The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Esfenvalerate (CAS 66230-04-4)
- Chemical class
- Pyrethroid; IRAC Group 3A sodium channel modulators.[2]
- Mode of action
- IRAC Group 3A: Sodium channel modulators: pyrethrins and pyrethroids[2]
- Signal word
- Zema Esfenvalerate Lawn Spray Concentrate: Caution[1]
Lawn spray versus perimeter mix
For the lawn, the bottle mixes itself with hose water. For pests around the house, you measure concentrate into a pump sprayer or watering can instead, at 2 or 16 fluid ounces per gallon.[1]
The stronger perimeter mix goes on a 12- to 18-inch band of soil next to the foundation and up the wall 2 to 3 feet. Keep the surface spray off ornamental plants and shrubs, which it may injure.[1]
Where it is used
Mow the lawn a day or two before spraying, then sweep the hose-end spray slowly and evenly over the whole area where pets usually go.[1]
At average water pressure the bottle empties in about 5 minutes. Hold it level and walk at a steady pace so the coverage stays even.[1]
Don't spray during rain or when rain is expected before the spray dries, which takes at least 4 hours. Hard surfaces like driveways and patios get spot treatments only.[1]
It kills foraging fire ants on contact, but the label says to pair it with a registered fire ant mound treatment.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zema Esfenvalerate Lawn Spray Concentrate[1] | Sergeant's Pet Care Products, LLC | 2517-123 | 0.44% | emulsifiable concentrate (hose-end sprayer bottle) | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zema Esfenvalerate Lawn Spray Concentrate | Residential lawns and back yards where pets spend time | Fleas, ticks including the deer tick (Ixodes dammini), foraging fire ants | 3.75 fl oz product per 1,400 sq ft of lawn[1] The hose-end chart scales up: 7 1/2 fl oz for 2,800 sq ft, 15 fl oz for 5,600 sq ft, and the whole 30 fl oz bottle for 11,200 sq ft. Repeat at 7- to 14-day intervals if needed. |
| Zema Esfenvalerate Lawn Spray Concentrate | Outside surfaces of buildings, porches, patios and garages; soil band along the foundation | Ants, cockroaches (including German and Asian), crickets, palmetto bugs, sowbugs, spiders, ticks, centipedes | 2–16 fl oz product per gallon of water[1] 2 fl oz per gallon for outside surfaces; 16 fl oz per gallon for a 12- to 18-inch perimeter band and 2 to 3 feet up the foundation. Apply either mix at 1 gallon per 1,000 sq ft. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, and causes moderate eye irritation. It contains petroleum distillates, so the label warns that vomiting may cause aspiration pneumonia.[1]
Pets
Keep pets and children off the treated area until the spray has dried, and never spray animals. The label says to treat dogs, cats and their bedding with a separate registered flea and tick product.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label has no bee statement. It does say to spray under ornamentals and trees while avoiding soaking young or flowering plants.[1]
Fish and water
Extremely toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. Don't apply within 25 feet of lakes, rivers, streams or ponds, and keep spray out of drains, gutters and storm sewers.[1]
Common questions
- How much lawn does one bottle of Zema esfenvalerate treat?
- The full 30 fluid ounce bottle treats up to 11,200 square feet, about a 70 by 160 foot yard.[1]
- When can my dog go back on the lawn?
- After the spray has dried. The label says to keep pets and children out of the treated area until then.[1]
- Can I spray esfenvalerate on my vegetable garden?
- No. The label says not to spray plants used for food or feed.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Zema Esfenvalerate Lawn Spray Concentrate label, EPA Reg. No. 2517-123 (EPA-stamped, Dec. 9, 2025).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/002517-00123-20251209.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)