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Tried and Tested
Pyrethrum's insecticidal properties have been known for thousands of years. Native to China, pyrethrum was traded along the Silk Route and powdered pyrethrum flowers were highly prized in Europe as 'Persian Flea Powder' - a potion which relived the persistent insect itches of the ancient world.
Synergists
A synergist is a compound which has little or no insecticidal action by itself but when combined with pyrethrum, will act to multiply the effect of pyrethrum.
The compound Piperonyl Butoxide is a potent synergist. It works to block or deactivate the detoxifying enzyme complexes released from the insect tissue. Though not insecticidal in itself, it dramatically improves kill though not so markedly the knockdown effect. Like pyrethrum it is quickly degraded by sunlight.
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How does it work?
Pyrethrum affects the central nervous systems of all types of flying and crawling insects, blocking nerve junctions so that nervous impulses fail. This affects insect behaviour, producing a so-called avoidance reaction which results in insects fleeing the source of the chemicals. Importantly, pyrethrum induces abnormal behaviour in female mosquitoes, leaving them disorientated and unable to seek out their usual blood meals.
Application Method
Aerosols are one of the best known application methods for natural pyrethrum. They provide the speed and knockdown capability required for general commercial and domestic use. In commercial aerosols, which may be used in dairies or stables, larger quantities of Pyrethrins may be required especially if they are sequentially timed aerosols.
In this application, aerosols hold low pressure water-based formulations propelled by propane-Butane mixtures and synergised with Piperonyl Butoxide.
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