Main cockroach species in urban areas in our country and the world, prevention and alternative control methods of these pests

Abstract

Cockroaches are located in major pests in urban areas in the world. Four best-known cockroach species are American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, German cockroach, Blattella germanica and oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis. It is known there are 3 species in Turkey. They are B. germanica, B. orientalis and P. americana. Oriental cockroach is Turkey’s local insect and often confused with Blaps spp. Cockroaches may become pests in any structure like homes, schools, restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, offices, etc. They cause repulsive and disgusting feeling in people because of the bad smell they reek of, in the areas seen by the people and they also cause allergic reaction in many people. In conjunction with it is not easy to control cockroaches, sanitation and preventive measures are important to suppress population. The most practical way in control is to use chemicals (gel, granule, dust, baits and sprays). But only chemicals are not effective and today, with environmental consciousness, negative effects of pesticides on human health are more taken into account. Also, because of resistance to pesticides tendency to alternative methods in cockroach control is emerged. Usage of preparates, control cockroach populations, like entomopathogens, plant extracts etc. should be focused.