Pesticides Containing D-Limonene

This invention relates to pesticide compositions containing D-limonene which are useful for killing insect pests on small animals, in the kennels of small animals and in household areas which attract insect pests.

D-limonene is a water white to slightly yellow mono-cyclic terpene obtained as a byproduct of the manufacture of citrus molasses. It is obtained by steam distillation of citrus peels and pulp resulting from the production of citrus juices and is referred to as a "stripper oil," which contains about 94-98% of the D-limonene.

It is the object of this invention to provide pesticide compositions comprising D-limonene.

It is another object of this invention to provide a pesticide composition comprising D-limonene for topical application on small animals, i.e., an animal pesticide dip.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a pesticide composition comprising D-limonene as a flexible-purpose concentrate to be diluted with water for use.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a pesticide composition containing D-limonene which is suitable for spraying on small animals or in the kennels of small animals to kill fleas and ticks.

Another object of this invention is to provide a pesticide composition containing D-limonene which is suitable for spraying on small animals or in the kennels of small animals to kill flies.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a pesticide composition containing D-limonene which is suitable for use in ridding household areas of cockroaches and other insect pests.

The invention is particularly concerned with the provision of various pesticide compositions containing as their principal ingredient D-limonene. These compositions are suitable for use on small animals, in the kennels of such animals and on household surfaces which attract insect pests. The D-limonene is used as a pesticide along with surfactants or emulsifiers and water.

Any suitable surface-active agents, i.e., emulsifiers and surfactants, can be used in the pesticide compositions which serve to emulsify the D-limonene. A surfactant particularly suitable is octylphenox polyethoxy ethanol, which is commercially available from the Rohm and Haas Company under the tradename, TRITON X-100. This surfactant is stated to contain 10 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule and to have a viscosity of 250 centipoises at 77.degree. F. (Brookfield) and a specific gravity of about 1.065 at 77.degree. F. A suitable emulsifier which can be used is commercially available from the Stepan Chemical Company under the tradename, WHC. It is an equilibrium mixture comprising 20-40% mixed soap, 10-20% polyhydric alcohol and 5-15% mixed fatty acids. Another suitable surfactant which can be used is commercially available from the GAF Corporation under the tradename, IGEPAL CO-630. It is a nonylphenoxypoly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol with 65% ethylene oxide and a molar ratio, i.e., the number of moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol, of 9.

Although the above specific surfactants and emulsifiers have been set forth, it is understood that any suitable surfactant or emulsifier can be used. Such a surfactant or emulsifier can be of the non ionic anionic, cationic or amphoteric type and can be of natural or synthetic origin, providing that it is in liquid form as used herein and serves to emulsify with the D-limonene.

The various components of the pesticide compositions are to be used in various proportions depending on the use to be made of the specific pesticide composition. When used as a pesticide for topical application on small animals, i.e., an animal pesticide dip, the composition comprises about 2-25% D-limonene, about 1-15% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. Typically, the composition comprises about 2-10% D-limonene, about 1-7% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. A preferable composition comprises about 4-7% D-limonene, about 3.5-4.5% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume.

When used as a sprayed, flea-and-tick-killing agent on small animals and in their kennels, the composition comprises about 1-12% D-limonene, about 0.5-10% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. Typically, the composition comprises about 1-6% D-limonene, about 0.5-5% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. A preferable composition comprises about 4-5% D-limonene, about 2-4% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume.

When used as a sprayed, fly-killing agent on small animals and in their kennels, the composition comprises about 3-30% D-limonene, about 2-10% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. Typically, the composition comprises about 3-8% D-limonene, about 2-6% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. A preferable composition comprises about 4-7% D-limonene, about 3.5-4.5% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume.

When used as an agent to kill cockroaches and other insect pests on household surfaces, the composition comprises about 2-25% D-limonene, about 1-15% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. Typically, the composition comprises about 2-10% D-limonene, about 1-7% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume. A preferable composition comprises about 4-7% D-limonene, about 3.5-4.5% surfactant or emulsifier and the remainder water by volume.

The following examples are set forth to further illustrate the present invention but are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The proportions of components are set forth in volume percentages.

Emulsifer WHC: 0.5

D-limonene: 3% oil

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 5%

D-limonene: 30% oil

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.005%

D-limonene: 0.03%

Water: remainder

When using one of these compositions as a dip for small animals, there is no need to rinse the composition off. It leaves a pleasant, citrus scent and continues to exhibit effectiveness as a pesticide after it has been applied. Because the animal pesticide dip has cleaning properties as well, it can also be used for bathing small animals.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.7%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.3%

D-limonene: 6%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 7%

IGEPAL CO-630: 3%

D-limonene: 60%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.007%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.003%

D-limonene: 0.06%

Water: remainder

Examples 4-6 are compositions which can be used when residual properties are either not required or desired.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.36%

D-limonene: 2.2%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 3.6%

D-limonene: 22%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.004%

D-limonene: 0.02%

Water: remainder

The flea and tick spray is effective in ridding the kennels of small animals of fleas and ticks. Because it is non-irritating, it can be sprayed directly on animals, as well.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.54%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.18%

D-limonene: 4.5%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 5.4%

IGEPAL CO-630: 1.8%

D-limonene: 45%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.005%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.002%

D-limonene: 0.045%

Water: remainder

Examples 10-12 are compositions which can be used when residual properties are either not required or desired.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.4%

D-limonene: 2%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 4%

D-limonene: 20%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.004%

D-limonene: 0.02%

Water: remainder

The fly spray is effective in ridding the kennels of small animals of flies. Its residual effect provides the added benefit of killing flies after the spray has settled onto kennel surfaces.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.5%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.2%

D-limonene: 5.0%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 5%

IGEPAL CO-630: 2%

D-limonene: 50%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.005%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.002%

D-limonene: 0.05%

Water: remainder

Examples 16-18 are compositions which can be used when residual properties are either not required or desired.

Emulsifier WHC: 6%

IGEPAL CO-630: 2%

D-limonene: 50%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 15%

IGEPAL CO-630: 6%

D-limonene: 60%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.6%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.2%

D-limomene: 50%

Water: remainder

By diluting the concentrate with water in varying amounts, the user can adapt the composition to meet a wide variety of pesticide needs, both safely and effectively.

Emulsifier WHC: 8%

D-limonene: 50%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 0.8%

D-limonene: 5%

Water: remainder

Emuslifier TRITON X-100: 20%

D-limonene: 60%

Water: remainder

The concentrate, which can be put to a wide variety of uses when diluted, offers the added benefit of residual effectiveness.

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 0.5%

D-limonene: 3%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier WHC: 5%

D-limonene: 30%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 0.005%

D-limonene: 0.03%

Water: remainder

The household pesticide is effective in killing cockroaches, as well as flies. It can be sprayed or applied directly on household surfaces which attract such insect pests.

Emulsifier WHC: 0.7%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.3%

D-limonene: 6%

Water: remainder

Emulsifier TRITON X-100: 7%

IGEPAL CO-630: 3%

D-limonene: 60%

water: remainder

Emulsifier DOW 555: 0.007%

IGEPAL CO-630: 0.003%

D-limonene: 0.06%

Water: remainder

Examples 28-30 are compositions which can be used when residual properties are either not required or desired.

The above pesticide compositions are biodegradable, non-polluting and non-irritating to the skin.

The D-limonene in them should contain a suitable, commercially available preservative, such as BHT, to retain its original state and prevents its becoming rancid.

The Shell Company markets a suitable preservative under the tradename, IONOL.

The D-limonene should also contain a bacteriostat. The Lonza Company markets a suitable bacteriostat under the tradename, BARDAC 22.

Although the examples set forth generally relate to pesticide uses in houses, kennels or on the bodies of such small animals as dogs, cats and other household pets, compositions D-limonene offer active and residual pesticide protection for livestock, as well. When treated with these compositions, cattle, dairy herds, sheep, horses and other domestic animals can be rid of flies, fleas, ticks and other insect pests.

After animals are brushed with compositions leaving a residue of D-limonene and surfactant, the sheen of their coats is also enhanced.

In such instances, the pesticides compositions can be used in spray form, in liquid form or in the form of a "wipe" or saturated pad made of cotton or any other suitable absorbent material, which can be rubbed into the coats of the animals.

When made by the proper volumetric combination of oil, surfactant and water, the compositions can also be used in the form of a gel, which can be squeezed from a tube onto the hands and applied from the hands onto the coats of animals.

In addition, compositions containing D-limonene are effective in ridding chickens of lice.

When applied to walls or floors, compositions containing D-limenene and surfactant which leave a residue are also effective as cleaners offering the important additional benefit of helping to protect houses, kennels and other animal quarters from common insect pests.

In all products and especially in the concentrate it is desirable to use deionized water.

In all products there may be used a single surfactant or a two surfactant system. The single surfactant is preferred when it is desired to leave a film of the D-Limonene and the surfactant. The film may continue on the pesticide effect which may be active while water is evaporating and after evaporation is complete. The two surfactant system is used when it is desired to completely remove the product by rinsing away all traces and films with clear water. It is believed that the second surfactant helps soluabilize and emulsify the film forming combination of the first surfactant and the oil.

The contrate may be in the form of a liquid or gel, preferably it is a liquid for ease in dissolution in water. It is preferred to dilute the concentrate by adding the desired amount of concentrate into the desired amount of water while stirring the water. Heating the water is unnecessary, but is may speed the forming of a uniform emulsion when the concentrate is a gel.

The concentrate may be entirely D-limonene and surfactant, preferably the concentrate includes water. In both cases, the concentrate is preferably a liquid.

When a concentration of surfactant exceeds about 15% and oil exceeds about 60% with the balance water, a gel results. The gel is suitable as a topical pesticide. A quantity may be spread over the hands or on a cloth and rubbed over the fur or hide of an animal. The application destroys pests and leaves a residual film to repell and kill insects. When a single or two surfactant system is used, wetting the animal may improve the result. When the two surfactant system is used, the animal may be rinsed free of the material using clear water.

The preferred contration of the concentrate provides a stable long shelf life composition with trouble free mixing capabilities and easy and safe handling and clean up.

The contrate and all its derivative products are non-toxic, non-irritants, non-pollutants and are biodegradeable.

The preferred formulations of the concentrate and the products are as follows:

Throughout the specification and claims "surfactant" is used to include one or more specific surfactants unless otherwise indicated and is used generically to include emulsifiers.

While the exact operation of the pesticide is not known, it is believed that the D-limonene surfactant and water emulsion forms a fine film completely coating insects.

Cold water solutions are effective. Hot water solutions aid the vaporization of the components making the product more effective and quicker.

In addition, the vapors of the components and the penetrating characteristics of the film suffocate and destroy the insects. It is believed that the mass of the pesticide and film compared to the mass of the insect is such that the penetrating and rebuilding film overwhelms the insects and renders them and their biosystems non-functional.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, examples, products and ranges, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modification may be made without departing from the invention, which is specifically pointed out in the following claims.