In flea treatment, how can insect growth regulators (IGR) be used effectively?

Using insect growth regulators (IGR) in combination with spot treatment is effective because IGRs target the developmental stages of fleas, preventing them from maturing into adults. Flea infestations typically include eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, and a comprehensive approach is necessary to break the life cycle. While spot treatments can quickly reduce the adult flea population, IGRs are essential to address eggs and larvae, which may be present in the environment. By pairing these methods, the efficacy of the treatment increases, leading to a more thorough eradication of fleas.

Standalone treatments may not provide a complete solution, as they could fail to eliminate the underlying source of the problem—developing stages of fleas that are unaffected by treatments targeting adults. Additionally, relying solely on IGRs in heavy infestations would not sufficiently reduce the adult population right away, allowing for continued reproduction. Thus, using IGRs alongside targeted treatments ensures both immediate and long-term control of flea populations.