Specialty Treatment Product
Dragnet SFR
Dragnet SFR is the second product in our treatment program. While Suspend Polyzone covers most residential exteriors, Dragnet SFR is deployed for porous surfaces, waterfront properties, docks, rough wood, and other situations where its EC formulation outperforms. Here is everything about what it is, how it works, and when we use it.
What Is Dragnet SFR?
Dragnet SFR is a professional-grade insecticide manufactured by FMC Corporation. It contains bifenthrin at 7.9% as an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation. In Canada, it is registered with Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for use by licensed structural pest control operators. Like Suspend Polyzone, it is not available for retail purchase in Ontario or anywhere in Canada.
SFR stands for Sub-slab and Foundation Residual - reflecting the product's design intent: deep penetration into porous structural materials where surface-treatment products have limited adhesion. It is commonly used on dock pilings, unfinished wood decks, log siding, rough concrete block, and similar substrates.
The EC Formulation: How It Works
The "EC" in Dragnet SFR stands for Emulsifiable Concentrate. This formulation type differs fundamentally from the Suspension Concentrate (SC) used in Suspend Polyzone, and that difference drives where each product belongs.
Penetration Into Porous Substrates
Bifenthrin in Dragnet SFR is dissolved in a petroleum-based solvent carrier that emulsifies in water. When applied to a porous surface like raw wood or rough concrete, this carrier carries the active ingredient into the substrate's void spaces rather than sitting on the surface. Once inside, the solvent evaporates and bifenthrin deposits in the pores, where it cannot be washed away from the outside.
This penetration mechanism makes Dragnet SFR significantly more effective on absorbent, textured, or irregular surfaces than SC products - which rely on bonding to a relatively smooth surface.
Same Mode of Action as Bifenthrin
Like all bifenthrin-based products, Dragnet SFR works by binding to voltage-gated sodium channels in insect and arachnid nerve cells. This prevents normal nerve signal termination, causing continuous firing, hyperexcitation, paralysis, and death. Spiders, ants, and other arthropods are killed through direct contact during application and through residual contact as they cross treated surfaces in the weeks and months following treatment.
When We Use Dragnet SFR vs Suspend Polyzone
Our technicians assess each property individually before selecting products. The choice between Dragnet SFR and Suspend Polyzone - or both - depends on the surfaces being treated.
Docks, Pilings & Boathouses
Waterfront structures are almost always treated with Dragnet SFR. Dock decking, pilings, boat ramps, and boathouse walls are typically unfinished wood that absorbs treatment products. Dragnet SFR's EC formulation penetrates this wood grain to deposit residual where dock spiders - which live in cracks and gaps - actually hide and travel. Suspend Polyzone's surface-bond mechanism is less effective on this type of substrate.
Log Siding, Fences & Raw Decks
Log cabins, rough-sawn wood siding, unpainted cedar fences, and pressure-treated decks all present the same challenge: highly porous, irregular surfaces with lots of void space. Dragnet SFR's penetrating EC formulation bonds inside the wood rather than on top of it, making it the preferred choice for these surfaces when the goal is residual control rather than a one-time flush.
Split-Face Block, Fieldstone & Exposed Aggregate
Rough or textured masonry surfaces - split-face concrete block, fieldstone foundations, exposed aggregate walkways - have large surface-area-to-depth ratios that limit SC product adhesion. Dragnet SFR penetrates into the surface texture rather than attempting to coat it, making it effective where smooth-surface products would have limited contact area.
Most homes: Suspend Polyzone is the primary product for standard residential exteriors - vinyl siding, stucco, painted wood, poured concrete foundations, and similar smooth-to-semi-porous surfaces. Dragnet SFR is used where the substrate calls for it, not as a blanket replacement. Our technicians may use both products on a single property where different surfaces are present.
Dragnet SFR vs Suspend Polyzone
| Property | Dragnet SFR | Suspend Polyzone |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FMC Corporation | Bayer Environmental Science |
| Active ingredient | Bifenthrin 7.9% | Bifenthrin 4.75% |
| Formulation type | EC – Emulsifiable Concentrate | SC – Suspension Concentrate |
| Delivery mechanism | Penetrates into substrate pores | Bonds to surface, slow-release capsules |
| Best on | Raw wood, rough concrete, docks | Smooth, painted, vinyl, stucco |
| Outdoor residual | 2 – 4 months | 3 – 6 months |
| Primary use case | Waterfront, wood structures, porous masonry | Standard residential exterior perimeter |
| PMRA registration | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Retail availability in Ontario | ✘ Licensed operators only | ✘ Licensed operators only |
Safety Information
Dragnet SFR has the same active ingredient as Suspend Polyzone - bifenthrin - and the same general safety profile at structural pest control application rates. The higher concentration (7.9% vs 4.75%) reflects the EC formulation, which is diluted to comparable use-rates in the final applied solution.
Before and After Treatment
- Keep children and pets away from the treatment area during application
- Wait until all treated surfaces are fully dry before re-entry - typically 30 to 60 minutes
- Do not walk on treated dock surfaces or allow pets on them until dry
- Do not pressure-wash or hose treated surfaces for at least 48 hours post-treatment
- Remove pet food, water dishes, and any items from dock or deck areas before treatment begins
- No overnight vacating required - re-entry once dry is safe for people and pets
Application Safety Standards
- Licensed Ontario pesticide applicator required - same as all PMRA-restricted products
- PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves and pants during application
- Mixed and applied strictly at PMRA label-specified concentrations - no off-label use
- Safety Data Sheet carried in every vehicle; available to customers on request
- Mandatory 3-metre buffer from open water, streams, ponds, and storm drains
- Enhanced aquatic buffer protocols at waterfront properties - no runoff to open water
⚠️ Aquatic Toxicity: Bifenthrin is highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. This is the most critical precaution for waterfront applications of Dragnet SFR. Our technicians apply it to the structure itself - not to the water or water's edge - and maintain strict buffers from open water per PMRA label requirements and Ontario environmental regulations. Drift, runoff, or direct application to water is not permitted under any circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SFR stand for?
Sub-slab and Foundation Residual. The name reflects the product's original design intent - deep penetration into foundation substrates and below-grade surfaces. In practice, this penetrating ability makes it useful anywhere a porous or absorbent surface needs treatment, including docks, rough wood, and textured masonry.
Is Dragnet SFR the same as Suspend Polyzone?
Both contain bifenthrin as the active ingredient, but they are different products with different formulations. Dragnet SFR is an EC (emulsifiable concentrate) at 7.9% bifenthrin. Suspend Polyzone is an SC (suspension concentrate) at 4.75% bifenthrin. The formulation type determines how the product bonds to surfaces and where it is most effective - not just the concentration.
Why would you use Dragnet SFR on my dock?
Dock spiders (including the large fishing spider species common in Ontario) live inside the wood structure - under boards, in gaps, and inside hollow deck framing. A surface-applied SC product has limited penetration into weathered, rough-sawn dock wood. Dragnet SFR's EC formulation penetrates the grain and deposits bifenthrin where dock spiders actually live and travel, not just on the surface they occasionally cross.
Is it safe to use near my lake or pond?
Yes - when applied correctly with proper buffers. Bifenthrin is toxic to aquatic invertebrates and fish, so our technicians apply Dragnet SFR to the structure only, maintaining a mandatory buffer from open water. Application is targeted at dock boards, railings, and supporting structure - not toward the water surface. This is a non-negotiable requirement under PMRA label directions.
Will I smell it after treatment?
Dragnet SFR contains a petroleum-based solvent carrier that has a mild solvent odour during and shortly after application. The smell dissipates as the carrier evaporates, typically within a few hours outdoors. On docks and open-air structures, odour is rarely a concern after the product has dried.
Can I request the SDS for Dragnet SFR?
Yes. Every Spider Squad technician carries printed SDS documentation for all products they carry. Request a copy before, during, or after your appointment. You can also ask us to email it before your scheduled treatment.
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