PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a pilot integrated pest management (IPM) program in controlling cockroaches in an apartment complex, without pesticide sprays. METHODS: A brief educational session and booklet were provided to tenants. Non-spray pest control methods were promoted. A telephone questionnaire was administered at pre- and post-test to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants. Cockroach counts were determined at pre- and post-test. The type and frequency of pesticide treatments were monitored prior to and during the 8-month IPM demonstration period. RESULTS: Overall, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants improved after the IPM intervention. There was a significant shift in treatment type away from spraying towards more paste/gel treatments. Cockroach levels tended to be lower after IPM compared with before. CONCLUSION: A brief educational session and booklet can influence building residents to accept and comply with an IPM program. This program can be effective in controlling cockroaches without pesticide sprays.
PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a pilot integrated pest management (IPM) program in controlling cockroaches in an apartment complex, without pesticide sprays. METHODS: A brief educational session and booklet were provided to tenants. Non-spray pest control methods were promoted. A telephone questionnaire was administered at pre- and post-test to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants. Cockroach counts were determined at pre- and post-test. The type and frequency of pesticide treatments were monitored prior to and during the 8-month IPM demonstration period. RESULTS: Overall, the knowledge, attitudes and practices of tenants improved after the IPM intervention. There was a significant shift in treatment type away from spraying towards more paste/gel treatments. Cockroach levels tended to be lower after IPM compared with before. CONCLUSION: A brief educational session and booklet can influence building residents to accept and comply with an IPM program. This program can be effective in controlling cockroaches without pesticide sprays.
Authors: Megan K Williams; Dana B Barr; David E Camann; Linda A Cruz; Elizabeth J Carlton; Mejico Borjas; Andria Reyes; Dave Evans; Patrick L Kinney; Ralph D Whitehead; Frederica P Perera; Stephen Matsoanne; Robin M Whyatt Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2006-11 Impact factor: 9.031
Authors: Barbara L Brenner; Steven Markowitz; Maribel Rivera; Harry Romero; Matthew Weeks; Elizabeth Sanchez; Elena Deych; Anjali Garg; James Godbold; Mary S Wolff; Philip J Landrigan; Gertrud Berkowitz Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2003-10 Impact factor: 9.031