Effects of Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a natural, commonly used pesticide to control mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and flies. Pyrethrin is manufactured from a specific chrysanthemum plant. The active ingredient is extracted from the plant by drying and crushing the leaves of the flower or by extracting the oil with the use of a solvent.
-
History
-
The active ingredients in the powder and oil are contact poisons that absorb quickly into the nervous system of the pest paralyzing it. The bus is not necessarily killed due to the ability of the animal to detoxify itself through the neutralizing effects of enzymes in their body chemistry, so recovery is likely. To combat this, many pyrethrin manufacturers add other organophosphates or poisons to the product to slow down the enzyme neutralization, making the pyrethrin more effective.
Synthetic
-
Synthetic compounds have been produced and are more effective as an insecticide as well as being loss toxic to mammals.
-
Toxicity
-
Both natural pyrethrins and synthetic pyrethroids are extremely toxic to aquatic life and should not be used near waterways. Toxicity to birds, whether aquatic or not, is minimal. The toxicity of the compounds is increased as the waters warm in the summer, which coincides with the timeframes of increased use. Toxicity in mammals is low unless exposed to high doses. The compounds are not known to be stored in the body as they are easily digestible by the body.
Environmental Impacts
-
Environmental impacts of the use of pyrethrins are minimal. Plants break down the compound and residual effects are almost non-existent. Pyrethrins are 100% biodegradable, breaking down on their own within months. Crops sprayed with pyrethrins to control pests will have little to no remaining residue by the time they are seen in the marketplace.
Uses
-
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are commonly used in commercially prepared flea shampoos, sprays, powers, and environmental preparations. It is extremely important to follow the label instructions to avoid potentially harming your pet. Very young cats and dogs as well as aged, or otherwise unhealthy animals should avoid having pyrethrin treatments for pests as they are more likely to develop complications from overdose.
-
