Hearing the word pyrethroids brings to mind something exotic. Amazing weirdness from another galaxy? A substance made in a hidden laboratory, nestled inside the gates of Area 51? A rabid fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus?

None of the above. As a matter of fact, it’s a synthetic based on natural pyrethrins. And the first generation of the substance came from the oil of a particular chrysanthemum flower that grew only in Kenya, Africa. But, go figure, since this stuff is so widely used in pest control, shortages soon followed once word got out that it was a great way to control bugs.

At that point, eggheads in labs started to produce a synthetic form of the material. At first, these scientifically created pyrethroids were concocted to act exactly like what came from the chrysanthemum. As the years rolled on, the formula was super-sized — tweaked to become tremendously potent when it came to exterminating pests.

Nowadays, the science has evolved so much that the killer chemical doesn’t smell, lasts a lot longer on the shelf (and in the field) and are not made with the use of any petroleum products.

Earth Friendly

Without fossil fuels being part of the mix, these new versions of the substance are Earth friendly. An additional plus is that they have a tendency not to be toxic to animals and humans.

From a product standpoint, there are more than a thousand varieties of pyrethroids that are used in the 21st century. However, because of needs of a particular country, America only uses about 10 varieties.

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control applies whichever is best for your particular needs. They’re not the only ones to use pyrethroids. Check the label when you purchase human head lice soap, pet shampoos, pet sprays, mosquito spray that you spritz on yourself as well as bug sprays for homes, gardens and farms.

Wanna know how this chemical works? Quite simple. It screws-up the insect’s nervous system. The bug gets wobbly, can’t eat and croaks. Easy as that.

Building Up a Resistance

Seems like everything has a way to work around a wall. Insects are no different. In their little biological system, they’ve managed to one-up pyrethroid poisoning. There’s your evolution for you. They’ve developed — the bugs — an enzyme that blocks the effect of the substance. Well, we’re not going to stand for that. That’s why nowadays you might find an extra added attraction added to the original pyrethroid. It’s called piperonyl butoxide. What that thing does is turns off the mechanism in the bug that pumps-out this enzyme.

Where Can It Be Used?

The quick answer is virtually anywhere. They fall short when it comes to eliminating insects that dig into tree trunks and pests that infest leaves. One caution: Pyrethroids are known as “broad spectrum insecticides.” In terms we can all understand, that means nearly all insects that touch the material will flip-out, including beneficial insects like honey bees and ladybugs. Other than that, it’s quite effective against pantry pests. ants, roaches, stinging insects, spiders and bed bugs.

Lastly, do you know what a fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus is called? “A Fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.” If you enjoy the great British comedy troop from the late 60’s and 70’s, you’ll understand what we mean.

Original Source:https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/explain-pyrethroids/