Exposure and field evaluation of fenoxycarb for German cockroach (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) control.

Two technicians were monitored for exposure to fenoxycarb while they applied the pesticide to urban residences in Omaha, Neb. Dermal and respiratory exposure, along with environmental contamination, were monitored in these replicated trials. Mean dermal exposure was 21.16 mg/h, respiratory exposure was 1.565 mg/h, and environmental contamination was 1.34 mg/h. We estimated that 99.2% of the dermal exposure was to the forearms and hands. Fenoxycarb also was evaluated for performance against German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.), at residences in Omaha. Populations of cockroaches were monitored for percentage of reduction after an application of fenoxycarb combined with chlorpyrifos or of chlorpyrifos only. Two subsequent applications were done 2 and 4 mo after the initial application. Beginning at 7 mo after the initial application, significant differences between chlorpyrifos only and chlorpyrifos plus fenoxycarb treatments became apparent. These differences clearly resulted from the use of fenoxycarb.