We have four animals and -- argh -- an ear mite infestation. Are pyrethrins toxic to cats and dogs, or is it just permethrins?

We’re all students and I’m looking for the most cost-effective way to treat everyone. The over-the-counter ear mite treatments have pyrethrins, which I thought were to be avoided, but I read on Drs. Foster & Smith that they were recommending this course of treatment. This would be the easiest method, but I really don’t want to harm any of the animals.

I also read that daily mineral oil treatments in the ears smothers the mites and has the added bonus of clearing out any excess wax. Would this be acceptable, as well?