Pyrethrum is the natural extract from the dried flower of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Its active ingredients are pyrethrins from whose individual esters, pyrethrins: cinerins: jasmolins: it derives its insecticidal properties. It is a non-systemic insecticide with contact and stomach action, heat stable but rapidly oxidised in sunlight. It exhibits rapid knock-down and killing effect and is suitable for controlling flying and crawling insect pests and mites in crop protection, public health, stored products, farm hygiene and on domestic and farm animals as an ectoparisiticide. Because of its low toxicity and low residuality, pyrethrum extract can be used in critical and sensitive areas such as commercial kitchens, hospitals or schools. In biocidal applications pyrethrin is largely used in aerosols, ultra-low volume liquid concentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, macro and micro-emulsions and corresponding RTUs, in vaporizers such as coils and mats. It is widely used in a variety of formulations that include: suspension concentrates, capsule suspensions, wettable granules, granules, baits, emulsifiable concentrates, ready-to-use products and ultra-low volume sprays.

It can be used on its own or in combination with other insecticides and the synergist piperonal butoxide that enhances the activity of an insecticide and assists in overcoming metabolic (detoxification) resistance.