Liquid paraffin

Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil, also sold as white oil or paraffin oil. It is not a nerve poison like most flea, tick and worm actives. Against pests it works mainly in a physical way: a coat of oil blocks the tiny breathing holes of insects and mites and disrupts how they feed. Its effect is short-lived and it only works on pests it directly covers, so it leaves no lasting protection.

On the Australian register (APVMA PubCRIS, checked October 2026), liquid paraffin turns up in many products, but mostly as an inactive carrier. A register search found only three veterinary products that list it, or plain paraffin, as an active. Just one of them treats a parasite: Aristopet Scaly Face & Leg Treatment for Ornamental Birds. This topical lotion contains 790 g/L liquid paraffin with 75 g/L benzyl benzoate and is registered for budgerigars, canaries, finches and parrots against the scaly face and leg mite, Cnemidocoptes pilae. The other two use the oil for a different job. Troy Laxapet Gel (paraffin 400 mg/g) is a laxative and hairball lubricant for dogs and cats. Nobilis Paramyxo P201, a pigeon vaccine, uses light liquid paraffin as the oil base for an inactivated virus.

The scaly face and leg mite burrows into the skin of the face and legs, causing crusty, scaly growths. In budgies the beak can take on a crumbly, honeycomb look. Oily coatings are a common remedy because they smother the mites. The Aristopet lotion adds benzyl benzoate, a mite-killing chemical, to the oil. The label directions are to apply it to the affected areas once a day for 3 to 4 days, stop the bird swallowing the product while it is applied, and repeat the treatment 1 to 2 weeks later to avoid re-infestation. An Adelaide vet notes that home remedies relying on smothering alone, such as petroleum jelly, often improve the signs without clearing every mite.

Garden white oil sprays use the same kind of oil against plant pests such as mites, aphids and whiteflies. They are garden products, not animal treatments. No flea, tick or worm treatment for dogs or cats registered in Australia relies on liquid paraffin. If your bird has crusty growths on its beak or legs, ask an avian vet to confirm the cause and recommend a treatment.