Novel extraction of German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) fecal pellets enhances efficacy of spray formulation insecticides.
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.
Miller
D M
DM
Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Koehler
P G
PG
D000818:Animals; D020048:Blattellidae / Q000502:physiology*; D001888:Boric Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004390:Chlorpyrifos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008752:Methylene Chloride; D009812:Odorants; D010675:Pheromones; D014867:Water
D001888:Boric Acids; D007306:Insecticides; D010675:Pheromones; C010411:insect attractants; D014867:Water; D008752:Methylene Chloride; D004390:Chlorpyrifos; C032688:boric acid