Enviro-Pest

IGR

Insect Growth Regulators

Growth inhibitors or insect growth regulators (any of which is commonly known as an IGR) are products or materials that interrupt or inhibit the life cycle of a pest. Many people loosely use the terms "birth control for roaches" or "birth control for fleas." If an animal cannot reach adulthood, it is not capable of reproducing. By inhibiting the maturity of an insect, we keep it from reaching the critical adult stage, thus stopping the life cycle and infestation. In layman's terminology, an IGR is not an insecticide (in the bug killing definition) but is a man-made protein that only effects certain insects or groups of insects.
Flea eggs and flea larvae that are exposed to an IGR (Nylar, Precor, Methoprene) will never develop into the adult jumping, biting and (most important!) reproducing fleas. As another example, roaches that are exposed to either Nylar or Hydroprene cannot shed their exoskeleton or develop a new exoskeleton. This is an important part of the roach life cycle: if they cannot shed their outer shell or grow a new one, they cannot mature any further.
The following materials (active ingredients) are the most widely used insect growth inhibitors by pest professionals, pest control operators (PCO) and individuals doing their own pest control: Methoprene, Hydroprene, Nylar.

Methoprene

When used indoors, Methoprene (the active ingredient in Precor, Precor 2000 and others) will prevent the egg and larvae stages of fleas from developing, with a 3 to 7 month residual. Use alone for prevention or tank mix with an approved insecticide (Suspend SC, Permethrin Pro) for existing problems. Precor also works on Cigarette Beetles. Methoprene (or Precor) is not photostable and is for indoor use, only. Available in liquid concentrate and aerosol formulations.

Flea Elimination Cigarette Beetle Elimination top of page

Nylar

The IGR Nylar is the active ingredient in Archer, Flea Fix and others. This material is photostable (can be used outdoors and indoors) and inhibits the growth of fleas and roaches. Nylar has a 3 to 6 month residual indoors and can last 30 days when used outdoors. This IGR can be used alone (for roach and flea prevention) or tank mixed with an approved adulticide. Cypermethrin insecticides or Orthene work best for roaches; Suspend SC or Permethrin Pro work best for fleas. Available in liquid concentrate and aerosol formulations.

Roach Elimination Flea Elimination top of page

Hydroprene

This IGR is the active ingredient used in Gentrol, Gentrol Point Source, Gentrol Aerosol. Hydroprene is not photostable and is for indoor use, only. Use this IGR when eliminating, controlling or preventing cockroaches (roaches) and many pantry pests. Cigarette Beetles are not affected by Hydroprene; use Methoprene instead. Can be tank mixed with adulticides (insecticides) or used alone. Available in liquid concentrate, aerosol and in solid dispensers.

Roach Elimination Pantry Pest Elimination top of page

Gentrol

Archer

Precor

Hydroprene

Methoprene

Nylar