Valerie asked 8 years ago
My exterminator used Zanprox ec. Will that product kill and slow down the flea infestation?
Adam Retzer Staff answered 8 years ago
Valerie,
Zanprox EC isn’t ideal, because it doesn’t contain an insect growth regulator.
Zanprox EC contains etofenprox as the main active ingredient. This is a pyrethroid compound which kills insects by affecting their nervous system. Pyrethroids and pyrethrins are common insecticides used against fleas. The other ingredient, piperonyl butoxide, is a syngerist that’s function is to enhance the potency of etofenprox.
Etofenprox is an adulticide, meaning it works best for killing adult insects. Adult fleas only make up 1-5% of infestation. And adult fleas don’t live in the environment. They are only found there as they emerge. Once they acquire a host, they stay on the animal.
95-99% of the infestation are eggs, larvae, and pupae living in the environment. These stages are often found deep within carpeting, where sprays can’t penetrate. Many will avoid the lethal effect of insecticides.
It’s best to use a treatment that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR). The two common ingredients are pyriproxfen (Nylar) and methoprene (Precor). IGRs mimic natural insect hormones, namely those that regulate development. Exposed larvae and eggs can’t reach adulthood. And exposed adult females can’t lay viable eggs.
While IGRs also have the carpet penetration issue, it is slightly overcome by their long lasting activity. IGRs will remain active indoors for up to 7 months. This is useful for prevention, as any new eggs falling into the environment won’t be able to mature. Combining IGRs to adulticides has also shown to increase the activity duration of the adulticide.
Precor 2000 Plus premise spray is a product containing both an adulticide and IGR. If you want to only use an IGR, then Martin’s IGR makes a good size for indoor use.
