Evaluation of Trapping and Vacuuming Compared with Low-Impact Insecticide Tactics for Managing German Cockroaches in Residences

Abstract

In field studies, sticky traps and vacuum cleaners were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in the control of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), infesting multifamily housing. Trapping and vacuuming treatments were compared with insecticide baiting and residual spraying methods. At 4-wk posttreatment in 1995 tests, the percentage of cumulative population reductions caused by Siege gel bait, Victor Roach Pheromone sticky traps, flushing and vacuuming, vacuuming, and Empire spray treatments reached 82.4, 79.3, 80.2, 72.5, and 72.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in cockroach catch between treatments at all sampling periods after treatment, indicating that the treatments were equally effective in controlling B. germanica infestations. At 8 wk after treatment in 1996 tests, the percentage of cumulative population reductions caused by Knockdown Pheromone Boric Acid bait, Victor Roach Pheromone sticky traps, and Suspend spray treatments reached 83.7, 80.1, and 68.5%, respectively. As in 1995 tests, there were no significant differences in cockroach catch between treatments at all sampling periods after treatment. Trapping with sticky traps and the use of the vacuuming technique led to significant reductions in trap catch at all sampling times after treatments. In total, 7,543 cockroaches were caught on Victor Roach Pheromone traps removed from 11 apartments during the 4-wk test period in 1995. In total, 3,554 cockroaches were caught on Victor Roach Pheromone traps removed from 5 apartments during the 8-wk test period in 1996. The use of the flushing agent before vacuuming led to a greater population reduction and removal of hard-to-reach gravid females. Sticky traps and vacuum cleaners also were effective as monitoring devices and provided acceptable control for B. germanica .