Chrysanthemum Spray for Bedbugs

Pyrethrin is derived from the chrysanthemum flower.

Bedbugs are apple seed-sized bugs that infest homes and feed on human blood. Once present, a bedbug infestation is difficult to eradicate. Often, it's necessary to call in an exterminator, although there are a variety of do-it-yourself commercial treatments. One treatment that is available to homeowners comes from chrysanthemum flowers.

Pyrethrin

Chrysanthemum blossoms are harvested and dried and are then either powdered or treated with solvents to extract the pyrethrin oils in the blossoms. Pyrethrin may be added to other chemicals to create a stronger pesticide or used as is as a crop dust or made into a spray.

Toxicity

Depending on the type of pest it is used on, pyrethrin may only be strong enough to disrupt the bug's nervous system but not actually kill it. This level of toxicity is useful when the pesticide is used on animals or humans in the case of fleas or lice, but it's less useful when it's used on its own against bedbugs.

Effectiveness

Pyrethrins are broken down by some pests, including bedbugs, very quickly. Because of this, a chrysanthemum spray used on bedbugs will disrupt their nervous system only for a little while. It won't be effective for killing the bedbugs or reducing and eliminating the infestation.

Synthetics

Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals that mimic the structure and effects of pyrethrins. The chemical properties are the same, but pyrethroids last a bit longer and may do a better job at eradicating the infestation.

References

• Pennsylvania State University: Bed Bugs
• Cornell University: Pyrethrins

Resources

• University of Kentucky: Bed Bugs