Whats the difference between pyrethrins and permethrin?
Pyrethrins are naturally occurring compounds extracted from plants. Insects possess mechanisms to quickly break down pyrethrins. Therfore, the synergist piperonyl butoxide is usually added to the formulation to inhibit the insect’s ability to break down the pyrethrins. Permethrin is a synthetic based on the chemical structure of pyrethrins, but is much more effective. Permethrin has much longer residual activity and does not require the use of a synergist.
