Pyrethrum (non-toxic)

Pyrethrum is a botanical insecticide produced primarily in the flowers of Tanacetum cinerariaefolium, a species of the chrysanthemum plant family. Pyrethrum is an ancient insecticide that has been used effectively to control insects for decades and is non-persistent, decomposing rapidly in the environment. This rapid degradation of pyrethrum has resulted in little known cases of insect resistance, making it an excellent choice for the control of agricultural pests. The insecticidal properties of the flowers were documented in the early 1800's but it is suspected that the flowers were used to kill insects a considerable time earlier. The first commercially available products were powders made from ground flowers and later crude oil extractions became popular.

Today the refining of crude pyrethrum extract to remove the plant material, waxes, etc. is a highly complex process resulting in a very high grade product. In East Africa the mature phrethrum flowers are picked by hand, sun dried to remove moisture and sent to a processing plant for extraction of the active ingredient-pyrethrins, a misture of six closely related esters. The flowers are sun dried and processed to extract the insecticide grade pyrethrum.

Pyrethrum is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is considered biodegradable as well as water soluble. It is sought for sensitive applications like the post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables. Pyrethrum is so safe that the U.S. Government approves its use on such insect-prone foods as tomatoes, even while they are on their way to the supermarket or processing plant.

Knockdown Effects

Pyrethrum affects and inhibits the nervous system of insects by causing multiple action potential in the nerve cells by delaying the closing of an ion channel. Nerve cell membranes have a specific electrical charge. Altering the amount of ions (charged atoms) passing through ion channels causes the membranes to depolarize which, in turn, causes a neurotransmitter to be released. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate. Electrical messages sent  between nerve cells allow them to generate a response, like a movement in an animal or insect.

Pyrethrum acts as a contact poison, affecting the insect's nervous system. Pyrethrum, when combined with a synergist that works by restrictng an enzyme insects use to detoxify it, then becomes one of the fastest acting insecticides known. Even before it kills, it knocks down and paralyzes insects almost immediately.

Jamming & Resistance

Apparently small amounts of pyrethrum can jam the "black box" of the insect's food searching mechanism. The insects forget to eat, as it were. After decades of use, no insect population has ever developed significant pyrethrum resistance.

INSTALLATION

When our MOSQUITO-PRO™ representative visits your home for your free price quote, a design and system layout personally customized for your yard will be prepared. Our installation team of highly trained and experienced technicians will use this plan when they come to your home and will install the nozzles according to your custom plan.

They will be placed strategically in accordance with the overall plan in the best combination and location to control mosquitoes within the spray zone. Your nozzles may be located on the eaves of the house, around the fence line, on trees, or in the landscaping itself. The reservoir with the circuit board controller, motor and pump assembly will be located in an area of your yard, usually next to the air-conditioning unit or pool equipment, where it will be inconspicuous and will blend into the landscape.

Once your installation is completed, a Mosquito Management technician will give you a walk-through of the system to show you where your nozzles are located, as well as show you the basic maintenance for taking care of your system. The MOSQUITO-PRO™ system can be modified to fit you and your family’s personal needs, as well as your outdoor environment.

MAINTENANCE

We understand that you are purchasing a MOSQUITO-PRO™ system in order to fully enjoy your outdoor home environment without having to worry about mosquitoes and other insects. This is exactly its purpose and reason for being. Once your system has been installed and programmed accordingly your system is simple to understand and maintain, however Mosquito Management Systems  will handle any issues that you may notice.

The LCD screen placed on top of your circuit board will let you know when your system is empty, and if you have a service plan with Mosquito Management Systems, simply call your MOSQUITO-PRO™ dealer or our office directly and a uniformed technician will come to refill your system and make a routine inspection of your nozzles to make sure there are no leaks and it is misting properly. For those who wish to handle the refills themselves, the Pyrethrum is available on a do-it-yourself basis. Please visit our Service Options page for more information on maintenance and service options through Mosquito Management Systems.

Please remember, Mosquito Management Systems is only a phone call away if you have any questions or service requests. Contact us today to give yourself peace of mind, let us protect your family and home from mosquitoes and other insects!