EFFICACY OF A COCKROACH CONTROL BAIT EXPOSED TO INSECTICIDES

Abstract:
Combining methods for cockroach control is often prevented by the perception that gel baits are easily contaminated by other insecticides. The objectives were to determine the ability of liquid and dust insecticides to contaminate a cockroach control bait. A gel bait (Maxforce, 2.15% hydramethylnon) was used in all the tests; beads of gel were treated with the liquid chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, and pyrethrins; and with dust cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin. German cockroaches used were from a field strain (RHA) and a susceptible laboratory strain. Treated baits and alternative food and water were placed in jars containing 10-15 male cockroaches. Treatments were replicated three times, and cockroach mortality recorded daily. Insecticides were applied to the surface of the gel at the rate of 1 and 5 microliters. Dusts were applied at the label recommended rates for cyfluthrin and deltamethrin. The results indicate that the application of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin did not deter the cockroaches from eating the bait. The presence of low concentrations of pyrethrins was not repellent and did not deter the cockroaches from the bait. The application of dust formulations of insecticides had a limited effect on cockroach feeding.