Pyrethrum Daisies: Nature’s Defense Against Insects
Pyrethrum is extracted from a specific species of Chrysanthemum daisies and is often the active ingredient found in botanical insecticides. Pyrethrum acts as the plant’s natural defense against insects, making it a popular choice for pest control.
Pyrethrum daisies are sustainably grown by Australian and Tanzanian farming families. Once harvested, the insecticidal Pyerthrum is extracted using a process that preserves the natural identity and form of the botanical pyrethrins, or the pesticides found within the flower.
It is believed the special insecticidal properties of botanical pyrethrins have actually been known for more than 2,000 years. Pyrethrum daisies were originally dried and crushed to make “insect powder,” which was widely traded in the ancient world. Legend has it that even Napoleon Bonaparte relied on them to keep fleas and lice off his troops.
Pyrethrum daisies are widely used in a diverse range of insect control products worldwide– including those sold by the world’s leading household insecticides and environmental sciences companies.
How do Pyrethrum Daisies Work?
The 100% plant-based insecticide active ingredient found in The Power of the Flower® consists of six naturally occurring molecular “esters” with relatively low mammalian toxicity¹. Botanical pyrethrins, the naturally occurring pesticide ingredient found in the pyrethrum daisy, attack the insects’ nervous system, knocking them down within seconds. Furthermore, the complex chemistry of these molecules makes it harder for insects’ metabolic response to crack their code, thereby developing resistance.
1Environmental Protection Agency – Toxicity Category III classification (40 CFR 156.62 Toxicity Category). Based on product data for Pyrethrins 50% TK containing Australian grown and extracted pyrethrins active ingredients.
Suitable for use in edible gardening and organic farming²
Pyrethrins are an approved active ingredient for insect control in organic farming and sustainable agricultural production². Due to their relatively low mammalian toxicity¹ and rapid degradation in sunlight3, pyrethrin-based products are a natural choice for home gardeners. Many pest control professionals also choose to use products containing pyrethrin daisies for insect control in the most sensitive environments including commercial kitchens, food processing and storage, hospitals and schools.
2Pyrethrin active ingredient is authorized for use in organic production in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 889/2008. In the USA pyrethrum is Allowed with Restrictions for Crop NOP Rule: 205.206(e), Allowed for Livestock NOP Rule: 205.105, Allowed with Restrictions for Processing & Handling NOP Rule: 205.271(c) as per the OMRI Generic Materials List 2015.3 Pyrethrins General Fact Sheet. National Pesticide Information Center, November 2014, p 3.
Pyrethrin—from the Pyrethrum Daisy: Suitable for a Wide Range of Uses
Organic Farming & Production²
Pyrethrins constitute one of very few plant-based active ingredients approved for use in organic farming and production in the highly regulated European and North American markets². It is the only organically-compliant, fast-acting, biodegradable insecticide active ingredient offering quick knockdown and broad spectrum control of problem insects.
Agriculture & Protected Cropping
Pyrethrins-based products are used for insect control in protected growing environments like greenhouses and as a pre-harvest spray for high-value, continually maturing crops such as grapes and strawberries. These products can knock down common insects fast and leave no lasting residues, giving farmers confidence to spray for pests up until the day prior to harvest4
4Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Household & Garden
Pyrethrins power a wide range of flying-insect and multi-insect-killer products for targeted pest control around the home. These include automatic insect control systems, which can be used to provide continuous pest protection for your family. Eco-sensitive garden sprays formulated with this botanical insecticide are suitable for insect control in ornamental and edible gardening.
Personal Use
In addition to insecticides, products featuring pyrethrins as an active ingredient include items for eradicating nits and headlice as well as repellent sunscreens from trusted brands. These products can be applied directly to the hair and skin, and offer an alternative to synthetic insecticide active ingredients like maldison, DEET, and permethrin.
Professional & Commercial
Due to botanical pyrethrin’s favorable toxicology1 profile, rapid degradation in sunlight3 and long history of use, professional products are a new area of growth for where Pyrethrins can be used as an active ingredient. There is a wide range of products to eliminate and control pests like cockroaches, moths, flies, mosquitoes, and bed bugs in the places they like to congregate, such as food storage and processing facilities, restaurant kitchens, hotels and other “sensitive zones” where an alternative to synthetic chemicals is preferred.
Animal Health
Botanical Pyrethrins are used to quickly eradicate problem insects such as fleas, ticks and mites that can cause serious harm to companion animals, livestock and poultry. On- and over-animal pyrethrin-based products include spot-ons, sprays, rinses and shampoos, dusts and more. A particular area of emphasis is in the Equine segment where horses are companion animals of great importance–their owners would like to reduce the impact of strong chemicals when managing their insect control.