Pyrethroids Provide Protection Against Insects that Compromise Food Security & Endanger Public Health
FEATURED NEWS
A Common Sense Guide for Understanding Pesticide Safety
March 17, 2025
The basic concept of toxicology is best summarized by a simple phrase: "the dose makes the poison." Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state health departments, establish strict limits for pesticide residues in air, soil, food, and water. These thresholds are deliberately set well below levels that could cause harm, often incorporating a 100 to 1000-fold safety margin to protect vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Why are Pyrethroids Important?
Pyrethroids have been used for over 70 years by governments, homeowners, farmers and commercial pest control operators. They are a class of synthetic insecticides designed to improve on the insecticidally active products found in Chrysanthemum plant powders known as pyrethrum. Pyrethroids have emerged as some of the most trusted, reliable and effective tools for combating pests that spread dangerous diseases and destroy crops.
Global Human Health
Pyrethroids are also critical for protecting human health from many infectious diseases carried by pests, including Lyme disease, Zika virus and West Nile virus. Pyrethroid impregnated mosquito nets have proved to be one of the most effective ways to reduce malaria transmission in areas of the world where the scourge is endemic.
Food Security
Pyrethroids provide a wide range of benefits to society by offering growers a proven way to control a broad spectrum of agricultural insect pests which reduce growth and yields of over 120 crops which provide food and fiber to millions of Americans and people around the world.
Animal Health
Veterinarians depend on pyrethroids for protecting livestock and horses from disease. Pet owners rely on them for preventing fleas and ticks from infecting from infecting their dogs.
Consumer Protection
Homes, Gardens + Restaurants: Pyrethroids are an important tool used by both consumers and professionals to control insects such as ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, and other nuisance pests in the home or outdoor garden/landscape. Professional pest control companies rely on this class of chemistry to keep residential, commercial, and food-service areas free from insect pests.
Pyrethroids Provide Protection Against Insects that
Compromise Food Security & Endanger Public Health
Pyrethroids are a group of insecticides that were designed to improve upon the insecticidally active natural compound found in Chrysanthemum plant powders, known as pyrethrum.
The Pyrethroids Resource Center is a place where you can find credible, science-based information about the pyrethroid class of pesticides and better inform yourself about their strict regulatory oversight, grounding in research and the many benefits associated with their use. This is one of several public education programs funded by the Pyrethroid Working Group (PWG).
News Articles
The following represents the latest information, news, trends and research involving pyrethroids. This and previous items are intended to underscore the important benefits of pyrethroids and respond to misinformation that often circulates online.
March 17, 2025
A Common Sense Guide for Understanding Pesticide Safety
The basic concept of toxicology is best summarized by a simple phrase: "the dose makes the poison." Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state health departments, establish strict limits for pesticide residues in air, soil, food, and water. These thresholds are deliberately set well below levels that could cause harm, often incorporating a 100 to 1000-fold safety margin to protect vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
Pyrethroids Staff
February 17, 2025
Pesticides: A Refresher Course on Their Role in Modern Society
Pesticides play a critical role in modern society by protecting crops, safeguarding public health, and ensuring food security. This refresher course outlines their essential benefits, proper use, and environmental considerations to help users responsibly navigate pesticide use today. The enormous importance of pesticides cannot be overstated – whether controlling harmful pests, managing invasive species or safeguarding public health.
Pyrethroids Staff
January 15, 2025
A Consumer’s Guide to Reading a Pesticide Label
Pesticide labels provide essential information that ensures their safe and effective use. Knowing how to read and understand these labels can protect you, your family, and the environment. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the key components of a pesticide label and what each section indicates.
