What is the term for flea control? - briefly
«Flea treatment» is the standard term for managing flea infestations. It includes topical, oral, and environmental products designed to eliminate and prevent fleas.
What is the term for flea control? - in detail
The terminology applied to the management of flea infestations is «ectoparasiticide». This designation covers chemical agents that kill or repel external parasites, specifically fleas, on animals and in environments. In veterinary practice, formulations are often referred to as «fleacides» or «fleatreatments», which are subsets of ectoparasiticides formulated for topical, oral, or environmental use.
Key characteristics of ectoparasiticides include:
- Active ingredients such as imidacloprid, fipronil, or selamectin that target flea nervous systems.
- Delivery methods: spot‑on solutions, oral tablets, collars, and environmental sprays.
- Duration of efficacy, typically ranging from one to three months depending on the product and administration route.
- Spectrum of activity, covering not only fleas but often additional ectoparasites like ticks and mites.
Regulatory classification places ectoparasiticides under veterinary medicinal products, subject to approval processes that evaluate safety for target species, humans, and the environment. Proper application follows label instructions to achieve optimal control and to minimize resistance development.