Gardening - Q&A: Extracting Pyrethrum from Mums

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Q&A: Extracting Pyrethrum from Mums

Question: I have several pyrethrum daisies. I know that pyrethrum is an insecticide. How can I use the plants to control insect pests?

Answer: You are correct that pyrethrum is a botanical insecticide derived from the flowers of pyrethrum daisies. It's possible to dry the flowers, then grind them into a fine dust to use on flowers, or to use alcohol to create a liquid extract. Since the active chemical is toxic it is important to keep it away from children and pets. Also, don't use your regular kitchen equipment to prepare the spray or dust. Finally, it's impossible to give dilution rates since homemade concoctions will vary widely in strength. Why not eliminate the guesswork and use a commercially prepared, pyrethrum-based insecticide?

Content provided by the National Gardening Association