If you’ve come across this page, you’re probably suffering from bed bug infestation. They might not be dangerous but the itching it causes is unbearable. It also makes your living space very unhygienic.
There are many pesticides recommended for dealing with bed bugs. One of the popular names is bifenthrin. So, does bifenthrin kill bed bugs?
Yes, bifenthrin is effective to kill bed bugs. Once the bugs are exposed to bifenthrin it paralyzes their central nervous system. It affects the functioning of the bug’s body. Within a few minutes to hours, it will die. The residual of the chemical leaves it effective for several days.
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Care to learn more about it? Then stick with us until the end of this discussion. Let’s begin!
Is Bifenthrin Really Effective Against Bed Bugs?
Bifenthrin is capable of killing bed bugs. It is one of the most popular pesticides for bed bug control. However, there are some debates about its effectiveness on bed bugs just like the usage of pine sol for insects.
This is because bed bugs have developed resistance against bifenthrin just like other pesticides. Researchers have conducted tests on bed bugs using different types of pesticides.
It said that it takes at least 3 days for bifenthrin to kill bed bugs. But unfortunately, it’s not effective on the bedbug egg. Because the eggs are usually covered with a hard shell that protects them from harm. Additionally, their small size makes it difficult to reach the insecticide to them.
Eggs that have hatched may die if the bifenthrin is still effective. But if you want something stronger to get rid of bed bugs, I suggest you the following product:
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How To Use Bifenthrin To Kill Bed Bugs?
To apply bifenthrin to eradicate bed bugs, you must follow the mentioned steps below. But first, you’ll be needing some tools and follow some cautions regarding using bifenthrin.
Cautions:
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while mixing or applying bifenthrin.
- Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Keep them away until the spray dries completely.
- Always wear goggles, gloves, and a mask when applying bifenthrin.
- Do not apply it near food or water.
- Read the user guideline given by the product beforehand.
- Ventilate the area after you’re finished applying bifenthrin.
Tools:
- A hose-end sprayer/backpack sprayer/handheld pump sprayer/skid sprayer.
- Solution mixing container.
- Hand gloves.
Now, let’s get started:
Step 1: Separate The Washable Components
Components like bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, bed skirts, etc should be sanitized properly. Because the bed bugs may hide in them and you can not apply the pesticide on them.
Separate these components from your bed and collect them all in a sealed bag. Dump the components directly into the washing machine and wash them at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to wash them in the hottest setting. Because the best way to get rid of bed bugs is to apply heat. After washing, dry them on the hottest setting as well.
This will kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs. Don’t leave out other clothing components like washable Matts, rugs, and curtains. Because bed bugs can reside in them as well.
Step 2: Separate The Bedding & Vacuum
Separate the mattress and bedding structure. It’s time to vacuum them separately. Focus on the lining and the tufts on the mattress because bedbugs choose to hide in the corners.
Remove the nettings from the box spring and vacuum all the nooks and corners. Make sure to empty the vacuum outside of the house to prevent the bed bugs from escaping.
Step 3: Making The Solution
Once, you’ve vacuumed the bedding we must move on to the chemical solution. To make the solution, you must do some calculations first. To apply bifenthrin, you must first measure the sq. ft. area where you wish to apply it.
You can measure the length and width of your bed structure and multiply them to find the sq. ft. It is advisable to apply the bifenthrin to the whole house or at least the room.
Dilute 3 quarters of bifenthrin with 99.25 gallons of water to make the solution. You’ve to apply the diluted solution per 10 square feet area. Pour the solution into a hose-end sprayer or any pesticide sprayer available to you.
Step 4: Apply Bifenthrin
Apply the bifenthrin solution to the mattress. Focus more on the seams and tufts of the mattress. After you’re done with the mattress, apply the chemical to the bedding box structure neatly.
Focus more on the corners. Don’t leave out any cracks, voids, or services. Now, apply the solution to the whole house to ensure that the bugs can’t hide in other places.
You can watch this video if you need a visual aid with the process:
How Long Does Bifenthrin Last?
The effect of bifenthrin can last up to 90 days to 15 weeks. However, another study proclaims that the effect of it can last up to 35 days. When used on soil To be sure of its effective time length read the details on the product.
The information will be available on the packaging or user manual if provided. The shelf life of bifenthrin lasts 1 to 2 years if stored correctly. It’s better to store them in their original container.
The storage area should be dry but cool. It shouldn’t be too hot or humid. Otherwise, the chemical will go bad.
FAQs
Where else can bifenthrin be used?
Bifenthrin can be used in regular houses, gardens, lawns, parks, recreational areas, poultry houses, and even commercial buildings. You can apply them to shrubs, non-bearing fruit trees, flower plants, ornamental trees, etc. but don’t use them on golf course turf, or on grass that’s grown for seed.
What is the bifenthrin solution measurement for mosquito & tick control?
For mosquito and tick control, mix ½-2 ounces of bifenthrin in 1 gallon of water. Apply 1-3 gallons of mixed solution in a 1,000 sq. ft. area. The amount to be applied will vary depending on the density of plants or vegetation. Apply them on the lawn as well and repeat this every month.
What is the bifenthrin solution measurement for flea control?
For flea control solution mix 1 oz of bifenthrin into 2-4 gallons of water. This solution is for a 1,000 sq. ft. area. The amount of water to be mixed will depend on the severity of the infestation. If larvae are present then use a higher volume of water into the soil.
Conclusion
Now, you have your answer regarding does bifenthrin kill bed bugs. Hopefully, this piece was informative enough for you. It’s very likely that bed bugs will build resistance to the continuous use of bifenthrin.
If that happens, mix the bifenthrin with an insect growth regulator(IGR) for better results. You can also try switching the insecticide.
Good luck!