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PYRETHROID py·re·throid | \ pī-ˈrē-ˌthrȯid A pyrethroid: a synthetic version of pyrethrin that kills blacklegged ticks. |
A pyrethroid is a synthetic version of naturally occurring pyrethrins. Active ingredients can include bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin.
How it works: Alters nerve function of ticks, causing paralysis that results in death. EPA Registered: YES Pros: Longer lasting in the environment (more stable in sunlight) than a pyrethrin for longer tick-killing capability. Unlikely to reach groundwater, as it binds strongly to soil and is degraded by microorganisms in soil. Generally low toxicity to mammals and birds. Fast-acting. Requires low dose to be effective. Cons: Harmful to a large variety of insects, arthropods, and fish and other aquatic organisms. Not safe to use near waterbodies. Can be harmful to cats if exposed directly. Common commercial products containing pyrethroids: For homeowner use: BioAdvanced (formerly Bayer Advanced) products (Home Pest Control, Complete Insect Killer), DeltaGard G granules, Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer, Spectracide Bug Stop. For commercial use only, in some states: Demand, Demon Max, Suspend, Talstar, Tempo, Tenguard. |
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).
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.
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WCSU Tickborne Disease Prevention Laboratory, unpublished data, 2019.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) public health statement on pyrethrins and pyrethroids (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts155.pdf).
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.
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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