The relationship between the structure and the activity of pyrethroids.

There is considerable scope for developing new non-persistent insecticides with little hazard for man and mammals by modifying the structures of the natural pyrethrins. New compounds already synthesized are more effective against some insect species than are the natural compounds, are even less hazardous to mammals, and do not need synergists to supplement their insecticidal action. Other examples show considerable insect species specificity. These compounds may help to control insect vectors when other insecticides are no longer effective because resistance has developed or because their residues can no longer be tolerated.