Pyrethroid

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A pyrethroid is a synthetic chemical that kills most insects and is similar to the natural chemical pyrethrins produced by the flowers of pyrethrums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum).

Pyrethroids are common in commercial products such as household insecticides and insect repellents. They are usually broken apart by sunlight and the atmosphere in one or two days, and do not significantly affect groundwater quality.

Pyrethroids are usually combined with piperonyl butoxide, a known inhibitor of key liver enzymes. Combined, pyrethroids are toxic to most beneficial insects like bees or dragonflies. There is a strong probability they are estrogen disruptors (see external link).

[edit] Commercial Pyrethroid Insecticides/Repellants

Allethrin, the first pyrethroid synthesized (active ingredient of Raid)
Bifenthrin, active ingredient of Talstar, Capture, and Bifenthrine
Cypermethrin
Deltamethrin
Permethrin, used to treat clothing and mosquito nets Damminix; widely used, especially in the US military
Resmethrin, active ingredient of Scourge
Sumithrin, active ingredient of Anvil
Tetramethrin
Tralomethrin
Transfluthrin, active ingredient of Baygon