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Questions?
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Methoprene
- Provides
long-term control of fleas -
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Summary: Methoprene is an insect
growth regulator (IGR), a very low
toxicity chemical that prevents immature flea
larvae, and other insects, from completing
development and reaching the adult stage.
Methoprene is long-lasting, inexpensive and
relatively safe to use.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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What is methoprene**?
Methoprene is a chemical that
interferes with the development of insects,
and some related arthropods. There are a
number of similar chemicals that act this
way and they are all called insect
growth regulators (IGRs)
because they stop normal insect growth and
development. So, for example, if a larval
flea (right) is exposed to methoprene it
will not complete development to an
adult flea and will eventually die.
Manufacturers often refer to this as "breaking
the flea's life cycle".
** also sometimes called by the
trade name Precor
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Flea larva.
Methoprene is a chemical that prevents this
stage from developing into an adult flea.
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Methoprene is practically
non-toxic to mammals, including us, so is generally
safe to use. It is widely used for flea, mosquito and
fly control either alone or in combination with
another insecticide. Related chemicals like hydroprene
are used in baits for nuisance ant control. On a negative note, if IGRs
get into marine (salt water) ecosystems such as bays
or estuaries these chemicals can also interfere with
the growth and development of marine arthropods such
as crabs and lobsters.
Why insect growth
regulators work
Roughly 75% of fleas in
an active infestation are in the larval stage
-- the stage you never see. Since exposure to
these chemicals prevents larvae from becoming adult
fleas, an IGR alone could eventually get rid
of an infestation. But because IGRs don't control
adult fleas you would have to wait until the
adults died off on their own. This is why IGRs are
sometimes combined with a conventional insecticide to
quickly control the adult, biting fleas.
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Using methoprene for
flea control
Methoprene should be used
to treat pet bedding, carpets, and other areas where
pets sleep since this is where flea larvae are found.
Methoprene can be used in addition to
topically-applied flea and tick control medications
like Frontline Top Spot (see How
To Safely Control Fleas In Homes and On Pets for
step by step flea control). Methoprene is very long-lasting and should
only be needed a few times per year. Follow
package instructions carefully. Do not apply
methoprene to pets -- these products are intended for
treatment of the pet's living space.
IGRs are generally
available in both hand-pump sprayers (right)
and pressurized aerosols. I prefer hand-pump sprayers
because they are more economical and easier to control
than aerosol sprays. Pump sprayers also produce a
larger droplet size which is less likely to float in
the air and get up your nose during treatment!
Identification and Life
Cycle of Fleas
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Mission: To
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for solving common insect and mite problems around
your home, business and landscape using least-toxic
methods.
Jack DeAngelis,
Ph.D.
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