PERFORMANCE OF AVERMECTIN BAIT FORMULATIONS AGAINST THE GERMAN COCKROACH (DICTYOPTERA: BLATTELLIDAE)

Abstract:
Commercial formulations of avermectin based baits were evaluated in laboratory and field studies against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). In continuous exposure tests with adult males, LT50s ranged from ca. 2.5 to >200d for Roach Ender and an experimental aerosol gel formulation, respectively; dry formulations had lower LT50s than water containing formulations. Moist formulations were preferred, however, by mixed populations in large arena tests. A powder formulation (Avert) reduced cockroach trap catch in infested apartments more rapidly when applied at 50, rather than 12 sites, even when the same total bait was applied. When applied at ca. 50 sites, an aerosol formulation of Avert gel provided nearly an 80% reduction in trap catch. Other avermectin formulations provided significant, but not outstanding reductions in trap catch. Avermectin based baits can reduce German cockroach populations when properly applied.