How to Use Chrysanthemums as Pest Control

I woke up one morning, walked outside, and wanted to cry. The once-gorgeous landscaping in our backyard looked droopy, full of weeds, and just downright pathetic. That’s what happens when things get busy and you stop directing the gardener.

The upshot is that our yard is mostly pest-free, thanks to regular organic pest control. The mix changes by the season, but I know they sometimes use a chrysanthemum extract, pyrethrin.

I’m about to spend some serious dough fixing things up around here so am incentivized to keep the yard naturally healthy and pest-free. Here’s what I’ve learned about chrysanthemum pest control whether it’s the flowers or a chrysanthemum oil-based spray.

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What Is Pyrethrin?

Here’s where it gets mildly confusing, depending on what you read. The gist is that pyrethrin is derived from dried chrysanthemum flowers, specifically from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

These chrysanthemums look more like standard daisies than ornate China mums.

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How Does it Work?

Pyrethrin is quickly becoming a pest control of choice because it’s biodegradable and breaks down with light and oxygen exposure.

It’s a natural neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system of all insects but without harming birds and mammals.

Interesting tidbit: Kenya produces the most potent chrysanthemums and most of the world’s supply of pyrethrin.

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How to Buy It

I was sent a bottle of GardenTech® Worry Free® Brand Insecticides that was meant to be hooked up to the hose and sprayed.

It’s basically that easy (don’t spray when it’s windy and start from the back, moving toward the front so that you don’t over-spray an area). However, my white fly issue is not a big one, so spraying with a hose covered more ground than I needed to.

They do sell various chrysanthemum bug sprays in smaller spray bottles, which is more my speed. But, if you do have a widespread pest outbreak, the hose attachment would save some serious time.

About GardenTech® Worry Free® Brand Insecticides:

• With a special formulation that contains pyrethrins, a botanical insecticide naturally-derived from chrysanthemum flowers, GardenTech® Worry Free® Brand Insecticides are ideally suited to protect fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.
• This line of specialized insecticides provides fast-acting, effective control of more than 250 crawling and flying insects, including ants, caterpillars, mites and Japanese beetles.
• Worry Free® Insecticides can be applied throughout the growing season, including right up until the day before harvest to kill “last minute” vegetable garden pests. Initial application should occur at the first sign of insect infestation, preferably before extensive damage and feeding has taken place. The GardenTech® Worry Free® line even kills insect eggs during the dormant stage.
• Note that the product is not labeled organic but the active ingredient is from a natural source.

For the record, I don’t allow any pest control sprays, even organic or natural ones, near my vegetable garden. I just haven’t had the need, but they do say you use them. Do your research before you apply.

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Use Chrysanthemums as Companion Plants

Many gardeners use chrysanthemums as companion plants to repel aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs, ticks, pickle worms, root nematodes, and imported cabbage worms and other pests.

I have been able to grow them in my yard with a mild degree of success (and neglect). At the very least, they are pretty and you can make easy chrysanthemum flower arrangements with the small ones!

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You Can Make Your Own Chrysanthemum Bug Killer

If you do grow your own chrysanthemums, you can create your own dust. Simply pick some flowers—it’s better when they are full, before they start to wilt. Then, dry them in a place with good air circulation. Once they are completely dried out, grind them into a fine powder. Sprinkle your chrysanthemum dust around plants that are prone to bugs.

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Sources: Wikipedia, Pyrethrum