New Report Warns of Flea and Tick Treatment Threat to Rivers

03/03/2026

A new report from wildlife charity Buglife reveals that pesticides from common flea and tick treatments are now widespread in rivers across Britain.

Pesticides can reach waterways through dogs swimming, moulted fur, and washing pets or their bedding. One survey found 100% of wash-off samples from treated dogs contained both chemicals.

These veterinary medicines, used by many pet owners, may be contributing to major declines in freshwater invertebrates such as dragonflies, mayflies, shrimps and damselflies, particularly near wastewater treatment works and urban waterways where contamination is highest.

Find out more about the report and what can be done

 

Image by ondrej_k, flickr