentially random basis, versus the will of an operator on an immediate need basis. Additionally, use of chemical insecticides in human habitats may be undesirable and may be harmful, either short or long term. This is particularly true in nurseries, and/or in the presence of the very ill or elderly. The present invention eliminates the need for chemical insecticides in human habitats where their use could be potentially harmful.
Adhesive technology exists today wherein the adhesive qualities can be modified to specifically address the user's requirements or desires. Additionally, pressure-sensitive adhesive papers or other materials are manufactured today at low unit-costs. Such papers might include the incorporation of complex or simple die-cuts and folds. Hence, what is needed is a device which utilizes such adhesive technology providing an operator means for selectively capturing and quickly disposing of an insect.
Still another disadvantage of the prior art which uses adhesive is that stationary insect traps such as fly paper can accumulate large numbers of insects. Such accumulated pests might carry diseases or pathogens which could present a health-hazard potential. These accumulated insects, either dead or alive, are exposed to human surroundings for possible air borne or physical contact by humans and pets.
A solution is needed which affords an operator a willful, portable means for quickly capturing and disposing of an insect in a hygienic and clean manner, even when an insect is at arms reach. This device can thereby incorporate an extension handle attached to a holder for an adhesive paper mounting device. Alternatively, a fixed location unit could also be provided which uses the same hygienic capturing and disposal system. The resulting portable or fixed device should allow for totally containing, sealing, and disposing of an insect in a fast, convenient and hygienic manner.