Pyrethrum is a botanical insecticide produced primarily from the flowers of Tanacetum cinerariaefolium, which is a species of the chrysanthemum plant family. It is found mainly in tiny oil-containing glands on the surface of the seed case in the tightly packed flower head and is the plant’s own insecticide that has evolved to keep insects away. Pyrethrum is made up of six complex chemical esters known as pyrethrins which work in combination to repel and kill insects.
Pyrethrin has been used effectively to control insects for decades. It decomposes rapidly in the environment, making it an excellent choice for controlling pests.
Pyrethrin has been extensively studied from a toxicology viewpoint. It is low in acute toxicity to humans and other vertebrate animals, is non-carcinogenic and causes no adverse reproductive affects.
Pyrethrin is commonly used as a post harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables especially during shipment and is popular as a non-residual household insecticide spray.
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