AU2007241835B2 - Pest control agent - Google Patents

Description

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 1 DESCRIPTION PEST CONTROL AGENT 5 TECHNICAL FIELD [00011 The present invention relates to a pest control agent that can be used for the control (extermination and prevention) of house pests such as termites, ticks, cockroaches, flies (maggots) and mosquitoes. 0 BACKGROUND ART [0002] The extermination and prevention of insect pests known as house pests, such as termites, ticks, cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes has conventionally used chemical agents. 5 Particularly in the case of termites, powerful agents such as organophosphorus-based agents have been used. However, the development of resistance to these agents, and human safety factors have been problematic, and the development of a highly safe pest control agent has been keenly sought. Up until now, known house pest extermination agents and repellents have used 0 calcium chloride as an active component (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2,799,859, Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H10-167916). The extermination and repellent effect is achieved by the calcium chloride being absorbed into the cells of the house pest, which destroys the electrolyte balance within the cells, causing rupture of the cell membrane. 5 [00031 On the other hand, the antibacterial effect of hiba oil, which is obtained by steam distillation of the bark from the hiba (thujopsis dolabrata) tree, has already been confirmed, and pest control agents that use hinokitiol are known (Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-48715, Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004 0 155694). DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION [0004] JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 2 However, according to investigations conducted by the inventor of the present invention, in the case of a termite control agent, which requires a particularly powerful control effect (here, the term "control" includes both extermination and prevention), even if the concentration of the calcium chloride disclosed in the above Patent Documents 1 5 and 2 was raised to saturation concentration, a satisfactory control effect was still unobtainable, and in wood damage tests and soil penetration tests, a termite kill rate of 100% proved unattainable. In other words, although calcium chloride exhibits some control effect (a soil penetration-inhibiting effect) on the Yamato-termite, which is one variety of termite, soil penetration cannot be inhibited for the house termite, meaning such 0 house termites may readily infest a house, causing significant damage. [00051 Further, because the inherent control effect of hinokitiol is weak, in the above Patent Document 3, hiba oil is used in which the hinokitiol content has been raised from the typical 2% by weight to a value of at least 10% by weight. However, increasing the 5 hinokitiol content in this manner requires enormous effort and cost, meaning the oil is not practical as a control agent, which requires spraying of a large quantity of the oil in a single application. Furthermore, because hiba oil has a powerful repellent effect, the termites do not make contact with the hiba oil, meaning it is not effective as an extermination agent for 0 termites, and moreover because hiba oil also has a powerful odor, increasing the treatment quantity may cause some discomfort. [00061 Moreover, extermination of termites usually requires both a soil treatment and a wood treatment, and a control agent best suited to the location being treated has usually 5 been selected for use. For example, conventional control agents containing hinokitiol have been used for wood treatments. However, when different control agents are used for the soil treatment and the wood treatment, either a plurality of sprayers for spraying the different control agents must be prepared on site, or the sprayer used must be cleaned each time the chemical is 0 changed, meaning improvements are required from both a cost perspective and a labor perspective.

C.\NRPonbIDCCdXT\312968 I DOC-9/6/2010 -3 The present invention advantageously provides a control agent that exhibits a superior control effect for house pests, particularly for termites, and yet is safe for humans. [0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a pest control agent comprising a 5 tropolone derivative, a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and water. A second aspect of the present invention relates to pest control agent comprising a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table and water, and further comprising, as an additive, at least one substance selected from the group consisting of surfactants, antirust agents, sulfates and alginates. 10 A third aspect of the present invention relates to a termite control method that uses a pest control agent according to the first or second aspect of the present invention for a soil treatment and/or a wood treatment. A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a pest control agent, comprising a tropolone derivative, a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and water, 15 wherein the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table comprises at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, and wherein when the pest control agent comprises calcium chloride the quantity of the calcium chloride is from 10 to 50% by weight, and when the pest control agent comprises magnesium chloride the quantity of the magnesium chloride is from I to 35% by weight. 20 A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a pest control agent, comprising a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table and water, and further comprising, as an additive, at least one substance selected from the group consisting of surfactants, antirust agents, sulfates and alginates, wherein the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table comprises at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride 25 and magnesium chloride, and wherein when the pest control agent comprises calcium chloride the quantity of the calcium chloride is from 10 to 50% by weight, and when the pest control agent comprises magnesium chloride the quantity of the magnesium chloride is from I to 35% by weight. A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of controlling termites, 30 comprising applying the pest control agent according to the first, second, fourth or fifth aspects of the present invention to soil and/or wood.

C:W4RPonb4\DCC\JXT\3129668 1.DOC-916/2010 -3A BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0008] A description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is presented below, although the present invention is in no way limited by these embodiments. 5 In the first aspect of the present invention, by using a combination of a tropolone derivative and a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table as the active component, a markedly superior control effect as a synergistic effect of the two components can be obtained. As a result, a superior insecticidal effect is obtained, not only for Yamato termites, but also for all manner of other termites including house termites, meaning house infestation 10 can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, both of the active components exhibit a high degree of safety and are readily available, meaning a pest control agent can be provided that is both safe and inexpensive. Moreover, because the pest control agent according to the present invention can be applied to both soil treatments and wood treatments, execution of the treatment at the treatment 15 site can be conducted easily and efficiently. [0009] The tropolone derivative is a compound represented by a general formula (1) shown below. The hydroxyl group and the carbonyl group on the 7-membered ring may form a metal complex or metal salt, or the hydroxyl group may form an ester or an ether.

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 4 [Formula 1] R2 HO (1) (wherein, R', R 2 and R 3 each represents, independently, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, 5 an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group or a cycloalkyl group.) [0010] The alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group for R', R 2 or R 3 may be a linear or branched group. Each group preferably contains from 1 to approximately 12 carbon atoms. The cycloalkyl group preferably contains from 1 to approximately 12 carbon 0 atoms, may include a substituent such as an alkyl group, and may include an unsaturated bond. [00111 Of the tropolone derivatives described above, the use of hinokitiol, also known as 4-isopropyltropolone (or P-thujaplicin) is preferred. Hinokitiol is a natural product 5 contained within the essential oil of the Aomori hiba tree or Taiwan cypress (hinoki) tree. The present invention may use either a natural extract or a chemically synthesized product. Hiba oil (hiba essential oil) obtained by steam distillation or the like of hiba material (such as milling ends or sawdust) from the Aomori hiba tree or the like is preferably used as the hinokitiol. Hiba oil typically contains approximately 2% by weight 0 of hinokitiol, and also contains a variety of other components. It is thought that these other components besides hinokitiol may also contribute to the pest control effect, and therefore a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes hiba oil, calcium chloride and water. [0012] 5 In the present invention, by using a combination of the tropolone derivative with the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and in particular a combination with calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride, the blend quantity of the tropolone derivative can be reduced to a much lower level than that used conventionally. Despite the fact that only a very small quantity is used, a feature of the present invention is that the JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 5 inclusion of this very small quantity of the tropolone derivative yields a synergistic effect with the chloride of the group 2 element from the periodic table, and as a result, an extremely powerful control effect (including an insecticidal effect and a soil penetration inhibiting effect) can be obtained. 5 [00131 Specifically, the blend quantity of the tropolone derivative such as hinokitiol within the pest control agent is preferably at least 1 ppm (0.0001% by weight), is more preferably 5 ppm or greater, still more preferably 10 ppm or greater, and still more preferably 20 ppm or greater. Although there is no particular limitation on the upper limit 0 for this blend quantity, because there is no difference in the effect achieved even if a very large quantity of the tropolone derivative is added, the blend quantity is preferably not more than approximately 1,000 ppm (0.1% by weight), more preferably not more than approximately 400 ppm (0.04% by weight), still more preferably not more than approximately 200 ppm (0.02% by weight), and still more preferably approximately 100 5 ppm or less. [0014] The blend quantity of hiba oil is preferably at least 0.005% by weight, is more preferably 0.025% by weight or greater, still more preferably 0.05% by weight or greater, and still more preferably 0.1% by weight or greater. Although there is no particular 0 limitation on the upper limit for this blend quantity, because there is no difference in the effect achieved even if a very large quantity of the hiba oil is added, the blend quantity is preferably not more than approximately 5.0% by weight, more preferably not more than approximately 2.0% by weight, still more preferably not more than approximately 1.0% by weight, and still more preferably approximately 0.5% by weight or less. 5 In this manner, because the blend quantity of the hiba oil within the pest control agent can be suppressed to a minimal level that is much lower than that conventionally used, no discomfort is left following treatment. [00151 Calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride can be used favorably as the chloride 0 of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and the use of calcium chloride is the most desirable. The calcium chloride may be used in the form of the anhydrous salt or as a hydrate (from monohydrate through to hexahydrate).

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 6 Although the blend quantity thereof may be set appropriately in accordance with the type of insect pest, generally, the quantity is preferably within a range from 10 to 50% by weight, more preferably from 15 to 45% by weight, still more preferably from 20 to 40% by weight, still more preferably from 25 to 35% by weight, and is most preferably 5 from 27 to 33% by weight. Even if the quantity of calcium chloride is increased beyond 50% by weight, a saturated solution is obtained, and no further improvement in the effect is observed. In contrast, if the blend quantity is less than 10% by weight, then there is a danger that a satisfactory control effect may be unattainable, particularly for termites. [00161 0 Magnesium chloride may be used in the form of the anhydrous salt or as a hydrate (from monohydrate through to hexahydrate). Although the blend quantity of magnesium chloride may be set appropriately in accordance with the type of insect pest, generally, the quantity is preferably within a range from 1 to 35% by weight of the pest control agent, more preferably from 5 to 30% by 5 weight, and still more preferably from 10 to 25% by weight. Even if the quantity of magnesium chloride is increased beyond 35% by weight, a saturated solution is obtained, and no further improvement in the effect is observed. In contrast, if the blend quantity is less than 1% by weight, then there is a danger that a satisfactory control effect may be unattainable, particularly for termites. :0 [00171 In addition to the two active components described above, a chelating agent (a complex-forming compound) is preferably also added to the pest control agent, particularly for the purpose of prolonging the effect of the tropolone derivative. There are no particular limitations on the chelating agent, provided it is a compound that exhibits a ?5 chelating effect (complex-forming ability), and specific examples include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, dihydroxyethylethylenediaminediacetic acid, 1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid, cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, 30 phosphonic acid, hydroxyethanephosphonic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, polyphosphoric acid, polyamino acids (such as polyglutamic acid and polyaspartic acid), citric acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, tartaric acid, acrylic acid-based (co)polymers, and salts of the above acids (such as sodium salts, potassium salts, amine JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 7 salts and ammonium salts). Of these, the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetate salts (such as the disodium salt or tetrasodium salt) or related compounds is preferred. These salts or compounds may be used either individually or in combinations containing two or more different salts or compounds. 5 [0018] Although there are no particular limitations on the blend quantity of the chelating agent, the quantity is preferably within a range from approximately 0.1 to 10% by weight of the pest control agent, and more preferably from approximately 0.5 to 5% by weight. The mechanism of action provided by the chelating agent is not entirely clear, 0 although the action described below is thought to represent one possibility. Namely, there is a possibility that the tropolone derivative may chelate with metal ions such as iron that exist within the soil or wood, meaning the effect of the tropolone derivative may not manifest satisfactorily, but by including a chelating agent in the pest control agent, it is thought that the chelating agent complexes preferentially with the iron or the like, thereby 5 prolonging the effect of the tropolone derivative. [0019] In addition to the two active components described above, a surfactant is preferably also added to the pest control agent in order to enhance the penetration of the active components into the wood, enable the control agent to be prepared as an aqueous 0 system, and enhance the transitivity of the chemical agent into the body of the pest such as a termite. Adding a surfactant enhances the spreading properties and adhesive properties of the chloride of the group 2 element from the periodic table such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, meaning a more powerful control effect can be obtained. [00201 5 There are no particular limitations on the type of surfactant used, and anionic surfactants or nonionic surfactants or the like may be used. Of the various possibilities, from the viewpoints of penetrability and the emulsification and dispersion properties, a nonionic surfactant is preferred, and ether-based nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl 0 phenyl ethers and polyoxypropylene alkyl phenyl ethers are particularly desirable. [0021] Further, in consideration of the environmental perspective, the use of a biodegradable surfactant is preferred. Commercially available products such as "SC- JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 8 Magic Pan" (manufactured by Infinity Enterprises, Inc.) can be used as biodegradable surfactants. These products are surfactants that are composed of plant-based surfactants, fatty acids and other components. Although there are no particular limitations on the blend quantity of the surfactant, 5 the quantity is preferably within a range from approximately 1 to 5% by weight of the pest control agent, and more preferably from approximately 2 to 4% by weight. [0022] Calcium chloride is mildly acidic and also highly hygroscopic, and therefore a problem arises in that when an aqueous solution of calcium chloride is used to perform a 0 soil treatment beneath the floor of a house, the dispersed calcium chloride may cause corrosion of metal members of building structures. Accordingly, in order to prevent rusting of metal members used beneath the floor, an antirust agent is preferably added to the pest control agent. Including an antirust agent can also enhance the control effect of the pest control agent. 5 There are no particular limitations on the type of antirust agent used, and either inorganic or organic compounds may be used. Specific examples include sodium tungstate, sodium molybdate, sodium nitrite, sodium benzoate, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine and 1,2,3-benzotriazole. Examples of commercially available products that can be used favorably include 0 "Rescor W-716" and "Rescor W-880P", manufactured by Toeikasei Co., Ltd. [0023] In terms of improving the transitivity of the chemical agent into the body of the pest and enhancing the control effect, the use of an organic antirust agent is preferred. Moreover, from the viewpoints of the emulsification and dispersion properties, and 5 the operability, the use of a surfactant-based antirust agent (or a surfactant that has an antirust effect) is preferred. Although there are no particular restrictions on this surfactant, provided it has an antirust effect, nonionic surfactant-based antirust agents are preferred, and of such agents, the use of alkylamine-based antirust agents such as polyoxyethylene alkylamines and dipolyoxyethylene alkylamines is particularly preferred, as the 0 alkylamine also provides a repellent effect. By using a surfactant-based antirust agent, a surfactant effect such as that described above is obtained in addition to the antirust effect, and therefore the control effect can be further enhanced.

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 9 [0024] These antirust agents may be used individually, or a plurality of different agents may be used in combination. Although there are no particular limitations on the blend quantity of the antirust 5 agent, the quantity is preferably within a range from approximately 0.1 to 20% by weight of the pest control agent, more preferably from 0.2 to 10% by weight, and even more preferably from 0.5 to 5% by weight. [0025] In another preferred embodiment, by combining a specific auxiliary agent with the 0 chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, a markedly superior control effect as a synergistic effect of the two components can be obtained. This specific auxiliary agent is a sulfate or an alginate, and for example, the use of calcium sulfate, barium sulfate or sodium alginate is preferred. Combinations of two or 5 more of these compounds may also be used. The blend quantity of this auxiliary agent is preferably within a range from 1 to 20% by weight, and more preferably from 5 to 15% by weight. [0026] In addition to the components described above, other optional additives may also 0 be added to the pest control agent, including antibacterial agents, fungicides, insect repellents, stabilizers, dispersants, thickeners, antifoaming agents, organic solvents, fragrances, colorants and pH regulators. Conventional materials may be used for these additives, and the blend quantities may be set appropriately, without any particular limitations. 5 [00271 The pest control agent is prepared in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion, by mixing the tropolone derivative, the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table and water, where necessary with any of the added optional components described above. During actual application, because a large volume of the chemical agent must be 0 sprayed, preparation of the pest control agent is preferably conducted at the application site. [00281 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 10 The pest control agent according to the present invention comprises the above components and water. Whereas conventional control agents containing hinokitiol as an active component have been organic solvent systems, one feature of the present invention is that the control agent comprises hinokitiol, but can be prepared as an aqueous system. 5 This yields a particularly advantageous effect in that use of the control agent does not lead to the emission of volatile organic compounds, which are thought to cause sick house syndrome and chemical sensitivity. [0029] This pest control agent can be used for the extermination and prevention of insect 0 pests known as house pests, such as termites, ticks, cockroaches, flies and mosquitoes. Of these, the control agent yields a particularly superior control effect for termites (such as Yamato termites and house termites). A method of applying the control agent is described below, using termite extermination as an example. [0030] 5 For exterminating termites, the pest control agent according to the present invention can be applied to both soil treatments and wood treatments. In the case of a soil treatment, the chemical agent is generally sprayed onto the surface of the soil to form a termite repellent layer (a barrier layer). In other words, termites, which are subterranean insects, invade the underfloor area by digging tunnels up 0 from the soil beneath the floor, and therefore "barrier-forming methods", in which the chemical agent is sprayed onto the surface of the soil beneath the floor to form a barrier layer, are extremely useful in controlling termites. A wood treatment may be conducted by using a sprayer to spray the chemical agent onto the surface of the timber, by using a brush or the like to apply the control agent, 5 or by boring holes in the timber or walls and then injecting the chemical agent into the holes. Alternatively, the pest control agent may be applied to a sheet, and the sheet then laid onto the soil surface. [0031] The pest control agent is preferably used as a liquid-type agent or a spray-type 0 agent, and in the case of a liquid-type agent, can be applied using a sprayer. Alternatively, granules containing the liquid pest control agent may be formed, then being applied by scattering the granules. The granules may be formed by impregnating a granular carrier formed from a porous material or the like with the pest control agent, by coating the JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 11 surface of a granular carrier with the pest control agent, by mixing the pest control agent with a thickener and then performing a pelletization, or by encapsulating the pest control agent within capsules. [0032] 5 There are no particular limitations on the quantity of the pest control agent used for treatment, which may be set appropriately in accordance with the concentration of the active components and the location where the agent is being applied. For example, in the case of a soil treatment, as a rough guide, a quantity of approximately 1 to 10 liters/m2 may be applied, and this quantity is preferably within a range from approximately 3 to 7 0 liters/m 2 , and more preferably from approximately 4 to 6 liters/m 2 . In the case of a wood treatment, the treatment quantity is preferably within a range from approximately 100 to 2 2 500 ml/m , and more preferably from approximately 200 to 400 ml/m [0033] Treatment is preferably conducted so that the sprayed quantity is equivalent to a 5 weight of the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table such as calcium 2 chloride or magnesium chloride (calculated as an anhydrous salt) of 0.1 to 3 kg/m , and conducting the treatment so that this sprayed quantity is 0.2 to 2 kg/m2 is even more desirable. [0034] When conducting treatment using this pest control agent (either by spraying or application), a sulfate or an alginate as an auxiliary agent, and preferably calcium sulfate, barium sulfate or sodium alginate, is preferably sprayed or applied, as a pre-treatment (namely, prior to treatment with the pest control agent), simultaneously (namely, at the same time as the treatment with the pest control agent), or as a post-treatment (namely, 25 after treatment with the pest control agent). By spraying or applying these auxiliary agents, a markedly superior control effect can be achieved. It is thought that the reason for this observation would be that a physical layer would be formed by the auxiliary agent, thereby yielding a synergistic effect by increasing the contact time between the termites and the chloride of the group 2 element from the periodic table. This type of treatment 30 with an auxiliary agent is particularly desirable in those cases where the pest control agent being used does not include such an auxiliary agent as a component. [0035] JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 12 In those cases where the auxiliary agent is applied in advance, application can be conducted with the auxiliary agent in powder form. On the other hand, when application of the auxiliary agent is conducted after the treatment, the auxiliary agent is preferably sprayed as an aqueous solution or as a suspension within water. 5 There are no particular limitations on the treatment quantity of the calcium sulfate, barium sulfate or sodium alginate, which may be set appropriately in accordance with the concentration of the active component and the application location. For example, when a pre-treatment application is performed in the form of a powder, a quantity of the auxiliary agent within a range from approximately 0.1 to 1 kg/m2 is preferably used, whereas when 0 a post-treatment application is conducted using an aqueous solution or aqueous suspension, the spray quantity (typically from approximately 1 to 5 1/m 2 ) and the concentration are preferably adjusted so that the auxiliary agent is applied in a quantity within a range from approximately 0.1 to 1 kg/m2 [0036] 5 The second aspect of the present invention is an aspect that uses a combination of a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table and a specific additive, namely at least one additive selected from the group consisting of surfactants, antirust agents, sulfates and alginates, and is capable of producing a control effect that is significantly superior to the case where a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table is used 0 alone. In particular, by using calcium chloride as the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and combining the calcium chloride with a surfactant and an antirust agent, the spreading properties of the calcium chloride can be enhanced, yielding a superior control effect, and a pest control agent can be obtained that does not suffer from 5 the problem of metal corrosion of metal members beneath the floor. [0037] Moreover, by including a sulfate or an alginate, such as calcium sulfate, barium sulfate or sodium alginate, a synergistic effect can be obtained by increasing the contact time between the insect pests and the calcium chloride, meaning a markedly superior 0 control effect can be obtained. As a result, a superior insecticidal effect is exhibited, not only for Yamato termites, but also for all manner of other termites including house termites, meaning house infestation can be effectively prevented. [0038] JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 13 In a similar manner to the first aspect of the present invention, the materials for the pest control agent according to the second aspect of the present invention exhibit a high degree of safety and are readily available, meaning a pest control agent can be provided that is both safe and inexpensive. 5 Moreover, because this pest control agent can also be applied to both soil treatments and wood treatments, execution of the treatment at the treatment site can be conducted easily and efficiently. EXAMPLES 0 [0039] The effects of the pest control agent according to the present invention are confirmed below, based on soil penetration tests and wood damage tests targeting termites, and rust prevention tests. <Soil Penetration Test 1> 5 A cylinder of diameter 1.8 cm was packed with a potting soil to a height of 4 cm, 2 and the test liquid was soaked into the soil from above using a treatment quantity of 5 1/m After air drying, the soil was suitably dampened using 2.5 ml of water, a container filled with pine wood flour was placed at one end of the cylinder, and 40 worker house termites were placed at the other end. The degree of tunnel formation within the soil (the tunnel 0 length) caused by the house termites and the number of dead house termites were investigated for a period of 4 days. [0040] <Soil Penetration Test 2> A polyethylene container of diameter 5 cm and height 3 cm was packed with a 5 sandy loam soil to a height of 1 cm. A transparent acrylic cylinder with an internal diameter of 1.5 cm was erected in the central region of the sandy loam soil, the cylinder was packed with sandy loam soil to a height of 4 cm, and the test liquid was soaked into the soil from the top of the cylinder using a treatment quantity of 5 1/in 2 . Following air drying, the soil was dampened by adding 2.5 ml of water to the sandy loam soil in the 0 transparent acrylic cylinder and 1 ml of water to the sandy loam soil in the polyethylene container. The upper portion of the transparent acrylic cylinder was then packed with a cellulose to a height of 1 cm as termite bait, and the top edge of the cylinder was sealed JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 14 with cling film. 50 worker house termites were then introduced into the polyethylene container, and the state of soil penetration was observed for a period of 21 days. If the termites did not penetrate the treated soil layer inside the transparent acrylic cylinder, an evaluation of 0 was recorded, whereas if the termites penetrated the treated 5 soil layer and reached the a-cellulose layer, an evaluation of x was recorded. [00411 <Wood Damage Test> A predetermined quantity (equivalent to 100, 200 or 300 g/m 2 ) of the test liquid was applied to a cedar sapwood chip (2x2x1 cm) using a brush, and the chip was left to 0 stand indoors for one week. After one week, the treated wood chip was placed inside an insect container (an acrylic resin cylindrical container of diameter 7 cm and height 6 cm with the bottom surface coated with plaster), and house termites (150 worker termites and 50 soldier termites) were then released into the container. The termites were left in the container for 3 weeks with adequate moisture replenishment, and after 3 weeks, the 5 quantity of feeding damage to the wood chip (the weight reduction percentage) and the number of dead house termites were investigated. [0042] <Rust Prevention Test> 25 ml of the test liquid was placed in a 50 ml glass bottle with a lid, a steel test 0 piece (SS-400, 40 mm x 20 mm x 2 mm) was immersed in the bottle, and the bottle was then sealed and left to stand for 30 days in a constant temperature chamber at 40*C. Subsequently, the test piece was removed and the degree of rust formation was analyzed. The degree of steel corrosion was determined in accordance with the following criteria. 5: extremely severe corrosion, 4: severe corrosion, 3: some corrosion, 2: minor 5 corrosion, 1: almost no corrosion. [0043] <Example A and Comparative Example A> Test liquids were prepared for each of the examples A and comparative examples A shown in Table 1. The blend components for the test liquids shown in Table 1 are as 0 described below. Hiba oil: "KISEI PROSOL-N", a product containing hiba oil, manufactured by Kiseitec Co., Ltd. (an isoparaffin-based hydrocarbon containing natural essential oils such as hiba oil and hinoki oil, hinokitiol content: 0.5% by weight).

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 15 Calcium chloride: reagent grade (CaCl 2 ), manufactured by Sanuki Kasei Co., Ltd. Surfactant: polyoxyethylene alkyl ether ("PERESOFT NSC", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.). As controls, soil samples and wood samples that had not been treated with a test 5 liquid were also tested. Each test was conducted using 3 samples (batches). The results obtained are shown in Tables 2 to 5. Table 2 and Table 3 show the results for the soil penetration test 1. [0044] [Table 1] Example A: Composition of test liquids (% by weight) Hiba oil Calcium chloride Surfactant Example Al 0.1 30.0 3.0 Example A2 0.2 30.0 3.0 Example A3 0.5 30.0 3.0 Example A4 0.7 30.0 3.0 Example A5 1.0 30.0 3.0 Example A6 0.5 20.0 3.0 Example A7 1.0 20.0 3.0 Example A8 0.5 40.0 3.0 Example A9 1.0 40.0 3.0 Comparative Example Al - 30.0 3.0 Comparative Example A2 - 40.0 3.0 Comparative Example A3 0.5 - 3.0 Comparative Example A4 1.0 3.0 0 [0045] [Table 21 Soil penetration test 1 (Example A) Tunnel length (cm) (number in parentheses Number of dead termites Test represents the number of dead termites) sample After 1 day After 2 days After 3 days Number Average 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example Al 2 0.2 (40) 0.2 (40) 0.2 (40) 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 16 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A2 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A3 2 0(40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A4 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A5 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A6 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A7 2 0(40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A8 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 40 Example A9 2 0 (40) 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 40 (Note): In the table, the symbol [- indicates penetration. [00461 [Table 31 Soil penetration test 1 (Comparative Example A) Tunnel length (cm) (number in parentheses Number of dead termites Test represents the number of dead termites) sample After I day After 2 days After 3 days Number Average 1 0.8(10) 1.2(16) - 20 Comparative 2 0.4 (5) 1.2 (13) - 18 20.0 Example Al1______ 3 1.5(8) - - 22 Comparative 1 0.8 (15) 1.5 (19) 1.5 (22) 28 28.3 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 17 Example A2 2 1.2 (12) 2.2 (22) 2.8 (30) 35 3 1.0(10) 1.4(14) 1.9(18) 22 1 0.8(3) - - 8 Comparative 2 - 9 7.6 Example A3 2 9 7.6 3 - - - 6 1 - - - 5 Comparative 2 1.2 (2) - - 7 7.3 Example A4 3 1.5(4) 2.2(8) - 10 1 - - - 5 Untreated 2 - - - 4 5.3 Samples 3 - - - 7 (Note): In the table, the symbol [- indicates penetration. [0047] [Table 4] Wood damage test (Example A) Chemical Treatment Before After Weight Weight reduction (%) Standard Number of dead agent quantity Test testing testing reduction deviation termites (g/m2) (g) (g) (mg) Sample Average Sample Average 1 1.277 1.241 36.0 2.82 100 100 2 1.173 1.142 31.0 2.64 2.19 0.94 100 100.0 3 1.085 1.073 12.0 1.11 100 1 1.193 1.168 25.0 2.10 100 Example 200 2 1.294 1.281 13.0 1.00 1.59 0.55 100 100.0 Al -___ 3 1.188 1.168 20.0 1.68 100 1 1.162 1.151 11.0 0.95 100 300 2 1.172 1.159 13.0 1.11 1.14 0.21 100 100.0 3 1.099 1.084 15.0 1.36 1 100 1 1.166 1.151 15.0 1.29 100 100 2 1.233 1.201 32.0 2.60 1.99 0.66 100 100.0 3 1.240 1.214 26.0 2.10 100 1 1.176 1.166 10.0 0.85 100 Example 200 2 1.081 1.069 12.0 1.11 1.19 0.38 100 100.0 A2 3 1.062 1.045 17.0 1.60 100 1 1.272 1.251 21.0 1.65 100 300 2 1.101 1.083 18.0 1.63 1.36 0.48 100 100.0 3 1.116 1.107 9.0 0.81 100 Example 1 1.170 1.156 14.0 1.20 100 A3 100 2 1.190 1.157 33.0 2.77 1.87 0.81 100 100.0 3 1.210 1.190 20.0 1.65 100 1 1.271 1.261 10.0 0.79 100 200 2 1.099 1.076 23.0 2.09 1.55 0.68 100 100.0 3 1.178 1.157 21.0 1.78 100 300 1 1.167 1.153 14.0 1.20 1.53 0.29 100 100.0 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 18 2 1.211 1.190 21.0 1.73 100 3 1.085 1.067 18.0 1.66 100 1 1.284 1.254 30.0 2.34 100 100 2 1.069 1.054 15.0 1.40 1.65 0.61 100 100.0 3 1.170 1.156 14.0 1.20 100 1 1.135 1.124 11.0 0.97 100 Example 200 2 1.136 1.123 13.0 1.14 1.37 0.55 100 100.0 A4 __ 3 1.199 1.175 24.0 2.00 100 1 1.178 1.166 12.0 1.02 100 300 2 1.160 1.137 23.0 1.98 1.44 0.49 100 100.0 3 1.210 1.194 16.0 1.32 100 1 1.170 1.155 15.0 1.28 100 100 2 1.070 1.041 29.0 2.71 1.77 0.82 100 100.0 3 1.150 1.135 15.0 1.30 100 1 1.100 1.088 12.0 1.09 100 Example 200 2 1.061 1.038 23.0 2.17 1.61 0.54 100 100.0 3 1.150 1.132 18.0 1.57 100 1 1.210 1.190 20.0 1.65 100 300 2 1.160 1.142 18.0 1.55 1.42 0.33 100 100.0 3 1.150 1.138 12.0 1.04 100 1 1.268 1.244 24.0 1.89 100 100 2 1.086 1.073 13.0 1.20 1.35 0.48 100 100.0 3 1.135 1.124 11.0 0.97 1 100 1 1.129 1.107 22.0 1.95 100 Example 200 2 1.188 1.169 19.0 1.60 1.80 0.18 100 100.0 A6 3 1.296 1.272 24.0 1.85 100 1 1.256 1.229 27.0 2.15 100 300 2 1.184 1.170 14.0 1.18 1.62 0.49 100 100.0 3 1.114 1.097 17.0 1.53 100 1 1.164 1.154 10.0 0.86 100 100 2 1.082 1.065 17.0 1.57 1.54 0.67 100 100.0 3 1.188 1.162 26.0 2.19 100 1 1.222 1.206 16.0 1.31 100 Example 200 2 1.286 1.277 9.0 0.70 0.96 0.32 100 100.0 A7- ______ 3 1.049 1.040 9.0 0.86 100 1 1.177 1.172 5.0 0.42 100 300 2 1.134 1.124 10.0 0.88 0.67 0.23 100 100.0 3 1.271 1.262 9.0 0.71 100 1 1.221 1.209 12.0 0.98 100 100 2 1.251 1.229 22.0 1.76 1.63 0.59 100 100.0 3 1.077 1.054 23.0 2.14 100 1 1.195 1.176 19.0 1.59 100 Example 200 2 1.135 1.125 10.0 0.88 1.23 0.35 100 100.0 A8 3 1.069 1.056 13.0 1.22 100 1 1.255 1.240 15.0 1.20 100 300 2 1.189 1.182 7.0 0.59 0.77 0.37 100 100.0 3 1.167 1.161 6.0 0.51 100 Example 1 1.129 1.122 7.0 0.62 100 A9 100 2 1.159 1.138 21.0 1.81 1.32 0.62 100 100.0 3 1.173 1.155 18.0 1.53 100 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 19 1 1.191 1.169 22.0 1.85 100 200 2 1.193 1.186 7.0 0.59 1.38 0.69 100 100.0 3 1.175 1.155 20.0 1.70 100 1 1.234 1.219 15.0 1.22 100 300 2 1.198 1.187 11.0 0.92 0.85 0.40 100 100.0 3 1.180 1.175 5.0 0.42 100 [0048] [Table 5] Wood damage test (Comparative Example A) Chemical Treatment Before A after Weight Weight reduction (%) Standard Number of dead agent quantity sample testing testing reduction deviation (g/m 2 ) (g) (g) (mg) Sample Average Sample Average 1 1.210 1.145 65.0 5.37 77 100 2 1.070 0.995 75.0 7.01 6.19 0.82 58 66.7 3 1.100 1.032 68.0 6.18 65 1 1.100 1.018 82.0 7.45 80 200 2 1.350 1.288 62.0 4.59 6.78 1.94 58 77.7 0 2 3 1.001 0.918 83.0 8.29 95 1 1.250 1.185 65.0 5.20 67 300 2 1.193 1.115 78.0 6.54 6.01 0.71 80 66.3 3 1.158 1.085 73.0 6.30 52 1 1.172 1.105 67.0 5.72 88 100 2 1.210 1.115 95.0 7.85 7.06 1.17 100 87.7 3 1.158 1.070 88.0 7.60 75 1 1.089 1.008 81.0 7.44 100 200 2 1.120 1.035 85.0 7.59 7.04 0.83 55 85.0 o 1 3 1.150 1.080 70.0 6.09 100 1 1.201 1.129 72.0 6.00 98 300 2 1.001 0.921 80.0 7.99 7.20 1.06 78 92.0 3 1.052 0.972 80.0 7.60 100 1 1.183 1.090 93.5 7.90 15 100 2 1.179 1.082 96.9 8.22 7.47 1.03 11 16.0 3 1.211 1.135 76.2 6.29 22 1 1.178 1.095 83.0 7.05 25 200 2 1.830 1.680 150.2 8.21 7.58 0.59 15 16.3 0 X 3 1.095 1.013 81.8 7.47 9 1 1.221 1.131 90.5 7.41 26 300 2 1.156 1.071 84.7 7.33 6.83 0.93 22 23.3 3 1.085 1.023 62.5 5.76 22 1 1.145 1.048 96.8 8.45 22 100 2 1.350 1.242 108.1 8.01 7.55 1.20 25 24.3 3 1.005 0.943 62.2 6.19 _ 26 1 < 1 1.150 1.062 87.7 7.63 18 200 2 1.136 1.028 108.1 9.52 7.76 1.70 26 22.0 o X 3 1.199 1.126 73.5 6.13 22 1 1.178 1.093 84.6 7.18 17 300 2 1.160 1.091 68.8 5.93 7.07 1.09 20 19.7 3 1.210 1.112 98.1 8.11 22 Untreated samples 1 1.170 1.061 109.0 9.32 9.37 1.82 11 8.3 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 20 2 1.070 0.989 81.0 7.57 5 3 1.150 1.021 129.0 11.22 9 [0049] As can be seen in the above results, for the test liquids of the example A, which included a combination of two active components (the tropolone derivative and the 5 chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table), an extremely superior control effect was obtained. In the case of termites, if the kill rate is not 100%, then the test liquid is unable to withstand practical application, which clearly shows the usefulness of these test liquids. In contrast, for the test liquids of the comparative example A, which included only 0 one of the two active components, a satisfactory control effect was unobtainable, even if the blend quantity of that component was increased. These results indicate that in the test liquids of the example A, the technical significance of including the hinokitiol is considerable, even if the blend quantity of the hinokitiol is very small, confirming the existence of a synergistic effect between the tropolone derivative and the chloride of a 5 group 2 element from the periodic table. [00501 Using a test liquid in which a chelating agent such as disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate had also been blended into the test liquid of the above example A, a weathering treatment was conducted, and the test liquid was then analyzed 0 for effectiveness. The results confirmed that adding the chelating agent had an effect of prolonging the effects of the test liquid. [0051] <Example B and Comparative example B> Test liquids were prepared for each of the examples B and comparative examples 5 B shown in Table 6. The blend components for the test liquids shown in Table 6 are as described below. Calcium chloride: reagent grade (CaCl 2 ), manufactured by Sanuki Kasei Co., Ltd. Surfactant: polyoxyethylene alkyl ether ("PERESOFT NSC", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.). 0 Antirust agent: polyoxyethylene alkylamine ("MEULON", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.).

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 21 Auxiliary agent A: calcium sulfate: reagent grade (CaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Auxiliary agent B: barium sulfate: reagent grade (BaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. 5 Auxiliary agent C: sodium alginate: reagent grade, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. As controls, soil samples that had not been treated with a test liquid were also tested. Each test was conducted using 3 samples. The results obtained are shown in Tables 7 to 9. Table 7 and Table 8 show the 0 results for the soil penetration test 1. [00521 [Table 6] Example B: Composition of test liquids Auxiliary Auxiliary (% by Calcium Antirust Auxiliary Auxiliary Auxiliary agent A agent A I ufcatWater pre- post weight) chloride agent agent A agent B agent C treatment treatment _application application Example 30.0 3.0 1.0 10.0 0 0 56.0 0 0 Example 30.0 3.0 1.0 0 10.0 0 56.0 0 0 B2 30. _3. 1 00 50 Example 30.0 3.0 1.0 0 0 10.0 56.0 0 0 B3___ Example 30.0 3.0 1.0 0 0 0 66.0 10 0 B4__ _ _ _ _ __ _ ___ _ Example 30.0 3.0 1.0 0 0 0 66.0 0 10 B5 e .000 Comparative 30.0 0 0 0 0 0 70.0 0 0 example B1 ____ ___ Coamparativ 30.0 3.0 0 0 0 0 67.0 0 0 [00531 5 [Table 7] Soil penetration test 1 (Example B) Tunnel length (cm) (number in parentheses represents the Number of dead Test number of dead termites) termites sample After 1 After 2 After 3 After 7 After 14 Number Average day days days day days 1 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 Example BI 2 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 Example B2 1 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 40.0 2 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 22 3 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 Example B3 2 0 (40) 0 0 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 Example B4 2 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 1 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 Example B5 2 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 40.0 3 0(40) 0 0 0 0 40 (Note): In the table, the symbol [-] indicates penetration. [0054] [Table 8] Soil penetration test 1 (Comparative Example B) Tunnel length (cm) (number in parentheses Number of dead Test represents the number of dead termites) termites sample After 1 After 2 After 3 After 7 After Number Average day days days day 14 days 1 - - - - - 12 Comparative 2 2.2(3) 14 18.0 Example BI 3 3.7 (12) - - - - 28 1 1.2(8) 1.8(12) 2.5(17) - - 30 Comparative 2 0.8 (12) 2.2 (18) 3.3 (25) - - 29 32.0 Example B2 ____ 3 1.9(10) 3.8(22) - - - 37 1 - - 5 Untreated 2 - - - - - 8 7.3 samples 1 3 - - - - - 9 5 (Note): In the table, the symbol [-] indicates penetration. [0055] [Table 9] Rust prevention test (Example B and Comparative Example B) Degree of steel corrosion Example B1 1 Example B2 1 Example B3 1 Comparative Example B1 5 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 23 Comparative Example B2 5 [00561 As can be seen in the above results, an extremely superior control effect was obtained for the test liquids of the example B. In the case of termites, if the kill rate is not 5 100%, then the test liquid is unable to withstand practical application, which clearly shows the usefulness of these test liquids. These results confirm that the action of the auxiliary agent in generating a physical layer yields a synergistic effect by increasing the contact time between the termites and the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table (calcium chloride), enabling a markedly superior control effect to be obtained. 0 In contrast, for the test liquids of the comparative example B, a satisfactory control effect was unobtainable. [0057] <Example C and Comparative Example C> Test liquids were prepared for each of the examples C and reference examples C 5 shown in Table 10. As controls, soil samples that had not been treated with a test liquid were also tested. Each test was conducted using 3 samples. Pre-treatment application of the auxiliary agent was conducted in powder form, 2 wherein the auxiliary agent was applied to the sandy loam soil at a quantity of 0.5 kg/m and the test liquid was subsequently soaked into the soil. Post-treatment application of the 0 auxiliary agent was conducted by preparing an aqueous suspension of the auxiliary agent, and then following soaking of the test liquid into the sandy loam soil, applying the auxiliary agent to the sandy loam soil at a quantity of 0.5 kg/m 2 [00581 The blend components for the test liquids shown in Table 10 are as described 5 below. Magnesium chloride: reagent grade (MgCl 2 ), manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Surfactant: polyoxyethylene alkyl ether ("PERESOFT NSC", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.). W0 Antirust agent: polyoxyethylene alkylamine ("MEULON", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.).

JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 24 Hiba oil: "KISEI PROSOL-N", a product containing hiba oil, manufactured by Kiseitec Co., Ltd. (an isoparaffin-based hydrocarbon containing natural essential oils such as hiba oil and hinoki oil, hinokitiol content: 0.5% by weight). Auxiliary agent A: calcium sulfate: reagent grade (CaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako 5 Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Auxiliary agent B: barium sulfate: reagent grade (BaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Auxiliary agent C: sodium alginate: reagent grade, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. 0 The results obtained are shown in Tables 11 and 12. Table 11 shows the results for the soil penetration test 2. [00591 [Table 10] Example C: Composition of test liquids Auxiliary Auxiliary agent A agent A (% by Magnesium Surfac- Antirust Hiba Auxiliary Auxiliary Auxiliary Water pe A ast weight) chloride tant agent oil agent A agent B agent C treatment treatment application application Example 10.0 3.0 - - - - - 87.0 - C1 Example 20.0 3.0 - - - - - 77.0 - C2 I Example 30.0 3.0 - - - - - 67.0 - C3 I I Example 10.0 - 3.0 - - - - 87.0 - C4 Example 20.0 - 3.0 - - - - 77.0 C5 Example 30.0 - 3.0 - - - - 67.0 - C6 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - - - 76.0 - C7 Example 20.0 3.0 2.0 - - - - 75.0 - C8 Example 20.0 3.0 3.0 - - - - 74.0 - C9 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 0.5 - - - 75.5 0.5 kg/m 2 CIO II0I Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 - - - 75.0 - 0.5 kg/m 2 C11 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - 10.0 - - 66.0 - C12 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - 10.0 - 66.0 - C13 I I Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - - 10.0 66.0 - C14 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - - - 76.0 0.5 kg/m 2 C15 I I I I JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 25 Example 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - - - 76.0 - 0.5 kg/m 2 C16 Example 20.0 - - 0.5 - - - 79.5 0.5 kg/m2 C17 Example 20.0 - - 1.0 - - - 79.0 - 0.5 kg/m 2 C18 I I II Example 20.0 - - - 10.0 - - 70.0 - C19 Example 20.0 - - - - 10.0 - 70.0 - C20 Example 20.0 - - - - - 10.0 70.0 - C21 Reference Example 20.0 - -- - - 80.0 - C1 Reference Example 30.0 - - - - - 70.0 - C2 [00601 [Table 11] Soil penetration test 2 Test Sample Penetration-inhibiting Test Sample Penetration-inhibiting effect effect 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 O C1 C13 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 C2 C14 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 C3 C15 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 C4 C16 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 C5 C17 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 C6 C18 3 0 3 0 Example 1 0 Example 0 0 C7 C19 2 0 2 0 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 26 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 O Example 2 O C8 C20 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 O Example 2 O C9 C21 3 0 3 0 1 O Reference 1 Example 2 0 Example 2 x do CI 3 0 3 x 0 O Reference Example 2 0 Example 2 x C11 C2 3 0 3 x 1 0 1 x Example 2 0 Untreated 2 x C12 Samples 3 0 3 x [00611 [Table 12] Rust prevention test Degree of steel corrosion Example C4 I Example C5 1 Example C6 1 Example C7 1 Example C8 1 Example C9 1 Example C10 1 Example C11 I Example C12 1 Example C13 1 Example C14 1 Example C15 1 Example C16 1 Reference Example C1 5 Reference Example C2 5 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 27 [0062] As can be seen in the above results, an extremely superior control effect was obtained for the test liquids of the example C. In contrast, for the test liquids of the reference example C, a satisfactory control effect was unobtainable for house termites. 5 [0063] <Example D> Test liquids were prepared for each of the examples D and comparative examples D shown in Table 13. As controls, soil samples that had not been treated with a test liquid were also tested. Each test was conducted using 3 samples. 0 Pre-treatment application of the auxiliary agent was conducted in powder form, 2 wherein the auxiliary agent was applied to the sandy loam soil at a quantity of 0.5 kg/m and the test liquid was subsequently soaked into the soil. Post-treatment application of the auxiliary agent was conducted by preparing an aqueous suspension of the auxiliary agent, and then following soaking of the test liquid into the sandy loam soil, applying the 5 auxiliary agent to the sandy loam soil at a quantity of 0.5 kg/m2 [00641 The blend components for the test liquids shown in Table 13 are as described below. Calcium chloride: reagent grade (CaCl 2 ), manufactured by Sanuki Kasei Co., Ltd. 0 Surfactant: polyoxyethylene alkyl ether ("PERESOFT NSC", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.). Antirust agent: polyoxyethylene alkylamine ("MEULON", manufactured by Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.). Auxiliary agent A: calcium sulfate: reagent grade (CaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako 5 Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Auxiliary agent B: barium sulfate: reagent grade (BaSO 4 ), manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Auxiliary agent C: sodium alginate: reagent grade, manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. 30 The results obtained are shown in Tables 14 and 15. Table 14 shows the results for the soil penetration test 2. [0065] [Table 13] Example D: Composition of test liquids JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 28 (% by weight) Calcium Surfactant Antirust Auxiliary Auxiliary Auxiliary (%_byweight) chloride Surfactan agent agent A agent B agent C Example D1 30.0 1.0 - - - Example D2 30.0 2.0 - - Example D3 30.0 3.0 - - - Example D4 30.0 - 1.0 - - Example D5 30.0 - 2.0 - - Example D6 30.0 - 3.0 - - Example D7 10.0 3.0 1.0 - - Example D8 20.0 3.0 1.0 - - Example D9 30.0 3.0 1.0 - - Example D1O 40.0 3.0 1.0 - - Example D11 30.0 1.0 1.0 - - Example D12 30.0 2.0 1.0 - - Example D13 30.0 3.0 2.0 - - Example D14 30.0 3.0 3.0 - - Example D15 30.0 - - 0.5 kg/m 2 - Example D16 30.0 - - - 0.5 kg/mz Example D17 30.0 - - - - 0.5 kg/m Comparative 10.0 - - - - example D1 Comparative 20.0 - - - example D2 Comparative 30.0 - - - example D3 Comparative 40.0 - - - example D4 ___ [00661 [Table 141 Soil penetration test 2 Test Sample Penetration-inhibiting Test Sample Penetration-inhibiting effect effect 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 D1 D12 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 D2 D13 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 0 Example 2 0 D3 _ _ D14 _ _ _1 3 0 3 0 JAMTEC-001-PCT-AU 29 1 0 1 0 Example 2 O Example 2 O D4 D15 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 O Example 2 O D5 D16 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 Example 2 O Example 2 O D6 D17 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 x Example Comparative D7 2 0 Example 2 x D1 3 0 3 x 1 0 1 x Comparative Example 2 0 Example 2 x D8 D2 3 0 3 x 1 0 1 x Example 1Comparative D9 2 0 Example 2 x D3 3 0 3 x Example 0Comparative D10 2 0 Example 2 x D4 3 0 3 x 1 0 1 x Example 2 0 Untreated 2 x D1I samples 3 0 3 x [0067] [Table 15] Rust prevention test Degree of steel corrosion Example D4 I Example D5 1 Example D6 1 Example D7 1 Example D8 1 Example D9 1 Example D10 I Example D1I 1 C:WPonbr\DCC\IXT\3129668 2.DOC-91612010 -30 Example Dl2 1 Example D13 1 Example D14 1 Comparative example 5 Dl Comparative example 5 D2 Comparative example 5 D3 Comparative example 5 D4 [0068] As can be seen in the above results, an extremely superior control effect was obtained for the test liquids of the example D. In contrast, for the test liquids of the comparative 5 example D, a satisfactory control effect was unobtainable. Moreover, when the same soil penetration test 2 was conducted with 100 Yamato termites using each of the test liquids of the examples D, no penetration of the treated soil layer was observed. [0069] 10 This Application is related to the subject matter disclosed in prior Japanese Patent Application 2006-116985 filed on April 20, 2006, prior Japanese Patent Application 2006 128373 filed on May 2, 2006, prior Japanese Patent Application 2006-193408 filed on July 13, 2006, and prior Japanese Patent Application 2006-193409 filed on July 13, 2006; the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 15 It should be noted that, besides those already mentioned above, various modifications and variations can be made in the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the novel and advantageous features of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications and variations are included within the scope of the appended claims. [0070] 20 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be C:tWRPonbI\DCCJXT\3129668 I.DOC-9/6/2010 - 30A understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0071] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived 5 from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (19)

1. A pest control agent, comprising a tropolone derivative, a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table, and water, 5 wherein the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table comprises at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, and wherein when the pest control agent comprises calcium chloride the quantity of the calcium chloride is from 10 to 50% by weight, and when the pest control agent comprises 10 magnesium chloride the quantity of the magnesium chloride is from I to 35% by weight.

2. The pest control agent according to claim 1, comprising hinokitiol as the tropolone derivative. 15

3. The pest control agent according to claim 1, wherein the quantity of the tropolone derivative is from 0.0001 to 0.1% by weight.

4. The pest control agent according to claim 1, further comprising at least one substance selected from the group consisting of chelating agents, surfactants, antirust 20 agents, sulfates and alginates.

5. The pest control agent according to claim 1, wherein the pest controlled is termites.

6. A method of controlling termites, comprising applying the pest control agent 25 according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to soil and/or wood.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the pest control agent is applied by spraying the pest control agent onto soil or wood, brushing the agent onto wood, injecting the agent into holes in wood, laying onto a soil surface a sheet comprising the pest control 30 agent, or scattering the pest control agent. C\NRPonbl\DCC\DAH\316X232 1 DOC-9/1012010 - 32

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising applying a sulfate or an alginate as a pre-treatment, simultaneously, or as a post-treatment to application of the pest control agent or applying the sulfate or the alginate included in the pest control agent. 5

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the sulfate or alginate is one or more salts selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, barium sulfate and sodium alginate.

10. A pest control agent, comprising a chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic 10 table and water, and further comprising, as an additive, at least one substance selected from the group consisting of surfactants, antirust agents, sulfates and alginates, wherein the chloride of a group 2 element from the periodic table comprises at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, and 15 wherein when the pest control agent comprises calcium chloride the quantity of the calcium chloride is from 10 to 50% by weight, and when the pest control agent comprises magnesium chloride the quantity of the magnesium chloride is from I to 35% by weight.

11. The pest control agent according to claim 10, comprising a surfactant and wherein 20 the quantity of the surfactant is from I to 5% by weight.

12. The pest control agent according to claim 10, comprising an antirust agent and wherein the quantity of the antirust agent is from 0.1 to 20% by weight. 25

13. The pest control agent according to claim 10, comprising a sulfate or alginate, wherein the sulfate or alginate is one or more salts selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, barium sulfate and sodium alginate, and wherein the quantity thereof is from 1 to 20% by weight. 30

14. The pest control agent according to claim 10, wherein the pest controlled is termites. C:WRortb\DCC\DA~f3168232 I.DOC-9/10/2iI10 - 33

15. A method of controlling termites, comprising applying the pest control agent according to any one of claims 10 to 14 to soil and/or wood. 5

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the pest control agent is applied by spraying the pest control agent onto soil or wood, brushing the agent onto wood, injecting the agent into holes in wood, laying onto a soil surface a sheet comprising the pest control agent, or scattering the pest control agent. 10

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising applying a sulfate or an alginate as a pre-treatment, simultaneously, or as a post-treatment to application of the pest control agent or applying the sulfate or the alginate included in the pest control agent.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the sulfate or alginate is one or more 15 salts selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, barium sulfate and sodium alginate.

19. The pest control agent according to claim I or 10, or the method according to claim 6 or 15, substantially as hereinbefore described and/or exemplified.