The Science Behind Pyrethrum
Frequently Asked Questions

Science

How do insects react to Pyrethrum?  Mosquitoes and other insects will adapt a zigzagging pattern and will fly erratically from their hiding places. Within seconds they will be knocked to the ground and paralyzed. Paralysis of the insect is almost always followed by death.

How does Pyrethrum kill insects? Pyrethrum reacts with the central nervous system of the insect. It causes ion channels in the nerve cells to be open for too long. The negatively charged ions flow out causing the nerve cells to permanently loose their electric charge. In a functioning nerve cell, the electric charge is the signal for muscle actions. The loss of this charge means that nerve cells can no longer communicate with the muscles and the mosquito cannot control its actions. The mosquito quickly looses complete control of all life-sustaining functions and dies.

What else is in the Pyrethrum extract used by Total Mosquito Control and why? Pyrethrum is mixed with inactive ingredients as well as a synergist, piperonyl butoxide. Without the synergist, the natural pyrethrum is broken down too quickly by insects, and they will usually be able to recover after a period of disorientation. The synergist, piperonyl butoxide, restricts an enzyme that insects use to detoxify the pyrethrins.

What happens to Pyrethrum in the environment? Pyrethrum is quickly degraded by sunlight and will be completely broken down within a period of a few hours to 2 days.

Safety

How safe is Pyrethrum?  When used as directed, Pyrethrum is extremely safe. It is approved by the USDA and EPA to be sprayed on fruits and vegetables in trucks on their way to market. It has been used since Napoleon's time in human-head lice treatments and was once even added to Amsterdam's city drinking water supply with no ill effects.

How common is Pyrethrum and what other products use it?  Pyrethrum is very common and is used in many products approved for home use such as bug bombs, flea and tick dips, topical mosquito repellents, treatments for scabies and insecticides for home vegetable gardens.

Will using Pyrethrum cause cancer?  According the the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry), "There is no evidence that pyrethrins or pyrethroids cause cancer in people or in animals."

Is it safe to spray around my children and pets?  Pyrethrum is safe, but as an extra precaution we recommend leaving your yard as the system mists and returning after the mist has settled in 15 to 30 minutes.

How safe are the chemicals mixed with the Pyrethrum?  Piperonyl butoxide is the synergist used in the Pyrethrum formulation used by Total Mosquito Control. Piperonyl butoxide is extremely safe. In fact, it was safe enough to administer orally to 8 humans in tests referenced by the NPIC. In these tests, no changes in metabolism or ill effects were reported from the human consumption of piperonyl butoxide.

What does the government say about Pyrethrum?  The ATSDR provides the most comprehensive information about Pyrethrum and its safety. More information can also be found at the NPTN. Information about the synthetic form of Pyrethrum, pyrethroids, can be found at the EPA.

Does Pyrethrum go bad?  No. Pyrethrum stays in solution for years and does not lose potency.

Will it react with other chemicals around my house, such as the chlorine in the pool?  You should never mix household chemicals. However, pyrethrum sprayed around your pool will not react with your pool water.

Is it safe in the heat?  We know Houston can be sweltering, but yes, Pyrethrum is safe in the heat and does not become combustible in summer temperatures.