A program to reduce pesticide spraying in the indoor environment: evaluation of the 'Roach Coach' project.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of a pilot integrated pest management (IPM) program in controlling cockroaches in an apartment complex, without pesticide sprays.


METHODS
A brief educational session and booklet were provided to tenants. Non-spray pest control methods were promoted. A telephone questionnaire was administered at pre- and post-test to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants. Cockroach counts were determined at pre- and post-test. The type and frequency of pesticide treatments were monitored prior to and during the 8-month IPM demonstration period.


RESULTS
Overall, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants improved after the IPM intervention. There was a significant shift in treatment type away from spraying towards more paste/gel treatments. Cockroach levels tended to be lower after IPM compared with before.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief educational session and booklet can influence building residents to accept and comply with an IPM program. This program can be effective in controlling cockroaches without pesticide sprays.
Campbell
M E
ME
Toronto Public Health. mcampbe2@city.toronto.on.ca
Dwyer
J J
JJ
Goettler
F
F
Ruf
F
F
Vittiglio
M
M
D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D003058:Cockroaches; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009864:Ontario; D010174:Pamphlets; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007306:Insecticides