Advantage Flea Treatment Ingredients

Dog owners everywhere are constantly waging a war against fleas. These pesky critters multiply quickly, causing Fido a lot of misery. New flea treatments appear on the shelves every year, but Bayer's Advantage has been one of the most popular since it was introduced.

Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Advantage is imidacloprid. It makes up 9.1% of the solution.

Inert Ingredients

Other substances, called inert ingredients, make up the other 90+% of the solution. Used in most flea treatments, these components (such as oils or waxes) can help activate the pesticide or make its application easier. By law, manufacturers do not have to disclose what makes up the inert ingredients.

Imidacloprid

Imidacloprid, the active ingredient in Advantage, works by destroying the flea's nervous system. Once exposed to the pesticide, the fleas become paralyzed and eventually die.

Time Frame

The treatment begins working on biting fleas in three to five minutes. It claims that adult fleas will begin dying within an hour, and that 98% to 100% of fleas will be dead within 12 hours.

Significance

While the frequent scratching that fleas cause can lead to skin irritation, flea infestations can also lead to more serious health problems for dogs. Fleas transmit tapeworms, which can cause abdominal and rectal issues.

Other Uses

Imidacloprid is also used to kill pests on crops and grasses, and is used as a seed treatment. It can be used to kill locusts and termites.

Fun Fact

Imidacloprid is a compound that is based on nicotine.

Resources

• Advantage Flea Treatment