Method and Apparatus for Using Pressurized Exhaust Gases to Control Rodents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling rodents uses pressurized exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The gases are compressed and injected under pressure into underground burrows of rodents. The rodent tunnels fill with a very high concentration of such gases as carbon monoxide from the exhaust within just a few seconds.

1 . An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals or animals that inhabit burrows, comprising:
 means for receiving exhaust gases that are diverted from an internal combustion engine and for compressing said exhaust gases by cooling, pressurization, and storage of said exhaust gases; and   means for injecting said gases under pressure into underground burrows of said burrowing animals or animals that inhabit burrows;   wherein said burrows quickly fill with a very high concentration of said gases.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus for using exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine for controlling burrowing animals or animals that inhabit burrows, comprising:
 means for diverting a portion of said exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine;   a compressor for receiving and for compressing said exhaust gases diverted from said internal combustion engine; and   means for injecting said gases under pressure into underground burrows;   wherein said burrows quickly fill with a very high concentration of said gases.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said compressor is powered by said internal combustion engine. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , said means for injecting comprising either of:
 a rigid wand comprising a rigid tube having an enclosed end and perpendicular jets to route exhaust gas into said burrow; and   a flexible tube that is inserted and sealed into open burrows.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , said compressor comprising any of a reciprocating pump, a blower, a turbo charger, and a compressed air source. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 means for cooling and storage of said exhaust gases.   
   
   
       7 . A method for using exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine for controlling burrowing animals or animals that inhabit burrows, comprising the steps of:
 diverting a portion of said exhaust gas from said internal combustion engine;   receiving and compressing said exhaust gases diverted from said internal combustion engine with a compressor; and   injecting said gases under pressure into underground burrows;   wherein said burrows quickly fill with a very high concentration of said gases.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of:
 either inserting an exhaust applicator wand into an underground burrow, or inserting a flexible applicator tube into a open burrow and sealing said burrow opening with dirt.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein exhaust gas is injected into a gopher burrow by the steps of:
 inserting an applicator through the ground surface and into said gopher burrow; and   sealing a gopher mound with a series of plugs to prevent said exhaust gas from escaping.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein exhaust gas is injected into a mole burrow by the step of:
 inserting an applicator through a mole mound and ground surface and into said mole burrow.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein exhaust gas is injected into injected into a ground squirrel burrow by the steps of:
 terminating an applicator in a hose that extends through a ground squirrel mound and ground surface said the ground squirrel burrow; and   sealing an area around said ground squirrel mound with dirt packed about said ground squirrel burrow.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the step of:
 probing said burrow in several locations at the same time;   wherein a pest is engulfed by exhaust gas from all directions.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising the steps of:
 cooling and storage of said exhaust gases.   
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for pressurizing exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine, comprising:
 means for receiving exhaust gases that are diverted from an internal combustion engine and for compressing said exhaust gases by cooling, pressurization, and storage of said exhaust gases; and   means for dispensing said gases under pressure.