Control of German Cockroaches in Low-Income Apartments, 1980

Abstract

Abstract The efficacy of various baits, sprays and aerosols was determined against German cockroaches in 1 and 2 bedroom apartments near Los Angeles. The extent of cockroach infestation was monitored with standard trapping utilizing two 1-qt jars provisioned with fresh white bread. Clay powder in each trap prevented cockroaches from escaping and serves as a desiccant. Two traps were installed in the kitchen for 1 week prior to the treatments and for 1 week at intervals after the apartments were treated. Aqueous sprays were applied with a 1-gal B&G compression sprayer equipped with a Spraying Systems Multeejet no. 800067 nozzle. An average of ca 1.1 qt finish spray/apartment was applied along intersections, baseboards, cracks and crevices, behind and underneath appliances, and into areas likely to harbor cockroaches. Most spray was applied in kitchen and bathroom areas, but closets, storage areas, and furniture were treated when the occupant indicated cockroaches had been seen in these areas. In tests with total release foggers, cans of spray were triggered in the center of the kitchen and the closed apartment was not reopened for at least 4 hours. When baits were tested, they were installed in 12 specific sites that included corners of cabinets and near appliances where cockroaches would most likely encounter the bait in the kitchen, bathroom and storage areas. Whitmire #270 Dursban crack and crevice aerosol was thoroughly applied to cracks and crevices in the kitchen and bathrooms. Counts from each post-treatment period were compared to the initial total number of cockroaches trapped. The significance of the reduction in total number of cockroaches trapped/apartment/week was analyzed with a Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test.