ABSTRACT:

This study focuses on phototactic behavioural response of American cockroach (Periplaneta americana Linnaeus, 1758) to light emitting diodes (LEDs) was carried out with different light wavelengths (red, blue, white and dark as control) was conducted at Entomology Laboratory, Pest Management Technology Programmes, Samaru College of Agriculture, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Objectives are to determine the repulsion rate of red, blue and white LED light on cockroaches and to evaluate light-based barriers as a nonchemical method in the management of cockroaches in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria. Experiment was carried out in a box having two chambers, A and B, where chamber A is the part with LEDs light while Chamber B is the dark side (as Control). Cockroaches were observed for three LED light red, blue and white. Each LED light was repeated three times at an interval of 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. However, the highest repulsion rate was recorded against the dark (control) chamber in all trials. In this research, red light showed to have the lowest repulsion rate when compared to blue and white LEDs lights with the cockroaches been more attractive to the dark sides (chamber B). Overall, red light is more attractive than blue light and less attractive than darkness. Investigation on the potential use of LEDs in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies on other pests should be carried out. Further research should be carried out to identify the optimal LED wavelength and intensity for cockroach repellency. Investigate the impact of LEDs on cockroach behaviour in combination with other control methods (e.g., traps, insecticides).