How does benzyl benzoate act on ticks? - briefly
Benzyl benzoate penetrates the tick’s cuticle, interfering with neuronal signaling and causing paralysis that leads to death. Its lipophilic properties enable swift absorption and toxic action within the arthropod.
How does benzyl benzoate act on ticks? - in detail
Benzyl benzoate functions as a potent acaricide through several biochemical actions that disrupt tick physiology. After topical application, the compound penetrates the cuticle and enters the hemolymph, where it interferes with neuronal transmission. Specifically, it antagonizes octopamine receptors, reducing synaptic excitation and leading to paralysis. Concurrently, benzyl benzoate inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity, causing accumulation of acetylcholine and subsequent neuromuscular fatigue.
The molecule also exhibits solvent properties that dissolve the lipid layers of the exoskeleton. This dissolution compromises the integrity of the cuticle, increasing permeability to the active ingredient and accelerating desiccation. As the cuticle weakens, water loss intensifies, leading to osmotic imbalance and death.
Key mechanisms can be summarized as follows:
- Neuroreceptor antagonism: blocks octopamine-mediated signaling, inducing motor inhibition.
- Enzyme inhibition: reduces acetylcholinesterase function, causing neurotransmitter overload.
- Cuticular disruption: solubilizes waxy lipids, enhancing desiccation and systemic absorption.
These actions operate synergistically, producing rapid immobilization and mortality in all life stages of ticks, including larvae, nymphs, and adults. The combined neurotoxic and desiccating effects account for the high efficacy observed in veterinary and public‑health applications.