Repellent effect of volatile fatty acids of frass on larvae of german cockroach,Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

J Chem Ecol. 1984 Nov;10(11):1617-22. doi: 10.1007/BF00988429.

Abstract

Two- to 12-day-old larvae ofBlattella germanica are repelled by certain volatile fatty acids present in the frass. Propionic, isovaleric, and valeric acids are strongly repellent, isobutyric acid is slightly repellent, and acetic and butyric acids are without effect. These results are discussed in relation to control of population density.