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Insecticidal activity of common reagents for insect foreign bodies of the ear

P J Antonelli1, A Ahmadi, A Prevatt

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0264, USA.

The Laryngoscope
|February 24, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ethanol effectively kills common ear canal insects like cockroaches and honeybees, though ticks are resistant. This study compared insecticidal activity of various preparations for ear foreign body removal.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Medical Entomology

Background:

  • Insects in the ear canal are a common and painful foreign body issue.
  • Removal of live insects presents challenges, particularly for primary care physicians with limited equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the insecticidal efficacy of readily available preparations against common ear canal insects.
  • To evaluate treatments for German cockroaches, American cockroaches, ticks, beetles, and honeybees.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, blinded study design was employed.
  • 170 insects of each species were tested against 17 different preparations.
  • Insecticidal activity and time to death were monitored after agitation.

Main Results:

  • Most tested preparations showed some insecticidal effect against most insect species.
  • Ticks demonstrated complete resistance to all tested reagents.
  • Ethanol exhibited the most rapid insecticidal activity against American cockroaches, German cockroaches, and honeybees.

Conclusions:

  • Several common preparations can effectively kill or immobilize insect foreign bodies in the ear canal.
  • Ethanol is a rapid and effective option for specific insect types found in the ear.

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