What is "fipronil"

n. A broad-spectrum insecticide that disrupts the insect's central nervous system

Fipronil is a broad-use insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical family.''' '''Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that disrupts the insect central nervous system by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels and glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels, resulting in central nervous system toxicity. This causes hyperexcitation of contaminated insects' nerves and muscles. Specificity of fipronil on insects may come from a better efficacy on GABA receptor, but also because GluCl channels do not exist in mammals.