Nontoxic pesticide, and method of using the same

Abstract

A pesticide includes a solution of a polymer that is capable of coating an exterior portion of an insect. A method of combating insect infestation includes the step of exposing an area infested with an insect with such a pesticide.

1 . A new use for a pesticide, which comprises: an aqueous solution having a water and a water-soluble polymer, said solution being primarily water by weight, said polymer (1) comprising at least one acrylic compound forming monomer units, (2) being an acrylic polymeric mixture, (3) being present in a concentration of less than 10% by weight. (4) being the active ingredient which kills a insect by coating an exterior portion of said insect, wherein the new use is a method of using said aqueous solution as a pesticide for killing an insect by applying a coating to an exterior portion of said insect.  
     
     
         2 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         3 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         4 . A pesticide according to  claim 1 , wherein said acrylic compound is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylonitryl, and an acrylate compound.  
     
     
         5 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         6 . A pesticide according to  claim 1 , wherein said polymer is present in a concentration ranging between about 5% and about 8% by weight.  
     
     
         7 . A pesticide according to claims  1 , wherein said polymer is present in a concentration of about 6% by weight.  
     
     
         8 . A method of combating insect infestation, which comprises the steps of: 
 exposing an area that is infested with at least one insect to a pesticide which comprises an aqueous solution of water and a water-soluble polymer, said solution being primarily water by weight, said polymer (1) comprising at least one acrylic compound forming monomer units, (2) being an acrylic polymeric mixture, (3) being present in a concentration of less than 10% by weight, (4) being the active ingredient which kills said insect by that is capable of coating an exterior portion of said insect wherein the step of exposing includes a step of applying said aqueous solution to said area.    
     
     
         9 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         10 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said acrylic compound is selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylonitryl, and an acrylate compound.  
     
     
         12 . (Canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said polymer is present in a concentration ranging between about 5% and about 8% by weight.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein said polymer is present in a concentration of about 6% by weight.