Is natural pyrethrum a pyrethroid?
No. Pyrethrum is a relatively low toxicity natural insecticide and since it breaks down quickly, generally has low environmental impact as well. For these reasons it enjoys a reputation of being “safe”. Pyrethroid insecticides, on the other hand, are generally more toxic, more environmentally persistent and therefore not as “safe”. Unfortunately, some marketers continue to claim that pyrethroid insecticides like permethrin are “made from chrysanthmum flowers” implying that they are “natural and safe”. These claims are false, and if done intentionally to mislead the claims are unethical.
