Top 5 Flea & Tick Medications for Dogs & Cats (Prescription Required)

When it comes to protecting your pets from fleas and ticks, prescription medications consistently deliver the highest level of efficacy, speed, and lasting coverage. Unlike over-the-counter options, prescription flea and tick treatments are clinically evaluated, FDA-approved, and tailored to your pet's specific weight and health profile, which is exactly why veterinarians recommend them most. This article breaks down the top 5 prescription flea and tick medications for dogs and the top 5 for cats, covering active ingredients, how they work, and what makes each one stand out.

Already convinced about the importance of year-round parasite prevention? Read our in-depth guide on Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention for Pets to understand the real risks these parasites pose.

Best Prescription Flea & Tick Medications for Dogs

#1 — NexGard (Afoxolaner) Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Price: $32.99  |  Autoship Price: $26.39

NexGard is the #1 vet-recommended flea and tick protection for dogs in the United States, and it has earned that reputation. Each beef-flavored soft chew contains afoxolaner, an isoxazoline-class insecticide and acaricide. After your dog takes the chew, afoxolaner circulates through the bloodstream. When fleas or ticks bite, they ingest the compound, which disrupts their nervous system by blocking GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride ion channels, resulting in paralysis and death.

Active Ingredient: Afoxolaner

What it Covers: Adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum)

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 4 hours; reaches over 99% effectiveness at 8 hours. Ticks are killed within 48 hours, and as fast as 8–12 hours for certain species.

Dosing Interval: Once monthly

Eligible Pets: Dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 4 lbs

Why NexGard Stands Out: NexGard is the only oral flea and tick product FDA-approved to prevent Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) infections by killing black-legged ticks. It requires no topical application, stays effective regardless of bathing or swimming, and the beef-flavored chew is accepted by most dogs without resistance. NexGard also scales cleanly through a weight-based dosing system, making it straightforward for both veterinarians and pet owners. For dogs with active lifestyles or high tick-exposure environments, NexGard is a reliable, proven first-line prescription choice.

Precaution: Like all isoxazoline-class products, NexGard carries an FDA neurological warning. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders.

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#2 — Simparica Trio (Sarolaner + Moxidectin + Pyrantel) for Dogs

Price: $44.63  |  Autoship Price: $35.71

Simparica Trio is the most comprehensive prescription parasite protection available in a single monthly chew. It was the first FDA-approved product to combine flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, and intestinal parasite treatment in one tablet, three separate classes of parasiticide action working together in a single dose.

Active Ingredients: Sarolaner (isoxazoline), Moxidectin (macrocyclic lactone), Pyrantel (tetrahydropyrimidine)

What it Covers: Adult fleas; 5–6 tick species, including Lone Star, Gulf Coast, American dog, black-legged, brown dog, and Asian longhorned ticks; heartworm disease prevention; roundworms and hookworms

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 4 hours; kills ticks within 8–12 hours; demonstrated 100% protection against heartworm disease in FDA approval studies

Dosing Interval: Once monthly

Eligible Pets: Dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs

Why Simparica Trio Stands Out: The fact that Simparica Trio eliminates the need for a separate heartworm preventative makes it an exceptional value for most dog owners. One chew replaces two or three separate products. The pork liver-flavored tablet is voluntarily accepted by 9 out of 10 dogs, and it has been demonstrated safe in ivermectin-sensitive dogs, heartworm-positive dogs, and puppies as young as 8 weeks. For dogs in heartworm-endemic regions, Simparica Trio is the most clinically comprehensive single monthly prescription purchase available.

Precaution: Contains sarolaner (isoxazoline class). Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.

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#3 — Bravecto (Fluralaner) Chewable Tablet for Dogs

Price: $84.99

Bravecto offers something genuinely different from every other oral option on this list: 12 weeks of protection in a single dose. For pet owners who struggle with monthly dosing schedules or simply prefer fewer treatment events per year, Bravecto is the standout choice. One chew every 3 months means just 4 doses annually instead of 12, with significantly fewer opportunities for missed or late doses that leave your dog exposed.

Active Ingredient: Fluralaner (isoxazoline)

What it Covers: Adult fleas, flea infestations (prevention); black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, Asian longhorned ticks (12 weeks); Lone Star ticks (8 weeks)

Speed of Action: Fleas start dying within 2 hours of the first dose, and most ticks are eliminated within 12 hours.

Dosing Interval: Once every 12 weeks (quarterly)

Eligible Pets: Dogs 6 months of age or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs

Why Bravecto Stands Out: With over 350 million doses distributed across 100 countries since 2014, Bravecto has one of the strongest real-world safety datasets in the flea and tick category. Its quarterly dosing naturally reduces the risk of protection gaps from late administration. It was also the first U.S. product approved with efficacy against the Asian longhorned tick, an emerging threat across the eastern United States. For multi-dog households or owners managing complex schedules, Bravecto dramatically simplifies the annual prevention routine. A topical spot-on formulation is also available for dogs that resist oral medication.

Precaution: Contains fluralaner (isoxazoline class). FDA neurological warning applies. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.

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#4 — Simparica (Sarolaner) Chewable Tablet for Dogs

Price: $28.60  |  Autoship Price: $22.88

Simparica is the focused, streamlined counterpart to Simparica Trio, delivering fast, powerful flea and tick protection without the added heartworm and intestinal parasite components. For dogs already on a dedicated heartworm preventative, Simparica is a highly efficient monthly option that covers five tick species and begins working within hours of administration.

Active Ingredient: Sarolaner (isoxazoline)

What it Covers: Adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis); 5 tick species: Lone Star, Gulf Coast, American dog, black-legged, and brown dog ticks

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 3 hours; kills ticks within 8 hours; provides up to 35 days of protection per dose

Dosing Interval: Once monthly (with up to 35-day efficacy window)

Eligible Pets: Dogs 6 months of age or older

Why Simparica Stands Out: Simparica's 35-day efficacy window provides a meaningful buffer beyond the standard 30-day cycle, reducing the risk of a protection gap if a dose runs a few days late. Its targeted formula is ideal for pet owners who prefer modular parasite coverage, pairing dedicated flea/tick protection with a separate heartworm preventative. It covers more tick species than NexGard in a single product and carries the strong safety profile and clinical backing of Zoetis, the world's largest animal health company.

Precaution: Contains sarolaner (isoxazoline class). Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders.

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#5 — Credelio (Lotilaner) Chewable Tablet for Dogs

Price: $29.08  |  Autoship Price: $23.26

Credelio closes out this list with a clinically validated competitive edge: the fastest initial speed of tick kill among monthly isoxazoline chewables. A peer-reviewed, head-to-head study published in Parasites & Vectors (2024) demonstrated that lotilaner (Credelio) killed Lone Star ticks in 12 hours — twice as fast as both sarolaner (Simparica Trio) and afoxolaner (NexGard) — and maintained that speed advantage throughout the full dosing interval.

Active Ingredient: Lotilaner (isoxazoline)

What it Covers: Adult fleas (100% reduction within 12 hours); black-legged, Lone Star, American dog, and brown dog ticks

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 4 hours; reaches 100% flea reduction in 12 hours; fastest confirmed tick-kill speed among monthly oral competitors per head-to-head trial data

Dosing Interval: Once monthly

Eligible Pets: Dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 4.4 lbs

Why Credelio Stands Out: Speed of tick kill matters because faster elimination shortens the window for disease transmission, a point emphasized by the CDC and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Credelio uses extra-purified lotilaner, with the inactive portion of the compound removed, which the manufacturer (Elanco) states is designed to minimize the potential for additional side effects. Note that Credelio must be administered with food or within 30 minutes of feeding for optimal absorption, a key administration detail for pet owners.

Precaution: Contains lotilaner (isoxazoline class). FDA neurological warning applies. Use with caution in dogs with a history of neurological disorders.

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Best Prescription Flea & Tick Medications for Cats

Cats present unique challenges for parasite control. Many products safe for dogs are outright toxic to cats, which is why prescription flea and tick treatments formulated specifically for felines are so critical. Feline physiology is uniquely sensitive to certain compounds (including permethrin, found in many canine products), so veterinary oversight and species-specific formulations are non-negotiable. The five options below are the most clinically validated, vet-recommended prescription choices for cats available today.

#1 — Revolution Plus (Selamectin + Sarolaner) Topical for Cats

Price: $35.88  |  Autoship Price: $28.70

Revolution Plus is the most prescribed parasite preventative for cats in the United States and the reasons are clear. This monthly topical solution combines selamectin and sarolaner into a single small-volume, quick-drying application that was the first flea and tick combo product FDA-approved to kill 4 species of ticks on cats. It covers more parasite types in one tube than any other single-application monthly product in the feline prescription category.

Active Ingredients: Selamectin (macrocyclic lactone) + Sarolaner (isoxazoline)

What it Covers: Adult fleas + flea infestations (prevention); 4 tick species: Lone Star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and black-legged ticks; heartworm disease prevention; roundworms, hookworms, ear mites; tapeworm prevention (through flea vector control)

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 6 hours of application; monthly protection

Dosing Interval: Once monthly; applied topically to the back of the neck

Eligible Pets: Cats and kittens 8 weeks of age or older, weighing at least 2.8 lbs

Why Revolution Plus Stands Out: Revolution Plus is a 6-in-1 parasite preventative covering fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms in one tube. Its dual mechanism is particularly effective: selamectin spreads across the skin's surface lipid layer to target external parasites while also being absorbed systemically to address internal ones, and sarolaner adds enhanced isoxazoline-based ectoparasiticide action for robust tick coverage. In a controlled comparative study, Revolution Plus achieved ≥99.1% tick efficacy against Ixodes scapularis at all assessed time points. For outdoor cats, multi-cat households, or any cat in a heartworm-endemic region, Revolution Plus is consistently the first-line veterinary recommendation.

Precaution: Contains sarolaner (isoxazoline class). Use with caution in cats with a history of neurological disorders. Safety not established for kittens under 8 weeks or in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats.

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#2 — Bravecto (Fluralaner) Topical Solution for Cats

Price: $76.99

Bravecto for Cats delivers 12 weeks of flea and tick protection from a single topical application, making it the longest-lasting prescription option available for cats. For cats who strongly resist monthly handling and treatment, the quarterly schedule removes three of the four annual application events without compromising protection.

Active Ingredient: Fluralaner (isoxazoline)

What it Covers: Adult fleas + flea infestations (prevention); black-legged ticks and Asian longhorned ticks (12 weeks); American dog ticks (8 weeks)

Speed of Action: Starts killing fleas within 8 hours; full flea efficacy achieved quickly; kills ticks within 12 hours

Dosing Interval: Once every 12 weeks (quarterly); applied using the Twist'n'Use™ applicator

Eligible Pets: Cats 6 months of age or older

Why Bravecto for Cats Stands Out: For stress-sensitive cats or cats with difficult temperaments, reducing the number of annual treatment events from 12 to 4 is a meaningful welfare improvement for both the cat and the owner. In a head-to-head controlled study comparing Bravecto for Cats with Revolution Plus, both products achieved over 99% efficacy against Ixodes scapularis through the full 12-week duration, confirming Bravecto's effectiveness at the top tier of feline prescription protection. The waterproof formula remains effective after bathing.

Precaution: Contains fluralaner (isoxazoline class). FDA neurological warning applies. Apply it to your cat's skin and keep the area untouched until it dries completely. Safe to use on cats aged 6 months and older.

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#3 — Advantage Multi (Imidacloprid + Moxidectin) Topical for Cats

Price: $22.00  |  Autoship Price: $17.60

Advantage Multi for Cats works differently from the other products on this list. It uses two active ingredients, imidacloprid and moxidectin, where imidacloprid kills fleas on contact before they even get a chance to bite, and moxidectin works inside the body to prevent heartworm disease and treat intestinal parasites. This dual-mechanism profile makes it particularly well-suited for cats in heartworm-endemic areas, cats with flea allergy dermatitis, or cats whose owners prefer to avoid isoxazoline-class compounds.

Active Ingredients: Imidacloprid (10%) + Moxidectin (1%)

What it Covers: Adult flea killing and flea infestation treatment (contact-based); heartworm disease prevention (Dirofilaria immitis); roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites

Speed of Action: Imidacloprid kills fleas on contact, before the flea can bite; monthly protection window; ear mite treatment included

Dosing Interval: Once monthly

Eligible Pets: Suitable for cats and kittens aged 9 weeks or older, as long as they weigh at least 2 lbs.

Why Advantage Multi Stands Out: The contact-kill mechanism of imidacloprid is especially important for cats with flea allergy dermatitis. The flea is killed before it can bite and trigger an allergic reaction. Moxidectin provides systemic heartworm larval prevention and treats ear mites, which are the leading cause of ear infections in cats. Because Advantage Multi contains no isoxazolines, it can be a preferred alternative for cats with a prior adverse neurological history on other prescription products. It has a well-established safety record and is the only FDA-approved product for combined flea and heartworm prevention in ferrets as well.

Note: Advantage Multi does not provide tick protection. Consult your veterinarian if tick prevention is also needed for your cat's lifestyle.

Precaution: Federal law restricts this product to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Not for cats under 9 weeks or under 2 lbs. Let the treated area dry completely before touching it, and make sure other pets in the house do not lick or groom that spot.

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#4 — Bravecto Plus (Fluralaner + Moxidectin) Topical for Cats

Price: $55.99

Bravecto Plus for Cats combines the proven 12-week fluralaner ectoparasite formula with the addition of moxidectin for expanded internal coverage, bridging the gap between Bravecto's extended-duration protection and the broader spectrum coverage offered by Revolution Plus and Advantage Multi. If your cat needs comprehensive protection covering fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms but you want fewer treatment events, Bravecto Plus delivers that in a bi-monthly application.

Active Ingredients: Fluralaner + Moxidectin

What it Covers: Adult fleas + flea infestations; black-legged ticks and Asian longhorned ticks (12 weeks); American dog ticks (8 weeks); heartworm disease prevention; roundworms, hookworms, ear mites

Speed of Action: Kills fleas and ticks within 48 hours; maintains efficacy for 2 months

Dosing Interval: Once every 2 months (bi-monthly, 6 treatments per year)

Eligible Pets: Cats 6 months of age or older

Why Bravecto Plus Stands Out: Bravecto Plus covers 5 parasite types per bi-monthly application, a meaningful expansion over the base Bravecto formulation for cats that also need internal coverage. The 2-month duration cuts annual treatment events in half compared to monthly products, which significantly reduces handling stress for cats that are difficult to treat. For households where monthly topical applications have become a source of ongoing conflict between cat and owner, Bravecto Plus offers a practical, comprehensive solution.

Precaution: Contains fluralaner (isoxazoline class). FDA neurological warning applies. For external topical use only. Indicated for cats 6 months and older.

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#5 — Revolution (Selamectin) Topical for Cats

Price: $416.22  |  Autoship Price: $332.98

Revolution is the original monthly selamectin-based preventative for cats and remains a trusted, time-tested prescription option, particularly for kitten owners and situations where isoxazoline avoidance is a priority. While it doesn't include the sarolaner found in Revolution Plus, it still provides reliable flea control, heartworm prevention, ear mite treatment, and roundworm and hookworm control. It is also approved for the widest weight range in the Revolution family — cats from 2.8 lbs to 22 lbs.

Active Ingredient: Selamectin (macrocyclic lactone)

What it Covers: Adult fleas and flea prevention; heartworm disease prevention; ear mites; roundworms (Toxocara cati); hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

Dosing Interval: Once monthly; applied topically to the skin at the back of the neck

Eligible Pets: Cats and kittens 8 weeks and older, 2.8 lbs to 22 lbs

Why Revolution Stands Out: Revolution's appeal comes from its long clinical track record and broad size-range eligibility, making it the go-to in multi-cat households with cats of varying weights, or situations where the sarolaner component of Revolution Plus is contraindicated (such as cats with neurological history). For indoor cats where tick protection is not a priority, Revolution provides clean, reliable flea and heartworm coverage with a simple, no-fuss monthly application. No food requirement, no timing restrictions, and no bite needed to kill fleas.

Precaution: Safety not established for kittens under 8 weeks or in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Consult your veterinarian before applying to skin with irritation or open wounds.

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Final Thoughts

Prescription flea and tick medications represent the gold standard in pet parasite prevention. Whether you're protecting a dog in a high-tick environment, managing a multi-cat household, or keeping a kitten safe from heartworm and flea allergy complications, there is a veterinarian-approved solution designed for exactly that situation. The products in this guide are the most clinically supported, vet-recommended options in their class, each with a distinct strength worth matching to your pet's individual lifestyle and risk profile.

A few key takeaways: for dogs needing all-in-one coverage including heartworm, Simparica Trio is difficult to surpass. If dosing frequency is your biggest challenge, Bravecto's quarterly schedule works equally well for both dogs and cats. For cats needing the broadest monthly spectrum in a single tube, Revolution Plus remains the most prescribed feline preventative in the country. And for any cat whose history makes isoxazoline avoidance advisable, Advantage Multi delivers strong non-isoxazoline flea and heartworm protection with a well-established safety record.

Always consult your veterinarian to confirm the right product for your pet's age, weight, health history, and local parasite risk. These are prescription medications for a reason, and that clinical oversight is a core part of what makes them so effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q1: What's the difference between prescription flea and tick medications and over-the-counter options?

Ans: The biggest difference comes down to clinical backing and how precisely the dosing is matched to your pet. Prescription medications go through FDA evaluation and are calibrated to your pet's specific weight and health profile. OTC products skip that process. They're easier to grab off a shelf, but the efficacy tends to be lower, they work more slowly, and the protection doesn't last as long. Veterinarians push prescription options like NexGard, Simparica Trio, and Revolution Plus for a reason. The oversight built into getting them is part of what makes them work as well as they do.

Q2: Can I use dog flea and tick products on my cat?

Ans: No, and this one is serious. A lot of ingredients that are completely fine for dogs are toxic to cats. Permethrin is the big one. It shows up in many canine flea and tick products and can be fatal to cats. Stick to formulas made specifically for cats, things like Revolution Plus, Bravecto for Cats, or Advantage Multi. If you are ever unsure about a product, call your vet before applying anything. It is not worth the risk.

Q3: What does the FDA neurological warning on isoxazoline products mean for my pet?

Ans: It means a small number of animals on these medications have experienced side effects like tremors, loss of coordination, or seizures. The warning applies across the entire isoxazoline class, so it covers NexGard, Simparica, Bravecto, Credelio, and Revolution Plus. For most pets with no prior neurological history, these products are considered safe and are used widely without issue. The warning really matters if your pet has had seizures or a neurological condition before. In that case, talk to your vet first. There are non-isoxazoline options, like Advantage Multi for cats, that may be a better fit.

Q4: Which product is best if I want all-in-one coverage for my dog?

Ans: For fleas, ticks, and heartworm all in one place, Simparica Trio is the one to look at. It was the first FDA-approved product to combine all three into a single monthly chew, and it also covers roundworms and hookworms on top of that. For most dog owners, it replaces two or three separate products. If your dog is in a heartworm-risk area, it is hard to find a more complete single-purchase solution.

Q5: How often does my pet actually need to be treated?

Ans: Most of the products here run on a monthly schedule. That includes NexGard, Simparica Trio, Simparica, Credelio, Revolution Plus, and Advantage Multi. Bravecto is the exception for both dogs and cats. One dose covers 12 weeks, so you are only treating four times a year. Bravecto Plus for cats lands in the middle at once every two months. If missed doses are a recurring problem in your household, the longer-duration options are worth a serious look.

Q6: Are these medications safe for puppies and kittens?

Ans: Several of them are approved for pretty young animals. NexGard, Simparica Trio, and Credelio can be used on puppies from 8 weeks old. Bravecto for dogs requires the puppy to be at least 6 months. On the cat side, Revolution Plus and Revolution are both approved from 8 weeks, Advantage Multi from 9 weeks, and Bravecto and Bravecto Plus from 6 months. Always double-check the minimum age and weight before giving anything to a young pet. Those thresholds exist for a reason.

Q7: Will bathing or swimming affect how well the medication works?

Ans: For oral medications it does not matter at all. NexGard, Simparica Trio, Bravecto chewable, Simparica, and Credelio all work through the bloodstream, so water on the coat changes nothing. Topical products need a bit more care. Let them dry completely before your pet gets wet. Bravecto's topical formula for cats is waterproof once it has dried. If your pet swims regularly, check the specific label or ask your vet which product holds up best for that lifestyle.

Related Reading from HardyPaw

→ Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention Guide for Pets

→ 2026 Tick Bite Prevention Checklist for Pets

→ Best OTC Flea Medicine for Dogs

→ Best Topical Flea & Tick Prevention for Dogs

→ Top 5 Best Dog Flea & Tick Collars in the USA

→ K9 Advantix II vs Advantage II: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

References

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Official FDA guidance on the isoxazoline drug class covering Bravecto, Credelio, NexGard, and Simparica, including safety profile, approval status, and adverse event information for all major prescription flea and tick treatments. URL: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-adverse-events-associated-isoxazoline-flea
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Simparica Trio, a Combination Drug for Heartworm and Other Parasites approved by FDA. Official approval announcement with full indications, ingredients, and safety data. URL: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-simparica-trio-combination-drug-heartworm-and-other-parasites
• DailyMed (NIH) — NexGard (Afoxolaner) Prescribing Information — Full FDA-approved prescribing label for NexGard chewable tablets, including mechanism of action, efficacy data, dosage schedule, and safety information sourced directly from the NIH drug label database. URL: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a668d223-47a3-46b7-b642-f2de0dca6ab5
• DailyMed (NIH) — Advantage Multi for Cats (Imidacloprid + Moxidectin) Prescribing Information — Full FDA-approved prescribing label for Advantage Multi for Cats, detailing active ingredients, approved indications (fleas, heartworm, ear mites, hookworms, roundworms), dosing, and safety warnings. URL: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4acea077-3f1a-4507-ab8c-2f65d9035c97
• Reif KE et al., Parasites & Vectors (2024) — Comparative speed of kill provided by lotilaner (Credelio), sarolaner (Simparica Trio), and afoxolaner (NexGard) to control Amblyomma americanum infestations on dogs. Peer-reviewed, head-to-head study confirming Credelio's fastest tick-kill speed at 12 hours. URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13071-024-06363-w