Insecticidal potential of Cedrus libani tar in eco-friendly control of cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, from different populations in Türkiye.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) tar against adults of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis Bouché, a significant ectoparasite affecting both domestic and stray animals.

Methods: Tar was obtained through traditional pyrolytic decomposition of cedar wood in the Elmali district of Antalya, Türkiye. The volatile compounds in the tar were characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The tar was tested at various concentrations-100 % (pure tar), 50 % tar, 25 % tar, and 10 % tar. Its efficacy was compared to a 0.5 % concentration of fipronil. Fleas were collected from six locations and exposed to treated filter papers for 1 h. Mortality was assessed after 24 h, and statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and probit analysis, were performed to determine LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values.

Results: The major components of Ced. libani tar identified were β-himachalene (29.16 %) and α-atlantone (28.70 %). The effectiveness of tar was concentration-dependent, with higher concentrations showing flea mortality rates comparable to fipronil. In Kepez-Teomanpaşa, LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were 8.52 % tar and 20.24 % tar respectively, indicating high sensitivity, whereas in Konyaaltı-Pınarbası, LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were 19.48 % tar and 46.91 % tar, suggesting reduced susceptibility. The highest concentration (pure tar) resulted in 100 % mortality across all locations, similar to fipronil.

Conclusion: Ced. libani tar demonstrates significant potential as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides for controlling flea infestations, with its efficacy varying by region. The findings highlight the need for considering regional differences in susceptibility when developing pest control strategies.