Bifen IT - Questions & Answers

Bifen IT can be tank mixed with other products in a tank sprayer. For something like humic acid, we always recommend a small jar test for compatibility before mixing a full tank. It can also be mixed with other herbicides as long as the herbicide label does not state otherwise. You just want to make sure you apply the right amount of products per gallon and per 1,000 sqft.

When using Bifen IT for chinch bugs you should water in at 1/4 inch immediately after application to get it down to where they are.  It is only when you are applying for surface dwelling insects that you would wait to water so that it has time to dry on the surface it has been applied to.  

Specific instructions from the label for chinch bugs: Mostly found in the thatch layer, chinch bugs infest the base of grass plants. In order to optimize the penetration of the insecticide to location of the chinch bugs, irrigation of the grass prior to treatment may be necessary. If grass is being kept at a long mowing height or if the thatch layer is excessive, use higher volume treatments. It may be necessary to use higher application rates (up to 1 fluid oz. per 1000 square feet) to control populations made up of both adults and nymphs in mid-summer.

Spotted Lantern Fly is an invasive pest mostly found in certain areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York right now. Penn State Extension has set up an entire website to help track and control this pest. Please visit this site for information on how to report this pest and non-chemical steps recommended:
https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
Here is a guide regarding management of SLF for homeowners:https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-for-residents 

Some folks are treating trees with dinotefuran, although since these products are not yet labeled for this pest, we cannot be certain as to the efficacy.
https://www.domyown.com/safari-20sg-systemic-insecticide-with-dinotefuran-p-2512.html

 

Talstar P

can be used as trunk and foliar spray where you have found activity, and the manufacturer has a Supplemental Label you can review on how to use it for that pest. You would use 0.25-0.5 oz per 1000 sq/ft per gallon.

When applying Bifen IT for mole crickets you should use 1oz per gallon of water. Per the product label:

Mole Cricket adults: Since the preferred grass areas are subject to constant invasion in early spring by the active adult stage, it can be difficult to maintain control of adult mole crickets. It is ideal to treat the areas as late in the day as possible and water immediately after application with up to 0.5 inches of water. To ensure maximum contact when soil is dry, it is necessary to irrigate prior to treatment to bring the adult mole crickets closer to the soil surface. To obtain optimal control of potential nymphal populations, the grass areas preferred by adult mole crickets should be treated immediately prior to the peak hatch stage. 

Mole Cricket nymphs: Treat grass areas that are preferred by adult mole crickets in the spring just before peak egg hatch. Young nymphs are more vulnerable to insecticidal treatment at this stage because they are close to the soil surface where the insecticide is most concentrated and thereby providing the most efficient control. For larger more damaging nymphal stages later in the year, it may be necessary to use higher application rates more frequently. It is ideal to treat the areas as late in the day as possible and water immediately after application with up to 0.5 inches of water. To ensure maximum contact when soil is dry, it is necessary to irrigate prior to treatment to bring the adult mole crickets closer to the soil surface.

Bifen IT will not harm, inhibit, or promote any kind of growth in turfgrass when used at the label rates. Apply at 1 oz per 1,000 sqft for most insects with a minimum of .5 gallons per 1,000 sqft.  

Bifen IT is a great product for all the insects you have mentioned, but another good product to be used outdoors is Cyzmic CS. That is because Cyzmic CS has a CapVantage Micro Encapsulation which means that each droplet of insecticide is encased in a protective microscopic capsule, providing a long residual, even in direct sunlight or other harsh weather conditions. The only insect Cyzmic CS is not labeled for that you mentioned is crane flies. Most products are still only going to provide a 30 day residual outdoors in the summer. Be sure to check out our Pest Guides for more details about the most common structural pests.

Yes, Bifen IT can be used with an IGR like Pivot and a synergist like Exciter for a faster knockdown of insects such as mosquitoes. There would be no valid reason to mix Cyzmic CS and Bifen IT. You would want to use one or the other.  

Yes, Bifen IT is labeled for Asian Lady Beetles.  

Yes, Bifen IT will not harm, inhibit, or promote any kind of growth in turf grass.

Bifen IT can be applied monthly (30 days) outside the home and every 3 months (90 days) inside around the cracks and crevices.

You do not need a professional applicator’s license to purchase Bifen IT for use in Lousiana if you are applying to your own home or property. 

Bifen IT is safe on house plants on the foliage.  For fungus gnats you would be using as a soil drench to treat.  The other option is to allow the soil to dry out completely as this will kill any larvae in the soil.

When treating for chinch bugs with Bifen IT, it is recommended that you do a second treatment 21-30 days after the first treatment. You will use 1 fl. oz. of product per gallon of water. This will treat 1000 square feet. Be sure to water the product in at least 0.5 inches after it has been applied.

Bifen IT is not labeled for use in drains. Roaches can be seen coming out of drains because more than likely they were looking for a water source. For the best roach control, we recommend using a Roach Control Kit. Please view our How to Get Rid of Roaches article for other tips and information. 

Bifen IT does not require the use of a surfactant unless you are treating for mites and/or spider mites per the product label.

Bifen IT can be applied quarterly to interior cracks and crevices and monthly to listed exterior areas at 1 fl oz per gallon per 1,000 sq ft.

Bifen IT cannot be used in animal grazing pastures.  Essentria All Purpose Insecticide Concentrate can be used in animal grazing pastures for ant and tick control.

Yes, Bifen IT can be used to treat fire ant mounds directly as well as broadcast over the lawn. Please view our How to Get Rid of Fire Ants Guide for step by step instructions and a helpful video. 

Bifen IT does not require the use of a surfactant unless you are treating for mites and/or spider mites per the product label.

Bifen IT is labeled for bagworms and will kill them if applied before the bags have formed.  After the bags have formed, there is little you can do for control other than to physically remove them.  A mask is not required if you are applying in a well-venitlated area.