Novel Extraction of German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Fecal Pellets Enhances Efficacy of Spray Formulation Insecticides

Abstract

Methanol extracts of German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), fecal pellets have limited use as pheromone attractants in the urban environment because of their unpleasant color and odor. To eliminate these characteristics, a novel aqueous extract of German cockroach feces was formulated. Fetal material was extracted with methylene chloride and mixed with water. The aqueous phase of the extract was colorless and relatively odorless compared with methanol fecal extracts. Aqueous extract was bioassayed and compared with methanol extracts for aggregation activity. The efficacy of chlorpyrifos and boric acid formulations was tested with and without the addition of fecal extracts. In tests with chlorpyrifos, the addition of the aqueous extract produced significantly greater mortality in young nymphs than either chlorpyrifos alone or chlorpyrifos + methanol extract. There were no differences in mortality between the 2 extract + boric acid treatments during the test period, and both enhanced mortality.

Brief exposure ofBlattella germanica(Blattodea) to insecticides formulated in various microcapsule sizes and applied on porous and non‐porous surfaces

“…The present findings are consistent with Albuquerque et al 34 who found that even 15 min exposure of B. germanica to residual deposits of an encapsulated pyrethroid, lambda‐cyhalothrin, caused only 94% mortality. This part of the present research suggests that spray residual formulations might be improved by the addition of arrestants or attractants35, 36 in order to inhibit pest movement and prolong exposure on the treated surface.…”

Use of Fecal Extract Trails to Enhance Trap Catch in German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) Monitoring Stations

“…The two-step extraction procedure yields an aqueous solution of the fecal material that is colorless, low odor, and suitable for use indoors. Bioassays conÞrmed that the aqueous extract also exhibits aggregation activity (Miller and Koehler 2000a). Miller and Koehler (2000b) subsequently documented German cockroach trail-following behavior in response to fecal extracts.…”

“…These characteristics have made the use of fecal extract impractical unless it was contained within traps (i.e., the Woodstream product) or inside bait stations. However, a process described by Miller and Koehler (2000a) was found to eliminate the color and foul odor associated with fecal extracts. The two-step extraction procedure yields an aqueous solution of the fecal material that is colorless, low odor, and suitable for use indoors.…”