Bendiocarb was evaluated as a control agent for Panstrongylus megistus, an important vector of Chagas' disease in Bahia State, North-East Brazil. The field work consisted of two parts. In one, Ficam W(80% bendiocarb) at 0.4g a. i./m² was applied by experienced spray operators; house infestation rates were reduced from 18% prespray to 7% postspray (6 months after the final bendiocarb application), and P. megistus densities decreased from 7per man/hour to 1.5 per man/hour. In the other part of the trial, 27 householders were supplied with a small hand sprayer and Ficam 20 (20% bendiocarb) in premeasured waterproof sachets. They were instructed to spray every 3 months orwhenevertheysawbugs. Both householder compliance and acceptability, because of the lack of odour of the insectice, were good. The result was a decrease in the rate of infested houses from 48% to 14% and in P. megistus density from 12 per man/hour to less than 1 per man/hour. This indicated a possibly better level of control by householders applying insecticide every 3 months, than by spraymen every 6 months. In both trials, no adverse effects of spraying on householders were noted. The community participation approach represents a new method for the control of the vectors of Chagas'disease. It is likely to be much less expensive than conventional systems and would integrate very well in a primary health care programe.
Chagas' disease; Panstrongylus megistus; Control; Community participation; Bendiocarb