Bifen XTS vs Bifen IT
The main difference between Bifen XTS and Bifen IT lies in the formulation. Bifen XTS is an oil-based insecticide, while Bifen IT is water-based. This makes Bifen XTS more resistant to rain and suitable for outdoor use, while Bifen IT can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Bifen IT vs XTS
To help you quickly grasp the differences, we’ve created a comparison table.
Bifen I/T | Bifen XST |
 |  |
Active ingredient Bifenthrin 7.9% | Active ingredient Bifenthrin 25.1% |
Pet Safe When Dry (Used as Directed on Label) | Pet Safe When Dry (Used as Directed on Label) |
Odorless, Non-staining and Dries Clear | Effects Over Time and Gives off Just a Low Odor |
Liquid insecticide/termiticide | Oil-based liquid insecticide/termiticide |
Mixing Ratio for Bifen It Is .5 Fluid Ounces of Product per Gallon of Water | Mixing Ratio for Bifen Xts Is 0.32 – 0.64 Oz. Of Product per Gallon of Water |
Can Be Used Both Indoors & Outdoor Pest Control | Commercial & Residential Outdoors Use Only |
It Kills Over 75 Different Insects Including Spiders, Mosquitoes, Cockroaches, Ticks, Fleas, Pillbugs, Chinch Bugs, Earwigs, Millipedes, Termites and More | It Kills Termites, Ants, Carpenter Ants, Fire Ants, Beetles, Crane Flies, Crickets, Mole Crickets, Sod Webworms, Ticks and Others |
Overview
As mentioned above, the key difference is that Bifen XTS is oil-based while Bifen IT is water-based. The oil-based formulation of Bifen XTS makes it water-resistant.
When applied correctly, it bonds strongly to surfaces and retains effectiveness even after rain or irrigation. This makes it ideal for outdoor use on lawns, turf, ornamentals, etc.
On the other hand, the water-based Bifen IT can be safely applied both outdoors and indoors. While not as rain-fast as Bifen XTS, it still provides decent residual activity if rain occurs after it has dried. Overall, Bifen IT offers more flexibility in use sites, including indoor spaces.
Active Ingredient
Bifen XTS contains 25.1% bifenthrin, while Bifen IT contains just 7.9% bifenthrin. Bifenthrin is an effective pyrethroid insecticide that works as a contact and stomach poison against a wide variety of pests.
The higher concentration in Bifen XTS provides stronger knockdown and more extended residual insect control outdoors. But Bifen IT offers sufficient bifenthrin to control pests in and around the home.
Mixing Ratio
The mixing ratio for Bifen XTS is 0.32 – 0.64 ounces of product per gallon of water, depending on the pest being treated and the infestation level. Bifen IT has varying mixing ratios based on the target pest:
- Mosquito and Tick Control: Mix 1/2 – 2 ounces per gallon and apply 1-3 gallons per 1,000 square feet.
- Flea Control: Mix 1 ounce per 2-4 gallons of water and apply per 1,000 square feet of outside surface area.
Use Sites
Bifen XTS is primarily labeled for outdoor use – perimeter pest control, turf and ornamentals, pre- and post-construction termite treatment. It should only be applied to areas outside the home that people or pets won’t contact.
Bifen IT has a broad label that allows use indoors and outdoors, including homes, building perimeters, ornamental landscaping, lawns, recreational areas, livestock buildings, and more. Its water base makes it suitable for indoor living spaces.
Target Pests
Both products are effective against a wide range of pests. Bifen XTS controls over 50 insects, such as termites, ants, billbugs, chinch bugs, ticks, and more.
Bifen IT is also labeled for over 75 pests, including spiders, mosquitoes, roaches, ticks, fleas, chinch bugs, termites, etc. Bifen IT has a slight edge with its indoor pest control uses.
Residual Control
When used as directed, Bifen XTS provides very long residual control outdoors, up to 4 months for some pests. Bifen IT has a shorter residual of 1-3 months typically.
The stronger concentration of bifenthrin in Bifen XTS results in longer-lasting protection from invading pests on outside surfaces.
Size Availability
Bifen XTS comes in 1-gallon and 1-quart ready-to-use containers. Bifen IT comes in 1 gallon, 1 quart, and 1 pint ready-to-use containers.
The smaller pint size of Bifen IT is handy for indoor pest control jobs. Bifen XTS only comes in the larger sizes meant for covering substantial outdoor areas.
Rain Resistance
Bifen XTS should not be applied if rain is expected within 24 hours. The oil base provides some water resistance but still requires time to bond and absorb into outdoor materials.
Once dried, Bifen IT is highly rain-resistant and will remain effective when exposed to rain or sprinklers. This makes reapplication less frequent.
Odor & Staining
Bifen XTS does not specify being odorless or non-staining because these characteristics are not critical for outdoor-only use.
Bifen IT is advertised as having a low odor and leaves no visible residue or stains when applied indoors as directed. Its water base means it dries clear without any oily film left behind on household surfaces or fabrics.
Pet Safety
Both Bifen XTS and Bifen IT are considered safe for use around pets when the label directions are followed. Bifenthrin has relatively low toxicity to mammals, but insects are highly susceptible.
Keep pets away during application until completely dry. Contact your veterinarian if any exposure is suspected. Always follow label precautions when using pesticides, even “pet-safe” ones.
Our Observation
Based on the data, Bifen XTS and Bifen IT have key differences that make each insecticide better suited for certain uses. Bifen XTS’s oil base and higher bifenthrin concentration provide robust outdoor residual control. But it lacks indoor labeling.
Bifen IT’s water-base allows versatile indoor and outdoor use, though it has lower bifenthrin content and shorter residual than Bifen XTS.
The primary factors that distinguish the effectiveness of both products are their oil vs. water base and intended use sites. Carefully compare these differences when selecting between Bifen XTS and Bifen IT.
