Bifenthrin is a chemical insecticide made from the organic compound, pyrethroid. This man made compound is created from chrysanthemum flowers.

Hundreds of chemical products are made from pyrethroid like Cyfluthrin and Permethrin.

Bifenthrin insecticide can be found in sprays, granules, aerosols, and more. The EPA has laws on the amount of bifenthrin in retail products. Highly concentrated forms of bifenthrin can only be used by a certified exterminator.

How Does It Work?

Bifenthrin hinders the insect nervous system when ingested. Although it can be toxic to humans, it is more dangerous for insects because they have lower body temperatures and are much smaller. This insecticide is commonly used against fire ants, and was used to fight against the crazy ant outbreak in Texas.

This ingredient can also be used for killing other pests like:

The pyrethroid compound found in bifenthrin is formulated to only briefly block sodium channels in the insect membrane.

This results in it paralyzing the insect by shutting down their nervous system until they die. This has less of an effect on humans and mammals because of our higher body temperature and heavier bodies.

Bifenthrin is only legally allowed to be sold in lower concentrations for everyday use.

Most products with high concentrations of bifenthrin can only legally be sold to certified exterminators.

Is Bifenethrin Safe For Humans?

Most retail products only have a low concentration of Bifenthrin. However, with any pest-formulated product, try not to breathe it in, or get it in your eyes and mouth.

Take caution when first applying the product by wearing gloves and a mask, and keep all pest control products away from children and pets.

Always read and follow the label with any bifenthrin product, and wear gloves. If bifenthrin does get on the skin, it can cause:

  • Tingling
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Numbness

It has also been reported that people who have inhaled bifenthrin feel irritation in their throat, nose, and lungs. Most people report symptoms going away within 48 hours. However, anyone who has directly ingested bifenthrin has experienced throat pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting immediately.

If you accidentally ingest any product, call a healthcare professional if there are any additional steps you should take.

The EPA does classify bifenthrin as a carcinogen, and has strict laws on bifenthrin application. If you’re unsure about handling bifenthrin products, call a local exterminator for advice. 

Is Bifenethrin Safe For Animals and Other Wildlife?

Pets who have ingested bifenthrin products have experienced:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced activity
  • Hyperactivity followed by incoordination
  • Twitching 
  • Increased drooling
  • Depression
  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive chewing
  • Head bobbing
  • Partial paralysis
  • Tremors

If you believe your pet has ingested any pest control product, contact your vet immediately for assistance.

Bifenthrin is slightly toxic to birds, but highly toxic to marine life, bees, and potentially dangerous to mammals who eat marine life.

Although bifenthrin absorbs quickly in soil, therefore is unable to reach groundwater easily, bifenthrin can still become airborne and should always be properly cleaned.

The EPA says that any liquid spills can be cleaned up using absorbing material like sand, cat litter, or commercial clay. If the bifenthrin is dry, cover the leftover product then place it in a plastic disposable container. Dispose any access waste according to the product’s directions, or look up your state’s laws on pesticide disposal.

A local exterminator can also help ensure you are handling your pesticides properly.

Products that Use Bifenthrin

You can find bifenthrin products at the professional and retail level. As mentioned, retail products will only have a small amount of bifenthrin. You can find lots of bifenthrin ant traps for your home.

Products using bifenthrin can be made into liquids, dusts, granules, and aerosols. Always read and follow the label of any bifenthrin products you’re using, and take caution upon first application.

Bifenthrin vs Other Products

There are lots of products out there to help you ward off pests. Let’s look at some other products that compare to bifenthrin.

Bifenethrin vs. Fipronil

This chemical works similarly to bifenthrin by targeting the insect’s nervous system. It works on a lot of the same insects, but is commonly used to fight against fleas. This ingredient can be found in flea collars, so it’s safe to use around pets and wildlife. If you have an issue with fleas on your pet, a fipronil product may be a better solution. 

Bifenethrin vs. Permethrin

Permethrin is a restricted chemical used to target the same kind of pests like bifenthrin.

It works similarly to bifenthrin because it targets the nervous system, but can kill adults, eggs, and larvae. It is also highly toxic to marine life, and comes from the same chemical family as bifenthrin.

Permethrin is formulated to work against pests on various food and feed crops.If you’re unsure if bifenthrin products are the right solution to protect against pests, try checking out some natural products that can help repel and even kill pests, or call a local exterminator at (833) 431-0401 to see what other solutions they recommend.