Entomology Research -- IPM of the Future

The following research updates are from various pest control-related studies that were published in the Journal of Economic Entomology. To subscribe, call 301/731-4535.

Appel, A.G. and L.M. Smith II. 1999. Perception and repellency of moving air by American and smokybrown cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 92(1): 170-175.

The authors report that moving air is repellent to all stages of smokybrown and American cockroaches at velocities greater than or equal to one meter per second. This strategy can be used to repel these two cockroach species from sensitive environments and force them to move to habitats less suitable for survival and reproduction. Examples given by the authors include increasing airflow through sewers, in building air ducts and in the attics of homes. However, they raise one possible issue associated with increased air movement, i.e., the increased distribution of arthropod allergens throughout structures.

Ross, M.H. 1998. Response of behaviorally resistant German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) to the active ingredient in commercial bait. Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(1): 150-152.

This study was designed to provide follow-up on an earlier study that found low-level chlorpyrifos-resistant German cockroaches were repelled by a commercial bait (Raid Max) containing chlorpyrifos. Selection increased behavioral resistance but not physiological resistance. This study investigated whether the resistance was due to the active ingredient or the bait formulation. The results of the study indicated that repellency in chlorpyrifos-resistant German cockroaches was due to the active ingredient (chlorpyrifos) and not the bait material. Considering the development of new active ingredients for cockroach baits, e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid, etc., in my opinion, there is no rationale for resorting to older active ingredients with a history of German cockroach resistance.

Arthur, F.H. 1998. Residual studies with cyfluthrin wettable powder: toxicity toward red flour beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) exposed for short intervals on treated concrete. Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(1): 309-319.

The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective rate of application (using label application rates) of cyfluthrin WP that would be needed to effectively control red flour beetles on concrete. The study also evaluated survival and recovery rates after short-term exposure to cyfluthrin WP applied to concrete, survival patterns with time and residual control (10% survival rate) of red flour beetles. Using the minimum label rate of application (100 mg) required 3.7 to 10.5 times the exposure time to achieve the same level of control as the maximum label rate of application (200 mg). Using an exposure interval of one-half hour to four hours, four applications of the 100 mg concentration would be required to achieve the same level of control as the 200 mg rate of application. This study clearly demonstrates that for red flour beetle control using cyfluthrin WP more is better, i.e., longer exposure time and/or higher concentration. Considering all factors, the higher rate of application is more effective and economical.

Smith II, L.M., A.G. Appel, T.P. Mack and G.J. Keever. 1998. Comparison of conventional and targeted pesticide application for control of smokybrown cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattidae) in three urban areas of Alabama. Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(2): 473-479.

This study compared targeted insecticide applications (baits and sprays) and perimeter insecticide applications for the control of smokybrown cockroaches. The products used in the study were hydramethylnon gel bait, chlorpyrifos granular bait and deltamethrin suspension concentrate (0.1% and 0.5%). The gel bait was applied on vertical surfaces and into cracks; the pellet bait was applied to the ground near potential harborage sites; the targeted liquid application of approximately 3 quarts (0.1%) was applied with a plastic extension tip into exterior cracks and crevices; and the perimeter spray (0.5%) was applied approximately 10 feet out from the house and 3 feet up the wall at a rate of approximately 4 gallons per 1,100 square feet.

The study clearly indicated that the use of targeted applications (baits and liquid) were far more effective than perimeter treatments in controlling smokybrown cockroaches around homes in Alabama. Targeted applications had the additional benefits of a 97% reduction in pesticide use, reduced time needed for the application and beneficial environmental considerations, i.e., reduced risk of human and non-target animal exposure. Benefits to pest control operators include reduced liability, more effective control, reduced cost and reduced equipment requirements.

Liang, D., A. Zhang, R.J. Kopanic, Jr., W.L. Roelofs and C. Schal. 1998. Field and laboratory evaluation of female sex pheromone for detection, monitoring, and management of brownbanded cockroaches (Dicty-optera: Blattellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(2): 480-485.

This study reports on the use of supellapyrone, the synthetic sex pheromone of the female brownbanded cockroach, to enhance traps and baits designed for monitoring and control of this cockroach species. When compared to commercial baits, jar traps enhanced with the pheromone captured twice as many brownbanded cockroaches. The use of a food attractant with the pheromone further increased the number of cockroaches captured during the study. While the use of pheromone-enhanced traps probably will not result in population eradication, it will undoubtedly affect reproduction by removing most of the males and can be instrumental in pinpointing the foci of infestations. Pinpointing the foci of infestations allows for the targeted application of baits and other insecticides, reducing reliance on broadcast applications of insecticides to achieve control. The activity of this pheromone has been known for almost 10 years. Hopefully, it won’t be another 10 years before we see the pheromone available to the industry.

Alali, F.Q., W. Kaakeh, G.W. Bennett and J.L. McLaughlin. 1998. Annonaceous acetogenins as natural pesticides: potent toxicity against insecticide-susceptible and insecticide-resistant German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 91(3): 641-649.

Annonaceous acetogenins are natural fatty acids with long chain hydrocarbons derived from trees and shrubs in the family Annonaceae. These compounds are potent inhibitors of NADH and this effect leads to adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) deprivation and death. There are several classes of these compounds that have varying degrees of potency. The authors reported that a concentration of 1,000 parts per million produced mortality and caused delays in nymphal development when the product was fed continuously to German cockroaches. Because of their slower mode of action and opportunity for distribution throughout the colony, several of these plant derivatives have potential as baits for termites and ants. Other derivatives with quicker knockdown are more suitable for cockroach control where a quick kill is more desirable. Will these plant-derived products be the bait active ingredients of the future? Perhaps, as long as they are efficacious, readily available, economically feasible and environmentally sound.

Dr. Richard Kramer is a board certified entomologist and president of Innovative Pest Management, Brookeville, Md. He also serves as technical director of American Pest Management, Takoma Park, Md. He can be reached at 301/570-7138.