Treat the yard with photostable IGR (pyriproxyfen)

What to Do

Apply a pyriproxyfen-based yard spray (e.g., Martin's IGR) to shaded, moist areas where pets rest outdoors — under decks, along fence lines, under bushes, and in dog runs. Avoid treating open sunny lawn areas where fleas don't survive. Reapply every 3-4 weeks during flea season.

Why It Works

Pyriproxyfen is an IGR that prevents flea larvae from developing into adults. Unlike methoprene, pyriproxyfen is photostable — it doesn't break down in sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use. Treating the yard prevents pets from picking up new fleas between indoor treatments.

Tips

• Focus on shaded areas only — direct sun and dry soil already kill flea larvae naturally
• A hose-end sprayer makes yard application fast and even
• Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) are a biological alternative that parasitize flea larvae in soil