Permethrin SFR

A high-concentration permethrin emulsifiable concentrate — a broad-spectrum pyrethroid used as both an insecticide and a termiticide. "SFR" = Same Formula Recommended (a pro-grade concentrate). Your note pegs it to tick control at 0.5 oz/gal; jug marked 2019.

Maker: Martin's / Control Solutions Inc. (a member of Adama)
Active: Permethrin 36.8% — 3.2 lb active/gal (EC); cis/trans max 42% cis / min 58% trans; contains petroleum distillates
MoA group: IRAC Group 3A (pyrethroid, sodium channel modulator)
EPA reg: 70506-6-53883
Net contents: 32 fl oz (1 qt)
Signal: caution

Permethrin SFR label — The shed bottle — Permethrin SFR, read straight off the label.

✍ On the jug — Dan's note""TICKS 0.5 oz per gallon"; jug marked 2019" Read off the jug, not the label rate — verify against the booklet before mixing.

01Usage

What it's for and where it goes.

Targets: Ticks (your primary use), plus subterranean termites, ants, fleas, mosquitoes, and a wide range of perimeter/lawn/ornamental pests.
Where: Ornamentals in interiorscapes; perimeter insect control on lawns, trees, shrubs; residential/institutional/commercial buildings, parks, recreational/athletic fields; preconstruction lumber. (Structural/preconstruction termite work by PCOs only.)
Rate: ~0.5 oz/gal for ticks per your note; other pests vary.

02Efficacy

How well it actually works.

Strong, fast knockdown across a very broad insect range; solid residual on treated surfaces.
Well-suited to yard tick-barrier treatments (perimeter, leaf-edge, tall grass borders).

03Best at killing

What it's genuinely strongest on in real use.

Yard tick barriers — this is where permethrin genuinely shines and matches Dan's note ("TICKS 0.5 oz/gal"): a perimeter/leaf-edge/tall-grass-border spray gives fast knockdown and solid residual against ticks, plus mosquitoes, ants, fleas and a wide perimeter pest range (CDC/EPA guidance on permethrin for tick control). It is also the active on treated clothing (the single most effective personal tick defence).
Broad and fast, but non-selective on insects — it hits beneficials too.

04Dangers

What it can hurt — read this before you reach for it.

Signal word CAUTION.
Highly toxic to bees — don't spray blooming plants or when pollinators are active.
Extremely toxic to fish and aquatic life — keep out of ponds, streams, storm drains; the most important environmental hazard.
Contains petroleum distillates — aspiration hazard if swallowed (do not induce vomiting); keep from heat/ignition.
Pyrethroids are strongly toxic to cats when wet/concentrated — keep pets off until fully dry.
Can cause skin tingling/numbness on contact.

05🐾 Dogs & re-entry

Pet safety — toxicity and how long until a dog can be back on it.

🐾 Pet safety — read before you let the dog out

Toxicity: permethrin "is more toxic to insects than it is to people and dogs" — dogs metabolise it reasonably well, though skin contact can cause paw-flicking, skin/ear twitching, or rolling (NPIC Permethrin General Fact Sheet).
CATS are the real danger — "Cats are more sensitive to permethrin than dogs or people"; high-concentration exposure can cause tremors, seizures, and death (NPIC Permethrin). This is a 36.8% concentrate — keep cats well clear.
When safe again: NPIC gives no fixed pet interval; the pyrethroid rule is keep pets off until fully dry. For a household with cats especially, default to fully dry, ideally 24h before pets return.

General guidance. Confirm the label's re-entry interval and ask your vet; when unsure keep dogs off until fully dry.

06Storage

How to keep it, and keep it separate.

Store in original container, tightly closed, cool/dry, away from children, food, feed.
Petroleum-distillate base — keep away from ignition sources and oxidizers.
Long shelf life sealed; shake before use. 2019 date is fine if stored properly.

landscape.gf.cx · chemicals · permethrin-sfr · filed 2026-07-23 · read off the label — verify every rate against the booklet