⚖️ Educational use only. Always read and follow the full product label — the label is the law under FIFRA. Full disclaimer → | ⚗️ Mixing Calculator →
🏷️ Brand Names — Same Active Ingredient
Malathion 50 EC — Various — general purpose concentrate
Ortho Max Malathion — Scotts — consumer EC
Spectracide Malathion — Spectrum — consumer
Hi-Yield 55% — consumer garden concentrate
🎯 What It Kills
✓ Aphids✓ Scale✓ Mites✓ Whiteflies✓ Thrips✓ Mealybugs✓ Caterpillars✓ Ants✓ Flies✓ Mosquitoes
⚙️ How It Works
Malathion is an organophosphate with broad-spectrum activity and relatively low mammalian toxicity compared to other organophosphates. Common garden and mosquito control pesticide available to homeowners.
⚗️ Mixing & Application
Malathion 50% concentrate: 1–2 fl oz per gallon. For 4-gallon backpack: 4–8 fl oz. Mix and apply outdoors — strong sulfur odor.
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.
⚠️ Safety
- ⚠ Strong sulfur odor — apply outdoors only
- ⚠ Toxic to bees — do not apply to flowering plants
- ⚠ Toxic to fish and beneficial insects
- ⚠ Short residual — 7–14 days
- ⚠ Do not apply near fish ponds or water features
🐛 Pests This Treats — Learn More
Click any pest to view its full identification guide, biology, and treatment options.
🌿 Environmental & Ecological Impact
⏱️ Residual & Re-entry Timeline
🔹
Apply
Follow label mixing and application rates
🔸
Re-entry: 12 hours
Keep people and pets out of treated area
🟢
Effective period: 7–14 days
Active residual — killing or repelling target pests
🔄
Reapply
Re-treat when pest activity returns or residual expires
🔄 Alternatives & Related Products
Same chemical class or different approaches to the same pests.
🔄Acephate
Same class: Organophosphate
↔️Same class: Organophosphate
Pyrethrin
Different approach: Botanical Pyrethrin
↔️Different approach: Botanical Pyrethrin
Boric Acid
Different approach: Inorganic
Different approach: Inorganic
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is malathion 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 malathion 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 malathion 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)
Malathion 50 EC — Safety Data Sheet
View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.
📚 Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels · NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Updated: Apr 7, 2026
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional and cross-referenced against EPA, university extension, and manufacturer technical data. Last reviewed: April 2026.