Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals based on naturally-occurring pyrethrins, found in chrysanthemums.
They are an effective and widely used class of chemistry found in many common pesticide products for control of general pests such as mosquitoes, ants, spiders, cockroaches, termites and agricultural pests.
Pyrethroids have been reviewed and approved for use by many government regulatory agencies around the world, including the US EPA and EU regulatory authorities. The use of pyrethroids has been approved in nearly 80 countries globally.
How Pyrethroids are Used
Pyrethroids have been used for over 30 years by homeowners, farmers and commercial pest control operators.
They are used globally to protect human health from many infectious diseases carried by pests, including Lyme disease, Zika virus and West Nile virus.
These ingredients include:
| alpha-Cypermethrin | gamma-Cyhalothrin |
| beta-Cyfluthrin | Imiprothrin |
| Bifenthrin | lambda-Cyhalothrin |
| Cyfluthrin | Momfluorothrin |
| Cypermethrin | Permethrin |
| Cyphenothrin | Prallethrin |
| d-Allethrin | Resmethrin |
| d-phenothrin | Tau-fluvalinate |
| Deltamethrin | Tefluthrin |
| Esfenvalerate | Tetramethrin |
| Etofenprox | Tralomethrin |
| Fenpropathrin | zeta-Cypermethrin |
| Flumethrin |
For a list of products containing pyrethroids, visit the EPA website.
Additional Pyrethroid Facts
- Pyrethroids strongly bind to sediment and other natural materials in water bodies, which limits bioavailability to non-target organisms.
- Pyrethroids protect the nation’s food supply by helping farmers control pests that threaten a wide range of important crops.
- Manufacturers of pyrethroids promote the responsible use of their pesticides through stewardship programs aimed at growers, consumers and professional pest control applicators.
- Pyrethroids are widely used in products for agricultural, vector control (e.g. mosquitoes), animal health, stored grain, home and garden, and turf and ornamental markets.
Additional Resources:
Benefits of Pyrethroids
Pyrethroid FAQs
Pyrethroids and Human Health
Pyrethroids and the Environment