What is used against ticks? - briefly
Chemical acaricides, such as permethrin or fipronil, applied to clothing, pets, or the environment, are the primary means of eliminating ticks; physical removal with tweezers and regular habitat management also reduce exposure.
What is used against ticks? - in detail
Ticks can be controlled through chemical, biological, and physical methods, each suited to specific environments and target species.
Chemical agents include synthetic acaricides such as permethrin, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin, which act on the nervous system of the arthropod. Organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos) and carbamates (e.g., carbaryl) are also employed, though resistance and toxicity concerns limit their use. For pets, spot‑on formulations containing fipronil or amitraz provide rapid knock‑down and residual protection. In livestock, pour‑on or injectable preparations of ivermectin, doramectin, or moxidectin deliver systemic activity, eliminating ticks that feed on treated animals.
Biological control relies on natural enemies and pathogens. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana infect ticks on contact, reducing populations without chemical residues. Parasitic nematodes (e.g., Heterorhabditis spp.) and predatory insects like certain beetles contribute to suppression in outdoor habitats.
Physical strategies focus on habitat management and mechanical removal. Regular mowing, leaf litter clearance, and shrub trimming diminish microclimates favorable to tick development. In residential areas, applying fine‑mesh barriers or double‑sided tick‑repellent tapes around perimeters limits migration. For attached ticks, calibrated tweezers enable complete extraction; immediate cleaning of the bite site prevents secondary infection.
Integrated tick management combines these approaches: rotate acaricides to delay resistance, supplement with fungal biopesticides, and maintain vegetation at low height to reduce questing activity. Monitoring through drag sampling or CO₂ bait traps informs timing of interventions, ensuring resources target peak tick activity periods.