Permethrin Q & A
What is permethrin?
Permethrin is a pyrethroid (a synthetic chemical
insecticide), similar to the natural insecticide "pyrethrum"
which comes from the chrysanthemum plant.
How does it work?
Pyrethroids work quickly by paralyzing the nervous system
of insects upon contact or when eaten. It is effective against all
stages of insect growth, especially larvae.
What products contain permethrin?
- Household insect foggers and
sprays
- Flea dips and sprays for cats and
dogs
- Ornamental garden and turf
products
- Repellant/insecticide for clothing
- Mosquito abatement products
- Termite treatments
- Agricultural pesticide products
- Lice shampoos and body lotions for
scabies control (regulated by U.S. Food & Drug
Administration)
How toxic is permethrin?
Permethrin can be used for public health
mosquito control programs without posing unreasonable risk to humans and
animals when applied appropriately. It
can cause skin or respiratory reactions in people with hay fever. For
those who are sensitive to ragweed and pollen, permethrin can cause skin
or respiratory reactions such as irritation of the skin, sneezing, nasal
stuffiness, or asthmatic breathing. Exposure to permethrin may
occasionally produce numbing, tingling, and burning sensations of the
skin.
How will permethrin be used in Boulder
County?
Colorado Mosquito Control will apply
pyrethroids called Biomist 3+15® (3% permethrin) as an ultra
low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets
that stay aloft and kill adult mosquitoes on contact.
Is it necessary to reduce exposure during
spraying?
Generally, there is no need to relocate
during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for
this use and found to pose little risk to human health and the
environment when used appropriately.
Although mosquito control pesticides pose
low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure.
Some common sense steps to help reduce possible exposure include:
- Pay attention to the local media for
announcements about spraying, or visit www.comosquitocontrol.com
to view the spray schedule for your area.
- Consult your physician or local health
department and take special measures to avoid exposure if you suffer
from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a
pre-existing health condition.
- Close windows and turn off window-unit
air conditioners when spraying is taking place in your immediate
area.
- Do not let children play near or
behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use.
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