These two products; bifenthrin and permethrin are commonly associated with pest control. They’re both chemical compounds which have proven useful in the handling of a variety of pest issues.

Although these are effective in pest control, this article seeks to identify clear differences between the two.

Bifenthrin Vs Permethrin: Similarities And Differences

The similarities between bifenthrin and permethrin are evident in the fact that they both are used for pest control.

Both bifenthrin and permethrin belong to the pyrethroid family of insecticides which are used in solving a variety of pest issues.

Clear differences begin to emerge from the fact that while pyrethroids are synthetic or man-made chemicals, permethrins (belonging to the class of pesticides known as pyrethrins) on the other hand are naturally occurring and found in chrysanthemum flowers.

Despite the differences in their formation, both bifenthrin and permethrin are deployed in a wide range of pest cases. Pyrethroids are engineered to act like pyrethrins.

Are Bifenthrin and Permethrin Used for the Same Purpose?

Having identified these two compounds like insecticides, it’s necessary to clarify what they’re both used on.

Bifenthrin and permethrin are both used for different purposes.

For instance, permethrin holds or fastens well to fabric materials. As such, it’s well adapted to the treatment of clothing as well as other fabric gears such as mosquito netting and tents.

In the case of bifenthrin, its usage is quite different. This pesticide is best used on turf and lawn pests. It kills a variety of destructive insects.

Uses of Bifenthrin

There is a lot of pest control uses when it comes to pesticides such as bifenthrin.

Bifenthrin-based products are varied and cover a wide range of pest issues. Common pest problems like fleas, mosquitoes, ants, ticks, termites, and roaches are treated with bifenthrin-based products.

  • Fleas

Bifenthrin is an effective and efficient flea control insecticide mostly designed for outdoor use. This insecticide is available for public purchase in reduced strength in sprays which can be applied to fleas.

When sprayed on fleas, bifenthrin works by shutting down their nervous systems, thus paralyzing and killing them in the process. Most commercial pest management services use this insecticide for flea treatment alongside other pest issues or problems.

  • Mosquitoes

One of the best ways to stop mosquito problems in its tracks is by using bifenthrin insecticide.

Instead of targeting matured mosquitoes which are mostly in flight, it’s targeted or sprayed on mosquito larvae which are mostly lying on moist soil as well as around standing water edges.

What results is a situation where mosquito larvae are killed before they ever get the chance to fully develop into mosquitoes. This efficiently solves your mosquito issues.

  • Ants

Bifenthrin-based pesticides can be easily sprayed over a wide area within a short period of time. This best serves your needs when faced with an ant infestation.

When applied around infested areas, bifenthrin decimates their population within a short period of time.

  • Ticks

One of the ways to avoid the problems caused by ticks (including the transfer of Lyme disease) is by using bifenthrin-based insecticides. When applied to ticks, these insecticides will shut down their nervous systems in contact.

Apart from the option of calling an exterminator for this job, you can also get these bifenthrin-based insecticides from your nearest store and get the job done yourself.

Unlike those used by commercial exterminators, those for public purchase come at a much-reduced strength but still very effective on ticks.

  • Termites

If you’ve ever called for termite control, the pesticide used on your property likely contained bifenthrin. This is an effective termite control insecticide that’s used in a variety of situations.

While this is true, you must call in professionals to carry out your termite control tasks.

Termites are very destructive and complex to deal with. As such, it’s necessary to allow the experts to apply their experience in resolving your termite issues.

  • Roaches

One of the good aspects of using bifenthrin for pest (including roaches) control is the fact that it has a strong residual effect. Roaches are still killed long after the first application.

This ensures your home or area applied is out of bounds for roaches and other pests.

  • Safety Concerns

Bifenthrin has been designed to pose no health risk to users, especially when used as directed.

Nevertheless, there are times when mistakes happen, which results in exposure to it. Such exposure results in numbness in the area of such exposure, itchiness, paraesthesia, and burning feeling.

Common symptoms will include oral secretions, sore throat, mouth ulcers, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, and headache. When any of these happens, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.

Uses of Permethrin

Permethrin is the generic name and has different brand names such as acticin, Nix, and Elimite. This product is widely used as an insecticide as well as treatment for scabies and head lice.

What more? Permethrin can be used as a preventive treatment to avoid scabies.

Like bifenthrin, permethrin affects the nervous systems of pests which paralyze them in the process, with death resulting. It’s important to carefully follow its use instructions when applying.

This enables you to get better results with your pest issue.

  • Side Effects

Despite the several benefits obtained from permethrin use, you’re likely to experience some side effects. These will range from skin rash, itchiness, mild burning, and stinging, there may be a temporary worsening of scabies symptoms.

Swelling on the skin may also result.

When used on pests, dizziness and vomiting are a few of the side effects you may notice. There may also be allergic reactions to it. Whatever the case is, it’s best to seek medical advice and help.

We’ve compared two important pesticides; bifenthrin and permethrin with clear differences seen as well as similarities. These are seen to be effective on a wide range of pest issues as well as for topical treatments on problems such as scabies and the likes.

To use any of bifenthrin or permethrin for your pest issues, it’s important to first carefully read the use instructions. This helps greatly in achieving the desired impact on pests and getting the results you seek.

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