Table of Contents
Tick spray ingredients
What to look for in a tick spray
How to prevent ticks
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What are the active ingredients in tick sprays?
- By Hannah
-
- March 3, 2025
- 3 MIN READ
Spending time outside is so easily until we have to think about protecting ourselves, dogs and children. In peak season, it's smart to protect yourself and your pet against ticks using a protection spray. How do tick sprays work and what's actually in them? Keep reading to find out for all the answers to your questions, as well as our vet-recommended tips for preventing ticks from getting on you and your pets.
Tick spray ingredients
Tick sprays are formulated with a range of active ingredients designed to repel, kill, or disrupt the life cycle of ticks. While the specific formulations may vary, there are several key ingredients that frequently make their way into these concoctions. Let's explore the most common ingredients:
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Pyrethroids: These synthetic chemicals mimic the properties of pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides found in chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are highly effective against ticks and other insects, targeting their nervous systems and causing paralysis and death.
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Permethrin: A member of the pyrethroid family, permethrin is widely used in tick sprays for its potent insecticidal properties. It binds tightly to fabric, creating a lasting barrier that repels and kills ticks on contact.
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Citrus extracts: Citrus-based ingredients, such as limonene and linalool, are often included for their natural repellent properties. They give tick sprays a pleasant aroma while acting as effective deterrents.
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Neem oil: Extracted from the neem tree, neem oil is known for its pesticidal properties. It disrupts the feeding and reproductive processes of ticks, acting as both a repellent and an insect growth regulator.
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Essential oils: Tick sprays may contain a variety of essential oils, including cedarwood, peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. These oils are prized for their natural repellent qualities and are considered safer alternatives to synthetic chemicals.
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S-Methoprene: An insect growth regulator, S-methoprene disrupts the life cycle of ticks by inhibiting their development from larvae to pupae. It's particularly effective in preventing the emergence of new generations of ticks.
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Piperonyl butoxide: Often used in combination with pyrethroids, piperonyl butoxide enhances the effectiveness of these insecticides by inhibiting the breakdown of pyrethroids in the insect's body, prolonging their toxic effects.
What to look for in a tick spray
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Pet-friendly formulation
Prioritising ingredients that are safe for pets, ensuring that the tick spray is gentle on their skin and coat.
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Scientifically proven formula
A scientifically proven blend of ingredients to keep those ticks gone! Make sure to look into the active ingredients used and their effectiveness at killing ticks.
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Fast acting
Look for a spray that gets into action within the first 1-2 days of spraying your home or pet.
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Long-lasting protection
Tick sprays usually repel ticks from attaching to you or your pet, so it's important to invest in a spray that can protect for a long period of time. We recommend the Itch Flea Treatment for Cats and Dogs (which protects your pet from fleas, ticks and lice) to avoid ticks attaching once and for all.
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Routine
Finding a treatment that is easy to implement into your routine and be able to be used continuously is crucial for on-going protection.
How to prevent ticks
While tick sprays are a valuable tool in the fight against ticks, prevention is a holistic endeavour. Here's how to prevent ticks on your pets in the future:
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Regular tick checks - Make tick checks a routine part of grooming. Run your hands over your pet's entire body, especially in tick-prone areas like ears, armpits and between their little toes!
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Use tick preventatives year-round - Administer tick preventatives, such as spot-on treatments like Itch Flea Treatment for cats and Itch Flea Treatment for dogs (kills ticks and lice too!), regularly throughout the year.
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Limit exposure to tick-prone areas - Be mindful of where your pet roams. Avoid areas with known tick infestations, and stick to well-maintained paths during walks.
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Regular grooming and cleaning - Keep your pet's living environment clean, hoover regularly, and wash their bedding and fabric items in hot water (60°C or more!).
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Educate yourself - Stay informed about ticks, their habits, and the diseases they can transmit. Knowledge is the key to effective prevention. For more info, check out our Q&A section on ticks.
The battle against ticks involves understanding the active ingredients in tick sprays, choosing the right product for your pet, and implementing a comprehensive prevention strategy. With the right approach, you can create a tick-free haven for your furry friend, allowing them to enjoy the great outdoors without the worry of these persistent arachnids.
Protect your pet from ticks.
Ticks can latch onto your pet throughout the year. Take the right approach to protecting your pet, your home and family from pests. Parasites are persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! Address both your pet and their environment with Itch Flea Treatment (it kills ticks and lice too!).
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