Seasonality and population dynamics of German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera:Blattellidae) in single family dwellings in Texas /
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | , , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1989.
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Year-long studies on seasonality and population dynamics of German cockroaches in treated and untreated single family dwellings located in Texas were conducted. Results can be useful in designing and implementing integrated pest management strategies for this pest. Two treatment strategies (homeowner-applied Raid and professionally-applied Dursban L.O.) resulted in 100% mortality of German cockroaches. However, homeowner applied treatments tended to occur more frequently and resulted in more insecticide usage than was the case with the professionally applied treatments. There was evidence of extreme seasonality in the untreated homes with respect to cockroach population quantification underscoring the necessity for untreated controls in blatticide efficacy tests. Strong population fluctuations in untreated homes was positively correlated with temperature and photoperiod and negatively correlated with barometric p res s u re. Data collected on positive control populations of cockroaches indicated that during the summer months the populations experienced low rate s of mortality and high rates of increase while those during the fall months experienced very high mortality rates but moderate rates of increase. Winter populations experienced moderate mortality rates but low rates of increase. Field populations were clearly limited with respect to population growth potential. Sex ratios never deviated from 1:1. Qualitatively, the populations in both homes consisted largely of small nymphs with significant deviations from expected ratios of small nymphs to other age classes rarely occurring but showing no consistent trends neither seasonally nor qualitatively.. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Entomology." |
| Physical Description: | xi, 65 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |