U.S. Reptile Ectoparasiticides Market

U.S. Reptile Ectoparasiticides Market Outlook

• The U.S. industry was valued at US$ 33.1 Mn in 2022
• It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2031 and reach more than US$ 55.8 Mn by the end of 2031

Analysts’ Viewpoint

The U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market size is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period due to a surge in reptile ownership among the U.S. population. Ectoparasiticides are specialized products designed to combat external parasites that afflict reptiles such as mites, ticks, and fleas.

Increase in popularity of reptiles as pets is projected to spur the U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market growth in the near future. Rise in awareness regarding reptile health is also boosting demand for reptile ectoparasiticides. R&D of new products is likely to offer lucrative opportunities to players in the U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides industry. Manufacturers are focusing on creating safe, efficient, and easy-to-administer solutions, which resonate with pet owners and encourage the adoption of these products.

Market Introduction

Ectoparasiticides in reptiles are medications or treatments specifically designed to control or eliminate external parasites that infest reptiles. These parasites, known as ectoparasites, live on the surface of the reptile's body and can cause various health issues if left untreated. Common ectoparasites that affect reptiles include mites, ticks, fleas, and certain types of flies.

Ectoparasites can cause skin irritation, itching, and lesions. These parasites are capable of transmitting diseases to various types of reptiles. Ectoparasiticides are formulated to target and eliminate or repel these parasites. These drugs are available in various forms such as topical solutions, collars, shampoos, and sprays.

Spot-on solutions or sprays are applied directly to the reptile's skin. The active ingredients in these treatments are designed to eliminate or repel the parasites upon contact. Some ectoparasiticides come in the form of liquid solutions that the reptile is immersed in or soaked in. These products are diluted in water and the reptile is either dipped or bathed to treat the infestation. Ectoparasiticidal powders or dusts are applied to the reptile's body, usually by gently dusting or rubbing the product onto the skin and scales. These powders often contain ingredients that target specific parasites.

Increase in Reptile Ownership Fueling U.S. Reptile Ectoparasiticides Market Development

People living in cities are adopting reptiles as they are small, low-maintenance, hypoallergenic, and silent. Smaller dogs and cats have become more popular as pet owners move into urban areas; however, reptile ownership has increased even more rapidly, particularly among younger pet owners.

According to an independent study, reptiles have become increasingly popular as pets in the U.S. for the last few years. According to polls, 2% of U.S. households kept reptiles as pets in 2007. The proportion more than doubled to 4.5% of families by 2020. Thus, rise in reptile ownership is propelling the U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market value.

Gen X and Gen Y populations possess more than 75% of all pet reptiles. These generations are more likely to humanize their pets. According to the American Pet Products Association's most recent National Pet Owners Survey, reptile pet ownership among Generation Z in the U.S. climbed from 18% to 29% from 2018 to 2022. Currently, six million households in the U.S. have a pet reptile. The younger generation of reptile owners is increasingly interested in well-being and regular care. Such a scenario is projected to augment the U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market progress during the forecast period.

Rise in Awareness Regarding Ectoparasite Risks

Ectoparasites, such as mites, ticks, and fleas, can cause various health issues in reptiles, including skin irritation, infections, anemia, and even the transmission of diseases. Reptiles suffering from ectoparasite infestations can experience discomfort, itchiness, and irritation. This can lead to decreased appetite, stress, and overall poor well-being.

Increase in awareness about these negative effects is prompting reptile owners to seek solutions that alleviate the discomfort of their pets and enhance their overall quality of life. This, in turn, is driving the U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market expansion.

Availability of information through various channels, such as veterinary resources, online forums, and reptile care guides, is contributing to an increase in awareness about ectoparasite risks. Access to reliable information empowers reptile owners to make informed decisions and invest in ectoparasiticide products.

High Demand for Reptile Ectoparasiticides Against Mites

According to the latest U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market trends, the mites ectoparasite segment is projected to hold largest share from 2023 to 2031. There are over 250 species of mites which can affect reptiles. Parasitic mites, who live on reptile pets, can cause more trouble. If captive reptiles do become infected, however, the close quarters of captivity can mean that the parasites grow rapidly in numbers and can cause serious problems.

Species with large, overlapping scales are more commonly affected, including carpet pythons and skinks. Snake and lizard mites are blood-suckers; however, spend the majority of their life off the host reptile. This can make them difficult to spot and also tough to eradicate.

Permethrin Gaining Traction

According to the latest U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market analysis, the permethrin drug segment is anticipated to dominate the industry during the forecast period. Permethrin belongs to the group of drugs known as synthetic neurotoxic pyrethroids. It targets eggs, lice, and mites by working on sodium transport across neuronal membranes in arthropods, causing depolarization. Permethrin is FDA-approved and is highly safe and effective in eradicating ectoparasites. It offers long-lasting residual protection by eradicating any larval mites or ticks that attempt to infest the reptiles after hatching.

The ivermectin segment is expected to grow at a steady pace in the near future. Ivermectin is used as an ectoparasiticide for mites and ticks in reptiles. It can be administered in small doses. Ivermectin is contraindicated in chelonians due to its toxicity in the species.

Extensive Use of Reptile Ectoparasiticides in Turtles & Tortoises

Based on the host, the sector has been divided into turtles & tortoises, lizards, snakes, and others. The turtles & tortoises segment is estimated to hold largest share during the forecast period. Turtles & tortoises are popular pets in the U.S. They are admired for their unique appearance, longevity, and relatively low maintenance requirements compared to other pets.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics for 2017-2018, approximately 1.5% of households in the U.S. owned pet turtles or tortoises. Although this percentage might seem relatively small, it still represents a significant number of pet owners. Turtles & tortoises have a dedicated community of reptile enthusiasts in the U.S. There are numerous reptile expos, online forums, and social media groups where turtle & tortoise owners share information, provide advice, and discuss their experiences.

According to the American Pet Products Association's National Pet Owners Survey 2019-2020, reptiles, including turtles & tortoises, were owned by approximately 5% of U.S. households. The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one of the most popular turtle species kept as pets in the U.S.

Surge in Sales of Reptile Ectoparasiticides in Retail Pharmacies

According to the latest U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market research, the retail pharmacies distribution channel segment is projected to dominate the sector during the forecast period. Retail pharmacies, including those with veterinary sections, serve as an additional distribution channel for reptile ectoparasiticide products. Placing these products in accessible retail pharmacy locations increases availability and convenience for reptile owners seeking ectoparasiticide solutions.

Several retail pharmacies have online platforms or partnerships with e-commerce platforms. Walgreens is incorporating reptile ectoparasiticide products into digital channels to expand reach and accessibility to a wider customer base. Contrary to this, veterinary hospital pharmacies have a deep understanding of animal health and specific requirements for reptile care. Collaborating with these pharmacies has allowed reptile ectoparasiticide manufacturers to tap into their specialized expertise and reach a targeted audience of reptile owners. Additionally, placing reptile ectoparasiticide products within veterinary hospital pharmacies ensures prominent visibility among reptile owners seeking professional guidance and purchasing options

Regional Outlook

According to the latest U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market forecast, Texas accounted for 35.6% share in 2022. The market in the state is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2031. Texas has a diverse climate and geography that supports a wide range of reptile species. The warm and often humid climate in many parts of Texas can create an environment favorable for ectoparasites, such as mites and ticks, which commonly affect reptiles. As a result, demand for ectoparasiticides is expected to be higher in Texas compared to that in regions with different climates. This, in turn, is anticipated to fuel the market dynamics of Texas during the forecast period.

In Texas, 59.4% of reptile conversations are about lizards, making them the most popular pet. Texas is home to more reptiles and amphibians collectively than any other U.S. state. From the semitropical south to the western deserts, Texas' diverse habitats support 71 species of amphibians and 160 species of reptiles, from alligators to the Texas tortoise. This exotic availability of reptiles encourages the Texas population to own one or more reptiles as their pets. Texas spiny lizards make good pets since they adapt well to captivity and eat a diet of readily available insects.

Analysis of Key Players in U.S. Reptile Ectoparasiticides Market

The U.S. industry is fragmented, with the presence of several players including Merck & Co., Inc., Pro-Products, Durvet Animal Health Products, Control Solutions, Inc., Beaphar, Seachem Laboratories, Inc., Lugarti, Inc., Nature Zone Pet Products, and Miracle Pet.

Most U.S. reptile ectoparasiticide companies are investing significantly in the R&D of new products to expand their product portfolio. They are also launching sustainable and natural products to increase their U.S. reptile ectoparasiticides market share.

U.S. Reptile Ectoparasiticides Market Snapshot