Houston Mosquito Control Systems

Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is an insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers, grown primarily in Kenya. Since the early twentieth century, pyrethrum has been used effectively world wide to control mosquitoes, biting insects and other pests.

Pyrethrum is considered biodegradable and is so low in toxicity that the U.S. Government approves its use on such insect-prone foods as tomatoes; even while they are on the way to the supermarket or processing plant. Pyrethrum has been used in city water supplies to kill insects while not harming humans who continued to drink, wash and cook with the treated water.

Pyrethrum is one of the fastest-acting insecticides known. Even before it kills, it knocks down and paralyzes insects almost immediately. Small amounts of pyrethrum can jam the feeding habits of insects, effectively reducing the risk of malaria and other diseases carried by mosquitoes.