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Why do aerosol insecticides fail against cockroaches?

Aerosol insecticides do not eliminate all cockroaches, especially German ones. Scientists from Kentucky and Auburn emphasize the need for new control strategies....
Author: Patricia Alegsa
15-08-2024 14:19







  1. The Ineffectiveness of Common Insecticides
  2. Pyrethroid Resistance
  3. Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Insecticides
  4. New Strategies for Pest Control

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The Ineffectiveness of Common Insecticides



Common aerosol insecticides, widely available on the market for pest control, have proven to be ineffective at eliminating cockroaches in domestic settings, according to research conducted by scientists from the University of Kentucky and Auburn University.

These experts have questioned the usefulness of these products, describing them as of “little or no value” in the fight against German cockroach infestations (Blattella germanica), one of the most problematic species in homes and buildings around the world.

Laboratory tests revealed that residual insecticides, designed to be applied to surfaces where cockroaches are likely to appear, have minimal impact on their population.

In fact, aerosols and liquids containing pyrethroid insecticides manage to kill less than 20% of cockroaches exposed to treated surfaces. This low effectiveness highlights the urgent need to develop new strategies for effective control of these pests.


Pyrethroid Resistance



One of the critical factors identified in the research is the resistance of German cockroaches to pyrethroid insecticides.

Previous studies had already indicated that this species has developed a remarkable resistance to these compounds, making their eradication through conventional methods difficult.

Johnalyn Gordon, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that many cockroaches within households have some degree of resistance to these products.

“As far as we know, there has not been a documented population of German cockroaches susceptible to pyrethroids in decades,” says Gordon, highlighting the need to reconsider current pest control strategies.


Factors Affecting the Effectiveness of Insecticides



Researchers also noted that the type of surface where insecticides are applied can influence their effectiveness.

For example, it was found that drywall performs worse compared to surfaces like ceramic tiles and stainless steel.

Additionally, the behavior of cockroaches, which tend to avoid treated areas, also reduces exposure to insecticides.

A recent independent study corroborated that resistant German cockroaches avoid prolonged contact with treated surfaces, which accentuates the difficulty of controlling them with conventional methods.


New Strategies for Pest Control



Given the ineffectiveness of common insecticides, experts suggest considering more effective alternatives, such as gel or liquid baits that attract cockroaches to a food source laced with a slow-acting insecticide.

Additionally, the importance of accessing professional pest control services that implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which combines different methods for more effective management, is emphasized.

However, it is acknowledged that these services are not always accessible or affordable, especially in low-income areas where cockroach infestations are common.


The research highlights the need to innovate in the development of new technologies and strategies that close management gaps and provide effective and accessible pest control solutions across all sectors of society.

Creating new active ingredients and modes of action could be key to effectively addressing this issue.



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