Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The students and staff were actively involved in numerous outreach activities in 2007. In addition, graduate students and staff participated in the 16th Annual UCR Urban Pest Management Conference on March 29, 2007. Posters and oral presentations of research were made. Approximately, 275 individuals attended the conference. Presentations of research data were made at Pest-Ed 2007 Seminars conducted by Pest Control Operators of California and Univar Corporation; Target Specialty Products Annual Seminars in Las Vegas, NV, Ontario, CA, and Ventura, CA; the Pest World 2007 Convention in Dallas, TX, and the 2007 Nebraska Urban Pest Management Conference. Technical presentations were made at the Pacific Branch of the Entomological Society of America, the National Entomological Society of America meetings, and the 51st Livestock Insect Workers' Conference and the 9th International Symposium on Ectoparasites of Pets.
PARTICIPANTS: Two Staff Research Associates, a Laboratory Assistant Step III, and a Masters graduate student were actively involved in the project. They provided technical support and outreach activities during the year. Various veterinary clinics through out the United States provided cat flea eggs for our resistance monitoring study. We also worked in conjunction with researchers at Auburn University Veterinary School. The UCR Urban Pest Management Conference is our major training and professional development projects. This event provides pest control professionals the opportunity to earn educational hours towards their professional license.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Our primary audiences are the urban pest management professional and veterinarians. The focus is to provide the most up-to-date information regarding arthropod pests, integrated pest management, and environmental issues in urban settings. We are routinely called upon by the public to assist them with insect identifications and questions about pests.
Impacts
The project has resulted in a better understanding of the role of insecticides in controlling Argentine and red imported fire ants. Horizontal transfer of insecticides is an important factor leading to the control of Argentine ants. This research has lead to strategies that reduce the amount of insecticide applied around structures. The project continues to focus on the potential use of baits to control Argentine ants. Research with various fire ant baits indicates that new fast-acting active ingredients such as indoxacarb may change our current treatment strategies. Drought and natural wild fires adversely affected yellowjacket populations in southern California. Bait studies in northern California suggest that number of workers recruited to stations may greatly affect the efficacy of baits. Low recruitment to baits resulted in resurgence of yellowjacket numbers later in the season. We maintain a large insecticide resistance monitoring program to determine the
effectiveness of on-animal treatments to control cat fleas. The project involves the testing and maintenance of cat flea populations provided by veterinarians through out the United States.
Publications
- Klotz, J. H., M. K. Rust, L. Greenberg, H. C. Field, and K. Kupfer. (2007). An evaluation of several urban pest management strategies to control Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 50: 1-8.
- Kabashima, J. N., L. Greenberg, M.K. Rust, and T. D. Paine. (2007). Aggression in territories between Solenopsis invicta and Linepithema humile (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) under laboratory conditions. J. Econ. Entomol. 100: 148-154.
- Rust, M.K. (2007). Pesticide resistance: challenges and future directions. Page 36 to 41 in Proc. 51st Livestock Insect Workers' Conference and 9th International Symposium on EctoParasites of Pets. Lexington, KY.
- Greenberg, L., Kabashima, J.N., Allison, C., Rust, M.K., Klotz, J.H., and T. D. Paine. (2007). Lethal dose-response curves of several ant species of fire ant venom. Page 68 in Proc.2007 Annual Imported Fire Ant Conference, Gainesville, FL.
- Rust, M.K. and D.A. Reierson. (2007). Cockroaches. UCANR Pest Notes. Pub # 7467. 7 p.
- Field, H.C., J.H. Klotz, M.K. Rust, and K. Kupfer. (2007). On target. Pest Contr. 35: 75,77,79,80.
- Rust, M.K. (2007). Preface- metaflumizone- a new ectoparasiticide for dogs and cats. Vet. Parasitol. 150: 161-162.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Argentine ants are the most important urban insect pest problem in California and a serious problem in agriculture, especially for organic growers. Liquid boric acid baits were tested in organic citrus groves and provided reduced ant activity over the 11 weeks. Baits containing 1% boric acid reduced ant activity up to 76 m from the bait stations. In coastal vineyards, thiamethoxam baits mixed at 0.0001% reduced Argentine ant activity. The mealybug populations and their damage also decreased in the vineyards because of increased parasitoid activity. Basic behavioral research in to the mechanism by which ants recognize honey-dew producing homopteran insects and their parasitoids indicates that chemical cues are important. Argentine ants recognize parasitoids of brown soft scales by their cuticular hydrocarbons. The ants learn to recognize both the scales and parasitoids as they forage on infested plants. The brown soft scales reduce the aggression of naive ants by
providing ants droplets of honeydew. Thea nts quickly learn to tend the scales and protect them from wasps. The susceptibility of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, to imidacloprid was determined for more than 700 field-collected isolates collected from the United States and Europe. The isolates were evaluated with a diagnostic dose of 3-ppm imidacloprid incorporated in to larval rearing media was established. The diagnostic dose of 3 ppm is robust enough to eliminate most of the susceptible strains and yet low enough to identify possible isolates for further testing. Probit anaylses were conducted on about 6 of these isolates, but none of them were resistant to imidacloprid.
Impacts
Ants remain the number one pest in urban environments and important pest in citrus and vineyards thorough out California. The success of biological control programs is dependent on the reduction of ants that protect parasitoids and natural enemies of pests of citrus and grapes. This is especially true for organic growers that are limited in the insecticides that can be applied. The registration of baits for agriculture to control ants is a major focus of our research program. The development of insecticide resistance by cat fleas to insecticides that are used to topically treat cats and dogs would be disastrous. Topical application of fipronil and imidacloprid has revolutionized cat flea control. The intensive monitoring program that has been developed is the first step in preventing the development of resistance. It is the first such program to be developed in the animal care industry. The development of baits for ant and yellowjacket control is an important step in
reducing the amount of chemical applied urban environments. There are a number of novel and new insecticides that look promising. The laboratory and field studies are ongoing and the first step in developing these new active ingredients.
Publications
- Blagburn, B.L., M.D. Dryden, P. Payne, M.K. Rust, D.E. Jacobs, R. Bond, M.J. Hutchinson, I. Denholm, H. Melhorn, M. Vaughn, N. Mencke, I. Schroeder, J. Hostetler, and M. Endrizzi. 2006. New methods and strategies for monitoring susceptibility of fleas to current flea control products. Vet. Therapeutics 7: 86-98.
- Choe, D.-H. and M.K. Rust. 2006. Homopteran chemical signatures reduce aggression of tending ants. Chemoecology 16: 175-178.
- Choe, D.-H, and M. K. Rust. 2006. Agonistic behavior of Argentine ants to scales and scale parasitoids and their cuticular extracts. Sociobiology 48: 799-818.
- Daane, K.M., K.R. Sime, B.N. Hogg, M.I. Bianchi, M. L. Cooper, M.K. Rust, and J.H. Klotz. 2006. Effects of low-dose insecticide baits on Argentine ants in California's coastal vineyards. Crop Protection 25: 552-603.
- Greenberg, L., J. H. Klotz, and M. K. Rust. 2006. Liquid borate baits for control of Argentine ant, Linepithema humile in organic citrus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Fl. Entomol. 89: 469-474.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Invasive ant species are frequently transported in potted plants and the nursery industry faces a major challenge in producing potted plants free of ants. Tests were conducted to determine if pieces of plastic impregnated with permethrin would serve as barriers to red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, and Argentine ants, Linepithema humile. Brief exposure of 1 minute provided complete knockdown within 15 minutes, but 70% and 5% of the Argentine and red imported fire ants recovered in 24 hours, respectively. A 1-cm-wide coil of impregnated plastic was sufficient to prevent ants from establishing colonies in flower pots with soil. Field and laboratory evaluations of ant baits to control Argentine ants, red imported fire ants, and yellowjackets are ongoing. Promising active ingredients included thiamethoxam, indoxacarb, and metaflumizone. Minced chicken baits treated with 0.1% fipronil or 0.1% imdicaloprid failed to provide control the western yellowjacket, Vespula
pensylvanica. Intensive trapping with Reierson traps or Victor traps reduced the numbers of foraging yellowjackets and the number of stinging incidents. However, yellowjacket numbers were still unacceptably high at the end of the season. The susceptibility of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, to imidacloprid was determined for five laboratory and 12 field-collected strains. The probit lines generated by different laboratories provided similar LD50 values ranging from 0.32 to 0.81 ppm. With this data a diagnostic dose of 3-ppm imidacloprid incorporated in to larval rearing media was established. From 2002-2005, this diagnostic dose has been evaluated against over 700 flea isolates collected from the United States and Europe. The diagnostic dose of 3 ppm is robust enough to eliminate most of the susceptible strains and yet low enough to identify possible isolates for further testing. Probit anaylses were conducted on about 6 of these isolates, but none of them were resistant to
imidacloprid.
Impacts
In the last 5 years, nurseries in southern California have spent millions of dollars in treating potted plants to kill red imported fire ants. Huge amounts of insecticide have been applied and some of it has entered the water shed. The development of plant pots that prevent ants from establishing colonies in them would eliminate the need for these massive chemical treatments. The plastic impregnated with permethrin would reduce the potential for pollution of the environment. The development of insecticide resistance by cat fleas to insecticides that are used to topically treat cats and dogs would be disastrous. Topical application of fipronil and imidacloprid has revolutionized cat flea control. The intensive monitoring program that has been developed is the first step in preventing the development of resistance. It is the first such program to be developed in the animal care industry. The development of baits for ant and yellowjacket control is an important step in
reducing the amount of chemical applied urban environments. There are a number of novel and new insecticides that look promising. The laboratory and field studies are the first step in developing these new active ingredients.
Publications
- Costa, H.S., L. Greenberg, J. Klotz, and M.K. Rust. 2005. Response of Argentine ants and red imported fire ants to permethrin-impregnated plastic strips: foraging rates, colonization of potted soils, and differential mortality. J. Econ. Entomol. 98: 2089-2094.
- Rust, M.K. 2005. Advances in the control of Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) on cats and dogs. Trends Parsit. 21: 232-236.
- Rust, M.K., I. Denholm, M.W. Dryden, P. Payne, B.L. Blagburn, D.E. Jacobs, N. Mencke, I. Schroeder, M. Vaughn, H. Mehlhorn, N.C. Hinkle, and M. Williamson. 2005. Determining a diagnostic dose for imdicaloprid susceptibility testing of field-collected isolates of cat fleas (Siphonaptera; Pulicidae). J. Med. Entomol. 42: 631-635
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Liquid baits were tested for delayed toxicity against Argentine ants, Linepithema humile. Baits that provided 50% kill of workers between days 1 and 4 were considered to have delayed toxicity. Baits containing 1% boric acid, 5 x 10-4 to 5 x 10-3% imidacloprid, and 1 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-3% thiamethoxam had delayed toxicity. Two different liquid bait delivery systems were tested with 1 x 10-4% thiamethoxam + 25% sucrose bait in citrus groves. Water evaporation from bait stations was determined for each device and represents a major problem for some baits. Stations with large capacities (1000 ml) reduced the amount of maintenance and labor required to service them. Both bait stations provided good control of ants over 3 months. The potential effectiveness of insecticide barriers applied as perimeter against Argentine ants was evaluated. The horizontal transfer of bifenthrin, B-cyfluthrin, and fipronil from Argentine ants exposed to treated surfaces to non-exposed nest mates
was determined. Fipronil was readily transferred from one ant to another. Brief exposures to bifenthrin and B-cyfluthrin provided rapid knockdown and kill to donor ants and less was transferred to nest mates. Thus, there was little horizontal transfer. Three formulations of granular fipronil and a bait treatment of pyriproxfen followed by hydramethylnon baits were compared against red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In areas with heavy irrigation of golf course, the fipronil granules provided significantly better control than did the pyriproxyfen bait. A world-wide monitoring of cat flea populations, Ctenocephalides felis, for physiological resistance to imidacloprid (Advantage) is ongoing. Last year, about 125 field-collected isolates were tested. All of the strains tested were susceptible.
Impacts
Argentine ants are a major pest species in agricultural, urban and natural environments in California. In the past, the primary control recommendation has been the broadcast application of insecticides. However, data supports the limited applications of fipronil sprays to trails and nesting sites because the transfer of fipronil from treated surfaces to ants and the subsequent horizontal transfer to unexposed nest mates resulted in significant kill of worker ants. Limited treatments reduces the amount of insecticide applied around structures. In addition to killing workers, ant baits target the immature and reproductives in the colonies. Low concentrations of thiamethoxam and imidacloprid provided delayed toxicity and kill of Argentine ants. Field studies confirmed that 1 x 10-4% thiamethoxam + 25% sucrose water provided excellent control of Argentine ants. Fipronil granules applied to lawns and grass fairways on golf courses to control red imported fire ants provided
outstanding control. This is especially important because these landscapes are typically watered several times a day in the summer reducing the effectiveness of most treatments.
Publications
- Soeprono, A. M. and M. K. Rust. 2004. Strategies for controlling Argentine ants. Sociobiology 44: 1-14.
- Soeprono, A.M., and M K. Rust. 2004. Effect of horizontal transfer of barrier insecticides to control Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 97: 1675-1681.
- Hooper-Bui, L. M., M. K. Rust, and D. A. Reierson. 2004. Predation of endangered California least tern, Sterna antillarum browni by southern fire ant, Solenopsis xyloni (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 43: 1-18.
- Klotz, J. H., M. K. Rust, and P. Phillips. 2004. Liquid bait delivery systems for controlling Argentine ants in citrus groves (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 43: 419-427.
- Klotz, J. H., M. K. Rust, L. Greenberg, H. Costa, P. Phillips, C. Gispert, D. A.Reierson, and K. Kido. 2004. Directed sprays and liquids to manage ants in vineyards and citrus groves. J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 20: 31-40.
- Rust, M. K., D. A. Reierson, and J. H. Klotz. 2004. Delayed toxicity as a critical factor in the efficacy of aqueous baits for controlling Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 97: 1017-1024.
- Greenberg, L., D. A. Reierson, and M. K. Rust. 2004. Fipronil trials in California against Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Agric.Urban Entomol. 20: 221-233.
- Vobis, M., J. D'Haese, H. Melhorn, N. Mencke, B. L. Blagburn, R. Bond, I. Denholm, M. W. Dryden, P. Payne, M. K. Rust, I. Schroder, M. Vaughn, and D. Bledose. 2004. Molecular phylogeny of isolates of Ctenocephalides felis and related species based on analysis of ITS1, ITS2, and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences and random binding primers. Parasitol. Res. 94: 219-226.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Nitenpyram is a fast acting, orally administered flea treatment for cats and dogs, providing 100% kill of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, at the time of treatment and up to 24 hours. Between 24 and 48 hours, there was a 98.6% reduction in fleas. From 48 to 72 hours, there was only a 5% reduction in flea numbers. Foraging range of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, in urban situations extended at least 61 m. Fipronil sprays (0.06%) and aqueous sucrose baits (0.0001%) provided significant reductions for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the increase in ant populations was attributed to immigration of ants from untreated areas. Quantifying the impact of systemic insecticide treatments of plants infested with homopterans producing honeydew for Argentine ant control has proved difficult. Barrier sprays and granular treatments of pyrethroids have provided inconsistent control of Argentine ants. Baits containing low concentrations of fipronil, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam look
very promising.
Impacts
Argentine ants are the major pest in urban settings in California. The use of insecticides for ant control has been cited as one the major sources of insecticide pollution in bays and aquatic habitats in California. Our research into the use of alternative pest control strategies and baits looks extremely promising. The use of baits will dramatically reduce the amounts of pesticides applied in sensitive urban areas and reduce pollution of the watershed.
Publications
- Rust, M. K., D. A. Reierson, and J. H. Klotz. 2003. Pest management of Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formiciade). J. Entomol. Sci. 38: 159-169.
- Rust, M. K., M. W. Waggoner, N. C. Hinkle, D. Stansfield, and S. Barnett. 2003. Efficacy and longevity of nitenpyram against adult cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Puliciade). J. Med. Entomol. 40: 678-681.
- Vega, S. Y. and M. K. Rust. 2003. Determining the foraging range and origin of resurgence after treatment of Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in urban areas. J. Econ. Entomol. 96: 844-849.
- Hinkle, N. C. and M. K. Rust. 2003. Cat fleas. In: Encyclopedia of Insects, V. Resh and R. Carde, eds. Academic Press, New York. Pp. 156-158.
- Rust, M. K. 2003. Urban habitats. In: Encyclopedia of Insects, V. Resh and R. Carde, eds. Academic Press, New York. Pp. 1157-1158.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Concentrations of 10 and 20% sorbitol reduced boron assimilation in Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, by 38 and 67% respectively. Ionized borate molecule was lees toxic than the neutral boric acid species. Low concentrations of boric acid affect the microvilli and cells lining the midgut barrier sprays of lambda-cyhalothrin provided greater than 80% reductions in Argentine ant numbers. Combination baiting and spray programs against Argentine ants were effective in reduction ant populations over 10 wks. Barrier sprays applied at less than maximum rates and volumes provided approximately 2- to 4-wk reduction in ant counts. A larval bioassay for detecting resistance in cat flea populations, Ctenocephalides felis, was developed. Using a discriminating dose, the detection of reduced susceptibility in field strains can be determined with as few as 40 eggs.
Impacts
Boric acid has been a popular ingredient of ant baits because of its low mammalian toxicity and acceptance as a "natural" kind of insecticide. Our studies are designed to improve its uptake and toxicity and that would greatly enhance its effectiveness and utility. The survey of cat flea populations in the United States and Europe indicates that susceptibility to imidacloprid is still very high. Our data suggest that operational factors such as failure to treat pets properly, failure to treat all pets, and misidentifying the severity of the infestation on the pets are contributing to the reported failures of Advantage against cat fleas by veterinarians. Over 125 strains were screened for imidaclorid susceptibility during the summer of 2002. Such information should help conserve important insecticides such as imidacloprid for flea control.
Publications
- Rust, M.K., M. Waggoner, N. C. Hinkle, N. Mencke, O. Hansen, M. Vaughn, M.W. Dryden, P. Payne, B. Blackburn, D.E. Jacobs, T. Bach, D. Bledsoe, T. Hopkins, H. Melhorn, and I. Denholm. 2002. Development of a larval bioassay for susceptibility to imidacloprid. J. Med. Entomol. 39: 671-674.
- Hooper-Bui, L. M., A. G. Appel, and M. K. Rust. 2002. Preference of food particle size among several urban ant species. J. Econ. Entomol. 95: 1222-28.
- Klotz, J.H. M.K. Rust, H.S. Costa, D.A. Reierson, and K. Kido. 2002. Strategies for controlling Argentine ants (Hymnenoptera: Formicidae) with sprays and baits. Accepted by J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 19:85-94.
- Klotz, J.H., C. Amrhein, S. McDaniel, M.K. Rust, and D.A. Reierson. 2002. Assimilation and toxicity of boron in the Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Entomol. Sci. 37: 193-199.
- Rust, M.K., M. Waggoner, N.C. Hinkle, N. Mencke, O. hansen, M.B. Vaughn. 2002. Disruption of adult cat feeding by imdiacloprid. Suppl. Compend Contin Educ pract Vet 24: 4-5.
- Dryden, M.W., P.A. Payne, B.L. Blagburn, D.L. Bledsoe, I. Denholm, O. Hansen, T. Hopkins, D.E. Jacobs, H. Melhorn, N. Mencke, M.K. Rust, I. Schroeder, and M.B. Vaughn. 2002. Establishment of susceptibility profiles of cat fleas to imidacloprid and development of a program to monitor for imidacloprid susceptibility among cat fleas populations - a 2002 update. Suppl. Compend. Educ. Pract. Vet 24: 14-16.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The water-soluble dye Calcofluor M2R and Fluorescent Brightener 28 were readily consumed by Argentine ant, Linepithema humile. As little as 0.01 ng samples of each dye were detectable after ants feed on the dyed sucrose bait. With the aid of the dyes, the foraging range of L. humile around homes in urban settings was at least 61 m. L. humile workers ingested almost 12 times as much hydramethylnon in sucrose water per body weight as did queens. Queens require multiple feedings for increased mortality to occur. Evaporation of water from baits consisting of sucrose solutions is a major problem with many commercially available ant bait stations. Some stations lost as much as 60% of the water in 14 days. Laboratory rearing techniques were developed to rear three species of rodent fleas, Oropsylla montana, Hoplopsyllus anomalus, and Echidnophaga gallinacea. The fleas were confined to California ground squirrels maintained in specially designed nesting boxes.The life
histories of each species of flea were studied. An international monitoring program to detect the susceptibility of field -collected strains of cat flea, Ctenocephalides fleas, to imidacloprid was initiated in 2000. Novel larval bioassays were developed to determine the susceptibility of cat fleas to imidacloprid. The technique was verified on four laboratory strains at 3 independent laboratories. Field-collected strains of cat fleas were collected by veterinary clinics throughout the United States and Europe. All of the strains tested to date were susceptible to imidacloprid.
Impacts
Laboratory and field studies with baits to control Argentine ants clearly demonstrate that liquid baits containing sucrose are highly preferred by ants. New active ingredients such as imidacloprid, fipronil and thiamethaxom look extremely promising as bait toxicants because of their delayed toxicity and low repellency. These baits are readily transferred between workers and queens. Effective baits will eliminate the broad scale application of barrier insecticides and reduce the amounts of insecticides applied in urban settings. The survey of cat flea populations in the United States and Europe indicates that susceptibility to imidacloprid is still very high. Our data suggest that operational factors such as failure to treat pets properly, failure to treat all pets, and misidentifying the severity of the infestation on the pets are contributing to the reported failures of Advantage against cat fleas by veterinarians. Over 75 strains were screened for imidaclorid
susceptibility during the summer of 2001. Better training and education for practitioners are certainly warranted.
Publications
- Rust, M.K. 2001. Insecticides and their use in urban structural pest control, pp. 243-250. In R.I. Krieger (ed), Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology Second Edition, Vol. 1. Academic Press, San Diego.
- Blackburn, B.L., T. Bach, D.L. Beldsoe, I. Deholm, M.W. Dryden, O. Hansen, N.C. Hinkle, T. Hopkins, D.E. Jacobs, H. Mehlhorn, N. Mencke, P. Payne, M.K. Rust, M.B. Vaughn. 2001. Advantager International Flea Susceptibility Monitoring Initiative - 2001 Update. Suppl. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 23 4(A): 4-7.
- Rust, M.K., N.C. Hinkle, M.W. Waggoner, N. Mencke, O. Hansen, and M.B. Vaughn. 2001. The influence of inidacloprid on adult cat flea feeding. Suppl. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 23 4(A): 18-21.
- Metzger, M. and M.K. Rust. 2001. Laboratory techniques for rearing the fleas (Siphonaptera: Certophyllidae and Pulicidae) of California ground squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae) using a novel nest box. J. Med. Entomol. 38: 465-470.
- Hooper-Bui, L.M. and M.K. Rust. 2001. An oral bioassay for the toxicity of hydramethylnon to individual workers and queens of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile. Pest Manage. Sci. 57: 1011-1016.
- Rust, M.K., D.A. Reierson, E. Paine, and L.J. Blum. 2001. Seasonal activity and bait preferences of the Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 17: 201-212.
- Vega, S.Y. and M.K. Rust. 2001. Developing marking techniques to study movement and foraging of Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 37: 27-39.
- Vega, S.Y. and M.K. Rust. 2001. The Argentine ant - a significant invasive species in agricultural, urban and natural environments. Sociobiology 37: 3-25.
- Costa, H., L. greenberg, J. Klotz, and M.K. Rust. 2001. Monitoring the effects of granular insecticides for argentine ant control in nursery settings. J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 18: 13-22.
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Progress 01/02/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The oral toxicity of boron compounds to the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), was evaluated in laboratory tests. The ants were provided 25percent sucrose water containing 0.5 and 1percenta boric acid, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, and borax. Lethal times of these solutions were a function of the concentration of boron. In field tests, the ants showed no discrimination between disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and boric acid. There was a significant reduction in consumption of sucrose water with greater than1percent boric acid. Comprehensive laboratory baiting studies with the 4 insecticides abamectin, boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon were conducted against Argentine ant. Serial dilutions of each insecticide prepared in a 25percent sucrose solution were provided for 24 h or 14 d to groups of workers and queens. Sucrose?water bits containing 1 x 10-5 percent fipronil and 0.1percent hydramethylnon provided complete mortality of L. humile. Workers
baited for 24 h. Baits containing l x 10-4 and 1 x 10-5 percent fipronil provided 100percent kill of queens. In the continuous baiting. 0.5 percent boric acid, l x 10-6 percent fipronil, and 0.025percent hydramethylnon provided 100 mortality of workers. The queens and workers provided baits containing 1 x 10-5 percent fipronil and 0.5 percent boric acid all died within 14 d. Low concentrations of fipronil and boric acid in sucrose may be premising candidates for Argentine ant control.
Impacts
The public generally has a fear and aversion to insects and arthropods found in and around human structures. Some insects such as ants and cockroaches can become important structural pests and healthy problem. Others such as fleas and ticks can affect the health of companion animals. The research focuses on understanding the biology, ecology and physiology of insects and arthropods of urban importance. Special attention is given to physiological and behavioral processes such as social feeding in ants that might be exploited in control programs. The ultimate impact of this research will be the reduction in the dependence on insecticide treatments, the development of safer and less toxic approaches to insect control, and the implementation of more effective control strategies. Ants are currently the number one insect pest in urban environments and with the loss of organophosphates such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon other alternative treatments are needed. Over the next
five years the project will direct additional resources to developing ant control program, especially the development of baits to control ants in urban and agricultural settings. This avenue promises to dramatically reduce the amount of insecticides applied in and around homes and the runoff into urban watersheds.
Publications
- Hooper-Bui, L. M. and M. K. Rust. 2000. Oral toxicity of abamectin, boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon to laboratory colonies of Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 858-864.
- Klotz, J.H., L. Greenberg, C. Amrhein, and M.K. Rust. 2000. Toxicity and repellency of borate-sucrose water baits to Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 93:1256-1258.
- Rust, M. K. 2000. Silverfish, 44-45. In Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.
- Rust, M. K. 2000. Carpet beetles, 41-42. In Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.
- Rust, M. K. 2000. Clothes moths, 42-44. In Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.
- Merchant, M. E. and M. K. Rust. 2000. Psocids, 96-97. In Handbook of Household and Structural Insect Pests. Entomological Society of America, Lanham, MD.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Soils treated with diazinon and fipronil provided similar reductions in foraging of Argentine ants, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE, in potted plants. Soil-mixed treatments of fipronil provided greater than 90 percent control of workers where as diazinon provided less than 50 percent kill. Soil-mix treatments and broadcast treatments of fipronil killed all queens within 8 weeks whereas diazinon only killed workers. The distance and speed that worker L. HUMILE dispersed sucrose plus dye was 33, 48 and 54 m at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. The addition of 0.001 and 0.0001 percent fipronil to the sucrose plus dye decreased the distance and percentages of ants dyed. The effects of fipronil began within 24 hours. The bionomics of three species of fleas associated with California ground squirrels were determined at various temperature and relative humidities. HOPLOSYLLUS ANOMALUS and ECHIDOPHAGA GALLINACEA were more xeric adapted than OROPSYLLA MONTANA. O. MONTANA was highly
susceptible to desiccation when reared at less than 75percent RH. The larval rearing data corroborates the reported seasonal shift in adult flea abundance on wild squirrels.
Impacts
Fipronil granules applied to or mixed in potting soils will prevent Argentine ants from establishing nests in potted plants. The treatments kill both workers and queens. Sucrose is widely dispersed by workers in ant colonies and the addition of toxicants such as fipronil reduces that movement.
Publications
- Costa, H.S. and M.K. Rust. 1999. Mortality and foraging rates of Argentine ant, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE (Hymenoptera; Formicidae), colonies exposed to potted plants treated with fipronil. J. Agric. Urban Entomol. 16(1): 37-48.
- Ripa, R., F. Rodrigues, M. K. Rust, and I. Larral. 1999. Distribution of liquid food and bait in colonies of Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), pp. 225-229. IN Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference of Pests in Urban Environments. Prague, Czech Republic.
- Metzger, M. and M.K. Rust. 1999. Abiotic factors affecting development of epidemiologically important fleas (Siphonaptera) of California ground squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in southern California, USA, pp. 235-239. IN Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference of Pests in Urban Environments. Prague, Czech Republic.
- Rust, M.K. 1999. Urban entomology: past and present, pp. 1-7. IN Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference of Pests in Urban Environments. Prague, Czech Republic.
- Ripa, R.S., F.A. Rodriguez, and M.K. Rust. 1999. Las hormigas y su relacion con la agricultura. Rev. Fruticola 19: 85-92.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/01/98
Outputs
Granular bait containing 0.9% hydramethylnon suppressed southern fire ant colonies, SOLENOPSIS XYLONI, for up to 6 months. Area-wide baiting reduced loss of tern eggs and chicks attributed to ants by 40.4% within 4 years. Alate S. XYLONI emerged 2 hours before sunset from May to October in southern California. Abiotic factors that induced S. XYLONI to swarm include rainfall, relative humidity >60%, and wind speed < 8 km/h. Soil-mix treatments of fipronil killed >90% of worker Argentine ants, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE, at week 1 and all queens by week 4. Fipronil soil-mix prevented ants from establishing colonies in plant pots. To determine the activity of bait and spray treatments against Argentine ant, a monitoring system using 50% sucrose solution in vials was developed. One advantage to the sucrose monitoring stations is that it reflects long-term foraging (i.e. 24 hours) and does not depend on singular momentary observations which may vary with the time of day and
environmental conditions.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HOOPER, L.M., RUST, M.K., and REIERSON, D.A. 1998. Using bait to suppress the southern fire ant on an ecologically sensitive site (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology 31: 283-289.
- HOOPER, L.M., and RUST, M.K. 1998. Factors that induce emergence and flight of southern fire ant alates (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
- COSTA, H.S., and RUST, M.K. 1998. Mortality and foraging rates of Argentine ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) colonies exposed to potted plants treated with fipronil. J. Agricultural and Urban Entomology.
- REIERSON, D.A., RUST, M.K., and HAMPTON-BEESLEY, J. 1998. Monitoring with sugar water to determine the efficacy of treatments to control Argentine ants, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE (Mayr), pp. 78-82. In the Proceedings of the National Conference.
- BOSSARD, R.L., HINKLE, N.C., and RUST, M.K. 1998. Review of insecticide resistance in cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). J. Med. Entomol. 35: 415-422.
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Progress 06/01/92 to 09/01/97
Outputs
1) Field-collected strains of German cockroaches with low-level physiological resistance as measured by the time-mortality response method survived choice box tests with certain organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, indicating that these compounds would not be effective in the field. 2) Insecticides applied as perimeter barriers typically provide 30 d residual activity against Argentine ants. 3) Southern fire ant workers preferred food particles between 11-20 mesh (840-2,000 (mu)m), Maximal foraging occurred between 2 and 7 hours after sunset. 4) Up to 15 percent of adult cat fleas left one host for another. Host grooming accounted for mortality of adult fleas ranging from 8-47 percent. 5) Following egg collection, adult cat fleas emerged between days 12-24 at 26.7 degrees C, days 23-28 at 21.1 degrees C, and 47-56 days at 15.5 degrees C. Male prepuae and pupae develop 20 percent slower than do females. 6) Three different photoperiods did not affect daily or
total flea egg production. 7) Ten different museum pest were exposed to modified atmospheres containing below 0.1 percent oxygen. Typically the egg and pupal stages were most resistant. Firebrat and German cockroaches were killed within 24 hours, where as 192 hours were required to kill cigarette beetles.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- DRYDEN, M. W. and RUST, M. K. 1994. The cat flea: biology, ecology, and control. Vet. Parasitol. 52: 1-19.
- HOOPER, L. M. and RUST, M. K. 1997. Food preference and pattern of foraging activity of the southern fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 90: 246-253.
- HOOPER, L., RUST, M. K. and REIERSON, D. A. 1994. Patterns of foraging activity of the southern fire ant, Solenopsis xyloni (McCook), in a colony of an endangered bird species, p. 118. In: Proceedings of the National Conference on Urban.
- METZGER, M. E. and RUST, M. K. 1996. Egg production and emergence of adult cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) exposed to different photoperiods. J. Med. Entomol. 33: 651-655.
- METZGER, M. E. and RUST, M. K. 1996. Activity of insecticides applied to turfgrass to control adult cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. 89: 935-939.
- METZGER, M. E. and RUST, M. K.. 1996. Effect of temperature on cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) development and overwintering. J. Med. Entomol. 34: 173-178.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Twelve important insect pests of museums, including cockroaches, fabric pests, and beetles, were exposed to low oxygen atmospheres (below 0.1 percent). The egg and pupal stages typically required longer exposures to provide 100 percent kill than did larvae and adults. The longest exposure required to provide complete kill was 192 h against cigarette beetle, LASIODERMA SERRICORNE; the shortest exposure was 48 h against firebrats, THERMOBIA DOMESTICA. Cat fleas, CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS, reared at 15.5 degrees C had a higher incidence of late-emerging adults than did fleas reared at 21.1 degrees C and 26.7 degreesC. A few adults emerged as long as 120 days after being collected as eggs. Male prepupae and pupae develop 20 percent slower than did females. Three different photoperiods did not affect the daily of total egg production of cat fleas. When reared in short day length photo periods, adult fleas emerged several days later than did fleas reared at long day length
photo periods. The activity of commonly used insecticides applied to turf grass was tested against adult fleas, chlorpyrifos providing the best residual activity. Factors such as excessive temperature, sunlight, and irrigation may reduce the residual longevity of many of the insecticides tested.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- METZGER, M. E. and RUST, M. K. 1996. Effect of temperature on cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) development and over wintering. J. Med. Entomol, 34: 173-178.
- METZGER, M. E. and RUST, M. K. 1996. Egg production of adult cat fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) exposed to different photo periods. J. Med. Entomol. 33651-655.
- RUST, M. K., and DRYDEN, M. W. 1996. The biology, ecology, and management of the cat flea. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 42: 451-473.
- RUST, M. K., DANIEL, V., DRUZIK, J. R., and PREUSSER, F. D. 1996. The feasibility of using modified atmospheres to control insect pests in museums. Restaurator 17: 43-60.
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Insecticides were applied to the perimeter of homes to test the efficacy of treatments against Argentine ants, IRIDOMYRMEX HUMILIS. Treatments were applied as 1.8- to 2.4-m wide barriers around pathways, stepping stones, bases of trees, and the exterior of the structure. Barrier sprays of chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, and cypermethrin provided greater than 80 percent reductions in the number of ants trapped for at least 30 days. The combination of cyfluthrin spray and granules provided greater than 80 percent reductions at 60 days. Factors contributing to the poor longevity of barriers included heavy irrigation, dense ground cover, exposure to direct sunlight, and the alkaline nature of substrates treated. The influence of temperature, relative humidity, vapor pressure of the insecticide, and substrates on the activity of residual insecticides, especially the pyrethroids, against German cockroach, BLATTELLA GERMANICA, was outlined. Biotic factors such as cuticular
penetration, repellency, and resistance were discussed. Photoperiod did not affect the number of cat flea, CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS, eggs laid by adults. Photoperiod did not affect the time required to develop into adults. Southern fire ant, SOLENOPSIS XYLONI, was capable of breaching California least tern eggs and killing newly developing chicks. Granular baits containing hydramethylnon were successful in reducing the number of eggs and chicks attacked.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HOOPER, L. 1995. The biology of the southern fire ant, SOLENOPSIS XYLONI (McCook) and its predation of the California least tern, STERNA ANTILLARUM BROWNI (Mearns). M.S. Thesis, Univ. Calif., Riverside.
- METZGER, M.E. 1995. Photoperiod and temperature effects on the development of CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS (Bouche) and studies on its chemical control in turfgrass.M.S. Thesis, Univ. Calif., Riverside.
- RUST, M. K., HAAGSMA, K. and REIERSON, D.A. 1995. Barrier sprays to control Argentine ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J. Econ. Entomol. (In Press).
- RUST, M.K. 1995. Factors influencing control with insecticides, pp. 171-189. In:Understanding and Controlling the German Cockroach (M.K. Rust, J.M. Owens and D.A. Reierson, eds.). Oxford University Press, NY.
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
The photoperiod at which cat fleas, CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS, are reared did not affect developmental time. Photoperiod did not affect the fecundity of adult cats or alter development of the eggs laid by those adults. Rearing immature cat fleas at lower temperatures (15.6 degrees C) delayed their development and emergence. Extensive tests with cigarette beetle, LASIODERMA SERRICORNE, and furniture carpet beetle, ANTHRENUS FLAVIPES, indicate that modified atmospheres containing 0.3-0.9 percent O2 required about 4-6 days to provide complete kill of all stages. As relative humidity decreased or as temperature increased, the time required to kill all stages decreased. Insecticides were applied to the perimeter of homes to control Argentine ants, LINEPITHEMA HUMILE. Barrier sprays of 237 mg AI/m2 chlorpyrifos, 14.5 mg AI/m2 cyfluthrin, and 67.2 mg AI/m2 cypermethrin provided greater than 80 percent reductions in the number of ants trapped at 7 days. Chlorpyrifos provided
greater than 82 percent reductions for at least 30 days.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
Three field-collected strains of BLATTELLA GERMANICA were zero to moderate resistant to organophosphates, moderate to high resistant to carbamates, moderate to high resistant to cypermethrin and highly resistant to synergized pyrethrins. Choice box studies showed resistance lowered the efficacy of chlorpyrifos, diazinon and propoxin; indicating that these compounds would not be effective in the field. About 2-15 percent of adult cat fleas, CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS, moved from one host to another in 7 days. The percentage of unaccounted fleas ranged from 8-47 percent, highlighting the importance of host grooming. The likelihood of establishing new infestations by adult fleas transferring from one host to another exists. Six field-collected strains of cat fleas were tested for resistance against five commonly used insecticides. Two strains were resistant to chlorpyrifos and another was resistant to permethrin and synergized pyrethrins.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91
Outputs
Of 10 formulated baits tested, only mirex applied to granulated silkworm pupae provided delayed toxicity to Argentine ants, IRIDOMYRMEX HUMILIS. Hydramethylnon baits provided excellent kill of workers but did not exhibit delayed effects. Hydramethylnon baits provided significant reductions in the number of ants trapped for 60 days. Live German cockroaches, BLATTELLA GERMANICA, were trapped in 55 restaurants, 35 colonies were established and tested for chlorpyrifos resistance. Twenty strains had resistance ratios at LD50 greater than 10-fold. Resistance ratios were not associated with numbers trapped, level of sanitation, numbers of different insecticide products used, or the number of treatments per month. Exposures of museum pests such as German cockroaches (GC), confused flour beetles (CFB), firebrats (F), and cigarette beetles (CB) to low oxygen atmospheres (less than 0.1 ppm oxygen) provided complete kill to all stages of the insects. In general, the egg and
pupal stages are most resistant to the low oxygen atmospheres. Minimum times required to kill 100 percent of all stages of GC, CFB, F, and CB were 6, 72, 48, and 168 hours, respectively. Sixty-nine species of cockroach are now known from the continental U.S. and Canada. Twenty-four of these have been introduced from other countries. The rate at which species are being introduced is increasing, but most new immigrants are not domestic pests.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90
Outputs
Collections of ants were obtained from professional pest control personnel in four regions of California. Argentine ants, IRIDOMYRMEX HUMILIS, were the most common urban pest species (25.9 percent), followed by southern fire ant (19.3 percent), SOLENOPSIS XYLONI, odorous house ant (11.1 percent), TAPINOMA SESSILE, and carpenter ants (9.5 percent). Argentine ants were the most difficult to control based on the percentage of retreatments or call-backs for each species. Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the repellency and efficacy of 25 insecticides against I. HUMILIS. The repellency of formulated insecticides was ranked as granular less than EC less than dust less than WP. Chemical barrier sprays were applied as perimeter treatments of homes infested with I. HUMILIS. The thoroughness of the barrier was important in preventing ants from entering homes. Cyfluthrin sprays provided significant reduction for up to 30 days. Hydramethylnon formulated in
granulated silkworm pupae provided significant reductions in ants per station for at least 60 days. Smokybrown cockroaches, PERIPLANETA FULIGINOSA, have become an established urban pest in southern California. Perimeter treatments to control smokybrown cockroaches with granular propoxur bait and encapsulated diazinon sprays failed to provide satisfactory reductions. Dusts applied to sewer shafts to control American cockroaches, PERIPIANETA AMERICANA, provided excellent control for at least 1 month.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89
Outputs
Contact and residual exposure tests with various pyrethroid insecticides were conducted against adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche). In continuous exposure tests, residual deposits of wettable powder formulations were consistently more active than emulsifiable concentrates. Deposits of 0.001% cyfluthrin and cypermethrin WP produced 50% kill within 24 h. In contact exposure tests, cyfluthrin and bifenthrin provided an LC(50) of 0.008% and 4 x 10 %, respectively. In general, pyrethroids were extremely active against fleas, but the formulation and their availability in exposure tests are important limiting factors. Barrier sprays and application techniques were evaluated against Argentine ant, Iridomyrmex humilis, in typical urban situations. Barrier sprays of cyfluthrin WP provided significant reductions of ants trapped around structures. The thoroughness of the barrier application was extremely important. The best results were provided by spraying a
barrier around the structure and a perimeter of the property and spot treating areas likely to harbor nest sites.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88
Outputs
Pyrethroid insecticides were evaluated in the lab and field against German cockroaches (GC), Blattella germanica (L). When applied to glass, the LC(subscript 50) of cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyper-methrin, and tralomethrin at 24 h were 175.2, 73.1, 370, and 158 (mu)g/m(superscript 2) respectively. Surface oils interfered with pyrethroid activity, as little as 6.6 g corn oil/m(superscript 2) decreasing activity up to 6-fold. High toxicity of pyrethroids against GC did not translate into lower concentrations of spray in field applications. It is likely grease and oils reduced availability and resulted in higher rates. The activity of insecticides against the preemerged adult cat flea inside the cocoon was determined by directly spraying the cocoons and observing emergence of adults. Direct sprays of 0.5% trimethacarb WP and chlorpyrifos EC and WP provided > 70% kill. The order of activity was organophosphates > carbamates > pyrethroids. In general, pyrethroid and
proprietary aerosols failed to kill preemerged adults. Many sprays stimulated adult emergence from cocoons.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87
Outputs
Life tables for uninfected and fungal infected German cockroaches were determined. Cockroaches exposed to the fungus had a net reproductive rate (R(o)) of 0.42 and an intrinsic rate of increase (r(c)) of 0.0103 compared with 184.61 and 0.0519, respectively, for uninfected B. germanica. The total body water, lipid content, and cuticular permeability of normal and fungal infected German cockroaches were examined. Infected adults weighed less and had more body water than did normal adults. Cuticular permeability and lipid content of infected and uninfected cockroaches were not significantly different. Activity of insecticides against adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, were broadly categorized as follows: organophosphates > carbamates = synergized pyrethrins > pyrethroids. Activities of residual sprays were inversely related to density or depth of carpet. Adult cat fleas, C. felis, were exposed to increasing sound frequencies from 1 kHz to 200 kHz. There was no
increase in running, jumping or any escape behavior to any particular sound frequency. Exposure to pet collars producing ultrasound failed to produce a response from adult fleas.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/86 to 12/30/86
Outputs
Abnormal morphological effects of a fungal infection of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, include shortened antennae and seperated forewings. The examination of the forewings provides a reliable and nondestructive mechanism for detecting the mycosis. The contract and residual activity of bendiocarb WP and various formulations of chlorpyrifos were determined for larval and adult carpet beetles, Attagenus megatoma and Anthrenus flavipes. Contact chlorpyrifos sprays provided good adult contact kill, but failed to kill larvae. Bendiocarb provided moderate contact kill of adults and no kill of larvae. Residual deposits of chlorpyrifos on wool felt provided excellent larval kill for at least 3 months whereas bendiocarb lasted about 1 month. Synthetic pyrethroids such as cypermethrin, permethrin, fenvalerate and cyfluthrin provided poor contact and residual activity against adult and larval cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis. Sprays and aerosols containing the
insect growth regulators, methoprene or fenoxycarb, applied to carpets provided at least 12 months residual activity against larvae. Behavioral tests with adult cat fleas exposed to increasing frequencies of ultrasound ranging from 1 kHz to 200 kHz indicated that adult fleas were neither attracted or repelled by the ultrasound. Pet flea collars producing ultrasound (40 kHz) had no affect on adult flea behavior. Tests with ultrasonic flea collars on the host failed to reduce the level of flea egg production.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/85 to 12/30/85
Outputs
Cockroaches: A lethal yeast infection of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, was isolated and symptoms identified. The presence of shortened and curled antennae and twisted wings are diagnostic. Death occurred in 30 days. B. vaga and lituricollis did not aggregate or were repelled by their fecal material. Supella longipalpa aggregated only on their own papers. B. germanica nymphs aggregated on the papers of all species tested. Findings support theory that contaminated papers serve as a harborage marker; species that don't aggregate are repelled. Fleas: Surveys of cat fleas in southern CA indicated adult fleas on cats year round. More fleas were collected in spring than in fall or winter. Seasonal trends may be predicted by the following climatic factors: temperature> RH> precipitation. Younger cats had significantly greater numbers of fleas than did older cats. Pressurized sprays containing IGRs, fenoxycarb or methoprene, applied in homes infested with
cat fleas provided up to 60 day control. Aqueous sprays with propetamphos or microencapsulated diazinon also provided excellent control for 60 days.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/84 to 12/30/84
Outputs
Cockroaches-Aggregation responses of 3 of Blatella spp. and Supella longipalpa (SL) were tested. SL nymphs aggregated only to its own pheromone. B. germanica (BG) responded to papers contaminated by 3 species. The 2 species of Blatella collected in field sites did not aggregate or were repelled. There was not interagnostic responses between SL and BG nymphs. Baits containing amidinohydrazone provided good control of German cockroaches in low and moderate income apartments with as few as 12 bait stations. Cockroach baits were not attractive and their performance was dependent upon the repellency of the toxicant, proximity of competetive food and water, and critical placement in the apartment. Fleas-Female cat fleas Ctenocephalides felis begin laying eggs 2 days after the 1st blood meal. An average of 13.5 eggs/day/flea was obtained. The maximum number collected from a single flea was 432. On-host longevity of female fleas (-/+ = 11.2 days) was significantly
longer than that of males (-/+ = 7.2 days). Visual and thermal cues were the primary stimuli for orientation of adults to targets. Postpupal age was an important factor influencing orientation. Dark targets contrasted on light backgrounds were most attractive. Light, CO(2), and air currents stimulated locomotion.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/83 to 12/30/83
Outputs
Cockroaches: Field studies in apartments infested with German cockroaches showed that boric acid dusts and aerosols provided > 75% for at least 12 weeks. Encapsulated diazinon with and without boric acid also provided excellent control. Statistically significant control was achieved with as few as 8 bait stations containing amidinohydrazone per apartment. Twelve or more stations provided > 85% control for at least 12 weeks. Laboratory tests with ultrasonic pest control devices showed that American cockroaches were neither attracted or repelled by the devices and that cercus was not capable of perceiving ultrasound. There was no effect on the reproductive capacity, level of feeding, or behavior of mixed populations of German cockroaches in large arena tests. Fleas: Fecundity and on-host longevity studies of adult cat fleas showed that the average lifespan of female and male fleas is about 11 and 9 days, respectively. Female fleas laid about 13 eggs/day and about
158 eggs in her lifetime. Field surveys indicated that adult fleas are present on the host throughout the year even though environmental conditions are not suitable for larval development during the late fall and winter. The increase in the flea populations is more closely associated with increases in temperature than with humidity or rainfall.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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