What We Use
Our Treatment Products
Spider Squad uses two Ontario government-approved professional insecticides - Suspend Polyzone and Dragnet SFR. Both are PMRA-registered, restricted to licensed operators, and proven safe for families and pets once applied surfaces are dry. Here is what each product is, when we use it, and every precaution we take.
Our Two Products At a Glance
We do not use a single product for every situation. Suspend Polyzone and Dragnet SFR have different formulations that make each one better suited to specific surfaces and conditions. Both have bifenthrin as their active ingredient - the same class of synthetic pyrethroid - but the way each is formulated determines how it bonds to surfaces, how long it lasts, and where it performs best.
Suspend Polyzone
Dragnet SFR
What Sets Each Product Apart
Both products share the same active ingredient - bifenthrin - but the formulation technology is fundamentally different. That difference drives where and when we use each one.
Suspend Polyzone: Built for Longevity
The SC (Suspension Concentrate) formulation encapsulates bifenthrin particles in microscopic polymer capsules. When applied, the water carrier evaporates and the capsules bond to the surface, releasing active ingredient gradually as insects cross the treated zone. This slow-release mechanism is why Suspend Polyzone can hold residual effectiveness for 3 to 6 months outdoors - even through Ontario rain seasons.
It performs best on the smooth and semi-porous surfaces common to most residential exteriors: vinyl siding, stucco, painted wood trim, aluminum, and concrete block foundations.
Dragnet SFR: Built for Penetration
The EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) formulation dissolves bifenthrin in a petroleum-based solvent carrier that emulsifies in water. Unlike the SC formulation, the EC carrier penetrates into porous substrates rather than sitting on the surface. This penetration gives Dragnet SFR an advantage on rough, absorbent surfaces where surface-bonding SC products have limited contact area.
It is the preferred choice for waterfront docks, unfinished wood decks, log siding, split-face concrete block, and other coarse or absorptive surfaces where Suspend Polyzone's surface-bond mechanism is less effective.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Suspend Polyzone | Dragnet SFR |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bayer Environmental Science | FMC Corporation |
| Active ingredient | Bifenthrin 4.75% | Bifenthrin 7.9% |
| Formulation type | SC – Suspension Concentrate | EC – Emulsifiable Concentrate |
| Primary mechanism | Surface bond + slow release | Surface penetration |
| Best surface type | Smooth, painted, vinyl, stucco | Raw wood, rough concrete, docks |
| Outdoor residual | 3 – 6 months | 2 – 4 months |
| Rain resistance after cure | Excellent (~2 hr to cure) | Good |
| PMRA registration (Canada) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Available for retail purchase | ✘ No - licensed operators only | ✘ No - licensed operators only |
| Re-entry interval (people & pets) | 30 – 60 min after dry | 30 – 60 min after dry |
Safety & Precautions
Bifenthrin has low mammalian toxicity at structural pest control application rates. Both products are applied only to exterior structural surfaces and treated areas at label-compliant dilutions. Below are the precautions we observe for every treatment, without exception.
Before and After Treatment
- Keep children and pets inside or away from the treatment area during application
- Wait until all treated surfaces have fully dried before re-entry - typically 30 to 60 minutes under normal Ontario conditions
- Do not wash or pressure-rinse treated foundation walls or surfaces for at least 48 hours after treatment
- Bring in pet food, water dishes, and toys before treatment begins
- Cover or remove items from decks and patios if in the direct treatment zone
- No need to vacate the property overnight - re-entry once dry is safe
Operator Safety Standards
- All operators hold valid Ontario pesticide applicator licences under the Pesticides Act
- Full PPE during application: chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves and pants
- Products are mixed and applied strictly according to PMRA label directions - no off-label uses
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are carried in every vehicle and available to customers on request
- No application within 3 metres of open water, storm drains, or water features
- Application avoids flowering plants, vegetable gardens, and known pollinator areas
⚠️ Aquatic Caution: Bifenthrin is toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Both products are applied with mandatory buffers from all water features - ponds, streams, lakefronts, and storm drains. For waterfront properties, our technicians follow enhanced buffer protocols to ensure no runoff reaches open water. This is a non-negotiable requirement under both PMRA label directions and Ontario environmental regulations.
PMRA Registration and What It Means
Both products are registered with Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). PMRA registration is not a rubber stamp - it requires the manufacturer to submit data packages covering toxicology, environmental fate, efficacy, and residue chemistry. Health Canada reviews this data and approves the product only if it meets Canadian safety and performance standards.
PMRA registration also restricts use to licensed operators in the case of structural pest control products like Suspend Polyzone and Dragnet SFR. This restriction exists because application rate, dilution, and site selection all require professional training to execute safely and legally.
When a Spider Squad technician applies either product to your property, they are operating under their Ontario pesticide applicator licence, within PMRA label parameters, and in compliance with all applicable provincial regulations. There are no shortcuts taken, no off-label applications, and no substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use two products instead of one?
Different formulations perform better on different surfaces. Suspend Polyzone's SC formulation bonds exceptionally well to smooth and painted surfaces common on most homes. Dragnet SFR's EC formulation penetrates porous materials like raw wood and rough concrete more effectively. Using the right product for the surface type means better residual performance and more complete coverage.
Are both products safe for children and pets?
Yes - once applied surfaces have dried, which takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Bifenthrin has low mammalian toxicity at structural pest control exposure levels. Both products are PMRA-registered and applied by licensed operators at approved label rates. Residents are asked to stay away from the treatment area during application and until surfaces are dry.
Can I request a specific product?
Yes. If you have questions about which product your technician is using or want to confirm the product before booking, call us at 905-935-7498. Your technician will also confirm what product is being applied before starting work and can provide the SDS on request.
Do you use any other products besides these two?
Our standard exterior spider and insect control program uses Suspend Polyzone and Dragnet SFR. For mosquito and tick treatments, we use products registered specifically for those applications. All products we use are PMRA-registered and applied according to label directions by licensed operators.
Can I see the Safety Data Sheet for the product being applied?
Absolutely. Our technicians carry printed SDS for every product in their vehicle. Request a copy before, during, or after your treatment. You can also ask us to email the SDS prior to your appointment. We do not use any product we are not fully prepared to discuss and document.
What is bifenthrin?
Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide - a class of chemicals modelled on pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum flowers but engineered for greater stability and residual effectiveness. It works by disrupting voltage-gated sodium channels in insect nerve cells, causing hyperexcitation and paralysis. It has low toxicity to mammals at structural pest control application rates and is widely used in licensed pest control across North America.
Ontario Government-Approved Treatment
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Every Spider Squad treatment uses PMRA-registered products applied by licensed Ontario operators. Book your exterior barrier treatment today.
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