Investigation of species composition and prevalence rate of cockroaches in residential buildings of Ahvaz city in 2016-2017

Introduction and objective Cockroaches, are one of the most important health problems due to the transmission of human pathogens and the development of allergic reactions The aim of this study was to determine the species composition, prevalence of cockroach and the most infested areas in Ahvaz city during 2016-2017.   Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 520 residential buildings of Ahvaz city. The sampling tool was a questionnaire and Sticky trap The cockroaches were transferred to medical entomology laboratory for identifying. .   Results: Four geneous and five species including Periplaneta americana, Supella longipalpa, Blattella germanica, Blatta lateralis and Blatta orientalis were collected. The highest infestation was belonging to B. germanica(25.8%) following by P.american(11%), S.longipalpa(5.6%), B. latrlais(3.3 %) and B.orientalis(2.7%). The prevalence rate of cockroach infestation was 48.5%. Of the infected houses, 69.1% and 38.9% were villa and apartment respectively. Also, 22.2%, 66.7% and 11.1% of the houses had severe, moderate and low infestation with an average of 37.5, 10.3 and 3.4 adults/home respectively. The highest rate of infestation was found in kitchens (30.76%). The highest infestation was found in the Chonibeh and Bahonar areas with 78% and 68% infestation rate. No infestation was recorded from police, Naft and Fulad areas.   Conclusion: By determining the prevalence rate and infested areas, it is possible to increase the knowledge and awareness of the public about the medical importance, biology, prevent and control of cockroaches in urban and rural areas.