Pyrethroids (permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin and others) are synthetic cousins of natural pyrethrin, built to last much longer. You'll find them in household and garden bug sprays. They're effective and cheap — but not something we'd use on food crops.
What they're used against: a very broad range — ants, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, caterpillars and more.
Why we steer clear:
- Toxic to bees, ladybirds and other beneficial insects.
- Highly toxic to fish, and persist in soil and water longer than natural pyrethrin.
- Best kept for household pests, not the veggie patch.
Safer alternatives we'd use instead:
- Natural pyrethrin as a short-lived spot spray if you need a knock-down.
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil for soft pests, Bt for caterpillars.
- Netting and beneficial insects.
For food plants, reach for the gentler, shorter-lived options first. For the bigger picture, see our guide to managing pests safely.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Wee Hong, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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