Active substances
Flea medications are commercially available in the form of solutions for application (spot-on), tablets, as suspensions, shampoos, sprays, injectables, flea collars and foggers, among others. 1. insecticides kill fleas directly and are sometimes effective for weeks: pyrethroids and pyrethrins:
- Permethrin (eg Exspot) – not suitable for cats!
Neonicotinoids:
- Imidacloprid (Bayvantage).
- Nitenpyram (Capstar)
Phenylpyrazoles:
- Fipronil (Frontline)
- Pyriprol (Prac-tic)
Avermectins:
- Selamectin (Stronghold).
Organophosphates:
- Dimpylate (insecticide collars).
Spinosyne:
- Spinosad (Comfortis)
Oxadiazine:
- Indoxacarb (Activyl)
2. insect-growth regulators act for weeks against the eggs and larvae and not against the adult fleas. They are often combined with an insecticide: Juvenile hormone analogs:
- Methoprene (Frontline Combo + Fipronil).
- Pyriproxifen (Cyclio)
Chitin synthesis inhibitor:
- Lufenuron (Program)
3. natural means:
- Margosa extract (neem oil).
- Citronella oil
- Clove oil
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
e.g. contained in Bogacare, Bogadual, Martec Pet Care