How do I know which concentration to buy?

Consumer (RTU/concentrate) products are formulated for homeowner application rates. Professional-grade concentrates require accurate dilution — mistakes in either direction reduce effectiveness or create safety hazards. If you're new to pesticide application, start with ready-to-use formulations and work up to concentrates once you understand mixing and rates.

Can I mix this with other pesticides?

Tank mixing is common in professional applications but requires compatibility testing and label compliance. Never mix pesticides unless both labels permit it. One safe and effective combination: pair an adulticide with an IGR — they attack different life stages and don't interfere with each other.

How long does the treatment remain effective?

Residual activity depends on formulation, surface, UV exposure, and temperature. Micro-encapsulated formulations last longest (4–12 weeks). Wettable powders and emulsifiable concentrates typically last 2–6 weeks outdoors. Indoor applications on non-porous surfaces can persist significantly longer.

Is this product safe for use around pets and children?

All pesticides have some level of toxicity — 'safe' means used correctly according to the label. Keep children and pets out of treated areas until completely dry (minimum 2–4 hours for most sprays). For households with infants or chemically sensitive individuals, discuss low-exposure options (baits, dusts, IGRs) with a pest management professional.

Malathion

⚖️ Educational use only. Always read and follow the full product label — the label is the law under FIFRA. Full disclaimer → | ⚗️ Mixing Calculator →

🏷️ Brand Names — Same Active Ingredient

Malathion 50 EC — Various — general purpose concentrate

Ortho Max Malathion — Scotts — consumer EC

Spectracide Malathion — Spectrum — consumer

Hi-Yield 55% — consumer garden concentrate

🎯 What It Kills

✓ Aphids✓ Scale✓ Mites✓ Whiteflies✓ Thrips✓ Mealybugs✓ Caterpillars✓ Ants✓ Flies✓ Mosquitoes

⚙️ How It Works

Malathion is an organophosphate with broad-spectrum activity and relatively low mammalian toxicity compared to other organophosphates. Common garden and mosquito control pesticide available to homeowners.

⚗️ Mixing & Application

Malathion 50% concentrate: 1–2 fl oz per gallon. For 4-gallon backpack: 4–8 fl oz. Mix and apply outdoors — strong sulfur odor.

⚗️ Open Mixing Calculator →

⚠️ Safety

⚠ Strong sulfur odor — apply outdoors only
⚠ Toxic to bees — do not apply to flowering plants
⚠ Toxic to fish and beneficial insects
⚠ Short residual — 7–14 days
⚠ Do not apply near fish ponds or water features

📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

📄

Malathion 50 EC — Safety Data Sheet

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📄 Search for this SDS on CDMS →

📄 Malathion 50 EC — Safety Data Sheet · View the complete SDS document above or download below

📄 CDMS Label & SDS Database 📄 EPA Label Search

📚 Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels · NPIC Pesticide Info

Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Malathion — Ortho Max, Hi-Yield