Abamectin in the ambient air, on surfaces, and in food of dining facilities treated for cockroaches

Cochran (1985) reported that newly emerged adult female German cockroaches, Blattella qermanica (L.) (Blattodea: Blattellidae), exhibited high mortality at 10 d after feeding on avermectin B sub(1a) food bait at concentrations of 6.5 ppm and that survivors failed to reproduce. Abamectin baits gave good control of German cockroach infestations in houses during 8 and 12 wk test periods. Since no data have been published on the presence of abamectin in the ambient air, on surfaces or in exposed food in structures following their treatment with abamectin for cockroach control the following study was done.