title: Effect of temperature and the synergist piperonyl butoxide on imidacloprid toxicity to the cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).
abstract: The toxicity of imidacloprid to cat fleas on glass was investigated at 20, 26, 30, and 35 degrees C. Imidacloprid was most toxic to adult cat fleas at 35 degrees C and to larvae at 20 degrees C. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a synergist, increased the relative potency of imidacloprid (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) 16-fold at 26 degrees C against adults, but had no effect at 35 degrees C. No synergism occurred in larvae at 20 degrees C, but addition of PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) doubled toxicity at 26 degrees C. PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) could possibly be used to synergize imidacloprid premise treatments (20-30 degrees C), but it is not likely to be effective in pet treatments because no synergism occurred in adult fleas at 35 degrees C (average fur temperature of tested cats and dogs).
authors.affiliation: Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Richman
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Koehler
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Brenner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D002415:Cats / Q000469:parasitology*; D004285:Dogs; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D007093:Imidazoles; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D007306:Insecticides; D007814:Larva; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D010574:Pesticide Synergists; D010882:Piperonyl Butoxide; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D007306:Insecticides; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D010574:Pesticide Synergists; C082359:imidacloprid; D010882:Piperonyl Butoxide