Pyrethrin is an insecticide and a natural way to control bugs.

What is pyrethrin made from?

Pyrethrin insecticide is made from the extract of chrysanthemum flowers grown in Africa and Australia.

The flowers contain six different strains of pyrethrin. The extract containing all six kinds of pyrethrin is called pyrethrum.  In the laboratory, scientists separate out the most powerful strain of pyrethrin for use in insecticide sprays and aerosols.

Pyrethrum powder was first used for insect control in 1800. Today, pyrethrum is the most widely used botanical insecticide.

What is pyrethrin used for?

Pyrethrin is used to kill and repel a wide range of insects and spiders.

How does pyrethrin work?

Pyrethrin attacks the nervous system of bugs after they eat it or touch it. Bugs become paralyzed and die after exposure to pyrethrin.

When sprayed directly on bugs, pyrethrin kills on contact. When sprayed into the cracks and crevices where bugs are hiding, it irritates the bugs and flushes them out into the open.  Pyrethrin degrades quickly when exposed to light, which means it doesn’t last very long in the environment after application. When applied in dark, protected areas, however, it remains active on treated surfaces for up to two weeks.

Some pyrethrin insecticide products contain a synergist, which blocks an insect’s ability to metabolize or overcome the pyrethrin. A synergist makes pyrethrin even more effective at killing bugs.

Natural insecticides like pyrethrin are regulated by Health Canada. Always follow the label directions when applying products containing pyrethrin or pyrethrum. The label is the law.

Also read:

Natural Insect Control with D-limonene and Natural Oils