How should alpha‑cypermethrin be diluted for ticks? - briefly
Prepare a 0.1 % solution (approximately 1 ml of alpha‑cypermethrin concentrate per liter of water) and mix thoroughly before application. Apply the mixture uniformly to the environment or host as directed by the product label.
How should alpha‑cypermethrin be diluted for ticks? - in detail
Alpha‑cypermethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid used to eradicate ticks on livestock, pets, and in environmental treatments. Effective control depends on preparing a solution with the precise concentration recommended for the target species and infestation level.
Recommended concentration
- For cattle and large ruminants: 0.005 %–0.01 % (50–100 mg active ingredient per litre of water).
- For dogs and cats: 0.001 %–0.002 % (10–20 mg AI per litre).
- For premises or pasture treatment: 0.001 % (10 mg AI per litre) applied uniformly.
Mixing procedure
- Verify the product label for the exact active‑ingredient content (e.g., 10 % w/v).
- Calculate the required amount of concentrate:
[ \text{Volume of concentrate (ml)} = \frac{\text{Desired AI (mg)}}{\text{Concentration (mg/ml)}} ]
Example: To obtain 50 mg AI from a 10 % formulation (100 mg/ml), use 0.5 ml per litre of water. - Add the measured concentrate to a clean container.
- Fill the container with the prescribed volume of water, stirring continuously to ensure uniform distribution.
- Allow the mixture to stand for 5–10 minutes; this promotes complete solubilisation.
- Conduct a spot‑test on a non‑target surface to confirm even coverage and absence of precipitation.
Application guidelines
- Use low‑pressure spray equipment or a calibrated hand‑pump sprayer.
- Apply the solution to the animal’s dorsal surface, legs, and underbelly, or to vegetation at a rate of 1 ml m⁻² for pasture.
- Re‑treat at intervals indicated on the label, typically every 14–21 days during peak tick activity.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds; rinse immediately if exposure occurs.
Safety precautions
- Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask while handling the concentrate.
- Store the product in a locked, temperature‑controlled area away from foodstuffs.
- Dispose of unused solution according to local hazardous‑waste regulations; do not pour down drains without dilution.
Following these steps yields a solution that maximizes acaricidal efficacy while minimizing toxicity to the host and the environment.