Bifen IT - Questions & Answers

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.

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 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.

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.

Generally, after an application of Bifen IT it should take a few hours to dry outside, typically 4-6 hours. 

Yes, Bifen IT can be applied to lawns for control of armyworms. You will apply 0.18-0.25 fl oz per 1,000 sq ft. Please refer to the product label for full mixing and application instructions for treating armyworms (Pages 14-15). 

Bifen IT contains 7.9% bifenthrin it does not contain DEET.

Unfortunately Bifen IT is not labeled to treat for carpet beetles. We would recommend our Carpet Beetle Control Kit and recommend reviewing our Carpet Beetle Control Guide for step by step instructions and more information.

Bifen IT is not labeled to be used on marijuana or as a root drench for aphids. Please check with your local Agricultural Department for their recommendations. 

You can use a temporary marking dye such as Turf Mark Blue with the Bifen I/T or any insecticide you plan to use for tick control. Bifen would be a great choice, and in the areas of the property you suspect the highest populations of ticks, you can mix in an IGR such as Archer IGR to help stop their reproductive cycle and reduce the amount of future generations you would be contending with in the yard. We also have a handy Tick Control Guide which you can review for tips to get the most out of your treatment, including how to videos and step by step instructions and recommendations. 

No, Bifen I/T is not labeled to be used in a fogger. You can use it in a handheld or backpack sprayer or a mist blower such as the Solo 451 or an Stihl engine powered device.

It will depend on what you are applying it for. For instance, if you are trying to control insects that walk on the blades of grass or around the thatch layer, if you use too much water, you could push all of the product below the thatch and those insects may not be affected by the application. If you are targeting insects that are below the thatch such as chinch bugs, more water can help you get the water where you need it to be. Please refer to the Bifen IT product label for complete instructions on your target pest.

Yes, Bifen IT is labeled for general ant control including Carpenter Ants, Fire Ant and nuisance ants. Please review the proudct label for speciific applicaiton instructions for treating outdoors on the exterior perimeter foundation of the home, broadcast and mound treatments in the lawn and for treating indoors for ants. 

Click HERE to view our How to Get Rid of Ant Treatment Guide for more information


 

There isn’t a set window of application that has to be maintained or followed, but we often recommend giving a few days between treatment if you are applying several items to the lawn to avoid any unnecessary stress to it. Pre emergents and fertilizers usually require a higher water volume or watering in after application, whereas the Bifen I/T would use less water per surface area and would need to remain on the surface and not be washed away. Application a few days after a pre em or fertilizer application would be fine. 

According to the product label, Bifen IT is labeled to treat for Cicadas when applied at the rate of 0.25 to 0.5 fl oz per gallon of water. Depending on what species of Cicadas you are treating for, Onslaught Insecticide is also labeled for Periodical Cicadas that emerge every 13 to 17 years.   

 

Bifen IT is mixed at 0.5 to 1 fl oz per gallon of water per 1000 sq ft. Per the product label, apply to plant foliage; also treat trunks, stems, and twigs.

No, Bifen IT cannot be used in a ULV or thermal fogger, however it can be applied in a hand held or backpack sprayer or a mist blower such as the Tomahawk Power Mist Blower.




 

No, Bifen IT cannot be used in a Tri-Jet fogger or any other ULV or thermal fogging machine. Bifen IT should be applied using a handpump sprayer, backpacks sprayer or mist blower. Please view ULV Fogging Solutions Page and Thermal Fogging Solutions Page for options for both oil and water based fogging solutions. 

Yes, Bifen IT needs to be diluted in water. Depending on what you're treating for, you can dilute it at a rate of 0.5 to 1 oz per gallon of water. Please review the product label for full instructions.