Efficacy of dinotefuran–pyriproxyfen, dinotefuran–pyriproxyfen–permethrin and fipronil–(S)-methoprene topical spot-on formulations to control flea populations in naturally infested pets and private residences in Tampa, FL

Abstract

Thirteen cats and 7 dogs living in 14 homes were treated topically with either a dinotefuran (22%, w/w)/pyriproxyfen (3.00%, w/w) (DP) or dinotefuran (4.95%, w/w)/pyriproxyfen (0.44%, w/w)/permethrin (36.08%, w/w) (DPP) topical spot-on, respectively. Twenty cats and 7 dogs living in 16 homes were treated topically with either a fipronil (9.8%, w/w)/(S)-methoprene (11.8%, w/w) or fipronil (9.8%, w/w)/(S)-methoprene (8.8%, w/w) topical spot-on (FM), respectively. All products were applied according to label directions by study investigators on day 0 and again between days 28 and 30. Flea populations on pets were assessed using visual area counts and premise flea infestations were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28–30, 40–45, and 54–60. A single application of the DP–DPP and FM formations reduced flea populations by 87.35% and 88.44%, respectively within 7 days. Following two monthly applications of either the DP–DPP or FM formulations, pet flea burdens were reduced by 95.24% and 95.47%, respectively. Flea numbers in the indoor-premises were also markedly reduced by days 54–60, with 98.05% and 96.15% reductions in intermittent-light flea trap counts in the DP–DPP or FM treatment groups, respectively.