Perception, health threat and control of the German cockroach remains a challenge in rural communities of North Carolina

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.) (Blattodea: Blattellidae), is a serious pest in rural communities. Exposure to the pest and pesticides in homes poses severe health hazards. The study reported here sought to determine awareness of the German cockroach as a pest, presence of pathogenic microorganisms and knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) for control. Data from rural residents surveyed in three rural counties in NC shows acknowledgement that the German cockroach is a major indoor pest. Pesticides were the main control tactic used in homes and was applied on a set schedule. Ninety-three percent of residents were unfamiliar with IPM strategy. Of the participants surveyed only 10% accepted to participate in an IPM training program for German cockroach control. Continuous exposure analyses to determine occurrence of resistance to insecticide indicate that German cockroaches from different residential homes have differential tolerance to commonly used insecticidal bait products implying each strain had a unique treatment history. This study also revealed the presence of pathogenic bacteria of the genera Enterococcus, Bacillus, Entorobacter, Staphylococcus, and Helicobacter identified through 16s RNA sequencing of dust and swab samples collected from kitchen areas of all homes. This suggests the possibility of mechanical transmission and spread of bacteria by the German cockroach to residents. A year after IPM implementation and education through workshops, all participants acknowledged the fact that the use of IPM can lead to the elimination of German roaches from homes and they would recommend the use of this strategy to others.