Ivermectin: A New Ally in Tick Prevention

As tick populations and tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis increase, there is renewed interest in alternative control measures. Ivermectin, a broad-spectrum antiparasitic, has been researched for its effectiveness in reducing ticks and possibly lowering the risk of tick-borne infections.⁽¹⁾

How Does Ivermectin Work?

Ivermectin disrupts tick nerve and muscle function, binding to specific chloride channels, causing paralysis and death. In veterinary settings and animal studies, ivermectin has proven highly effective in eliminating ticks, such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) and reducing infestation in herds, dogs, and deer. Experimental research in humans tested a single oral dose of up to 400 mcg/kg. Still, results were mixed, with no significant advantage over placebo for killing attached ticks or preventing tick-borne diseases.⁽²⁾

Which Tick Threats Can Ivermectin Address?

• Reducing/killing ticks: In animals, ivermectin significantly lowers tick numbers and, in some studies, reproductive capacity.
• Disease prevention: It reduced tick-borne infections in herds, indirectly reducing human risk where animal and human exposures overlap.
• Human use: Ivermectin is sometimes used off-label in humans, but evidence does not currently support routine use for tick bite prevention due to inconsistent efficacy in clinical trials.

Ticks Affected by Ivermectin Administration

• Ixodes scapularis (deer tick): Major carrier for Lyme disease in North America.⁽³⁾
• Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick): Common in domestic and kennel environments, vector for canine diseases and occasionally human illnesses.⁽⁴⁾

Best Practices for Tick Bite Prevention

While ivermectin has shown value for livestock and pets, the best evidence-based strategies for humans include:^(5,6)

• Use EPA-registered repellents containing DEET or permethrin on clothing.
• Essential oils (eucalyptus, rose geranium, cedarwood) can be used as tick repellents but require frequent reapplication.⁽⁵⁾
• Wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing.
• Do regular tick checks after outdoor activity.
• Consult the CDC page for guidelines and tick removal methods.

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, is the current first-line treatment for Lyme disease after a high-risk tick bite.⁽⁷⁾ This valuable antibiotic is found in our Medical Emergency Kit.

Ivermectin is an important veterinary tool and shows promise for tick control in animals — but is not yet a standard or proven approach for human tick bite prevention or disease reduction. For personal protection, follow CDC-recommended precautions and consult healthcare providers for tick bite management.

References

1. Sheele JM, Ford LR, Tse A, Chidester B, Byers PA, Sonenshine DE. The use of ivermectin to kill Ixodes scapularis ticks feeding on humans. Wilderness Environ Med. 2014 Mar;25(1):29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2013.09.008. Epub 2014 Jan 9. PMID: 24411976.
2. Roy, M. Roy. Therapeutic evaluation of Ivermectin Pour on against tick infestation in dogs. Veterinary World. PDF
3. Piesman et al. The use of ivermectin to kill Ixodes scapularis ticks feeding on humans. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2014;25(1):28-34. PubMed
4. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick): Common in domestic and kennel environments, vector for canine diseases and occasionally human illnesses.
5. Bite Back Tick. (2025, July) How to use essential oils to control ticks. bitebacktick.com
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to Prevent Mosquito and Tick Bites. cdc.gov
7. Medical News Today. Doxycycline for Lyme disease: Dose, efficacy, and side effects. medicalnewstoday.com
   

Written by Brooke Lounsbury