Anwendungsbereich und Leistung von Giftködern bei Hausschädlingen 1

Efficacy and range of application of poison baits for controlling household insect pests . In practice, the control of some household insects turns out to be inadequate and insufficient, taking for example the Pharao ant ( Monomorium pharaonis L.) and cockroaches. The reason for this is not the inadequacy of the insecticide used but mistakes in method which seem almost inevitable with laymen. Two very highly attractive poison baits have been developed especially for the species mentioned above. In field experiments — provided that all of the infested area was treated — total eradication of the ant population was achieved. If single buildings, surrounded by other infested buildings, were treated alone eradication of the Pharao ant was successful. If the baits were left in place, re‐infestation from the surrounding area was prevented, — whereas in the use of contact insecticides, re‐infestation is inevitable. In the case of cockroaches, too, eradication is achieved by the use of poison baits. Re‐invasion, however, is more likely with cockroaches, as they are continuously brought in together with all kinds of goods. Leaving the baits in place will keep re‐infestation to a minimum. There is hope that, in practice, the application of baits will offer greater chances of success, since this method is practically foolproof in its application as compared to contact insecticides.