SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP25889S

Method for Determining Spray Penetration into Carpet

Source

Control of an indoor flea infestation involves two simultaneous steps: treatment of the animal to kill adult fleas and application of residual insecticides to the carpet (substrate) to kill immature stages.

Laboratory studies have shown that about 80% of the larvae in carpet remain at the base. The pesticide application method used in flea control must be capable of delivering pesticides to the target pest, flea larvae. The object of the research presented here was to investigate spray penetration into carpet using an 80015 flat-fan nozzle while varying the application pressure and spray height.

A solution containing a 0.24% water-soluble fluorescent dye (fluorescein sodium: C.I. 45350) and a 0.1% non-ionic wetting agent (Agral) in WHO standard water (CIPAC D) was applied to saxony pile (18 mm) carpet. The carpet samples were dried, then horizontally sectioned. The fluorescent dye was extracted and subjected to spectrofluorimetric analysis.

The results indicate that neither application pressure nor spray height within the ranges of 137.9, 206.9, 275.8, 344.8, 413.7, and 482.7 kPa (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 psi) at 35, 45, and 55 cm have a significant effect on the penetration potential into carpet. The application equipment used by pest control professionals for indoor flea control may not be adequate in view of its intended function or the importance of household flea infestations in the United States.

Author Information

Byron, DW
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Robinson, WH
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E35
Pages: 159–167
DOI: 10.1520/STP25889S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5024-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0970-4