Fipronil

Fipronil is a white powder with a mouldy odour. It has a low solubility in water and is a slow-acting poison.

It does not bind strongly with soil, and the half-life of fipronil– sulphone is 34 days. Fipronil is a broadspectrum insecticide of the phenylpyrazole group.

Fipronil was first used extensively for the control of ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas;

ticks, termites, mole crickets, thrips, rootworms, weevils, flea of pets, field pest of corn, golf courses, and commercial turf, and other insects. Fipronil was first used in the United States in 1996.

Fipronil is a topical insecticide. It kills adult fleas and larvae, ticks, and chewing lice.

As a liquid, fipronil is applied on the back side skin of dogs and cats. Reports indicate that some animals do become hypersensitive (allergic) to fipronil.