When To Use Which Pyrethroid Insecticide
| Chemical Name | Generation | Primary Targets | Key Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-Cypermethrin | Second | Broad-Spectrum Crawlers & Flyers | High Potency, Longer Lasting: Uses only the most active isomers. Twice as strong as standard Cypermethrin. |
| Beta-Cyfluthrin | Third | Flying Insects (Mosquitoes, Flies, Gnats) | Fast & Long Residual: Up to 3 months residual. Contains the 4 most potent isomers. |
| Bifenthrin | Second | Outdoor Pests (Termites, Ants, Spiders, Roaches) | Longest Residual, High Repellency: Lasts up to 6 months. Ideal for perimeter and lawn treatments. |
| Cyfluthrin | Third | Flying Insects (Mosquitoes, Moths) | Moderate residual (up to 2 months). High repellency. Uses 8 isomers. |
| Cypermethrin | Second | Mosquitoes, Flies, Hornets, Wasps | Quick knockdown. Moderate residual (up to 4 weeks). |
| Deltamethrin | Second | Bed Bugs, Ants, Roaches, Spiders | Good for both indoor/outdoor. Long residual (up to 3 months) with low repellency. |
| Esfenvalerate | Third | Broad-Spectrum Crawlers & Flyers | Strong control. Residual lasts up to 8 weeks. |
| Etofenprox | Fourth | Broad-Spectrum (Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks) | Moderate knockdown. Extended residual (up to 8 weeks). Low repellency. |
| Gamma-Cyhalothrin | Third | Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Hornets, Fleas | Strong Knockdown: More potent than Lambda-Cyhalothrin. Long residual (up to 3 months). |
| Lambda-Cyhalothrin | Third | Mosquitoes, Flies, Ants, Roaches | High residual (up to 3 months). High repellency. |
| Permethrin | Second | Mosquitoes, Roaches, Fleas, Ticks, Bed Bugs | Moderate residual (up to 6 weeks). High repellency. |
| Prallethrin | Fourth | Flying Insects (Mosquitoes, Gnats, Wasps) | Rapid Knockdown: Low residual. Minimal repellency. |
| Pyrethrin | First | Ants, Roaches, Fleas (Sensitive Areas) | Quick Knockdown, Shortest Residual: Degrades fast. Highly repellent. Used in food establishments. |
The Insecticide Resistance Action Committee classifies insecticides by their mode of action. Rotating between insecticide classes helps prevent insecticide resistance.
| Generation | Key Improvement | Primary Limitation Addressed |
|---|---|---|
| First | Photostability | Short residual and rapid degradation |
| Second | Broader spectrum & outdoor use | Moderate persistence |
| Third | Potency & lower mammalian toxicity | Environmental persistence |
| Fourth | Innovative formulations | Higher precision at ultra-low doses |
| Fifth | Specialized targeting & repellency | Resistance management |
References and Authoritative Sources
- Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Mode of Action Classification Scheme. Retrieved from irac-online.org.
- Registration Review of Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity. StatPearls [Internet]. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
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