Laboratory studies were carried out to determine the course of poisoning and toxicity of some synthetic pyrethroid insecticides (bioresmethrin, cismethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenpropathrin, fenvalerate and permethrin) against the desert locust. From doses in excess of the LD99all the insecticides were quick acting; from doses of about the LD99or less the insects are rapidly knocked down or show symptoms of poisoning, but may recover. The symptoms which follow treatment by the various insecticides are described. Although these insecticides are all highly toxic to locusts there are many other insecticides which are similarly toxic, can be sprayed at high concentrations and are much cheaper.