A TRIAL OF TWO INSECTICIDAL BAITS IN A SECURE ESTABLISHMENT AGAINST ORIENTAL COCKROACHES, BLATTA ORIENTALIS (L)

Abstract:
The application of conventional insecticides within the confines of a secure establishment in a safe manner can cause many logistical and managerial problems. Therefore, alternative methods of insecticide applications have to be sought. The advent of insecticidal gels with varying modes of action gives that opportunity. The venue chosen for the trial was a secure establishment in the county of Kent; the insect pest was the Oriental cockroach (B.orientalis) and the chemicals chosen were: a. Hydramethylnon 1.9-2.1% w/w a.i. b. Fipronil 0.05% w/w a.i. Fipronil, marketed in Britain by Rhone Poulenc as Goliath, works on the insect by disrupting the chloride channel in the nervous system of the creature. Hydramethylnon, marketed in Britain by AgrEvo as Maxforce Ultra has a mode of action that inhibits mitochondrial activity in the gut of the insect. Insect traps were placed in the two cellblocks chosen for the trial; one being, in part, two hundred years old and the other constructed circa 1900 and extended in recent years. A monitoring regime was established and a single application of each substance was made where necessary; the resulting catch on the traps was carefully tabulated over a period of 180 days. This abstract was prepared before the conclusion of the trial; the full results are available on the poster. Intermediate readings show good results from both chemicals and provide useful alternative pesticides that are: efficient in the use of time; efficacious in action; environmentally beneficial.