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PYRETHRIN  py·​re·​thrin | \ pī-ˈrē-thrən  

A pyrethrin: ​an oily liquid ester that occurs in chrysanthemum flowers and has tick-killing properties.






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 A pyrethrin comes from chrysanthemum flowers and has tick-killing properties.

How it works: Alters nerve function of ticks, causing paralysis and death.

EPA Registered: YES

Pros: Low toxicity to birds and mammals. Binds to soil and does not readily leach into groundwater. 

Cons: Harmful to a variety of insects, arthropods, fish, and other aquatic organisms. Breaks down rapidly in sunlight and water. Not safe to use near waterbodies.

Common commercial products containing pyrethrins
For homeowner use: Safer Mosquito & Tick Killer and Safer #567 Concentrate II. 
For commercial use: Kicker, ExciteR.
References and additional resources: 
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) public health statement on pyrethrins and pyrethroids (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts155.pdf).

Allan, S. A. and L. A. Patrican. 1995. Reduction of immature Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in woodlots by application of desiccant and insecticidal soap formulations. J. Med. Entomol. 32: 16-20.

Eisen, L. and M. C. Dolan. 2016. Evidence for personal protective measures to reduce human contact with blacklegged ticks and for environmentally based control methods to suppress host-seeking blacklegged ticks and reduce infection with Lyme disease spirochetes in tick vectors and rodent reservoirs. J. Med. Entomol. 53: 1063-1092.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pyrethrins and pyrethroids information page (https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/pyrethrins-and-pyrethroids).

WCSU Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory, unpublished data, 2019. 
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