[Online Extra] It was said … when?

Editor's note: How much has pest control really changed during the last 40 years? Visit this month's cover story and then check out the below statements from the last 20 years from the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control. Many of these comments reference pest control from previous decades.

It was said … when?

It’s a new idea … or is it? The statements listed below were all published 20 years ago, with many of them (as noted) citing references from previous decades. Yet, with the cycle of the pest industry, each is as true today as it was then—and is just as often a revelation.

40 years ago

… Experiments at UCLA showed that the principle factor affecting a pesticide efficacy against cockroaches was its repellency. “The greater the repellency of the insecticide, the greater the chances that a certain percentage of cockroaches would learn to avoid treated areas before picking up lethal doses. … Some of the surviving insects in these areas may learn to avoid the treated areas and seek harborage elsewhere in the building.” (1966, Ebeling et al)

30 years ago

… Even when access is possible … control is rather uncertain and/or limited if sanitation is poor. (1973, Gupta et al)

… Treatment of the animal for fleas is not enough; the infested premises must also be treated. (1975, Ebeling)

… A study, “Integrated Pest Management,” is published, advocating an approach employing a combination of techniques to control a wide variety of potential pests. (1972)

20 years ago

… Baits should be used to supplement a pest management program, following three key principles: use only registered baits; place small amounts in many locations; reduce other food sources. (1982, Mallis)

… “A good working flashlight, a mirror to reflect light back into cracks, and a willingness to climb high and low are still the hallmarks of a good cockroach control technician.” (1982, Mallis)

Source: Handbook of Pest Control by Arnold Mallis, 6^th ed., 1982, Cleveland: Franzak and Foster