General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Something stung my thumb last night. [View all]Nitram
(27,984 posts)The active ingredient in Bengal Roach spray is permethrin.
Permethrin acts as a neurotoxin, slowing down the nervous system through binding to sodium channels. This action is negatively correlated to temperature, thus, in general, showing more acute effects on cold-blooded animals (insects, fish, frogs, etc.) over warm-blooded animals (mammals and birds):
Permethrin is extremely toxic to fish and aquatic life in general, so extreme care must be taken when using products containing permethrin near water sources.
Permethrin is also highly toxic to cats, and flea and tick-repellent formulas intended and labeled for (the more resistant) dogs may contain permethrin and cause feline permethrin toxicosis in cats.[11]
Very high doses have tangible neurotoxic effects on mammals and birds, including human beings.
Permethrin is listed as a "restricted use" substance by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)[12] due to its high toxicity to aquatic organisms,[13] so permethrin and permethrin-contaminated water should be properly disposed. Permethrin is quite stable, having a half life of 5171 days in an aqueous environment exposed to light. It is also highly persistent in soil.[14]