Household Pests Infestation and Efficacy of Control Practices in Naka and Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria.
Authors
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Targuma, Theophilus Alphonsus
Department of Biological Sciences Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria.
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Omudu, Edward Agbo
Department of Biological Sciences Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria.
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Hemen, Terseer Joseph
Department of Biological Sciences Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano Nigeria.
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Avar Tsue
Department of Biological Sciences Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano Nigeria.
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Mdzuami Stephanie
Department of Biological Sciences Benue State University Makurdi, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study investigated household pest infestation and control rnpractices in Naka (rural) and Makurdi (urban) areas of Benue State, rnNigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 200 rnhouseholds (100 from each area), and questionnaires were rnadministered to investigate pest control methods and financial rnimplications. Five pesticides; Commando (Zinc phosphide), No rnMercy (Zinc phosphide and Brodifacoum), Nuvan (Dichdorovas, rnParafin oil, fragrance, and K.O.S.S.), Rodenticide (Brodifacoum), and rnGreen Leaf (Fipronil), were evaluated through field application and a rnfollow up laboratory experiment further assessed these substances. rnData were analyzed using Chi-square (χ²), t-tests, means, and standard rndeviations. A total of 799 pests were recovered, with 405 (50.69%) rnfrom Naka and 394 (49.31%) from Makurdi, showing no significant rndifference between areas (χ² = 14.067, df = 7, p = 0.476). Ants rn(Formicidae spp.) were the most predominant pests. Although rnresidents ranked cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) highest in rnMakurdi (3.39 ± 0.76) and rodents (Rattus norvegicus) in Naka (3.49 ± rn1.02). Chemical control was the most common used method (80%), rnfollowed by food poisoning (65%) and biological methods (28%). The rnaverage monthly expenditure on pest control was ₦3,075 in Naka and rn₦3,133 in Makurdi. Laboratory tests showed no significant difference rnin mortality rates among pesticides against ants and cockroaches (χ² = rn2.263, df = 1, p = 0.201). However, Zinc phosphide was significantly rnmore effective against rodents (χ² = 6.66, df = 1, p = 0.032). A rncommunity-based pest management strategy is recommended for rnsustainable control in both areas.
Keywords: Households pest, Control practices, Residents perception