Evaluation of Repellency and Lethal Effects of Ultrasonic Waves on the Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

BACKGROUND: The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Insecta: Blattodea, Blattellidae), which occurs widely in human buildings, is a small cockroach species. Cockroach control chemical pesticides are toxic to the environment, and it is sometimes impossible to prevent them. Controlling Blattella germanica through ultrasonic waves can be efficient and less dangerous for the environment. METHODS: In this study, the repellency and lethal effect of ultrasonic waves on male and female German cockroaches was tested in a twin glass cubic chamber at laboratory condition. The wave frequencies tested ranged from 20 to 100kHz with 5kHz steps. A signal generator generated these frequencies, and the piezoelectric transmitter of these ultrasonic waves was positioned in the chamber's center on the upper side. RESULTS: Fisher's test showed that there was the greatest repellency effect in both male and female at frequencies of 35 and 40kHz. According to the results of the regression test, the most lethal effect is at the frequencies of 40 and 75kHz. CONCLUSION: The operating ultrasonic frequencies investigated in this study can be used to repel and kill German cockroaches as pests endangering human health and environment.