Field Trials of Cockroach Bait, 1992-1993

Abstract

Abstract Field tests determined the relative efficacy of cockroach baits. In 1992, three Avert formulations of abamectin (PT300-aerosol, PT320-gel, and PT310-dust) were compared with Maxforce. In 1993, Siege bait was compared with Avert PT310. Multi-family public housing complexes located in Gary, IN served as test sites; individual apartments served as the replicated experimental units. Populations were estimated by sticky traps. Kitchen and bathroom areas in each apartment were divided into 10 infestation zones: cabinet above and under kitchen sink, stove, refrigerator, utility room, pantry, storage closet, behind toilet, cabinet under bathroom sink, and linen closet. One sticky trap was oriented horizontally in each zone. Trap catch was recorded after 24 h; pretreatment counts from 2-20 cockroaches per trap was required for any apartment to be considered a test. Each treatment was replicated in 10-16 apartments but posttreatment counts varied. Self-pressurized cans of PT-300 and PT-320 were applied through injector tips, and PT310 was applied from bait dispensing tubes. Each product was applied generously throughout the apartment, focusing attention on cracks and crevices harboring cockroaches. Placement of 12 Maxforce baits was: in cabinet under sink (3), on the floor near the stove (1), and refrigerator (1), in cabinets above sink (2), optional sites with active infestations (3), behind toilet (1), and in cabinet under bathroom sink (1). Siege bait was placed as 125-mg baits at 7.5 g (60 baitings) and 10 g (80 baitings) in kitchens and bathrooms only. Additional, unmonitored amounts of Siege were placed in “satellite” zones of infestation outside kitchen and bathroom areas. Bait efficacy comparison among treatments was made independently at each sample interval. Analysis was based on a completely randomized one-way ANOVA followed by multiple comparisons among treatments by Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P < 0.05).