There are many antiparasitic treatments on the market to treat and prevent flea or tick infestations. However, keep in mind that the flea is an insect while the tick is a mite. For this reason, some effective flea products do not work against ticks and vice versa. This must be taken into account when choosing treatment or prevention, and opt for products with components that either has this dual activity or combine an insecticide plus an acaricide. An exterminator is aware of these things and has their own products that they use when you call them to do flea pest control measures. However, let us look at some of the products that most exterminators use.

Fipronil

It is one of the components of choice for the treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks since it is active against both and very effective. Fipronil causes excitement and convulsions in fleas and ticks, resulting in death by altering the nervous system. Fipronil has excellent insecticidal and miticidal activity against fleas, ticks, and lice in dogs and cats. Fleas and ticks die within 24 hours and 48 hours after contact with fipronil, respectively. Fipronil is marketed in two formats: Spray and Spot-on (pipettes), formerly there was only one brand, but currently, there are many options in terms of brand, price, and format.

Permethrin

Permethrin quickly kills fleas and ticks by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses from parasites. Permethrin has on the one hand a fulminant “knock-down” effect on fleas that allows them to be eliminated, even before they can bite, and also has a repellent action. You can find it in spray and in pipettes. Permethrin’s distinctive repellent effect gives you the added benefit of preventing mosquito and sandfly bites, the dangerous transmitters of leishmaniasis. However, for this, it must be in proper concentration.

Pyriproxyphene

It belongs to a family of compounds that act on the larval stages of the flea. It is very effective and has a longer effect than insecticides. Normal insecticides are “adulticides,” meaning they only kill adult fleas. In cases of severe and recurring infestations, some fleas may survive the adulticide and will be able to reproduce very quickly by restarting the cycle. In these cases, if a product that includes pryriproxyphene is applied together with the insecticide, it will ensure that the eggs that the flea lays on the animal do not reach term, thus interrupting the biological cycle.

Diazinon

Diazinon acts at the level of the nerve synapse, causing hyperexcitability, seizures, paralysis, and finally the death of fleas. It is a common component in antiparasitic collars that are basically used as prevention. In severe infestations, it is preferable to resort to other types of products.

Call the Exterminator

If your home is infested with fleas and ticks, it is time to contact a flea and tick exterminator to eradicate and eliminate any signs of insects. Infestation in your home is not good for you, your family members, or your pets.