Talstar P vs Bifen IT Insecticide
The main difference between Talstar P and Bifen IT is that Talstar P contains a single active ingredient (bifenthrin), while Bifen IT contains two active ingredients (bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin).
The dual insecticides in Bifen IT provide a broader spectrum of control compared to Talstar P. However, Talstar P offers greater flexibility with its mixing ratios.
Bifen vs Talstar
This comparison table will provide a quick and clear understanding of the differences.
Talstar P | Bifen I/T |
 |  |
Pet Safe when Dry | Pet Safe when Dry |
Active Ingredient Bifenthrin 7.9% | Active Ingredient Bifenthrin 7.9% |
No Odor or Residue | Virtually No Odor or Staining |
Can Be Used Both Outdoors and Indoors | Can Be Used Both Outdoors and Indoors |
Stink Bugs, Bed Bugs, Scorpions, Spiders, Mosquitoes, Cockroaches, Ticks, Fleas, Earwigs, Flea Beetles, Spittlebugs and Others | Over 75 Different Insects: Spiders, Mosquitoes, Cockroaches, Ticks, Fleas, Pillbugs, Chinch Bugs, Earwigs, Millipedes and Termites |
For Apply IGR Not Required | For Apply IGR Required |
No Staining or Plant Burn | Slow Release Microencapsulated Formula |
Compatible With Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides and Liquid Fertilizers | Leaves a Long-Lasting Residual for up to 3 Months and keep Killing |
Concentrate Viable for 3-5 Years. If Separation Occurs, Shake Well Before Using. | Do Not Apply More Than 1 Oz. Bifen It per 1,000 Square Feet. |
Active Ingredients
The active ingredient in Talstar P is bifenthrin at a concentration of 7.9%. Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that targets the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. It controls a wide variety of pests, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, stink bugs, and ticks.
Bifen IT also contains 7.9% bifenthrin as its primary active ingredient. Additionally, it contains zeta-cypermethrin, another synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that enhances its effectiveness against tougher pests like spiders, scorpions, and multi-resistant cockroaches. The dual insecticides provide rapid knockdown and long-lasting control.
How It Works
Talstar P works by contact and ingestion. When insects come into contact with or consume bifenthrin, it overstimulates their nervous system. This causes paralysis, tremors, and death, though it may take several hours or days. It provides residual control for up to 12 weeks.
The bifenthrin and zeta-cypermethrin in Bifen IT work synergistically to overexcite an insect’s nervous system when they make contact with or ingest the insecticides. Bifen IT provides rapid knockdown, often within 10 minutes, and sustained residual control for up to 3 months outdoors.
Mixing Ratio
The mixing ratio for Talstar P is flexible, ranging from 0.5 to 1 ounce per gallon of water, depending on the severity of the infestation. It covers approximately 1,000 square feet per gallon.
For Bifen IT, the mixing rate is typically 1⁄2 to 2 ounces per gallon of water. At the maximum labeled rate, 1 gallon covers 1,000 square feet. The dual insecticides allow effective control at lower concentrations.
Pests Controlled
Talstar P controls over 75 types of insects and arthropods, including ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, crickets, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, moths, spiders, termites, ticks, and wasps. It is effective indoors and outdoors.
The dual active ingredients in Bifen IT expand the range of pests controlled to over 100. In addition to all the pests Talstar targets, Bifen IT also controls beetles, weevils, borers, scorpions, and pyrethroid-resistant pests. It is labeled for both perimeter and turf applications.
Application Sites
Talstar P has a versatile label and can be applied indoors and outdoors in residential and commercial settings. Uses include buildings, lawns, ornamentals, agricultural buildings, and turf grass. It cannot be directly applied to edible plants.
Bifen IT also has broad labeling for use indoors and outdoors in everything from homes to horse barns. Sites include lawns, ornamentals, recreational areas, livestock housing, and exterior structures.
Residual Activity
When applied correctly, Talstar P provides 90 days of residual activity outdoors and 60 days indoors. It binds strongly to many surfaces, allowing it to work long after the treatment dries.
Bifen IT lasts even longer, providing 90 to 120 days of residual control outdoors. The dual insecticides are released at different rates, extending the overall length of protection.
Odor & Staining
Talstar P is odorless, non-staining, and leaves no visible residue after application. It will not damage painted or varnished surfaces, fabrics, or other household materials.
Similarly, Bifen IT has a very low odor and will not stain any household surfaces or fabrics. It dries crystal clear with no oily residues. This makes both products suitable even in sensitive indoor environments.
Availability
Talstar P comes in various sizes, including 16-ounce bottles, 32-ounce bottles, 1-quart bottles, 1-gallon bottles, 2.5-gallon jugs, and 5-gallon drums to suit small and large-scale needs. It is sold widely online and in stores.
Bifen IT comes in smaller containers of 1 pint, 1 quart, or 1 gallon. It can be purchased from pest control suppliers, hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Larger quantities are available to professionals.
Our Observation
Based on the comparisons, Bifen IT is the superior choice when dealing with severe, entrenched pest infestations due to its dual insecticides and ability to control over 100 pests.
However, Talstar P offers greater mixing flexibility and is more economical, making it a better option for general pest prevention.
Given its broader spectrum of control and effectiveness on pyrethroid-resistant pests, we recommend Bifen IT as the best overall choice between these two insecticides. For routine prevention, Talstar P is an affordable and versatile option.