Journal of Vector Ecology (2008) 33, 278-284

Richard M. Davis, Erika Cleugh, Randall T. Smith and Curtis L. Fritz (2008)
Use of a chitin synthesis inhibitor to control fleas on wild rodents important in the maintenance of plague, Yersinia pestis, in California
Journal of Vector Ecology 33 (2), 278-284
Abstract: A study was designed to test the insect development inhibitors fluazuron and lufenuron for the control of fleas on sylvatic rodents as an adjunct to the control of plague. Historical data of flea burden from 15 prior years of study at Chuchupate Campground, Ventura County, CA, were compared to six years of treatment period data to determine if fluazuron and lufenuron were effective in controlling flea densities. The insect development inhibitors, delivered systemically via a feed cube, reduced flea loads effectively on California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), long-eared woodrats (Neotoma macrotis), and mice (Peromyscus spp.) but not on Merriam's chipmunks (Tamias merriami).
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Orchopeas sexdentatus		U.S.A. (SW)
	Oropsylla montana		U.S.A. (SW)
	Hoplopsyllus anomalus		U.S.A. (SW)
	Eumolpianus eumolpi		U.S.A. (SW)
	Eumolpianus fornacis		U.S.A. (SW)