Flea Remedy

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:

Phenylpyrazoles:

  • Fipronil (Frontline)
  • Pyriprol (Prac-tic)

Avermectins:

Organophosphates:

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:

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