Many plant species have been shown to contain rotenone. In general, the rotenone principles are contained in the roots, which are dried and powdered to be used as a dust. Liquid rotenone is available commercially. Rotenone was originally employed by Native American and other indigenous cultures to poison fish. Dermatitis may result if rotenone comes in contact with the skin, but it does not appear to be absorbed through the skin.
Rotenone is effective against a wide range of insects and has a short residual life.
It acts as a stomach poison and as a contact insecticide. It is not toxic to honeybees, but will kill some beneficial insects. It is registered for use against a number of chewing insects on many vegetables and some fruits. Pyrethrins refer to the insecticidal compounds that occur in pyrethrum. Pyrethrins affect the insect on contact, creating disturbances in the nervous system which eventually result in convulsions and death.