Attractiveness of Certain Popular Food Products to the German Cockroach, Blattella germanica, Adults under Field Conditions

Abstract

The attractiveness of twenty seven materials (11 of fresh vegetables, 8 of plant seeds, and 8 of oily materials) to adult male and female of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica, was evaluated singly and as mixtures under field conditions. The comparison of attractiveness was done between materials in the same group and between the most attractive materials of each group. Results showed that fresh coriander leaves, dill leaves, and zucchini fruit were the most attractive materials of the green vegetables group to both sexes and a combination of coriander leaves and zucchini fruit increased the number of attracted male and female cockroaches. In case of plant seeds, roasted peanut was the most attractive to males and females, whereas peanut butter was the most attractive from oily materials. A mixture composed of equal amounts of roasted peanut, coriander oil, fresh coriander leaves, and zucchini fruit attracted more cockroaches than peanut butter. Addition of cockroach's feces to the mixture increased its attractiveness against cockroaches.

The different aspects of attractive toxic baits containing fipronil for control of the German cockroach (Blattella germanica)

“…Interestingly, the results of our food consumption analysis showed that very little peanut butter, especially the roasted form, was eaten, although Khoobdel et al [26] (2020) had reported that the odour of peanut butter, especially the roasted type, significantly attracted the German cockroaches [26]. Thus, the odour of roasted peanut could dramatically enhance bait attractiveness (Table 5) but did not enhance the bait consumption rate [27]. Ibrahim et al [27] (2017), also reported that roasted peanut was highly attractive to both male and female cockroaches [27], but suggested that a mixture of roasted peanut, fresh coriander leaves, zucchini fruit and coriander oil attracted even more cockroaches than peanut butter [27].…”

“…Thus, the odour of roasted peanut could dramatically enhance bait attractiveness (Table 5) but did not enhance the bait consumption rate [27]. Ibrahim et al [27] (2017), also reported that roasted peanut was highly attractive to both male and female cockroaches [27], but suggested that a mixture of roasted peanut, fresh coriander leaves, zucchini fruit and coriander oil attracted even more cockroaches than peanut butter [27]. Thus, bait attractiveness could potentially be further enhanced by including these odours.…”

“…The feeding behavior and food preferences of cockroaches have been studied by many researchers [3,22,[24][25][26][27][28]. The reproductive needs of B. germanica affects the food preference, resulting in a sex-difference preference.…”

A Survey of Potentially Pathogenic-Incriminated Arthropod Vectors of Health Concern in Botswana

“…Human-mediated activities and socio-economic status within communities contribute to the abundance and persistence of arthropod vector burdens and associated direct and indirect implications [ 34 , 35 ]. For instance, provision of suitable refugia across macro and microhabitats [ 37 ], proximity to several alternative hosts [ 38 ], poor living conditions [ 39 ], feeding preferences and host availability [ 40 ] are key in attracting and influencing population increases of arthropod vectors. However, in some arthropod vectors (e.g., lice), improved personal hygiene [ 41 , 42 ], enhanced socio-economic livelihood [ 43 ] and acquisition of appropriate knowledge [ 44 ] remain crucial in suppressing their burden.…”