Distribution and Control of Cat Fleas in Homes in Southern California (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

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Abstract
Sampling for adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché), indoors with a modified vacuum cleaner was more effective than visual inspection. Significantly more fleas were collected from living rooms and bedrooms than from other rooms and more fleas were collected from rooms with carpeted or wooden floors than ones with tile. Fleas were found outdoors at only 8 of 50 residences sampled. Pressurized sprays containing pyrethrins and the pyrethroid tetramethrin provided poor residual activity against adult fleas in the laboratory, but the insect growth regulators fenoxycarb and methoprene provided control by preventing larva development and emergence of adult fleas on deposits aged for at least 56 days. Under field conditions, pressurized sprays containing fenoxycarb or methoprene also provided excellent control for at least 60 days. Total-release aerosols containing no IGR failed to provide adequate control of fleas whereas aerosols with fenoxycarb successfully controlled fleas at least 60 days. Aqueous spray of propetamphos or microencapsulated diazinon provided excellent control for at least 60 days. Bendiocarb sprays failed to control fleas.

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