Pyrethroids are synthetic pesticides derived from natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemums. They act as a paralytic agent and are used in insect repellents, household and industrial sprays, and medicines. They can be harmful to some animals and can build up in sediment, impacting aquatic populations. Pyrethroids can also cause skin irritation and sensitivity in some people. Proper protection and following container recommendations is advised. They can be found in hardware and gardening stores.
A pyrethroid is a synthetic chemical used as a pesticide. Pyrethroids are the synthesized version of pyrethrins, natural pesticides found in some members of the chrysanthemum family. These plants are in fact sometimes recommended for companion planting to keep insects out of the garden, and they can also be processed to extract useful pyrethrins which can be used for insect control. The use of synthetic materials tends to be cheaper, making pyrethroids more attractive to pesticide manufacturers.
The first pyrethroids were developed in the 1960s and the chemicals have gone through several incarnations since this time. When insects are exposed to a pyrethroid, the pesticide acts as a paralytic agent and can be combined with a chemical that blocks enzymes in the insect’s body to ensure that the paralysis is lethal. As the use of organophosphate pesticides has declined, pyrethroids have become a very popular pesticide product.
These chemicals can be found in insect repellents, household insect sprays, and industrial sprays for crop-infesting insects. They are also used in medicines designed to treat conditions caused by insects, such as scabies, and are used to control fleas in some animals. However, pyrethroids can be very dangerous to some animals, such as cats, and must be handled with special care.
When released into the environment, pyrethroids generally decompose rapidly in air and water. However, they can build up in the sediment. This is a problem, because aquatic organisms are sensitive to pyrethroids and these pesticides can impact lake, river and stream populations. Care must be taken when using pyrethroids outdoors to avoid dispersing them into waterways for this reason.
Studies on pyrethroid toxicity have shown that these compounds can also sometimes cause skin irritation and other reactions in sensitive people. It can be difficult to predict when someone will be sensitive to pyrethroids, so it’s a good idea to wear proper protection when working with these pesticides. People should also closely follow pesticide container recommendations to reduce the risk to themselves and the natural environment.
Pyrethroid insecticide sprays can be found in many hardware and gardening stores, along with ancillary equipment such as sprayers and face shields. If people are unsure about which pesticide would be appropriate for a particular application, staff members can provide recommendations and advice. Any spray that contains a pyrethroid should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
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