Flupyradifurone (Sivanto) is Bayer answer to the pollinator crisis — a systemic insecticide that controls the same pests as neonicotinoids but with dramatically reduced bee toxicity. It can be applied during bloom on bee-attractive crops, something no neonicotinoid can claim.
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Classification
Butenolide Insecticide
Signal Word
Caution
Mode of Action
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist (butenolide subclass) — same target as neonics but bee-safe profile
Aphids, whiteflies, psyllids (including Asian citrus psyllid), leafhoppers, soft scales, mealybugs. Primarily sucking insects. Systemic action — absorbed by plant and distributed through vascular tissue.
🏷️ Products & Brand Names
Sivanto Prime (Bayer — professional/agricultural), Sivanto 200 SL, BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control (contains flupyradifurone — consumer product). One of the few products in this class available to homeowners.
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
Low mammalian toxicity. EPA Reduced Risk status. The key breakthrough: genuinely low toxicity to honey bees at field-relevant doses. Multiple independent studies confirm bees exposed to flupyradifurone show no significant mortality, behavioral changes, or colony effects at labeled application rates.
✅ Bee safety breakthrough: Flupyradifurone can be applied to flowering crops during active bloom — the first systemic insecticide to receive this distinction. This makes it transformational for crops that need aphid/psyllid control during bloom (e.g., citrus, apple, almond).
Example
0.5 oz
per gallon
⚗️ Mixing Calculator
Enter your sprayer size and target rate — get the exact amount to pour. Backpack, hand sprayer, hose-end, or skid unit.
How is it bee-safe when it hits the same receptor? Flupyradifurone is rapidly metabolized by bees — their detoxification enzymes break it down much faster than they break down neonicotinoids. The compound reaches the target receptor but doesn't accumulate to lethal levels. Essentially, bee livers can handle it; pest insect livers cannot.
For homeowners: BioAdvanced 3-in-1 (available at major retailers) contains flupyradifurone and can be used on ornamentals and some vegetables. If you're concerned about pollinators but need systemic insect control, this is currently the best option available to consumers.
🐛 Pests This Treats — Learn More
Click any pest to view its full identification guide, biology, and treatment options.
💡 Butenolide insecticide designed to be safer for pollinators than neonicotinoids. EPA reduced-risk.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is flupyradifurone safe for pets?
Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use flupyradifurone indoors?
Check the specific product label — formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does flupyradifurone last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.
📋 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Flupyradifurone (Sivanto) — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
💡 Did you know? Flupyradifurone was modeled after a naturally occurring compound called stemofoline, found in plants of the genus Stemona. Bayer scientists modified the natural molecule to optimize insecticidal activity while maintaining the favorable bee safety profile.
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional. Last reviewed: April 2026.
