Cockroach Infestation in Bahir Dar Area of Ethiopia: A Transition Between the Savanna Biome and the Middle Afromontane Hotspot

TL;DR

This study examines cockroach infestations in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, and finds that certain areas and species have higher infestation levels.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into cockroach infestation patterns in a transitional ecological zone in Ethiopia.

Findings

2670 cockroach individuals were collected, showing significant variation in infestation levels.

Grain mills and residential areas had notably higher infestation levels with specific species.

Chemical and physical methods are commonly used for cockroach control in the area.

Abstract

In urban areas of developing countries, cockroaches pose a significant public health threat by spreading diseases and contaminating food sources. This study aimed to assess the infestation levels of indoor cockroach species across various household settings and to evaluate community management practices.

The study was conducted from April to June 2022, utilizing sticky traps placed within 2 × 2 m distance transects. Morphological identification of cockroach species was performed using standard taxonomic keys. Data on community management practices were gathered through a well‐structured questionnaire. A factorial ANOVA was conducted using SAS statistical software to determine significant differences in cockroach abundance based on the various factors such as sampling months, habitats, species, and sexes. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze questionnaire data.

A total of 2670 cockroach individuals were collected. The overall ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference in cockroach abundance among the measured variables and factors (F = 11.7, DF = 59, 540, p < 0.0001). A significant interaction was also observed between month, habitat, and cockroach sexes (excluding species) (F = 3.1, DF = 8, p < 0.0022). The interaction between cockroach species and habitats was significant (F = 4, DF = 33.44, p < 0.0001), while interactions between species and months (F = 2, DF = 1.88, p = 0.15) and species and sexes were not significant (F = 1, DF = 0.87, p = 0.35).

Grain mills with Periplaneta americana and residential areas with Blattella germanica exhibited higher infestation levels compared to other habitats. Households primarily relied on chemical and physical methods for cockroach control. Further studies should be conducted on a broader scale to enhance understanding and management of cockroach infestations.

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