Indoor Air Quality and Pest Control Efficacy: A Case Study of Imidacloprid vs. Green Insecticides in Food Outlets Attached to Malaysian Shopping Malls

This study compares the performance of imidacloprid, a low-toxicity synthetic insecticide, with green insecticides in managing Blattella germanica (L.) infestations and their impact on indoor air quality in food retail outlets located in shopping malls. Indoor air parameters (temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, CO₂, and TVOC) and cockroach counts were measured before and after treatment, and results were compared against DOSH (2010) guidelines. Imidacloprid concentrations remained below 0.1000 mg/m³, indicating no significant contribution to indoor air contamination. In contrast, green insecticides were associated with a potential long-term increase in cockroach infestations. Outlet A, located in a Green Building Index (GBI)-certified mall, demonstrated better ventilation compared to Outlet B. Findings suggest that while green insecticides align with sustainability goals, imidacloprid showed superior efficacy in suppressing cockroach populations without compromising indoor air quality.