Polyclonal antisera were produced in rabbits against two different synthetic immunogens, one of which incorporated 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) while the other contained dichlorovinyl cyclopropane carboxylate (CPA). The immunogens were constructed such that the hapten was coupled to the carrier protein through a peptide bond to a six carbon spacing group (6‐amino hexanoic acid, 6‐AHA). Both the anti‐PBA and anti‐CPA antisera obtained were able to detect permethrin when used in an indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IC‐ELISA) format. The detection limits typically obtained with both antisera were 10 mg l‐1with 50% inhibition of antibody binding (ho) at 100mg l‐1. Cross‐reactivity with the pyrethroids cyfluthrin, phenothrin and deltamethrin was observed for both antisera, the degree of which was related to the structural similarity of the compound to the immunizing hapten. Further development of the immunoassay for permethrin was examined through use of the anti‐PBA antiserum. Assay perfo...