Pyrethroid mechanism of action diagram

How pyrethroid works β€” illustrated mechanism of action Β· PestControlBasics.com

πŸ§ͺ ACTIVE INGREDIENT Pyrethroid β€” IRAC 3A ⚠️ CAUTION

Permethrin

Permethrin is the go-to pyrethroid for clothing treatment, tick control, and livestock use. Many consumers confuse it with bifenthrin β€” they're related but different compounds with different strengths.

10+
Brand Names
50+
Target Pests
30–45 days
Residual Life
No
OMRI Organic
βš–οΈ
For informational and educational purposes only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed pest control operator and does not provide pest control advice, recommendations, or professional services. All pesticide applications must comply with the product label β€” the label is the law under FIFRA (7 U.S.C. Β§ 136). Always read the full label before use. Consult a licensed pest management professional for infestations involving structural damage, public health pests, or any situation where safety is a concern. SDS/MSDS links open third-party sources; PestControlBasics.com is not responsible for their content.

🏷️ Brand Names β€” Same Active Ingredient

⚠️ Don't buy duplicates. All products below contain permethrin as the active ingredient. They differ only in concentration, formulation type, and price β€” not in how they work or what they kill. Buying two different brands is buying the same pesticide twice.
Permethrin SFR 36.8%
Control Solutions Β· Emulsifiable concentrate
36.8% permethrin
Professional
Ten-80 Stock Solution
Elanco Β· Concentrate
10% permethrin
Livestock/agriculture
Bonide Eight Insect Control
Bonide Β· RTU spray
0.5% permethrin
Consumer garden
Sawyer Permethrin Clothing Treatment
Sawyer Β· RTU spray
0.5% permethrin
Consumer β€” clothing
Martins Permethrin 13.3%
Control Solutions Β· Emulsifiable concentrate
13.3% permethrin
Professional
Bifen IT
Control Solutions Β· Emulsifiable concentrate
7.9% bifenthrin
Professional β€” NOTE: Bifen IT is BIFENTHRIN not permethrin

🎯 Target Pests

βœ“Ticks (clothing treatment)
βœ“Mosquitoes
βœ“Flies
βœ“Fleas
βœ“Gnats
βœ“Chiggers
βœ“Mites
βœ“Lice (veterinary)
βœ“Cockroaches
βœ“Ants
βœ“Crickets
βœ“Stored Product Insects

βš—οΈ Mixing & Dilution Guide

Rates below are general guidelines. Always follow your specific product label β€” rates vary by brand and application site.

Permethrin clothing treatment
0.5% solution β€” Sawyer RTU direct
Spray onto clothing and gear, allow to dry completely before wearing. Provides tick and mosquito protection for 6 washes or 6 weeks. Never apply to skin.
Yard tick spray
Permethrin SFR: 0.4 fl oz / gal
Apply to lawn edges, ornamentals, and leaf litter where ticks harbor. Treat 3-foot band at woods edge. Safe for humans when dry β€” do not allow cats on treated area until dry.
Livestock spray for flies and lice
Ten-80: 2 oz / gal water
Apply as a body spray to livestock. Not for use on cats. Permethrin is the standard for livestock pest management.

πŸ“‹ Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

πŸ“„

Permethrin SFR β€” Safety Data Sheet

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πŸ“„ Search for this SDS on CDMS β†’
πŸ“„ Permethrin SFR β€” Safety Data Sheet Β· View the complete SDS document above or download below

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • FATAL TO CATS β€” permethrin causes severe neurological toxicity in cats at any concentration. Never apply to cats or in areas where cats can contact treated surfaces while wet
  • Safe for dogs when dry β€” do not apply wet product to dogs unless it is a dog-labeled veterinary product
  • Never apply permethrin clothing treatment to skin β€” it is only for fabric
  • Highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates
  • Note: Bifen IT (bifenthrin) is frequently confused with permethrin β€” they are different active ingredients
βš–οΈ
For informational and educational purposes only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed pest control operator and does not provide pest control advice, recommendations, or professional services. All pesticide applications must comply with the product label β€” the label is the law under FIFRA (7 U.S.C. Β§ 136). Always read the full label before use. Consult a licensed pest management professional for infestations involving structural damage, public health pests, or any situation where safety is a concern. SDS/MSDS links open third-party sources; PestControlBasics.com is not responsible for their content.
βš—οΈ
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πŸ“š Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels Β· NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 Β· Updated: Apr 7, 2026