Cyfluthrin

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

Cyfluthrin is a powerful key active ingredient used in many popular pest control products. On this page, you can shop our recommendation of Cyfluthrin-based products and also learn more about this pyrethroid and why it is such 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 insecticides that are artificially manufactured 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 a variety of different formulations--from wettable powders to liquids, emulsifiable concentrates, granules, and crack and crevice aerosol treatments. Cyfluthrin is a general household spray which 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 working as a poison either 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 see potentially up to 3 months of effectiveness. 

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

Drawbacks of Cyfluthrin

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

Cyfluthrin is not a non-repellent product so there can be cases where insects will simply 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 highly toxic to 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 for that matter, always exercise caution and put on protective gear before handling chemicals. This can include gloves, a protective mask and long-sleeve clothing.

What To Expect

When using a Cyfluthrin-based product, it does not guarantee an instant kill. It can take up to 24 hours to kill the target pest but it does have a long-time 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 long.

Featured Products

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