Pest News   |   August 10, 2018

Unique cockroach trial achieves effective control in tough environments

By Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management

Cockroach baits are pivotal tools for an integrated pest management approach, but applying the appropriate amount is critical for success. A recent trial conducted by Dr. Dini Miller from Virginia Tech evaluated two cockroach baits, Advion® Evolution Cockroach and Optigard® Cockroach Gel Baits from Syngenta, in multi-unit housing infested with German cockroaches. Advion Evolution, containing the active ingredient indoxacarb with MetaActive™ technology and an enhanced bait matrix, was used for the first three months. The bait was then rotated to Optigard Cockroach for another three months, which contains the active ingredient emamectin benzoate and affects cockroaches at two different target sites.

Using a unique assessment-based pest management protocol, Dr. Miller took an innovative approach by basing the quantity of bait applied in each apartment unit on the continual assessment (number) of cockroaches trapped on monitors. Apartment units were categorized based on the infestation level and baited accordingly. Units with high cockroach counts received the greatest volume of bait, medium cockroach counts received less bait and low cockroach counts received the lowest volume of bait.

Below is an example of the amount of bait applied after a 24-hour monitoring period, based on three Lo-Line Cockroach Trap monitors (two placed in the kitchen and one in the bathroom):

  • Trap catch > 500 cockroaches: apartment unit received 60 g
  • Trap catch > 100 cockroaches: apartment unit received 30 g
  • Trap catch 50-100 cockroaches: apartment unit received 15 g
  • Trap catch 1-50 cockroaches: apartment unit received 7.5 g

Results so far

 

This is study is ongoing, but to date, cockroach infestations have been reduced by an average of 95 percent, whether the starting population was low, medium or high (without asking residents to clean up or prepare for the treatment). Considering no other form of control was used and only cockroach bait was applied, this study documents how successful baiting can be when enough bait is applied and the infestation is continually assessed.

Bait rotation, along with monitoring and assessment-based baiting of the cockroach infestation, appears to be very successful in multi-unit housing. Monitors are excellent additions to any cockroach control program, as they are relatively inexpensive and effective in detecting low-level populations, and can be placed in areas vulnerable to pests like food storage rooms, closets and staff lounge rooms. They are also useful for detecting movement direction, species present and active life stages.Table 1: Results over a 120-day study period. Advion Evolution was applied for the first 90 days and Optigard Cockroach was applied for 30 days. This study is ongoing. (PPMU17531)

Use these learnings to ensure your own protocols are thorough and comprehensive for effective cockroach control results. To learn more about cockroach control, contact your Target Specialty Products representative or branch.

©2018 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties and/or may have state-specific use requirements. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Advion®, For Life Uninterrupted™, MetaActive™, Optigard® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks or service marks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368).