Cypermethrin: What it is and how it is used for fumigation
If you enjoy gardening or are involved in agriculture, you have probably seen products containing cypermethrin in stores or online. But do you know what it is? This synthetic insecticide is widely used to control a variety of insects, regardless of whether they concern vegetables, farm animals or our pets.
In this article we will explain what is cypermethrin what insects it kills, how it is used for fumigation, and how long it can stay on plants. If you are thinking about using this insecticide, I recommend that you read on to learn about the effects it can have and the importance of adhering to the time periods indicated.
What is cypermethrin?
Before we explain how to employ cypermethrin for fumigation, let’s first discuss what this product is. It is a synthetic insecticide belonging to the pyrethroid group. They are essentially insecticidal molecules that are typically applied to pets, plants, crops, and even humans after appropriate processing and dilution.
However, we must be very careful when handling this product. If in contact with it, it can cause bland skin irritation and moderate eye irritation, which can be extremely irritating. Generally, people working with synthetic pyrethroids, including cypermethrin, may experience a tingling or burning sensation in their face if they do not wear face protection. These symptoms usually appear approximately thirty minutes after exposure.
What kills cypermethrin?
Cypermethrin has a very broad spectrum of action. It affects many different pests, whether from crops or animals. It works through direct contact and ingestion by insects. This insecticide is very effective against the following pests:
- Flying insects: Bedbugs, Midges, Flies and Mosquitoes (and more).
- Crawling insects:Spiders, centipedes, ticks, cockroaches, crickets, ants, lice, fleas and aphids (and others).
As for the action of cypermethrin, it causes a knockdown and reversal effect, repelling and residual effect on various crops. However, it should be noted that this product may cause chronic effects in humans, non-fatal. These include persistent dizziness, migraine, vomiting, and vertigo.
If swallowed, it is very critical not to induce vomiting. The best thing we can do is to rinse our mouth thoroughly with plenty of spotless water. Then we must go to the emergency room to see a doctor. We should also not consume any fatty substances or milk. As for the toxicity of cypermethrin to humans, The acceptable daily intake is 0.05 milligrams for every kilogram of body weight.
How is cypermethrin used for fumigation?
When using this synthetic insecticide, it is critical to read the instructions on the package carefully. It is usually diluted with water, but amounts depend on cypermethrin content and purpose. It is not the same as using this product on a dog, like for example on potatoes. When we buy this product, all indications must be on the bottle or in the instructions.
It is critical to take extra care when using this product on pastures. From its application to the next grazing must be at least seven days. It should be noted that cypermethrin is toxic to some plants, so it should never be used in their crops. Vegetables that do not tolerate this insecticide are: turnips, radishes, rutabagas, and fennel.
Application depending on crop
Then we will replace some crops that are permitted to employ cypermethrin and we’ll tell you what it works against in each case and how many uses there are:
- Artichoke: For the control of caterpillars and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Lucerne: For the control of caterpillars, aphids, cuca and greenworms. Maximum of two applications, leaving at least 10 days between each. See file.
- Broccoli: For the control of aphids, fleas and caterpillars. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Pumpkin: For the control of caterpillars and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Barley: For the control of aphids. Only one application should be made per campaign. See file.
- Cauliflower: For the control of aphids, fleas and caterpillars. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Spelt: For the control of aphids. Only one application should be made per campaign. See file.
- Green beans: For the control of caterpillars and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Corn: For the control of caterpillars, diabrotica and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Cantaloupe: For the control of caterpillars and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Potatoes: For the control of aphids and beetles. Maximum two applications, with a minimum of 10 days between them. See file.
- Tomato: For the control of caterpillars, whiteflies and aphids. Maximum two applications, with a break of at least 10 days between them. See file.
- Carrot: For the control of thrips, whiteflies, beetles, caterpillars and aphids. Maximum of two applications, leaving at least 10 days between each. See file.
How long does cypermethrin last in plants?
If we used cypermethrin to fumigate our crops, we have to wait at least a few days to be able to collect them. The periods that we must adhere to depend on the type of vegetable that we have fumigated. Let’s see what they are:
- Cotton Seed: 14 days
- Soybeans without pods: 14 days
- Alfalfa feed: 14 days
- Natural pastures: 14 days
- Lentils: 14 days
- Peas without pods: 14 days
- Beans: 14 days
- Linseed: 20 days
- Tomatoes: 21 days
- Onion: 21 days
- Fruits with seeds: 21 days
- Stone fruit trees: 25 days
- Feed and/or grain sorghum: 30 days
- Sweet corn kernels: 30 days
- Wheat grain: 30 days
- Sunflower seeds: 30 days
Remember that it is very critical respect these periods. Cypermethrin is toxic to us and animals, so we can cause solemn poisoning if we collect food or let animals graze too early. In addition, it is very critical to protect yourself well whenever we are going to employ this insecticide.