Permethrin vs. Pyrethrum

Attribute	Permethrin	Pyrethrum
Chemical composition	Synthetic	Natural
Source	Laboratory-produced	Extracted from chrysanthemum flowers
Effectiveness	Long-lasting	Short-lived
Usage	Commonly used in insecticides and repellents	Used in insecticides and insect repellents

Introduction

Permethrin and pyrethrum are two commonly used insecticides that are derived from natural sources. While both are effective at killing insects, they have different attributes that make them suitable for different situations. In this article, we will compare the attributes of permethrin and pyrethrum to help you understand which one may be more suitable for your needs.

Chemical Composition

Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that belongs to the pyrethroid family. It is a man-made version of pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower. Pyrethrum contains six active compounds called pyrethrins, while permethrin is a single compound that mimics the effects of pyrethrum. Both permethrin and pyrethrum work by targeting the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.

Effectiveness

Permethrin is known for its long-lasting residual effect, which means it can continue to kill insects for weeks or even months after application. This makes it a popular choice for treating outdoor areas such as yards and gardens. Pyrethrum, on the other hand, has a shorter residual effect and may need to be reapplied more frequently. However, pyrethrum is considered to be more effective at quickly knocking down insects on contact.

Environmental Impact

One of the main differences between permethrin and pyrethrum is their environmental impact. Permethrin is a synthetic chemical that can persist in the environment for a long time, potentially harming non-target organisms such as bees and fish. Pyrethrum, on the other hand, is biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the environment, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Pyrethrum is also less toxic to mammals and birds compared to permethrin.

Residual Activity

Permethrin is known for its long-lasting residual activity, which can provide ongoing protection against insects for an extended period of time. This makes it a popular choice for treating clothing, gear, and outdoor surfaces to repel insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Pyrethrum, on the other hand, has a shorter residual activity and may need to be reapplied more frequently to maintain its effectiveness.

Cost

In general, permethrin tends to be more cost-effective than pyrethrum. This is because permethrin is a synthetic chemical that can be produced in large quantities at a relatively low cost. Pyrethrum, on the other hand, is derived from a natural source and requires more processing to extract the active compounds. This can make pyrethrum more expensive to produce and purchase compared to permethrin.

Application

Permethrin is commonly used in a variety of products such as insect repellents, pet treatments, and agricultural pesticides. It can be applied as a spray, cream, or treated clothing to repel or kill insects. Pyrethrum is often used in household insecticides, pet shampoos, and garden sprays. It is effective at quickly knocking down insects on contact, making it a popular choice for indoor use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, permethrin and pyrethrum are both effective insecticides with their own unique attributes. Permethrin is known for its long-lasting residual effect and affordability, while pyrethrum is more environmentally friendly and effective at quickly knocking down insects on contact. When choosing between permethrin and pyrethrum, consider factors such as effectiveness, environmental impact, residual activity, cost, and application method to determine which one is best suited for your needs.