THE INFLUENCE OF BAIT STATIONS ON FEEDING BEHAVIOR IN PERIPLANETA AMERICANA

Abstract:
Aspects of the feeding preferences and behavior patterns of cockroaches, and the influence of environmental factors such as the delivery system may contribute to the efficacy of toxic baits for cockroach control. The research objectives were to evaluate the influence of bait stations on the feeding of adult and nymphs of Periplaneta americana (L.), and to relate these differences to preferences for feeding on exposed or containerized (stations) baits. A delivery system of plastic stations and exposed food was evaluated for their influence on the feeding of adults and nymphs of P. americana. Cockroaches were confined in aquaria supplied with harborage and water; food consisted of either rat chow, dog food, or toxic bait (hydramethylnon, 1.65% AI), and was available in exposed sites or unexposed in two different size plastic bait stations. Feeding behavior and preference varied depending on the sex and life stage of the cockroaches tested.