Expert Forum
HAO Hui-ling, SUN Jin-cheng, BA Jian-bo, WU Wen-bin, WANG Yan-jun, SUN Hong, YANG Chang-yan
Chines Journal of Vector Biology and Control.
2011, 22(5):
433-435.
Objective To investigate the seasonal fluctuation and spatial distribution of cockroaches and rodents on naval vessels to inform vector control programs in those settings. Methods Glue traps and boards were used to collect cockroaches and rodents at three monitoring regions of north, east and south oceans to identify the spatial distribution. Density was measured every other month. Results Cockroaches were present on naval vessels throughout the year. Activity started to rise in March and peaked in July, followed a slow decline until November in all monitored regions, while the seasonal fluctuation was not significant in the ocean area 2. Rattus norvegicus rats were the most common rodents while Mus musculus were observed occasionally. The fluctuation of rodents was not significant. Kitchens, dining halls, food warehouses and living cabins were severely infested by cockroaches with a mean infestation rate of 90.0%, 75.5%, 72.5%, and 61.5%, respectively. Rodents were mostly captured at the dinning areas with a mean positive rate of 75.2%, followed by living areas (50.3%), and the lowest prevalence was found in working areas (44.5%). Conclusion This study provides vital information for timely and organized vector control in vessels of different ocean regions.