Arena test for evaluating chemical repellency in Blattella germanica (L.) (Orthoptera: Blattellidae)

A method of evaluating relative repellency of chemicals to Blattella germanica (L.) is presented. The procedure was based on providing adult male cockroaches, deprived of food and water for 24 hr, with the choice of entering one of several identically baited harborages placed inside a stainless steel arena (1 m diameter). Harborage placement inside the arena was according to a latin square design randomized in two directions. One harborage was a control, treated on the exterior with water, while exteriors of other harborages were treated with test chemicals. All treatments were applied to harborages using an air brush and an apparatus powered by a gear motor. The designs of the treatment apparatus and arena are described. Results indicate that the arena test can provide a valid measure of the relative repellent activity of chemicals