Formulation and Evaluation of the Repellent Activity of an Herbal Gel Bait against the German Cockroach (Blattella germanica L.) in Pune, Maharashtra”

Abstract

The formulation developed incorporating bioactive ingredient eugenol (10%, 15%, and 18%), Caffeine (5%, 7.5 %, and 10%) and naphthalene as a standard, was evaluated for repellent activity against the German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.) which is the most common kitchen nocturnal pest insect. The repellent activity of gel formulation was tasted under laboratory conditions. Three formulations of gel bait F1, F???? and F3 developed containing various proportions of eugenol and caffeine. In this formulation of gel complimentary additives that enhance its efficacy used were Carbopol 940, starch, HPMC, propylene glycol, glycerine, sucrose, and gelatine etc.The formulation F3 containing highest concentration of eugenol showed the best repellence than F1 and F???? formulation and naphthalene. F1 Formulation is less effective than F2 and F3 Formulation as it shows low mortality rate for increased exposure of time. Similar F2 Formulation is more effective than F1 Formulation but less effective than F3 formulation when the mortality rate of cockroach was compared. The F3 gel formulation exhibited repellence (92%) against B. germanica, and F3 formulation was further used for tasting the repellent activity in laboratory and residential areas in Pune district of Maharashtra state for B. germanica. The gel performance is examined by placing the cockroach in the favourable environment and also tracking the duration required for the deterrence. After examined the gel performance, it indicates that the gel gives the significant results as repellent. F3 formulation in laboratoty and local residential area was fond to be promising.  Further improvements in efficacy and residual activity of F3 formulation may be realized with appropriate formulations.