Cyfluthrin

The more ways an invading pest can be treated, the quicker the desired result. This is especially the case with Cyclithrin, a dual-action ingredient that affects insects by contact or ingestion.

Cyfluthrin is a powerful key ingredient in many popular pest control products. On this page, you can shop our recommendation of Cyfluthrin-based products and learn more about this pyrethroid and why it is a sought-after chemical for those looking to get rid of problem pests.

What is Cyfluthrin?

Cyfluthrin is an active ingredient classified as a synthetic pyrethroid. Synthetic pyrethroids are artificially manufactured insecticides to imitate a natural insecticide chemical known as pyrethrum, which is extracted from the crushed petals of the Chrysanthemum flower. The great thing about synthetic pyrethroids compared to natural pyrethrum is that pyrethroids have the advantage of remaining effective for much longer, sometimes up to 90 days of killing power after application.

Cyfluthrin comes in various formulations--from wettable powders to liquids, emulsifiable concentrates, granules, and crack and crevice aerosol treatments. Cyfluthrin is a general household spray that can successfully kill and control invading pests both inside and outside, such as roaches, silverfish, fleas, spiders, ants, crickets, houseflies, ticks, black carpet beetles, small flying moths, saw-toothed grain beetles, rice weevils, pillbugs, mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, gnats, earwigs and more:

How Does Cyfluthrin Work?

Mode of Action

Cyfluthrin is unique in that it presents a dual-action effect. The chemical begins as a poison through physical contact via an insect or ingestion. This allows for a faster knockdown of the target pest and a quicker kill. Cyfluthrin kills pests by behaving like a powerful poison that detrimentally affects their central nervous system. Once they ingest or come into contact with Cyfluthrin, the insect’s nerve cells become excited, eventually leading to paralysis; thus, the insect will not be able to perform the necessary bodily functions for survival, such as feeding or grooming. Before long, the insect will then starve to death because of their catatonic state.

Benefits of Cyfluthrin

Since Cyfluthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, it has the added benefit of remaining effective for longer than natural pyrethrum, so you could potentially see up to three months of effectiveness. 

Cyfluthrin is best used as a barrier treatment around a structure or applied in cracks and crevices to get the target pests where they are hiding.

Drawbacks of Cyfluthrin

After diluting Cyflutrhin-based products, you should use them immediately and not store them away, as the acids in water can start to degrade the active ingredient and make it more ineffective over time.

Cyfluthrin is not a non-repellent product, so there can be cases where insects will avoid the product and not be controlled. Do not use Cyfluthrin on edible plants like fruits and vegetables.

Is Cyfluthrin Safe?

Cyfluthrin is a safe chemical to use around your home and yard. As mentioned above, cyfluthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, so in small amounts, it is relatively harmless to humans and has low toxicity. However, like most pyrethroids, cyfluthrin has demonstrated that it can be somewhat toxic to birds and fish.

However, cyfluthrin is safe around pets and children when the product application has dried. Cyfluthrin is also safe to use in your yard because it cannot be absorbed by plant foliage and breaks down well in the environment.

When handling cyfluthrin or any other pesticide, always exercise caution and wear protective gear before handling chemicals. This can include gloves, a protective mask, and long-sleeve clothing.

What To Expect

A Cyfluthrin-based product does not guarantee instant kill. It can take up to 24 hours to kill the target pest, but it does have a long-term residual, which can last up to 90 days, meaning you don't have to reapply as often unless you have a very large infestation.

Quarterly applications of Cyfluthrin-based products will provide continued control of target pests all year.

Featured Products

Tempo SC Ultra - Created by Bayer, Tempo SC Ultra professional insecticide delivers a quick kill among the fastest-acting pest control market. Tempo SC's suspension concentrate formulation provides the killing power of a pesticide powder but in liquid form. This liquid formulation is convenient to use with less mess and less hassle.