How to Make Pyrethrum Spray for Birds

Pyrethrum is an organic, environmentally friendly insecticide made from dried African chrysanthemum flowers crushed into a powder. The powder is toxic to most pests, including ants, roaches, fleas and spiders, poisoning them upon contact. Because Pyrethrum is a low-toxic insecticide, it has proven to be safe to use on humans and animals, and also birds suffering from a variety of conditions, including bird mite, feather lice and fleas. Since it is quickly broken down in the bodies of mammals and when exposed to sunlight or water, it is safe for use on birds and other animals. Pyrethrum can be found in aerosol foggers, head lice, pet flea sprays and bird mites.

Things You'll Need

  • African chrysanthemum flower heads
  • Water
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

  1. Pyrethrum Spray for Birds

    • 1

      Obtain African chrysanthemum flower heads immediately after harvest to retain the active ingredients, and dry the flower heads upside down for four to five days, or until they're completely dried.

    • 2

      Crush the dried flower heads into a fine powder.

    • 3

      Steep two good-sized handfuls of the flower powder in 1 liter of hot water for one hour.

    • 4

      Puree the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle.

    • 5

      Spray the mixture directly onto the entire bird, as well as the cage, perches and nest boxes, in order to kill mites, fleas and other pests, being careful to keep out of the bird̵7;s eyes. Repeat as necessary.