Cockroach Connoisseurs: How Contamination of Insecticidal Baits Affects German Cockroach Behavior

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are one of the most persistent and difficult pests to manage in urban environments, as infestations can reach massive numbers prior to detection and insecticide resistance is extremely common. The prevalence of resistance to common spray- based insecticides has popularized the use of gel baits, which are highly effective and can greatly reduce liquid residual insecticide application. However, the length of time required for gel baits to eliminate infestations can cause impatient pest control operators or unassuming homeowners to contaminate baits with a variety of different chemicals, including insecticides and cleaning products. There is a pre-existing notion that contamination of this type reduces bait efficacy and can cause treatment failure. To address this notion, we propose to evaluate bait consumption and efficacy after contamination with a number of insecticides and common cleaning products. Upon completion of this project, we will be able to advise PMPs and homeowners on proper baiting methods and effectively address this pre-existing belief, so that baits remain an effective and sustainable cockroach control option for years to come.