Insecticidal Effect of Cockroach Baits and their Persistent Efficacy Against the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica

Abstract

Cockroaches are a not only nuisance insects but also have medical importance as they mechanically propagate various pathogens. To date, baits have been widely suggested for use in cockroach control. In this study, we investigated the insecticidal effects of three Korean baits-Korea Combat Ultra Slim (K-CUS), Korea Combat Power (K-CP), and Korea Zaps Dual Bait (K-ZDB)-and three US baits-US Combat Source Kill Max (US-CSKM), US Hot Shot MaxAttrax Roach Bait (US-HSM), and US Raid Double Control Small Roach Bait (US-RDC)-on the German cockroach (Blattella germanica). Among the six baits, three (K-CUS, K-CP, and US-CSKM), the main active ingredients of fipronil, showed rapid and strong insecticidal efficacy. In addition, we compared the persistence of the insecticidal effects of K-CUS and K-CP 6 months and 12 months after initial opening. Insecticidal effects of both baits decreased over time, but the mortality rates of cockroaches exposed to 6-monthand 12-month-aged baits were over 90%, suggesting that these baits can maintain their insecticidal effect for at least one year after indoor installation.