Ortho BugClear: Bifenthrin-Based Insect Control That Actually Works

Ortho BugClear delivers up to 6 months of ant control and 3 months for other insects with 0.2% bifenthrin in a 32 oz ready-to-spray concentrate. The concentrate covers 5,300 sq ft of lawn, 1,400 sq ft of foundation perimeter, or 2,700 sq ft of ornamental foliage.

Skip it if you’re just dealing with the occasional spider. This system is designed for serious infestations and preventive barrier treatments around foundations.

The Bifenthrin Advantage

Bifenthrin gives you residual control that lasts — up to 6 months for ants, 3 months for ticks, spiders, fleas, grubs, and other listed insects. That’s double the ant control compared to standard treatments. The synthetic pyrethroid works on contact and keeps working as a barrier treatment.

The formula works both above and below ground for comprehensive protection. Most homeowner insecticides stay on the surface. BugClear penetrates into the soil where grubs and subsurface pests hide. It starts working in minutes on contact, but the real value is that residual control.

The product targets 235+ listed insects — everything from lawn pests like chinch bugs and sod webworms to foundation invaders like ants and spiders. It’s odor-free, non-staining, and safe for use on edible plants when you follow the label.

Specification	Value
Active Ingredient	Bifenthrin
Container Size	32 fl oz (946 ml)
Lawn Coverage	Up to 5,300 sq ft
Foundation Coverage	Up to 1,400 sq ft
Foliage Coverage	Up to 2,700 sq ft
Ant Control	Up to 6 months
Other Insect Control	Up to 3 months

Ready-to-Spray Design

The ready-to-spray design requires no mixing or measuring. You attach the 32 oz bottle directly to a standard garden hose using the integrated hose-end sprayer nozzle. No measuring cups, no concentrate calculations, no guessing on dilution rates.

The system eliminates the most common application errors — incorrect mixing ratios and uneven coverage. The hose-end sprayer delivers consistent concentration across the entire treatment area. You control the flow with your hose valve, not by adjusting complicated sprayer settings.

Critical step: Water the treated area thoroughly immediately after application for optimal effectiveness. Don’t skip this. The watering activates the subsurface penetration that makes BugClear different from surface-only treatments. Keep people and pets off treated areas until the spray has dried.

Alternative Formats

BugClear is also available in granule form (10 lb, 20 lb, 22 lb bags) for spreader application. The granular version uses the same bifenthrin active ingredient and requires application with a Scotts spreader, then watering in. Each 10-lb bag treats up to 16,500 sq ft.

Granules work better for large properties where dragging a hose isn’t practical. The ready-to-spray concentrate excels for targeted treatments — foundation perimeters, ornamental beds, spot treatments. Both deliver the same residual control.

Reviews average 4.1 to 4.5 stars across 659+ reviews, with users praising the ease of use via hose-end attachment and fast knock-down of bugs. The main complaint centers on varying effectiveness specifically for fire ants. Fire ants are tough — they often require bait products in addition to contact killers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does Ortho BugClear really last? A: Up to 6 months for ants, 3 months for other insects like ticks, spiders, fleas, and grubs. Real-world duration depends on rainfall, irrigation frequency, and pest pressure. Heavy rain shortens residual life.

Q: Is BugClear safe for vegetable gardens? A: Yes, it’s labeled as safe for use on edible plants including vegetables and fruit trees when you follow label directions. Always check the specific plant list on your product label and observe pre-harvest intervals.

Q: What’s the difference between the liquid concentrate and granules? A: Both use bifenthrin and provide the same residual control. The 32 oz ready-to-spray concentrate covers up to 5,300 sq ft of lawn, while the 10-lb granular bag treats up to 16,500 sq ft. Choose based on property size and application preference.

Q: Do I really need to water it in immediately? A: Yes. Watering immediately after application is critical for optimal effectiveness. This activates the product and helps it penetrate below ground where many pests hide.

Q: Will BugClear kill bees? A: Bifenthrin is toxic to bees and other pollinators. Avoid spraying blooming plants and apply in early morning or evening when bees are less active. Consider pollinator-friendly alternatives for flowering areas.