What do insect growth regulators (IGRs) do in flea management?

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) play a crucial role in flea management by disrupting the normal development of fleas. Specifically, they function by mimicking naturally occurring hormones in insects, which are essential for growth and development. When IGRs are applied, they interfere with the flea life cycle, preventing eggs from hatching and larvae from developing into adults. This disruption effectively reduces the overall flea population over time, as fewer fleas reach maturity and reproduce.

The immediate termination of adult fleas is not the primary action of IGRs; instead, their delayed effect contributes significantly to long-term control of flea infestations. While repellents might provide some level of deterrence, they do not address the reproductive life cycle of fleas like IGRs do. Similarly, the attraction of fleas to traps does not align with the intended function of IGRs, as their purpose is not to lure fleas but to control their growth and development. Thus, the prevention of fleas from developing and hatching aligns perfectly with the mechanism of action of IGRs in an integrated pest management strategy.