Arkansas researchers are testing a product commonly used to treat ticks and fleas on pets to target fly and mosquito larvae with the goal of helping reduce the spread of diseases carried by these insects.

After switching to fluralaner, a novel systemic ectoparasiticide sold under the brand name Bravecto, as a veterinary medication for her dog, Emily McDermott, assistant professor of medical and veterinary entomology and a researcher for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, was curious about exploring other possible applications for the substance.  The drug prevents insects’ nerve cells from working properly, disrupting their nervous systems. McDermott says previous studies had shown promising results when fluralaner was applied as a spray but that it’s much more effective if ingested orally.

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