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CUES: Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability

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Biorational vs. Traditional Pesticides

Modes of Action
 

Product Types by Chemical Class

Biorational insecticides are often the best choice when chemically treating your home for pests, especially around children or pets.
Chemical Class Pyrethroids Organophosphates Biorational
Relative Residual Life Long Moderate to Long Short
Number of Formulations Many Moderate Few to Moderate
Insect Toxicity High High Low to Moderate
Mammalian Toxicity Low (except cats) Moderate Very Low
Ecological Toxicity High (aquatic) High (avian) Very Low

Modes of Action

Cockroach and Ant Baits:

Reduces the amount of energy obtained from food; insect eventually starves to death.

Biorational Sprays:

Products disrupt normal functions; exact modes of action not known.

 

Traditional Sprays:

Products target specific areas of nervous system. Many of these hormones and receptors are also found in humans.

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Last modified on February 06, 2007