Bifen IT Vs Tempo SC Insecticide
The main difference between Bifen IT and Tempo SC Ultra is that Bifen IT contains the active ingredient bifenthrin while Tempo SC Ultra contains beta-cyfluthrin.
Both provide long-lasting control of a wide variety of insect pests, but Bifen IT controls a few more types. Tempo SC Ultra is available in smaller container sizes.
Bifen Vs Tempo
This table outlines the key differences between Bifen IT and Tempo SC insecticide.
Tempo SC | Bifen It |
 |  |
Active Ingredient Beta Cyfluthrin 11.8% | Active Ingredient Bifenthrin 7.9% |
Fast-acting, pre-binning, residual treatment for stored grains | It Is A Fast-acting Termiticide That Can Kill Termites Within 24 Hours. |
Pet safe If Used As Directed On Label | It Is Odorless, Non-staining, And Dries Clear |
8 Ml (0.27 Fl Oz) Per Gal Water | Mixing Ratio 0.33 Oz./gallon Of Water |
Tempo SC is low usage rates and lasts up to 3 months | Long-lasting Residual Effect For Up To 3 Months |
Effectively controls a broad spectrum of indoor, outdoor, and turf and ornamental pests. | Once Bifen It Bonds To The Surface, It Does Not Break Down Easily With Rain. |
It kills Ants (excluding Pharaoh and Harvester Ants), Carpet Beetles, Flies, Cockroaches, Crickets, Millipedes, Pillbugs, Silverfish, Spiders, Japanese Beetles, Hornets, Yellowjackets and others | It kills Spiders, Mosquitoes, Cockroaches, Ticks, Fleas, Pillbugs, Chinch Bugs, Earwigs, Millipedes and Termites |
Active Ingredient
Bifen IT contains 7.9% bifenthrin as its active ingredient, while Tempo SC Ultra contains 11.8% beta-cyfluthrin. Bifenthrin and beta-cyfluthrin are both pyrethroids, a class of synthetic insecticides that mimic pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum flowers.
They work by interfering with insects’ nervous systems. The different active ingredients give the products slightly different pest spectrums.
Pesticide Range
With its bifenthrin ingredient, Bifen IT can control over 75 pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, termites, chinch bugs, cockroaches, and more.
Tempo SC Ultra, with beta-cyfluthrin, controls over 100 pests, such as ants, aphids, sod webworms, bagworms, and other lawn and ornamental pests. Both products offer a broad control spectrum, but Bifen IT is labeled for a few additional pests.
Application Sites
Both Bifen IT and Tempo SC Ultra are approved for use in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings. Bifen IT can be applied to lawns, ornamental plants, recreational areas, homes, and livestock barns.
Tempo SC Ultra is also suitable for trees, shrubs, lawn areas, and indoor and outdoor sites. Their versatile labels allow the insecticides to be used in many locations where pest control is needed.
Residual Duration
When applied correctly, both products provide a long residual that controls pests for up to 3 months after application.
This effect keeps working to kill insects after the spray has dried through contact and ingestion as pests interact with treated surfaces. The extended control reduces the need for frequent reapplications.
Odor & Staining
An advantage of both Bifen IT and Tempo SC Ultra is that they are low-odor and non-staining formulations. Bifen IT is odorless and dries clear without leaving stains on painted surfaces, floors, or other areas.
Tempo SC Ultra has no noticeable odor and will not stain or damage any application sites. This makes the products ideal for indoor use or applications on delicate ornamental plants.
Formulation
Bifen IT utilizes a water-based formula containing no alpha cyano group, making it easy and flexible to mix as needed.
Tempo SC Ultra is a liquid suspension concentrate, meaning the active ingredient is already suspended and diluted in a ready-to-use form. This makes Tempo SC Ultra quicker and cleaner to mix than traditional wettable powder insecticides requiring shaking or agitation.
Usage Rate
For Bifen IT, recommended application rates range from 1/2 ounce to 2 ounces of concentrate per gallon of water, depending on the target pest.
Use rates are typically 1-3 gallons of diluted mix per 1,000 square feet. Tempo SC Ultra mixing instructions are 8-16 ml of product per gallon of water, with 1 gallon of spray solution covering 1,000 square feet. Following the label instructions ensures proper control.
Pet Safety
When used as directed, both products are considered safe for pets and animals. However, it’s always important to follow label precautions and restrict pets from entering treated areas until the spray has thoroughly dried.
Never apply directly to animals. Contact a veterinarian if accidental exposure occurs.
Packaging
Bifen IT is sold in larger containers, including 1-gallon, 1-quart, and 1-pint, while Tempo SC Ultra comes in 240-ml and 900-ml bottles.
The larger Bifen IT packaging is more suitable for large property applications. Tempo SC Ultra’s smaller sizes are ideal for spot treatments or use in small gardens.
Shelf Life
Always check product labels for shelf life and expiration dates, which vary based on storage conditions and the manufacturer.
Both products, when appropriately stored unopened, typically have a long and stable shelf life of several years. Once containers are opened, shelf life is reduced.
Proper storage by keeping products closed and avoiding extreme temperatures prolongs the usefulness.
Our Observation
Based on the key differences, Bifen IT appears better suited for large-area applications given its larger package sizes and ability to control a couple more pests like termites. Tempo SC Ultra’s smaller containers are ideal for small residential use.
Both provide long-lasting control and are safe when used correctly. For most homeowners needing general insect control, Tempo SC Ultra’s small container and wide pest label make it a great choice.
For large properties with termite issues, Bifen IT is likely the better option. Overall, we recommend Tempo SC Ultra for its versatility and ease of use.
James E. Butkovich, Pest control maven with a knack for eco-friendly & Chemical solutions. Blogger with a mission to make homes pest-free, one post at a time.
