The label is the law. Read your product's label before you mix or apply; the rates here come from the labels listed under Sources.
- Active ingredient
- Clothianidin, metofluthrin and piperonyl butoxide
- Chemical class
- Clothianidin is an IRAC Group 4A neonicotinoid; PBO is a synergist that is not designed to kill insects by itself.[2][3]
- Mode of action
- IRAC Group 4A: Clothianidin: nicotinic acetylcholine receptor competitive modulator (neonicotinoid), combined with metofluthrin and the synergist PBO[2][1]
- Signal word
- Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate (VBC3 Insecticide): none required[1]
Why three actives
The label says the blend is formulated for pyrethroid-resistant as well as susceptible bed bugs. PBO blocks some of the enzymes insects use to break down insecticides, giving the insecticides more time to work.[1][3]
Where it is used
Vacuum first, then spray bed bugs and eggs directly where possible, using a pinstream, coarse or low-pressure spray along baseboards, bed frames, headboards, furniture, door and window frames, closets and under floor coverings.[1]
Mattresses and box springs may be sprayed until damp, not wet, paying attention to seams, folds, tufts and edges. Don't treat bed linens; bag, launder and dry them hot.[1]
Not for broadcast use or as a space spray, not for food-handling areas, and never on people or animals. Don't wet items to runoff or use them until dry.[1]
Pair chemical treatment with the nonchemical steps UC IPM emphasizes, such as vacuuming, laundering and reducing clutter.[4]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate (VBC3 Insecticide)[1] | Sumitomo BioRational Company, LLC (MGK) | 1021-2776 | 14.1% | water-dilutable concentrate | none |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate (VBC3 Insecticide) | Indoors: cracks and crevices, carpet edges, bed frames, headboards, mattresses and box springs, furniture, luggage | Bed bugs (adults, nymphs and eggs) | 13 fl oz concentrate per gallon of finished spray (treats 1,000 sq ft)[1] 13 fl oz of concentrate in 115 fl oz of water makes 1 gallon for 1,000 sq ft; 1.6 fl oz in 14.4 fl oz water makes 16 fl oz for 125 sq ft. Use within 24 hours for best results. |
How to apply it, step by step
1. Protective gear
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and shoes and socks; wash the clothes separately in hot water and detergent, throw away anything soaked with the concentrate, and wash with soap and water after handling.[1]
- The label says it is recommended for use by pest control professionals, though it is sold for residential, institutional and commercial buildings.[1]
2. Before you spray
- It is for indoor use only, against bed bugs (adults, nymphs and eggs), in non-food areas. Nobody should be in the room while you treat it.[1]
- Take out pets and birds and cover aquariums; in the home, cover or remove food and cover food-preparation surfaces and utensils.[1]
- Strip infested bed linens, seal them in a plastic bag, and launder and dry them hot; don't treat the linens. Vacuuming surfaces first is highly recommended.[1]
- It won't stain water-safe fabrics and surfaces, but test a hidden spot first, and keep it away from electrical equipment.[1]
3. Mixing
- Shake well. For the 130 fl oz jug, mix 13 fl oz with 115 fl oz of water to make exactly 1 gallon, which treats 1,000 sq ft; smaller batches keep the same ratio (1.6 fl oz in 14.4 fl oz of water makes 16 fl oz for 125 sq ft).[1]
- Leftover mix can be kept overnight.[1]
4. Applying
- Use a pinstream, coarse or low-pressure spray (or a paintbrush on walls and baseboards); spray bed bugs and eggs directly wherever you can.[1]
- Treat cracks and crevices, carpet edges, baseboards, bed frames and headboards, furniture, door and window frames, closets, window treatments, under floor coverings, and luggage, shoes and backpacks.[1]
- It may be applied directly to mattresses and box springs: dampen them thoroughly but don't soak them, paying attention to seams, folds, tufts and edges.[1]
- Never use it as a space spray or broadcast spray, on people or animals, on plants, or to the point of runoff or drip.[1]
5. After you spray
- Keep everyone, including pets, out of the room and off treated items until the spray is dry; then make the bed with clean linens.[1]
- The label claims residual control for up to four weeks.[1]
First aid
- In the eyes, hold them open and rinse slowly and gently for 15 to 20 minutes, removing contact lenses after the first 5 minutes; on skin or clothing, take off contaminated clothing and rinse for 15 to 20 minutes; call a poison control center or doctor. The label lists 1-888-740-8712.[1]
Storage, spills and disposal
- Store it tightly closed in its original container in a cool, dry place, away from excess heat and freezing.[1]
- Don't reuse the empty container: rinse it three times (¼ full of water, shaken 10 seconds, rinse water added to the sprayer), then recycle it if you can.[1]
From the safety data sheet
- The concentrate is a white, opaque liquid with a sweet odor, and the SDS lists it as harmful if inhaled.[5]
- Avoid breathing spray mist and use it only in well-ventilated areas; don't use it in or on electrical equipment because of the risk of shock.[5]
- If it gets in the eyes, hold the eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15 to 20 minutes, removing contact lenses after the first 5 minutes, and call a poison control center or doctor.[5]
- Dam up spills, soak them up with an inert absorbent, transfer the material to labeled containers, and clean the surface thoroughly.[5]
- Store it in a closed container.[5]
Safety and environmental hazards
People
The label carries no signal word. Applicators wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes and socks, and occupants stay out until sprays are dry; don't treat while occupants are present.[1]
Pets
Don't spray pets. Remove pets and birds and cover fish aquariums before spraying; pet beds and sleeping areas may be treated, and pets return once sprays are dry.[1]
Bees and pollinators
It is for indoor use only and may not be applied to plants or crops.[1]
Fish and water
Cover fish aquariums before treating, and don't contaminate water through storage or disposal.[1]
Common questions
- Can Crossfire be sprayed on a mattress?
- Yes. The label allows direct application to mattress and box spring surfaces until damp but not wet; linens are laundered instead.[1]
- How much Crossfire per gallon?
- 13 fl oz of concentrate per finished gallon, which treats 1,000 square feet.[1]
- How long does Crossfire keep working?
- The label claims residual control for up to four weeks after application.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate (VBC3 Insecticide) label, EPA Reg. No. 1021-2776 (EPA-stamped, Feb. 5, 2020).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/001021-02776-20200205.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, “IRAC Mode of Action Classification Scheme, Version 11.5 (Feb. 2026).” irac-online.org/documents/moa-classification/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) General Fact Sheet.” npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pbogen.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of California Statewide IPM Program, “Pest Notes: Bed Bugs, Publication 7454 (May 2013).” ipm.ucanr.edu/legacy_assets/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnbedbugs.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- McLaughlin Gormley King Company (MGK), “Crossfire Bed Bug Concentrate Safety Data Sheet (MGK, version 2, revised March 17, 2021; EPA Reg. No. 1021-2776, the label on this page; copy hosted by Farmers Business Network).” www.fbn.com/api/store/market/documents/sds/crossfire-bed-bug-concentrate.pdf (accessed 2026-10-17)