The invention relates to repelling wasps. In summer time, when people are outside, or are inside with windows and doors open, flying wasps can interfere with carefree enjoyment of the summer. Particularly when consuming food and drink, for example on a terrace, the enjoyment can be spoilt by intrusive flying wasps. The presence of wasps can be particularly threatening if one is afraid of being stung, for example because of an allergy. In such cases, there may be a strong need for a person to take effective individual measures to repel the wasp.

There are many known ways to repel wasps, for example, by chasing them away with a newspaper. However, this is not sufficiently effective and can have the opposite effect because the wasp feels threatened, and becomes aggressive and attacks. It is also known to catch wasps in bottles with lures. However, this method is notquic and, moreover, it is not animal friendly. It is also known to repel wasps with smoke, e.g. by burning used coffee grinds. However, this affects the enjoyment of the environment and is, for example, not very suitable for use in the hospitality industry. Furthermore, it is known to spray poison. However, this is not animal friendly, not good for the environment and not easy to combine with consuming food.

The invention aims to provide an improved way of repelling wasps, in particular an effective, fast, and animal-friendly way of repelling wasps, and more specifically a way that is friendly to the environment and that can be applied individually by a person who feels threatened.

To this end, the invention provides a method for repelling wasps, wherein water is atomised and sprayed into a flight area of a wasp to be repelled using pressure, so that an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air is formed in the flight area of the wasp to be repelled. Surprisingly, a wasp that flies through such an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air returns to its nest in a hurry and only flies out after passing of time. Wasps in the neighbourhood also return to the nest and temporarily stop flying out. The aerosol spray is neither harmful to the wasp, nor to humans. Thus, an effective, fast and animal-friendly way to repel wasps is provided.

The water atomized by pressure into an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air can be water that is free of additives, i.e. water in its natural composition. The aerosol sprayed water according to the invention is free of insecticide. Such an insecticide is harmful to the health of at least the wasp. Also, unlike unisng a repellent foam, the wings of the wasp are not affected by the water droplets suspended in air. Unlike a foam, in which gas is suspended in liquid, the water droplets suspended in air are liquid droplets suspended in gas. Unlike foam, which sticks to the wasp and its wings, the wasp and its wings do not get heavily wetted as quickly in the mist that is formed. The water sprayed as aerosol according to the invention is also free of foaming agent, and the aerosol of water droplets sustepended in air is free of foam.

Without wishing to being bound to any theory, it seems that the relatively small aerosol particles of moisture compared to the wasp wet the wasp’s wings, and that the wasp wants to take the moisture to the nest to make use of it. It also seems that the relatively small airborne particles of moisture compared to, for example, the wasp itself, interfere with the functioning of the flight stability organs of the wasp, which can be a reason for the wasp to return to the nest and stay there until flight conditions are better.

In this context, a suitable particle size of water droplets for forming an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air is defined as an average droplet diameter smaller than about 0.2-200 micrometer. Preferably, the cloud of fog formed by the aerosol of water droplets suspended in air does not comprise, or comprises only a small proportion of, droplets with an average diameter larger than about 0.5 mm or, less preferably, about 1 mm. Such particles with a diameter of about 0.5 mm or about 1mm are relatively large compared to the wasp itself, and qualify more as raindrops than as fog particles. In this context, a small part should be understood as less than 10% of the total number of atomized water partides in the cloud, preferably less than 5% and in particular less than 3%. Particles with a size of raindrops, approximately 0.5 - 6 mm in diameter have less influence on the stabilization organs because the wasp can more easily avoid these particles by flying between them. Particularly larger particles, e.g. with a diameter of 1 mm or more can quickly make the wasp too wet to fly, and can cause it to become aggressive because it feels attacked.

In this context, a wasp is at least an insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant. More generally, a wasp in this context should be understood as a fly-winged insect. More spedfically, a wasp in this context means a member of the family Vespidae, such as the common wasp, the German wasp or a hornet.

Within this context, a flight area is to be understood as an air space around the flying wasp. The air space of the flying area around the wasp has, for example, a volume of at least about 0.1m®, preferably a volume of 0.5 - 5m ³ , in particular about Im ³ or, for example 2.5m ³ - , or a volume of at most about 10m ³ .

When water is sprayed from an container of an aerosol spray can, an aerosol of water partides suspended in air can be applied to the flight area in a quick and reliable manner. This allows a person who feels threatened to easily apply the method individually, if desired immediately when the threat occurs.

When water is atomized using pressure through a nozzle of a spray head, a cloud of particles of the desired size can be generated reliably. When the water is released from the container by actuating the nozzle, the dosage of the water can be properly controlled.

If depression of the nozzle releases a pre-tensioned shut-off valve located in a flow path that extends from the interior of the container to the nozzle, , a powerful impulse can be given to spray the atomized particles into a flying area of a wasp to be repelled that is relatively far from the nozzle.

If the water is the water is driven out of the container under pressure by means of propellant, a relatively continuous, powerful release of atomized particles can be achieved, for example, compared to atomization with a pump sprayer.

If the aerosol develops into a cloud at a distance of about 2-10 dm, preferably about 3-8 dm, in particular about 4-7 dm and specifically about 5- 6 dm from the container, a person wishing to repel the wasp can stay relatively far away. At the place where the cloud develops, the exit velocity of the atomized water particles is essentially dissipated. In the cloud, the water particles mainly move with the ambient air. The water particles also move apart. In the cloud, the density of the atomised particles is lower than near the outlet of the nozzle, and the probability of heavily wetting the wasp is small.

When the container is held in the hand and the water is spayed from the container towards the flight area of the wasp to be repelled, in particular towards a part of the flight area towards which the wasp flies, , the application of the aerosol cloud can be controlled well by a person wishing to repel the wasp.

If the water is sprayed in a part of the flying area where the wasp flies, it is possible to farther prevent the wasp from feeling attacked and to keep farther distance from the wasp.

By holding the container upside down during for at least part of the time of spraying, parts of the flight zone can be reached more easily without a person who feels threatened having to change position himself. This reduces the chance of the wasp straying or becoming aggressive.

The invention also provides a device for repelling wasps, in particular for repelling wasps by a method as set out above, comprising an aerosol spray can filled with a charge of water. The aerosol spray can preferably comprises a container that contains the charge of water.

If tiie aerosol can further comprises a spray head attached to a top of the container, the spray head comprising a nozzle, , a reliable spray can be achieved simply,.

If the canister is also filled with propellant, in particular liquid propellant, a particularly powerful spray can be achieved. As a less powerful alternative, the canister may be equipped with, for example, a pump sprayer.

Furthermore, if the aerosol spray can further comprises a flow path extending from the interior of the container to the nozzle, and which is provided with a valve that is pre- tensioned to a closed position in which the valve blocks the flow path, and which is movable by pressing the nozzle against the pre-tension to an open position in which the valve releases the flow path, the atomization of the water and the spraying of the atomized water can be achieved in a reliable and efficient manner. Such a valve may be spring-actuated, for example, and may be located in a part of the aerosol can located below the nozzle.

The the flow path may comprise a first inlet located at the bottom of the container, and a second inlet located at the top of the container, near the nozzle, the second inlet being provided with an orientation-dependent valve which is closed in an orientation of the container with the nozzle up, and which is open in an orientation of the container with the nozzle down, This way, it is relatively easy to ensure that atomization and spraying can continue when the container is upside down. In an elegant manner, the nozzle is below the valve provided with an inlet pipe extending to near the bottom of the container, which inlet pipe is provided with the first inlet at its bottom. A second inlet may then be provided adjacent to the valve, which may be closed by a ball valve. The ball valve may then be provided with a ball, which is retained and is movable under the influence of gravity, and which closes the second inlet in an orientation of the container with the nozzle up and releases the second inlet in an orientation of the container with the nozzle down.. Thus, in both orientations, an inlet of the inlet pipe is submerged in water.

If the sprayer is a mini spray can with a holding volume of about 25-100 ml, especially about 50 ml, it can be easily held in the hand, easily carried by the person in a pocket or handbag. As a less handy alternative, a container volume of, for example, about 150, 250 or even 500 ml can be chosen.

When the aerosol can is provided with a waist line, the container, preferably in combination with a print, can be given a wasp-like appearance. This allows the purpose of the aerosol to be communicated to users by means of the shape.

If the spray nozzle is equipped with a locking device, unintentional liquid discharge from the spray nozzle can be prevented. This makes it easier for a person to carry the spray can with them in a clothing bag or purse and have it to hand quickly. The locking device may be elegantly designed as a. twist lock that prevents compression of the spray head and covers the nozzle. This can prevent unintended operation of the pray head and unwanted water expelling from the nozzle. By using a twist lock, the spray can can be made ready for operation quickly and easily from a locked position.

If the water is drinking water, for example tap water, the fresh water droplets can be harmless to both humans and animals. Drinking water is to be understood as water that is potable, i.e. suitable for human consumption. If the water dries up stain-free, it can be achieved that stains are less easily formed by the spray on nearby objects that are wetted by the precipitation of the particles, such as clothes, patio furniture, crockery or upholstery like cushions and tablecloths. In this context, stain-free drying means in particular that no residue visible to the naked eye remains on the surface after the evaporation of the precipitated droplets.

The concentration of dissolved substances in the water has been elegantly reduced compared to The Hague tap water. In particular, the concentration of calcium salts and magnesium salts, especially their sulphate salts, chlorides and carbonates have been lowered compared to The Hague tap water. Preferably the German water hardness is dH 7 or lower (soft water), preferably dH 4 or lower (very soft water).

When water is chosen from the group that includes: spring water, mineral water, osmosis water, atomized water, distilled water, glacier water, water that is suitable for human consumption, friendly to animals and the environment, and safe and suitable for use in a hospitality environment can be provided.

If the propellant is approved for use with food, it can be used in a particularly safe and good way in a catering environment.

Elegantly, the propellant is chosen from the group that includes: carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide. Such a propellant is harmless to humans and animals. This also makes it easier to use and accept in the hospitality industry. As less nature-friendly alternatives, hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrofluoroolefins or other propellants suitable for medical use or other propellants for general use in aerosols can be chosen.

The invention also relates to the use of an aerosol spray can filled with water, in particular an aerosol spray can as set out above, for repelling wasps with an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air, in particular according to the method as set out above. It should be noted that the steps and technical measures described above can, if desired, be taken out of context and either isolated or combined in their context with one or more of the steps and measures listed above.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of an exemplary embodiment shown in a drawing. In the drawing shows:

-Fig. 1a a schematic side view of how a device for repelling wasps is used to atomize and spray water into the flight zone of a wasp to be repelled, so that an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air is formed in the flight zone of the wasp to be repelled;

-Fig. 1b how the wasp to be expelled flies through the aerosol of water droplets suspended in air formed by the fog cloud of Fig. 1a and returns, and

-Fig. 2 how the container of the device of Fig. 1a is held upside down during at least a part of the time spraying.

It should be noted that the drawing is only a schematic representation of a non-limiting example of the invention. In the figures, identical parts have been provided with the same reference numbers.. Fig. 1a shows a device for repelling wasps. The device comprises an aerosol spray can 1 with a pressure-resistant container 2 that is filled with a charge of water. The water in the container is potable spring water, for example Evian. The water has a concentration of dissolved substances that is lower than that of tap water from The Hague, and dries up stain-free. The water in the container 2 is suitable for human consumption, is kind to animals and the environment, and is safe and suitable for use in a hospitality environment. The container 2 is also filled under pressure with liquid nitrogen as propellant, which is at least partially dissolved in the water. Nitrogen is also harmless to humans and animals as a propellant in an aerosol spray can, and facilitates application and acceptance in a hotel, restaurant and catering industry environment. In this implementation example, the aerosol spray can 1 is a conventional aluminium mini spray can with a container volume of about 50 ml. Such a mini spray can can can easily be carried by a person in clothing or in a bag, and can, for example, be set up on a table without being in the way. The aerosol spray can 1 comprises a spray head 4 attached to the top of the container 2, which is equipped with a nozzle 5. The aerosol spray can 1 comprises a conventional flow path, not shown in the figures, extending from the interior of the can to the nozzle 5. The flow path is provided with a conventional valve, also not shown, which is pre-tensioned by a spring to a closed position in which the valve blocks the flow path. The valve can be moved to an open position by pushing the nozzle 4 against its pre-tension, whereby the valve releases the flow path. The nozzle 4 is equipped with a twist lock, not shown, known for large-format aerosol sprayers, which prevents compression of the nozzle 4 and covers the nozzle 5. This prevents unintended operation of the nozzle 4 and undesired exit of water from the nozzle 5 of the spray head 4. By using the twist lock, the aerosol can 1 can be made ready for operation quickly and easily from a locked position.

The water-filled aerosol can 1 can be used to repel a wasp 6, for example a German wasp, with an aerosol of water droplets suspended in air. A wasp 6 flying in the direction of arrow Pl can be repelled as shown in Fig. la by spraying water under pressure from the container 2 of the aerosol spray can via the nozzle 5 of the spray head 4 into a flight zone 7 of a wasp 6 to be repelled, so that an aerosol 8 consisting of water droplets suspended in air is formed in the flight zone 7 of the wasp to be repelled, The water is released from the container 2 by actuating the spray head 4, in particular by depressing the spray head 4 to release the pre-tensioned shut-off valve in the closed position. The water is thereby forced out of the container 2 under pressure with the help of the nitrogen propellant. As a result, a continuous, powerful release of atomized particles is achieved, and a powerful impulse is given to the atomized particles so that they are sprayed towards a relatively distant flight area 7 of the wasp 6 to be repelled.

The container is held in the hand 9 and water is sprayed from the container 2 towards the flight zone 7 of the wasp 6 to be repelled. The water is thereby sprayed towards a part of the flight area towards which the wasp 6 is flying, so that the wasp 6 is not disturbed. For example, the air space of the flight area 7 around the wasp 6 to which the water is sprayed has a volume of at least about 1 m3. The aerosol 9 develops at a distance of about 5-6 dm from the container 2 into a local fog cloud 10, so that the person who wants to repel the wasp 6 can stay relatively far away from the wasp 6. The aerosol 9 of water droplets suspended in air has an average droplet diameter of less than about 0.2-200 micrometers, and contains less than 3% of droplets with an average diameter greater than about 0.5 mm. At the location where the fog cloud 10 develops, the exit velocity of the atomized water particles is essentially dissipated, and they move along with the ambient air. In the fog cloud 10, the density of the atomized particles is lower than near the outlet of the nozzle 5, so that there is little chance of the wasp 6 becoming too wet to fly.

When the wasp 6 to be repelled flies through the aerosol 7 cloud of water droplets suspended in air 10, it returns to its nest in the direction of arrow P2. The wasp 6 will only fly out again after some time has passed. Wasps in the vicinity also return to the nest and temporarily stop flying out. The aerosol spray is not harmful to the wasp, nor to humans. Thus, an effective, fast and animal-friendly way of repelling wasps is provided, which can be applied individually and immediately when a person feels threatened by an approaching wasp. By using potable spring water that dries without spotting and nitrogen as propellant, the aerosol spray 1 can be used without any objection in a catering environment, for example while having a meal on a restaurant terrace. The water being atomised from a container 2 of an aerosol spray can 3 allows an aerosol 8 of water particles suspended in air to be applied to the flight area 7 in a quick and reliable manner. The flow path in the container 2 can be provided with a first inlet located at the bottom of the container 2 and a second inlet located at the top of the container, more near the nozzle. The second inlet is then provided with an orientation dependent valve which is closed in an orientation of the receptacle with the nozzle up and which is open in an orientation of the receptacle with the nozzle down. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, the container 2 can be held upside down during at least part of the time that spraying is taking place. As a result, a person who feels threatened can, without having to change his or her position too much, reliably apply the aerosol cloud 10 in the flight zone 7 of a wasp 6 flying relatively low in relation to the person.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the exemplary emodiments discusses here, but that many variations in perfotmance are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of referral figures

1. Aerosol spray can

2. Container

3. Waist line

4. Spray head

5. Nozzle

6. Wasp

7. Flight area

8. Aerosol

9. Hand

10. Cloud

P1 Arrow

P2 Arrow