About

The Pyrethroids Resource Center is one of several public education programs funded by the Pyrethroid Working Group (PWG), an industry alliance that for the past 25 years has conducted research and promoted the responsible use, storage and disposal of insecticides commonly used in the garden and outside the home as a way to help protect urban waterways and the environment.

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What are Pyrethroids?

Pyrethroids are a group of synthetic chemicals based on naturally-occurring pyrethrins originally derived from chrysanthemums. They are an effective and widely used class of insecticides that rapidly and effectively kill a wide range of insect pests. They are appreciably less toxic to mammals than previous generations of insecticides and are therefore safer for consumers, commercial users and householders.

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Why are Pyrethroids Important?

Pyrethroids are used globally to:

Are Pyrethroids Safe for Use?

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 to protect human health from many infectious diseases carried by pests, including Lyme disease, Zika virus and West Nile virus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have I used a Pyrethroid?
How do I use Pyrethroids?
How are we exposed to Pyrethroids?
What is the Pyrethroid Working Group (PWG)??

Additional Facts

  • Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals based on naturally-occuring pyrethrins, found in chrysanthemums.
  • 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.
  • Pyrethroids are used globally to protect human health from many infectious diseases carried by pests, including Lyme disease, Zika virus and West Nile virus.
  • 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 have been used for over 30 years by homeowners, farmers and commercial pest control operators
  • 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.