author(s)
R Velusamy and G Ponnudurai

abstract
The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cypermethrin at two different concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm against larvae and adult darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus), which serve as a vector for many poultry tapeworms, nematodes and viral diseases. Cypermethrin was mixed with acetone at two different concentrations viz., 50 and 100 ppm, and coated all sides of the glass vial by rotating for a few minutes. At 30 minutes after exposure in a drug coated glass vial, the mortality rate observed was 94% and 98%, 90% and 97% against larvae and adults, respectively. At 60 minutes after exposure, the mortality rate was increased to 100% in both concentrations against larvae and adult. The mean of mortality rates between treated and control group were highly significant (p = 0.05). The present study suggests that cypermethrin is an effective insecticide against the darkling beetles and their larvae to reduce its population and improving the productivity of poultry houses.