We do not have any experience using cotton soaked with permethrin in tubes on rodents so we can not offer advice on this type of application. Below is the advice we usually offer for tick control:
Permethrin SFR would be a great choice for indoor and outdoor tick control. We also recommend adding an insect growth regulator such as Archer IGR to Permethrin to stop the ticks from being able to develop while you are trying to eliminate the infestation. Do not make spot applications. Treat the entire area where exposure to ticks may occur. Use more water (not more product) when treating areas with dense ground cover or heavy leaf litter. Ticks may be reintroduced from surrounding areas on host animals. Retreatment may be necessary to achieve and/or maintain control during periods of high pest pressure. All of your dogs should be treated with a product that is specifically labeled for use on dogs for tick control.
You can also help by creating a "tick safe zone" in your yard. You should have an area that is at least 9 ft wide between your yard and any wooded area. Trim back trees to allow as much sunlight as possible into your yard. Keep grass as short. Remove as much leaf litter as possible. A clearly defined, well manicured border between your yard and any wooded areas or weedy lots will reduce the chance of ticks infesting your yard.
Absolutely! The Permethrin SFR product label instruction booklet was actually on the same page where you submitted this question. I have linked the Product label below for your convenience:
http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/msds/permethrin_sfr_label.pdf
Yes, Permethrin SFR is labeled to be used directly on animals. Please check the label for specific instructions on how to apply to your dog. This product is not labeled for cats.
We do have ZoGuard Plus for Dogs that is labeled for fleas. Invert one tube over dog and use open end to part dog's hair. Squeeze tube firmly to apply all of the solution to the dog's skin as a spot on the dog's back between the shoulder blades. Use entire contents of tube vial on each dog. Do not use multiple tubes on one dog. Weigh your dog to be sure you are applying the right dose formulated for the weight of your dog. Separate the treated dog from all other dogs and cats for 24 hours after treatment has been applied.
Permethrin SFR is only labeled for use on livestock such as horses and cattle as well as other animals for lice and would not be used for headlice. It is safe when used as directed on the product label.
You could use Bedlam which is labeled for adult lice and nymphs. You would be apply to cracks and crevices around the room.
In areas you cannot apply Bedlam you can use Sterifab. It will only kill those insects that you make direct contact with. Sterifab is the product we would recommend for use on upholstered furniture and mattresses and other places around your home. Anything that can be washed in the washer and dryer should be treated in that way.
For treatment on humans, you would need to contact your doctor or pharmacist for the best recommendation.
Permethrin SFR would be a great choice for indoor and outdoor tick control. We would also recommend adding an insect growth regulator such as Archer IGR in addition to the Permethrin to stop the ticks from being able to reproduce while you are trying to eliminate the infestation. Please see our Tick Treatment Guide for more information about this pest.
We recommend using 1 2/3 fl. oz of Permethrin SFR 36.8% per gallon of water for ant mounds. Apply 1-2 gallons of emulsion to each mound area by sprinkling the mound until it is wet and treat a 4 foot diameter circle around the mound. Use the higher volume for mounds larger than 12". For best results, apply in cool weather, such as in early morning or late evening hours, but not in the heat of the day
Permethrin SFR 36.8% is recommended to be used when the grass is dry, however it can be used when the ground it a little wet from the rain but the wet ground will make the product take longer to dry. Please let us know if you have any other questions
Yes, it is safe for animals to return to the area after Permethrin SFR has dried completely.
Yes, a surfactant can be used with Permethrin SFR 36.8% to help it stick better and increase effectiveness. Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker would be a good choice. You can find our other surfactants here as well.
It is recommended that you use either a hand pump sprayer, hose end sprayer or a backpack sprayer to apply Permethrin in your lawn. The mixing ratio will be the same regardless of which application method you use.
You don't state what pest you are treating for in your lawn however, when using Permethring SFR 36.8% in your lawn the most common rate used would be .8 oz per gallon of water per 1000 sq. ft. When it states using 4-25 gallons of spray volume, it is telling you to be sure that you are getting a complete coverage for the area that you are treating. So if it takes you 1 gallon of water to treat the 1000 sq. ft evenly then you would use the .8 in 1 gallon. Should it take you 2.5 gallons you would use the .8oz in 2.5 gallons of water to cover that 1000 sq. ft evenly.