As an insecticide, bifenthrin is a manufactured compound that is derived from pyrethrins, which are naturally present in extracts of chrysanthemum flowers. Bifenthrin is toxic to neurons and goes after their voltage-gated sodium channels. It is widely used in both agricultural and urban settings because of its low toxicity to mammals. Unfortunately, bifenthrin is extremely poisonous to fish and other aquatic invertebrates.
Permethrin is also the artificial pyrethrin. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are neurotoxins that work by binding to sodium channels on neurons, which causes the channels to remain open and trigger firing repeatedly. This results in paralysis and ultimately death in the affected insect. Cats frequently come into contact with the pesticide known as permethrin. Many flea and tick washes, foggers, and sprays, as well as many domestic and yard insecticide formulations, use it in low doses.
The use of pyrethroid insecticides, such as bifenthrin, is widespread around the world to protect crops against insects and other pests. Cotton is one of these crops. Pyrethroids are another type of chemical that is frequently utilized in the process of eliminating vectors in nations like Mexico, Thailand, India, and Africa. Although the WHO (World Health Organization) has not initially approved bifenthrin for this usage, it has proved as an effective chemical agent for application in mosquito nets.
On the other hand, spot-ons (specifically indicated for dogs) include a highly concentrated permethrin formulation (45 to 65 percent). Toxicosis is mostly determined by a substance’s concentration.
Bifenthrin vs Permethrin Mechanism
A wide variety of pests, including lice, fleas, ticks, mites, and other arthropods, are susceptible to the pesticide permethrin. Permethrin acts on the membrane of a nerve cell to stop the sodium channel current, which keeps the membrane from becoming too polarized. This makes the parasites’ repolarization take longer, which causes them to become paralyzed and die. Even after being rinsed, permethrin retains its effectiveness as an ovicidal agent.
Bifenthrin, on the other hand, can be taken orally or applied topically and is beneficial in both ways. Bifenthrin, a Type I pyrethroid, interferes with sodium channel gating in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Contrary to type II pyrethroids, type I pyrethroids like bifenthrin tend to retain the channel open for a shorter period.
Permethrin is more effective. In contrast, it may take Bifenthrin up to ten minutes for its effects on insects to become obvious, and insects that come into touch with it quickly exhibit evidence of being paralyzed.
Bifenthrin, on the other hand, is effective against pests for 90 days and has a significantly longer residual effect. Permethrin only works for about 30 days because microorganisms in the soil and sunlight break it down.
Bifenthrin vs Permethrin Efficacy
Since bifenthrin has a long-lasting effect, there is almost no evidence of insect activity 90 days after application and the insects die within minutes. This also implies that there is no need to apply the pesticide twice.
Direct spraying of Permethrin to an insect yields immediate results, but if the lawn is experiencing a severe infestation, it takes longer to see substantial results. Permethrin leaves behind effects, but they only last a few weeks, while Bifenthrin’s effects can last up to three months. Because of this, Permethrin is more likely to need follow-up treatments.
Bifenthrin vs Permethrin Safety
Bifenthrin is considered to be one of the “safer” compounds that can be utilized around the house and on the lawn. However, human safety does not necessarily guarantee that it is safe for animals as well.
Bifenthrin is extremely poisonous to fish, therefore it is important to take care when treating the grass near a pond since drift can develop. It adheres tightly to soil, so it does not get into groundwater. Bifenthrin is also bad for birds, but once it has dried, it is less dangerous for dogs and cats, and other pets.
It is important to apply the product at a safe distance and wait for it to dry or be watered before letting the animals go in the garden again. Long sleeves are a good idea while applying permethrin because it can also cause skin irritation. It can also induce stomach pain and diarrhea, so it is important to avoid contaminating any sources or containers of drinkable water.
Bifenthrin vs Permethrin Uses
Bifenthrin is useful against the following types of insects usually found on lawns:
- Fire ants (red).
- Aphids and Worms.
- Gnats.
- Beetles, Moths.
- Earwigs.
- Grasshoppers.
- Mites.
- Mosquitoes.
- Flies.
- Fleas.
- Caterpillars.
On the other hand, Permethrin is extremely effective at repelling and killing mites, mosquitoes, termites, ticks, and fleas. It is also sprayed on walls above drains or garden furniture to deter mosquitoes, and it adheres quite securely to fabrics.