Pyrethroids Provide Protection Against Insects that Compromise Food Security & Endanger Public Health
FEATURED NEWS
Community Safety Requires That Science Prevail Over Scare Tactics
June 16, 2025
Community safety depends on facts, not fear. Pesticides are often misrepresented in sensational headlines, but are essential pest control tools that protect public health, homes, and our food supply. These tools are foundational to modern life, from combating disease-carrying mosquitoes to preventing termite damage and crop loss. While every product must be used responsibly, the science behind them is rigorous and heavily regulated. Without them, communities would face greater health risks, rising food costs, and a resurgence of dangerous pests. It's time to let science, not scare tactics, guide the conversation.
Why are Pyrethroids Important?
Pyrethroids have been used for over 70 years by governments, homeowners, farmers and commercial pest control operators. They are a class of synthetic insecticides designed to improve on the insecticidally active products found in Chrysanthemum plant powders known as pyrethrum. Pyrethroids have emerged as some of the most trusted, reliable and effective tools for combating pests that spread dangerous diseases and destroy crops.
Global Human Health
Pyrethroids are also critical for protecting human health from many infectious diseases carried by pests, including Lyme disease, Zika virus and West Nile virus. Pyrethroid impregnated mosquito nets have proved to be one of the most effective ways to reduce malaria transmission in areas of the world where the scourge is endemic.
Food Security
Pyrethroids provide a wide range of benefits to society by offering growers a proven way to control a broad spectrum of agricultural insect pests which reduce growth and yields of over 120 crops which provide food and fiber to millions of Americans and people around the world.
Animal Health
Veterinarians depend on pyrethroids for protecting livestock and horses from disease. Pet owners rely on them for preventing fleas and ticks from infecting from infecting their dogs.
Consumer Protection
Homes, Gardens + Restaurants: Pyrethroids are an important tool used by both consumers and professionals to control insects such as ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, and other nuisance pests in the home or outdoor garden/landscape. Professional pest control companies rely on this class of chemistry to keep residential, commercial, and food-service areas free from insect pests.
Pyrethroids Provide Protection Against Insects that
Compromise Food Security & Endanger Public Health
Pyrethroids are a group of insecticides that were designed to improve upon the insecticidally active natural compound found in Chrysanthemum plant powders, known as pyrethrum.
The Pyrethroids Resource Center is a place where you can find credible, science-based information about the pyrethroid class of pesticides and better inform yourself about their strict regulatory oversight, grounding in research and the many benefits associated with their use. This is one of several public education programs funded by the Pyrethroid Working Group (PWG).
News Articles
The following represents the latest information, news, trends and research involving pyrethroids. This and previous items are intended to underscore the important benefits of pyrethroids and respond to misinformation that often circulates online.
June 16, 2025
Community Safety Requires That Science Prevail Over Scare Tactics
Community safety depends on facts, not fear. Pesticides are often misrepresented in sensational headlines, but are essential pest control tools that protect public health, homes, and our food supply. These tools are foundational to modern life, from combating disease-carrying mosquitoes to preventing termite damage and crop loss. While every product must be used responsibly, the science behind them is rigorous and heavily regulated. Without them, communities would face greater health risks, rising food costs, and a resurgence of dangerous pests. It's time to let science, not scare tactics, guide the conversation.
May 15, 2025
The Real Risk of Losing a Critical Line of Defense
Pyrethroids are among the most essential tools in pest management today. They help protect our homes, schools, farms, and public spaces from dangerous pests like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks. Modeled after compounds found in chrysanthemum flowers, these synthetic insecticides are fast-acting, effective, and highly regulated for safety. But now, this critical line of defense is under threat.
April 17, 2025
Understanding Pyrethroids & Balancing Effective Pest Control with Human Safety
Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides modeled after natural compounds found in chrysanthemum flowers, and they’ve become essential tools for controlling pests in and around the home. Pyrethroids offer fast-acting relief from mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, and more, helping protect families from asthma triggers, disease-carrying insects, and property damage. As with any pesticide, safety comes down to responsible use: always follow label instructions, wear protective gear, and keep treated areas off-limits to children and pets until dry. With informed handling, pyrethroids strike the right balance between effective pest control and household safety.
