Permethrin
Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical, widely used as an insecticide and acaricide and as an insect repellent. It belongs to the family of synthetic chemicals called pyrethroids and functions as a neurotoxin, affecting neuron membranes by prolonging sodium channel activation.
In agriculture, permethrin is mainly used on cotton, wheat, maize, and alfalfa crops, and is also used to kill parasites on chickens and other poultry. Its use is controversial since, as a broad-spectrum chemical, it kills indiscriminately; as well as the intended pests, it can harm beneficial insects including honey bees, aquatic life,[1] and small mammals such as mice. Permethrin is toxic to cats and many cats die each year after being given flea treatments intended for dogs, or by contact with dogs who have recently been treated with permethrin.
However, permethrin can be used in a targeted manner as well. This is the basis for a method of reducing populations of the deer tick Ixodes scapularis (I. dammini). Biodegradable cardboard tubes stuffed with permethrin-treated cotton, are sold under the brand name Damminix,[2] Mice collect the cotton for lining their nests, and the pesticide on the cotton kills any immature ticks that are feeding on the mice.[3]
Permethrin is also used in healthcare, to eradicate parasites such as head lice and mites responsible for scabies, and in industrial and domestic settings to control pests such as ants and termites.
Permethrin kills ticks on contact with treated clothing. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, it "has low mammalian toxicity, is poorly absorbed through the skin and is rapidly inactivated by the body. Skin reactions have been uncommon."[4]
Permethrin is used in tropical areas to prevent mosquito-borne disease such as dengue fever and malaria. Mosquito nets used to cover beds may be treated with a solution of permethrin. Military personnel training in malaria-endemic areas may be instructed to treat their uniforms with permethrin as well. An application should last several washes.
Categories: Insecticides | Antiparasitic agents | Household chemicals | Organochlorides | Phenol ethers | Pyrethroids
I gave Buddy his first application this am. It was recommended by my vet also.
Every product has some kind of poison in it. Unless you live where there
is no grass, trees and wild animals I would feel you need something to protect
your pet and your home from fleas and ticks. My vet uses this product and his
receptionist who has 4 Yorkies has been using it for a couple of months he
said with no side effects at all. I hope it works and Bud has no reaction to it.
I only use is between April - Oct giving his body a rest for 5mos. |