FIELD-EVALUATION OF NYLAR FOR CONTROL OF CAT FLEAS (SIPHONAPTERA, PULICIDAE) IN HOME YARDS

Procedures were developed to evaluate juvenoid insect growth regulators in home yards as part of an ongoing program to identify photostable insecticides for control of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché). Nylar, an emulsifiable concentrate formulation of pyriproxyfen, was selected as the experimental insect growth regulator. Efficacy studies, yard survey, and pretreatment sampling techniques are described. Soil samples collected from the yards at intervals after treatment were taken to the laboratory, infested with flea larvae, and tested for juvenoid activity. Results indicated that Nylar applied at a concentration of 32 mg/m2 in 0.82 liter of water/m2 (20 gal/1,000 ft2) prevented development of approximately 80% of the fleas for a period of 3 wk.