The field of the disclosure relates generally to pesticide compositions and, more particularly, to ready-to-use foamable compositions. The filed of the disclosure also relates to applicators and methods for applying the compositions that allow for tracking where the composition has been applied during use. The compositions of some embodiments of the present disclosure are well-suited for general pesticide applications and are particularly well-suited for treating and controlling arthropods including insects and, particularly, for treating termites, ants, cockroaches and beetles.
Insects and other arthropod pests can have negative effects on the quality of human life. For instance, when found in the home, insects and other arthropods can be a source of annoyance due purely to their presence. They may also spread disease and allergens. Additionally, when found on plants and crops, insects and other arthropods can destroy foliage and fruit, and may adversely affect plant and crop growth, quality, and yield.
Among insects which are particularly undesirable are termites, ants, cockroaches and beetles. Termites, for example, are well known for their destructive effects on residences, businesses and various other structures. The damage from termite infestations can result in large economic losses, structural safety concerns, and destruction of architecturally valuable structures. Some species of ants are known to damage crops and others may bite humans or pets as an attack or defense mechanism. Cockroaches may carry a number of organisms that cause disease and beetles are known to damage food and residential and commercial structures.
It is domestically and commercially common and desirable to control termites, ants and other crawling arthropods, such as cockroaches, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, crickets, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, pillbugs and sowbugs, as well as various flying insects including flies, mosquitoes, gnats, moths, wasps, hornets, bees and the like using a pesticide. A broad range of compounds have been found to be toxic to insects and other arthropods such that formulations containing the compounds may be used for their control. In many instances, proper treatment includes application of such compositions to the entire exterior perimeter of structures to act as a barrier for entry of pests or to ensure that pests entering and exiting the structure contact the pesticide.
In such exterior applications, a homeowner or pest control professional applies the composition to an exterior surface of the structure, such as near the base thereof, and/or on the ground surface near the structure and/or on other exterior surfaces such as landscape timber or open area ground surfaces. Compositions used for conventional exterior applications are typically applied in liquid form, which renders it difficult for the person applying the treatment to readily determine which areas have been treated and which have not. This can result in under- or over-application of the composition.
There is a need for compositions, application devices and associated application methods that enable toxic and/or repellant compounds to be applied over broad surfaces such around the exterior perimeter of a building structure, landscape materials, ground surfaces, and the like. There is also a need for such compositions, application devices and application methods that enable persons applying the compositions to track where the composition has been applied during a treatment process.