Amitraz is a triazapentadiene compound, a member of the amidine class. It is an insecticide and acaricide used to control red spider mites, leaf miners, scale insects, and aphids in which the mechanism of action is similar to other α 2-adrenoreceptors agonists as well as by the inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Sedation, analgesic effects and cardiovascular depression similar to the α 2-adrenoreceptors agonists have been described in several species after amitraz injection. On cotton it is used to control bollworms, white fly, and leaf worms. On animals it is used to control ticks, mites, lice and other animal pests. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies amitraz as Class III - slightly toxic.
It cannot be used on horses, because it can cause irreversible gut stasis.