Insect growth regulators available for cockroach and flea control are hydroprene and methoprene. Insect growth regulators are available in combination with one of the pyrethroid insecticides and in cockroach bait stations. Biological Control Agents Biological control is the use of one organism to control another. Therefore, the search for biological control agents for indoor insect pests has taken a different approach. Fungi, bacteria and nematodes microscopic organisms which aren't so offensive to people have been analyzed for insect control properties.
Nematodes are microscopic worms that live in soil.
Some nematode species are parasitic on insects and can be used to control insect pests. Several nematode-containing products are available for outdoor flea control. The nematodes carry bacteria that kill the fleas but don't harm people or pets. Fungi that kill insects but don't hurt people are also used as biological control agents in indoor settings. One of the newest types of cockroach bait station contains a species of fungus normally found in soil.