Cockroach Infestation Research Articles

In vitro Assessment of the Insecticidal Activity of Nerium oleander Extract against German Cockroaches (Blattella germanica)

Background: German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species in the world. Although German cockroach infestations occur in many human-inhabited spaces, they are most commonly associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, hotels, nursing homes. It’s also carried viruses, protozoa and infectious bacteria on the outside and inside of body surfaces and play a role in causing dizziness, asthma and nausea reactions in people. So, Blattella germanica is considered as an important medical and economic. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Nerium oleander extract against cockroaches and inhibition hatching eggs in vitro using a dipping method test. Two graduated concentrations of extract (50 and 100 mg/ml) were tested at different periods and changes over time in the viability of cockroaches were registered for (1 and 2 hours) and in relation to Inhibition hatching eggs after 30 days. Distilled water and cypermethrin (0.1%) were used as negative and positive control, respectively. A chemical assay was performed by FT-IR to investigate the presence of several anticipated active chemical compounds in Nerium oleander leaf extract. Result: The analysis of phytochemicals by FT-IR for alcoholic extracts of Nerium oleander extracts revealed the presence of 12 effective chemical ingredients such as carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins. The results showed that the extract had high efficacy in killing Cockroaches that were exposed to a high concentration of extract (100 mg/mL), the mortality rate was (90 and 100%), compared to the (cypermethrin 0.1%), the mortality rate was (70 and 100%) during the periods (1 and 2 hr) respectively. While the eggs cockroaches that were exposed to concentration of extract (100 mg/mL) and positive control (cypermethrin 0.1%) the hatching rate was (60 and 60%) after 30 days period respectively. While the negative control (without treated) was the hatching eggs cockroaches rate is (100%) during that period.

Diversity and prevalence of nuisance arthropods detected by sticky traps in apartments in New Jersey.

Many nuisance arthropods occur in homes. In this study, nuisance arthropods are defined as any arthropod other than cockroaches and bed bugs. We examined nuisance arthropods found on sticky traps in 1,581 low-income apartments in four cities in New Jersey during 2018-2019 as part of a study for monitoring cockroach infestations. Four sticky traps (three in the kitchen, one in the bathroom) were placed in each apartment for approximately two weeks. Forty two percent of the apartments had nuisance arthropods on sticky traps. The relative abundance of different groups of arthropods were flies-36%, beetles-23%, spiders-14%, ants-10%, booklice-5%, and others-12%. The flies were further grouped into the following subgroups and their relative abundance were fungus gnats-42%, phorid flies-18%, moth flies-17%, fruit flies-10%, midges-8%, and others-5%. Among the beetles, 82% were stored product beetles (including spider beetles). Summer months (May-July) had a much higher frequency of nuisance arthropods occurrence than winter months (November-January). In addition to installing sticky traps, we also conducted interviews with 1,020 residents. Only 13% of the interviewed residents indicated sightings of nuisance arthropods. Resident interviews revealed a much higher relative frequency of sightings for flies (58%), much lower frequency for beetles (4%), and much higher frequency for mosquitoes compared to those captured on sticky traps. We conclude that sticky traps provide much more accurate information on indoor nuisance arthropod abundance and diversity than resident interviews and are a valuable tool for monitoring indoor nuisance arthropods.

Efficacy and toxicity of cockroach gel bait (imidacloprid 2.5% and fipronil 0.05%) against American cockroach infestation in sewer system

BackgroundThe American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is the most prevalent domiciliary and invasive urban pest in the sewer and waste water system. It poses a substantial threat to human public health and home allergens. This study was conducted at Universiti Sains Malaysia main campus to highlight and provide information on the control and management of American cockroach infestations in sewage systems by comparing the efficiency of fipronil 0.05% gel bait with imidacloprid 2.5% gel bait. A total number of adult and nymph stages of trapped American cockroaches was recorded using glass jar traps at eight sampling sites. Gel baits were placed beneath the lids of each manhole shaft along the inner wall perimeter. ResultsThe use of fipronil and imidacloprid gel baits in the sewer system resulted in a significant difference (P = 0.013). Imidacloprid 2.5% gel bait, compared to fipronil 0.05% gel bait, is the most effective treatment technique for reducing American cockroaches' population in sewer systems, with a high reduction percentage mean for both adult (91.17%) and nymph (85.50%) stages. ConclusionAs a conclusion, imidacloprid gel bait can effectively control cockroaches in sewer systems up to eight weeks.

Effectiveness of Cimetrol SE 11.16 (Alfacypermethrin 4.65% + Pyriproxyfen 1.86% + Tetramethrin 4.65%) in Aedes aegypti and Blatella germanica control in Cuba

In Cuba, insecticides to control Aedes aegypti mosquito and Blatella germanica cockroach has been frequently used with different formulations, such as emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, gels, microencapsulates and suspo-emulsions (SE): the latter is a type of formulation that combines the residuality of a suspension concentrate with the speed of effect of "oil in water" (EW) emulsions. The Cimetrol SE 11.16 formulation is composed of a mixture of two pyrethroid molecules with an insect growth regulator, providing the formulation with great residual power combined with eviction power, due to the mode of action of each one of them. In the following study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Cimetrol SE 11.16 in the control of Ae. aegypti through surface bioassays, and of B. germanica through residual treatment. The residual effect on tile, concrete and wood surfaces was evaluated for 10 weeks and fluctuated from the first weeks (but remained high > 80%). However, mortality on all surfaces remained above 80% until week 6. The highest mortalities occurred in plastic and metal during the 10 weeks (100%). To monitor the cockroach infestation rate, sticky traps (ERADIROACH) were used, which resulted in 95% reduction by the eighth week.

Cockroach and Bedbug Infestation in Poultry Farms and Residential Apartments in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate bedbug and cockroach infestation in poultry farms and adjacent residential apartments in Makurdi and to determine if proximity to poultry farms increased the odds of infestation of human population. Bed bugs found in mattresses, cracks, crevices of walls, bird cages and furniture were collected by handpicking while cockroaches were trapped using the Hercules mouse glue board. A total of 595 bedbugs were collected from 42 (30.9%) cages while 461 bedbugs were collected from 71 (71%) apartments in the different locations sampled. Farms around Wadata Market had the highest bed bug infestation (69.9%). Residential apartments at Wadata also had a high infestation (50.1%) However, the total percentage infestation of Cimex lectularis (69.6%) was higher than Cimex hemipterus (30.4%) at all sampling sites (P<0.05). Two species of cockroaches were trapped in this study Periplaneta americana and Blatella germanica. A total of 973 cockroaches were trapped from 111 (81.6%) cages from different farm locations while a total of 400 cockroaches were trapped from 72(72%) apartments. Farms located around Wadata market had higher cockroach infestation (68.2%). Apartments at Wadata also had high percentage infestation (47.3%). P. americana (47.8%) was slightly more (P<0.05). than B. germanica (42.2%) The high infestation of bedbugs and cockroaches in poultry farms around Makurdi and adjourning residential apartments is as a result of the conversion of living rooms into chicken rearing. Though the infestation of bedbugs and cockroaches was high, the apartments within close proximity to poultry farms had the higher odds of infestation.

A potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria with antibiotic resistance: A scoping review.

The role of cockroaches in the cause of disease or human infections is not immediately obvious. The present study aimed to review the currently available research on the potential role of cockroaches in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria and bacteria with antibiotic resistance. A scoping review included the studies published for a period between January 2001 and December 2020. A search was performed through five databases, namely, PubMed, Sage, Springer, Sabinet, and Science Direct. A search strategy used was conducted according to the principles of Preferred Reporting Item for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). From 97 studies identified, 32 studies were included in the scoping review. The findings indicate that cockroaches may be a potential vector for a diverse range of pathogenic bacterial agents. Most bacterial agents isolated are antidrug-resistant and antibiotic-resistant which is considered the greatest threat to public health in the current period. Cockroach infestation should be considered as a serious concern, given the possible role of cockroaches as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Further research is needed which can provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of cockroaches in transmitting human infections.

Overcrowding and Hazardous Dwelling Condition Characteristics: A Systematic Search and Scoping Review of Relevance for Health

Crowding in dwellings is an important public health issue. We hypothesize that overcrowding may cause indirect health effects by adversely affecting the dwelling itself, for example, by increasing dampness leading to mold. We therefore performed a systematic search and a scoping review on overcrowding leading to dwelling condition characteristics of relevance for health. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases up to 5 March 2021. The search yielded 100 records with relevant information. We found that overcrowding is defined in numerous ways and often address "socially deprived" populations. Six studies report associations of overcrowding with at least one dwelling condition characteristic, namely lead, cadmium, microorganism distribution, dust mite and cockroach allergens in dust, cockroach infestation, peeling paint, and mold. One of the studies reports associations between several characteristics, e.g., association of mold with cleanliness and rodent infestation, and points out the common use of pesticides. Additional characteristics were extracted from the remaining 94 records, without data on statistical associations with overcrowding. Our review suggests that multiple potentially hazardous dwelling condition characteristics often coincide in overcrowded dwellings. The epidemiological attribution of health effects to any characteristic is therefore difficult. Causal relationships are even more difficult to establish, as overcrowding is also associated with a range of social and other circumstances that may affect health. The complexity should be considered by scientists and practitioners dealing with overcrowding in dwellings.

Recognizing Older Individuals: An Essay on Critical Gerontology, Robin Hood, and the COVID-19 Crisis

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The Infestation of Cockroach and Their Perceived Importance in Yalanguruza and Nassarawo Communities, Gombe, Nigeria

Aims: Poor sanitation is strongly associated with an increased cockroach infestation. In line with this, the study was carried out to ascertain and quantify the level of cockroach infestation and their perceived importance in Yalanguruza and Nassarawo communities.
 Study Design: Each community was sectioned into four longitudinal zones and 50 houses were randomly selected from each zone for the collection of samples and administration of questionnaires.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out between May and August 2018. Samples were collected in Yalanguruza and Nassarawo communities of Gombe and identified in the Department of Biological Sciences, Gombe State University.
 Methodology: A total of 409 cockroaches were collected from different sources in residential homes, 208 in Yalanguruza and 201 in Nassarawo using Hercules mouse glue board with pieces of Cray-fish as baits and were preserved and identified to their respective species. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain the perception of the respondents in the communities about cockroaches. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered in each of the communities.
 Results: Up to 78% of the respondents had low knowledge of cockroach infestation and 66% attributed infestation to poor sanitation. The most-reported perception of cockroaches habitation in homes was toilets (66.5%) while the majority (57%) of the respondents knew that cockroaches can be vectors of diseases. 68.5% of the respondents used insecticides in controlling cockroaches. Food items compared to other items showed to be the most commonly affected by the cockroaches with 48% of the respondent attesting that. Cockroach species identified from the two communities were Periplaneta americana with the highest frequency value of 196(47.9%), Blattela germanica 94(23.0%), Supella longipalpa 67(16.4%), Blatta orientalis 38(9.3%) and Arinevaga floredensis 14(3.4%). The highest numbers of cockroaches were obtained from Yalanguruza, 208(50.9). Out of the 409 cockroaches collected, 314(76.8%) were from toilets, 30(7.35%) from bedrooms and 65(15.80%) from kitchens.
 Conclusion: High infestation of cockroaches in the study communities was observed and there are poor knowledge and perception of cockroaches in the communities; hence there is a need to sensitize the people in the communities on the potential public health impact of cockroaches.

Comparative Efficacy of Residual Insecticides against the Turkestan Cockroach, Blatta lateralis, (Blattodea: Blattidae) on Different Substrates.

The Turkestan cockroach, Blatta lateralis (Walker) is an invasive urban pest prevalent throughout the Southwestern United States. Despite the presence of this cockroach in peridomestic areas, there is limited information on strategies that can be utilized by pest management professionals (PMPs) to effectively manage populations of this pest. We evaluated the efficacy of dry residues of liquid insecticides commonly used for household and structural insect pest control: Tandem (0.10% thiamethoxam, 0.03% lambda-cyhalothrin), Transport GHP (0.05% acetamiprid, 0.06% bifenthrin), Temprid SC (0.10% imidacloprid, 0.05% beta-cyfluthrin), Demand CS (0.06% lambda-cyhalothrin), Talstar P (0.06% bifenthrin), and Phantom (0.5% chlorfenapyr) on three different substrates against Turkestan cockroach nymphs. Except for Phantom and Talstar P, all insecticide formulations killed 100% of the cockroaches on concrete, 89–100% on tile, and 77–100% on wood within 4 days. The rate of cockroach mortality varied according to the substrates to which they were exposed. Temprid SC and Transport GHP killed cockroaches faster on tile than wood. Tandem provided a faster mortality rate than Transport GHP and Temprid SC on concrete. Demand CS and Tandem killed cockroaches at similar rates on the three substrates. This study provides information to guide PMPs in their selection of insecticide formulations for the management of Turkestan cockroach infestations.

Pneumonia among Under-Five Children in Northwest Ethiopia: Prevalence and Predictors-A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Acute respiratory infections in particular pneumonia constitutes the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age throughout the world. In Ethiopia, pneumonia continues to be the major childhood problem and killer, particularly in the study area. However, evidence dealing with the problem is still unavailable. The current study is aimed at determining the magnitude and risk factors of childhood pneumonia in Gondar City. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in five randomly selected clusters/subcities of Gondar City. A total of 792 child-mother/caregiver pairs in the selected subcities/clusters were included. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used by trained supervisors through house-to-house visits to collect the data. Binary logistic regression (bivariable and multivariable) was employed. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results The prevalence of pneumonia among under-five children in the current study was found to be 12% with 95% CI: 10% to 14.4%. The presence of unpaved road within 100 m of the house (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.41-3.66), living within 100 m of heavy traffic (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.19-3.16), the habit of not opening doors while cooking (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.62), the presence of cockroach infestation (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.25-3.14), and new carpet in the house (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01-3.03) were statistically significant variables associated with childhood pneumonia. Conclusions This study indicated that the prevalence of childhood pneumonia is still high. As such, enhancing strategies that would address unpaved roads within 100 m of the house, living within 100 m of heavy traffic, the habit of not opening doors while cooking, cockroach infestation, and new carpet in the house to reduce the burden of childhood pneumonia needs to be advocated.

Cockroach Infestation and Their Perceived Importance in Yenagoa Metropolis of Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study aimed at cockroach infestations and their perceived importance in disease transmission was carried out in Yenagoa metropolis of Bayelsa State of Nigeria using sample survey method involving the retrieval of 225 descriptive questionnaires from the people bound on their knowledge of cockroach as vector of pathogenic organisms and the possible modes of control. On the frequency of cockroach infestation in habitats, respondents reported 20.40% cockroach infestation in private homes, schools (7.80%), offices (5.90%), hospitals (12.20%), toilets (18.40%), dust bins (15.70%) and restaurants (19.60%). 82.4% of the respondents affirmed that cockroaches are carriers of disease pathogens and are implicated as causative organisms of allergies and respiratory disease. About 23.5% were well aware that cockroach infestation triggers asthmatic attack in sensitive people. All the surveyed houses reported cockroach infestation, with high prevalence in the older houses (71.40%) compared to the recently built ones (53.90%). 78.4% of the respondents gave poor sanitary condition as an indicator for high cockroach prevalence. Concerning best method of control, 54.90% voted for the use of synthetic pesticides, biological control (23.53%) and cultural control (21.57%). Therefore, the teeming populace of Bayelsa State should be educated as to the perceived importance of the prevalence of cockroaches in homes, hospitals and food preparation centers especially as vectors of pathogenic organisms and be further sensitized on the best control practices such as good sanitation practice, food hygiene, stocking foodstuffs in sealed containers and proper disposal of refuse so as to reduce cockroach related menace.

A household model of German cockroach infestations and their effects on symptoms of atopic asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition which affects 25 million people in the United States. Improper extermination of cockroaches and their associated allergens significantly increases the occurrence of atopic asthma, a type of asthma stemming from exposure to allergens. To date, dynamical studies of cockroach infestations and their effects on atopic asthma have not been examined. Here we develop a novel mathematical model, with households as the model unit, to study the dynamics of cockroach infestations within a neighbourhood and how they impact the prevalence of asthma. The focus of this study is to evaluate the impact of extermination and removal of allergens in a household containing an individual with recurrent atopic asthma. Through analysing our model, the basic reproduction number for cockroach infestations was calculated and we were able to determine conditions under which cockroaches and asthma can be eliminated from a community containing infested houses. From the presence of a backward bifurcation, we are able to show that it is more effective to prevent infestation of cockroaches than attempting to remove them post-infestation. These conclusions could potentially assist in educating the general public about the importance of pest control and its relationship with asthma.

Quantifying the Efficacy of an Assessment-Based Pest Management (APM) Program for German Cockroach (L.) (Blattodea: Blattellidae) Control in Low-Income Public Housing Units.

Over the last several decades, low-income public housing facilities have been known to be infested with particularly large German cockroach populations. These populations persist even though the housing pest control contracts often require, and pay for, IPM practices to be used in their facilities. When Virginia Tech researchers began reviewing public housing contracts in Virginia and North Carolina, it was easy to see why these 'IPM programs' were not successful. Many of these 'low-bidder' contracts do not allow the technician enough time in each apartment to assess the size of the pest population. In addition, these pest management contracts did not require German cockroach population monitoring, even though all IPM programs are based on assessments of the pest population. There was a clear need for an effective, easy to apply cockroach management program in U.S. public housing authorities. This study determined the long-term efficacy of an Assessment-based Pest Management (APM) program for German cockroach control in U.S. public housing facilities. Specifically, we evaluated an APM program where the residents were not asked to clean or prepare for treatment, and where overnight cockroach trap counts were used to determine the volume of gel bait that would be applied. The APM baiting program was conducted for 15 mo in three housing authorities. In all three housing authorities, cockroach populations in test units were typically reduced by >90%. German cockroach infestations were even eliminated from 49 of the 65 (75%) test units during this study.

A Cost-Effective Novel Innovative Box (C-Box) to Prevent Cockroach Infestation of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Equipment: A Unique Problem in Northern Tropical Australia.

Cockroaches and other pests infestation of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment has been rarely reported in the medical literature. In this report, we describe a box (C-Box) designed to prevent pest infestation of the CPAP equipment. Over experience, using this C-Box has demonstrated that it can prevent pest infestation and reduce the cost of replacing pest-infested CPAP machines.

Cost‐effective novel innovative Box (C‐Box) to prevent Cockroach infestation of Continuous positive airway pressure equipment

Cost‐effective novel innovative Box (C‐Box) to prevent Cockroach infestation of Continuous positive airway pressure equipment

Changes in Indoor Insecticide Residue Levels after Adopting an Integrated Pest Management Program to Control German Cockroach Infestations in an Apartment Building.

Insecticide use in homes leads to human exposure to insecticide residues that persist in the environment. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs have been known to be more environmentally friendly for managing German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) infestations, but their effect on indoor insecticide residue levels are not well understood. An IPM program consisting of applying cockroach gel baits and placing insect sticky traps as the primary treatment methods were implemented. Floor wipe samples were collected from the bedroom and kitchen floors of 69 apartments with German cockroach infestations at 0 months and again at 12 months from 49 of the 69 apartments sampled at 0 months. Levels of 18 insecticide residues were measured. The mean insecticide residue concentration per apartment decreased by 74% after 12 months. The number of insecticides detected per apartment decreased from 2.5 ± 0.2 to 1.5 ± 0.2 (mean ± standard error). Indoxacarb residue was only detected in two apartments at 12 months despite the fact that an average of 32 ± 4 g 0.6% indoxacarb gel bait was applied per apartment. IPM implementation can result in significant reduction in the insecticide residue concentrations and number of detected insecticides in floor dust samples.

Spatial Distribution of German Cockroaches in a High-Rise Apartment Building During Building-Wide Integrated Pest Management.

The German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea, Ectobiidae) is one of the most common indoor pests in multifamily housing communities. Our objectives were to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of German cockroach infestations in a multiunit dwelling before and after building-wide integrated pest management (IPM) implementation. The study was conducted in a high-rise apartment building with 188 residential units in Paterson, New Jersey. All the identified infestations were treated by researchers using IPM implementation, and monitoring was repeated at 6 and 12 mo after the initial survey. We examined cockroach spatial distribution patterns within and between apartments. Traps placed by the stove and refrigerator caught significantly more cockroaches than traps placed in the kitchen cabinet under the sink or in the bathroom. At month 0, cockroach infestations within the building were spatially correlated. At 12 mo after implementation of IPM, only infestations cross the floors remained to be correlated. Therefore, IPM not only eliminates cockroach infestations in individual units, but also reduces cockroach dispersal between units.

Pervasive Resistance to Pyrethroids in German Cockroaches (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) Related to Lack of Efficacy of Total Release Foggers.

Despite limited efficacy data, do-it-yourself (DIY) insecticide products often promise low-cost alternatives to professional pest control. Total release foggers (TRFs, 'bug bombs'), which are prominent DIY products, were recently shown to be ineffective at reducing German cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) infestations, in contrast to highly effective baits. However, the reason(s) for TRF failure remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated insecticide resistance of apartment-collected cockroaches from homes where TRFs failed. In topical (direct) application assays, resistance to cypermethrin (a common active ingredient in TRFs) was 202 ± 33 times that of a laboratory insecticide-susceptible population (based on LD50 ratios), while resistance to fipronil, a common bait active ingredient, was considerably lower at 14 ± 2 times that of the laboratory insecticide-susceptible population. The addition of PBO, a P450 inhibitor that synergizes pyrethroids, enhanced the efficacy of cypermethrin, but only at high doses of cypermethrin. Additionally, >96% of screened cockroaches possessed at least one copy of the L993F mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel, known to confer resistance to pyrethroids (knockdown resistance, kdr). Because TRF treatments killed insecticide-susceptible sentinel cockroaches but failed to kill apartment-collected cockroaches, these results suggest that pyrethroid resistance is a major factor contributing to the failure of TRFs. Multiple mechanisms of resistance, including metabolic detoxification of the pyrethroids and kdr mutations that confer target-site insensitivity, suggest that TRFs would lack efficacy against German cockroaches in residential settings, where high levels of pyrethroid resistance have been documented globally.

Exposure risks and ineffectiveness of total release foggers (TRFs) used for cockroach control in residential settings

BackgroundThe German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is one of the most challenging pests to eradicate from indoor environments. Professional pest control is often prohibitively expensive, prompting low-income residents to turn to over-the-counter consumer products, including total release foggers (TRFs, “bug bombs”). Despite their widespread use, little is known regarding either the associated pesticide exposure risks or the efficacy of TRFs.MethodsCockroach-infested homes were recruited into the study. Wipe samples were collected from various surfaces before TRFs were discharged, immediately after, and one month later to determine pesticide exposure risks in 20 homes (divided equally among four different TRF products). Simultaneously, cockroach populations were monitored in all homes to assess the efficacy of TRFs. In parallel, 10 homes were treated with gel baits (divided equally between two bait products), to compare TRFs to a more targeted, low-risk, do-it-yourself intervention strategy.ResultsTRFs failed to reduce cockroach populations, whereas similarly priced gel baits caused significant declines in the cockroach populations. Use of TRFs resulted in significant pesticide deposits throughout the kitchen. Across all products, pesticides, and horizontal kitchen surfaces, pesticide residues following TRF discharge were 603-times (SEM ±184) higher than baseline, with a median increase of 85 times.ConclusionsThe high risks of pesticide exposure associated with TRFs combined with their ineffectiveness in controlling German cockroach infestations call into question their utility in the marketplace, especially because similarly priced and much safer bait products are highly effective in the indoor environment.