COMPARISON OF CONVENTIONAL AND TARGETED INSECTICIDE APPLICATION FOR CONTROL OF SMOKYBROWN COCKROACHES (DICTYOPTERA, BLATTIDAE) IN 3 URBAN AREAS OF ALABAMA

Targeted and conventional (perimeter spray) insecticide application st rategies were compared in 3 geographically distinct urban areas of Ala bama. Cockroach abundance in sticky traps did not correspond to the kn own north-south climate gradient in Alabama. Greatest mean catch was i n Mobile, and least in Auburn. Despite varying environmental and ecolo gical conditions across Alabama, similar reductions and recover), rate s of smokybrown cockroach abundance were observed in all 3 urban areas for 3 different treatments (perimeter spray, targeted spray, and e-ba it combination). A 2-bait combination was more effective in reducing s mokybrown cockroach catch than a conventional perimeter spray, whereas a 3-liter targeted spray performed as well as perimeter sprays. Less insecticide was applied using targeted applications than perimeter spr ays. Targeted applications of either baits or sprays did not require s ignificantly more time to apply than a perimeter spray.