Why These Ingredients Will Never Be Draw It Out® Worthy

September 14, 2025

Real Riders. Real Standards.

Why These Chemicals Aren’t Draw It Out® Worthy
…and why Citraquin® gets the nod.

Some brands need a decade of complaints to admit a mistake. We don’t. The first time we looked at permethrin, pyrethrins, PBO, and caustic fatty acids, the answer was simple: Not Draw It Out® worthy. Your horse, your dog, and the creek behind the barn deserve better.

Shop Citraquin® See the Head-to-Head

No Permethrin No Pyrethrins No PBO Water-Based Naturally-Derived Oils

What’s Inside This Page

The Old Guard: What’s Hiding in Conventional Sprays
The Downsides You Feel (and Smell)
Why Citraquin® Took a Different Road
Comparison: Chemicals vs. Citraquin®
Quick Answers (FAQ)

The Old Guard: What’s Hiding in Conventional Sprays

Permethrin (synthetic pyrethroid)

Highly toxic to cats; hazardous to aquatic life
Can cause skin tingling/irritation; insects develop resistance
Engineered neurotoxin — effective, but at a cost

Pyrethrins (flower-derived neurotoxins)

Break down fast in sunlight (re-spray city)
Allergy/respiratory irritation possible
Toxic to cats and fish

Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) — the booster

Not an insecticide; prolongs others to make them hit harder
Environmental persistence; potential liver toxicity at high doses
Raises the exposure envelope without adding virtue

Caustic Fatty Acids (octanoic, nonanoic, decanoic)

Can irritate skin/eyes; nonanoic can be corrosive in concentration
Short-acting, harsh odor, frequent re-application
“Natural” doesn’t mean “nice” when misused

The Downsides You Feel (and Smell)

Net-net: You trade time and peace of mind. Either you chase performance with harsh neurotoxins and boosters, or you settle for short-lived fatty acids that sting and stink. Neither passes our “use it on our own horses” test.

Why Citraquin® Took a Different Road

We optimized for the thing that matters most in a barn: trust. Water-based, naturally-derived oils for the job, skin-friendly support for the animal, and no chemical crutches.

What we use

Cedarwood, citronella, wintergreen oils
Vitamin E + castor oil for skin comfort
Water-based, breathable vehicle

What we don’t

No permethrin
No pyrethrins
No PBO (synergist boosters)

Get Citraquin® Now Shop Citraquin® Sizes

Always follow label directions. Reapply based on sweat, rain, and local pressure.

Head-to-Head: Chemicals vs. Citraquin®

Category	Permethrin / Pyrethrins / PBO / Fatty Acids	Citraquin® Approach
Mode of Action	Neurotoxic kill (permethrin/pyrethrins); PBO boosts & prolongs; fatty acids can be harsh	Repel with naturally-derived oils; water-based delivery
Animal Comfort	Possible stinging/tingling, odor, skin/eye irritation	Skin-considerate components (vitamin E, castor oil)
Environment & Pets	Toxic to cats; aquatic hazards; persistence with PBO	Formulated without permethrin, pyrethrins, or PBO
Re-Application	Pyrethrins degrade in sun; fatty acids short-lived	Up to 48 hours; reapply as conditions demand
Brand Fit	“Good enough” for mass market	“Use it on our own horses” standard

Quick Answers (FAQ)

Does Citraquin® contain permethrin, pyrethrins, or PBO?

No. Citraquin® avoids all three by design.

How long does it protect?

Up to 48 hours under normal conditions. Reapply based on sweat, rain, and insect pressure.

Is it okay for sensitive skin?

It’s water-based and includes skin-considerate components. Patch test first on highly sensitive horses.

Safe around dogs or near water?

Don’t apply to dogs unless the label indicates it. Keep any topical away from waterways. Follow label directions.

Why not use PBO to “boost” performance?

We’d rather design for balanced performance without chemical boosters that extend exposure.

Bottom Line

Fly control shouldn’t force a trade-off between performance and conscience. Citraquin® delivers protection that respects the horse, the rider, and the place you ride.

Choose Citraquin® Explore All Sizes

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