PERIPLANETA AMERICANA CONTROL IN VALENCIA (SPAIN) (DYCTIOPTERA: BLATTIDAE)

Abstract:
Periplaneta americana is a remarkable pest in urban environments. At present, it is the most common species in Valencia city keeping Blatta orientalis in a secondary position. Is is highly adaptable and, in favorable conditions, shows fast proliferation and dispersal. Special difficulties in its control make to be a control program necessary. The Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control of the University of Valencia, has supervised a control program of Periplaneta americana in the city of Valencia (Spain) since 1995. The program was properly adapted to the local sewer system of the city, taking into account the geographical situation as well as the physical and chemical parameters such as temperature and dump. Nineteen working areas were established corresponding to the districts of the city, allowing a more efficient supervision program and final results. The control program established includes the cartography and schedule of foci in the local sewer system, according to the levels of infestation. At the same time, an analysis of the temporal evolution of the different development levels has been carried out. In those foci that present levels of infestation justifying a chemical control corresponding treatment have been implemented. Semestral rotation of insecticides allows to minimize the danger of appearance of resistance. This could reduce the efficiency of the treatment, specially when the population is submitted to repetitive use of products of similar characteristics. In summary, final report on the monitoring and evaluations of results in discussed.