Phenothrin

Active

Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)-, (3-phenoxyphenyl)methyl ester

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS) listed active ingredient for pesticide products.

Safety around dogs & cats

Cats are the textbook cautionary case for this active. Phenothrin flea products marketed for cats were linked to salivation, tremors, and deaths in cats and kittens, and EPA cancelled Hartz's phenothrin cat products in 2006 while the dog versions stayed on the market. The cause is feline glucuronidation deficiency (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, VCA). Keep cats away from any phenothrin device or treated surface, keep pet birds out of enclosed treated spaces, and never apply it to a cat.

CatsAvoid

DogsLow concern

High confidence. Ratings from ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the Pet Poison Helpline, and published veterinary toxicology. This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is exposed, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Full guide: bug repellents around dogs and cats →

The evidence

Phenothrin, also called sumithrin, is a synthetic pyrethroid used as a mosquito adulticide in foggers and space sprays. Field data confirm it knocks down adult mosquitoes on contact with low honey-bee mortality at label rates, but as an aerosol it has minimal residual and limited reach into sheltered resting sites.

Permethrin, Resmethrin, d-Phenothrin (Sumithrin): Synthetic Pyrethroids For Mosquito Control
2024Review
EPA authoritative overview of the synthetic pyrethroids used as mosquito adulticides.
Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Household Aerosolized Insecticides on Pyrethroid Resistant Aedes aegypti
2018Field Trial
Semi-field test of consumer pyrethroid aerosols against resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti.
Limited Impacts of Truck-Based Ultra-Low-Volume Applications of Mosquito Adulticides on Mortality in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
2017Field Trial
Field measurement of honey bee mortality from ULV pyrethroid adulticides at varying distances.
Characteristics and Efficacy of Three Commercial Handheld Thermal Foggers with Pyrethroid Insecticides Against Three Species of Mosquitoes
2016LabWell-supported evidence
Controlled trials of three consumer handheld thermal foggers (including Black Flag and Burgess) with pyrethroid insecticide.
Pyrethroid Resistance Reduces the Efficacy of Space Sprays for Dengue Control on the Island of Martinique
2011Field Trial
Field study of how pyrethroid resistance undermines space-spray adulticiding.

Products using it

Black Flag

Black Flag Propane Insect Fogger

Phenothrin 0.15%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5000 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40–70%

Bonide

Bonide Mosquito Beater Flying Insect Fog

Phenothrin 0.15%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5800 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40-70%

Cutter

Cutter Propane Insect Fogger

Phenothrin 0.15%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5000 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40–70%

Cutter

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Outdoor Fogger

Tetramethrin 0.20% · Phenothrin 0.20%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~150 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40–70%

Burgess

Burgess 1443 Propane Insect Fogger

Phenothrin

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5000 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40–70%

Regulatory notes

Source: EPA SRS active ingredient list export. Minimum risk (25(b)) status is applied separately when applicable.