Ticks are blood feeders with an almost worldwide distribution. Most active stages require blood as a nutritive source and, in the case of adults, for sperm or egg production. The tick-host parasitic interaction is complex because of the mechanical processes and salivary secretions associated with blood feeding.
Tick-transmitted diseases are a major health issue for dogs and cats as well as for humans. Even with preventative measures using products which are both repellent and acaricidal tick control is crucial.