INFLUENCE OF INSECTICIDE TREATMENT ON GERMAN COCKROACH MOVEMENT AND DISPERSAL IN URBAN APARTMENTS
Abstract
Mark-recapture procedures were used to measure the effects of insecticide applications on adult German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), movement rates and distribution in paired low-income apartments, and 2.44-m x 1.22-m x 1.22-m laboratory chambers. Multiple applications of Raid A&R (2-(1-methylethoxy) phenol methylcarbamate 0.665%, 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate 0.186%, related compounds 0.014%, petroleum distillates 86.6%), and Protector (Permethrin 0.217%, Neopinamin 0.217%) did not prevent movement into treated apartments and did not significantly affect movement between apartments. Single thorough treatments with Protector, Diazinon 4E (O,O-diethyl-O-(2-isoprpropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidyl) phosphorothioate 47.5%, xylene range aromatic solvent 35.1%), PT-565 (pyrethrins 0.5%, PDB 1.0%, N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide 1%, refined petroleum oil 8%), and Baygon 1.5 (2-(1-Methylethoxy) phenol methylcarbamate 13.9%) did not significantly change inter-apartment movement relative to pre-treatment. However, mortality induced by insecticide treatment appeared to limit movement out of PT-565 treated apartments, and into Diazinon treated apartments. For all insecticides, total percent crossovers in laboratory chambers was not significantly different for treated and untreated chambers. All cockroach life stages were contagiously distributed within apartments, with the highest densities in the kitchen area. Insecticide applications did not significantly affect this distribution. Substantial adult intra-apartment movement was observed before treatment among the four apartment areas, with the greatest movement occurring between areas on the same floor, and into the kitchen. Insecticide applications did not significantly affect the pattern of intra-apartment movement, but did significantly reduce movement into some areas. The absence of significant increases in movement after insecticide application apparently was due to decreased numbers of cockroaches available to move, and the natural exchange of individuals between areas diluting any insecticide induced movement. Considerable pre-treatment movement within and between apartments indicated the importance of a holistic approach to cockroach control.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Entomology
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