FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MOVEMENT OF GERMAN COCKROACHES
Abstract
Laboratory and field studies were conducted during 1980-1983 to investigate various factors which affected the movement of the German cockroach. Movement of adult Blattella germanica (L.) populations were significantly influenced by structural features of low-income apartments. Plumbing connections between adjacent apartments enhanced movement. Mark/recapture studies showed that 75% of the immigrants into a given apartment were from adjacent apartments with common plumbing. Sixty-five percent of the emigrants came from adjoining kitchen areas. Applications of chlorpyrifos+dichlorvos at the termination of the study indicated that not all insecticide applications, even those containing excitatory elements, increase interapartment movement. Results suggest structural modification as a means to deter movement. The degree and frequency of movement suggests that management programs be aimed at entire structures as opposed to localized areas within buildings. Information on cockroach distributions indicated that all life stages of German cockroaches were aggregated. Aggregation was most pronounced for small numphs followed by adults; large nymphs were the least aggregated. Regression coefficients and observed distributions implied that movement of large nymphs was greatest followed by adults and small nymphs. Laboratory experiments designed to look at the influence of food, water, and harborage availability on cockroach behavior suggested that harborage removal was the most disruptive. Water availability was the most critical to survival.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Entomology
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.