Nutraceuticals for Control of Ticks, Fleas, and Other Ectoparasites

Abstract

The ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other ectoparasites, in addition of being nuisance, transmit infectious diseases in companion and livestock animals and wildlife. The use of ectoparasiticides on companion and farm animals appears to be inevitable. Currently, synthetic insecticides of various classes are used to combat ectoparasites on animals. Some of the synthetic insecticides are used as ovicides or larvicides, while others are used as adulticides. But due to their greater toxicity, lack of selective toxicity, and pesticide resistance in insects, their use has been on decline. During the past two decades, the quest for natural products as an alternative to synthetic pesticides has been recognized. This chapter describes some biopesticides which can be used to control ectoparasites in pets and farm animals.