Comparison of lufenuron and nitenpyram versus imidacloprid for integrated flea control

A one-year field study was carried out in 45 households in Cairns, North Queensland to evaluate the efficacy of three topical or systemic treatment programs in controlling cat flea (Ctenocephalidesfelis) infestations within the residence and on dogs and cats. Homes were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. In the first group of homes, lufenuron was administered orally to all household pets according to label recommendations for the study duration, and nitenpyram was administered orally once per week for the first 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, all pets in the household received a single dose of nitenpyram if fleas were observed on any animal. Treatments in the second group of homes were identical to those for the first group except that all pets in the household received two doses of nitenpyram per week. In the final group, imidacloprid was applied topically to all household pets once every 4 weeks for the duration of the study, and no other flea-control measures were applied. Flea populations on the pets of all treatment groups were assessed; environmental flea numbers were assessed only for Groups 1 and 3. The combination of lufenuron and nitenpyram provided superior control of flea populations on the animals and in the environment compared with using imidacloprid alone.