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Tanglefoot Ant Powder
Identifier:
158074Date:
1918 – 1920Materials:
PaperCurrent Location Status:
In StorageSource:
Gift Of Tanglefoot CompanyExhibit/Program:
Big Big Bugs (February 20 – May 31 2010)Related Entity:
Tanglefoot Company (creator)Founded in 1885 in Grand Rapids by William Thum, a Pharmacist. Originally a manufacturer of fly-paper with a patented sticky adhesive. The company also manufactured and sold tanglefoot, an adhesive for use on trees to prevent pest damage.
William Thum founded the business that became Tanglefoot in 1885. They developed an adhesive using castor oil, resins, and wax. The blend didn't soak through the paper backing and lasted longer than its competition. The Thums patented the design in 1887, launched a plant in Grand Rapids, and soon were shipping fly paper around the world.
As pesticides and lower insect numbers reduce the demand for fly paper, the company's primary product, it shifted towards developing green gardening products. In recent years this has allowed the company to see some resurgence as the organic market has expanded.
The Tanglefoot company located at 314 Straight Ave. SW was acquired in October 2009 by Contech Enterprises, a 22-year-old company in Victoria, British Columbia, for an undisclosed amount.