GORDON'S Permethrin 10 Livestock & Premise Spray, 1 Gallon,

The Verdict

Let me be blunt: if you’re battling ticks, fleas, or flies around livestock or barns, you want a product that actually works — not something that smells nice and does nothing. GORDON’S Permethrin 10 is the working person’s insecticide. It’s not fancy, not pretty, and the jug looks like it came from a farm supply warehouse. That’s exactly why it earns its 4.7-star rating from 235 buyers.

What you’re actually getting

This is a 1-gallon jug of 10% permethrin concentrate. That’s the active ingredient — a synthetic pyrethroid that disrupts insect nervous systems. The math matters here: at the standard 1 ounce per gallon of water dilution rate, this single jug makes up to 100 gallons of finished spray. If you’re treating a large property or multiple animals, that’s serious cost-per-treatment value compared to ready-to-use sprays that arrive 90% water.

Real-world performance

The label covers the big-ticket pests: ticks (including deer ticks), fleas, mites, lice, flies, mosquitoes, and even cockroaches and spiders in barns and outbuildings. For livestock, it’s labeled for beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry — though you need to follow the species-specific dilution rates carefully, especially for dairy animals with milk withholding periods.

Buyer feedback repeatedly emphasizes two things: effectiveness on ticks and longevity. One reviewer noted, “I sprayed the perimeter of my kennel and pasture fencing in early spring. We pulled 40+ ticks off the dogs last year; this year we’ve found maybe 3.” Another handler mentioned using it on horse stalls and seeing fly populations drop within days.

The honest downsides

First, there’s no sprayer included. You’ll need your own pump sprayer or backpack sprayer — if you don’t already own one, factor in that cost. Second, the smell. It’s a strong solvent-like odor that lingers for a day or two. It fades, but you won’t want to apply it right before hosting a barn party. Third, this is not a one-size-fits-all garden product. It’s not labeled for edible crops, so if you’re looking for a vegetable garden insecticide, this isn’t it.

Also worth noting: permethrin is highly toxic to cats and aquatic life. If you have outdoor cats that roam the barn, keep them away from freshly sprayed surfaces until dry. Bees are also susceptible, so avoid treating flowering plants or areas where pollinators are actively foraging.

Who this is for

This is for the horse owner tired of reordering expensive fly sprays every three weeks. The chicken keeper dealing with mite infestations in the coop. The cattle farmer who needs something economical for a large herd. The dog kennel operator fighting fleas in a multi-animal environment. If you fit any of those profiles and you’re comfortable mixing your own spray, this is a workhorse product.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe for dogs and cats? — Once dry, it’s safe for dogs (it’s used in many dog flea products). However, it’s highly toxic to cats — keep them away from treated areas until completely dry.

How long does it last? — Residual activity varies by surface and weather. Indoors, expect 2-4 weeks of control. Outdoors, rain and UV degrade it faster — plan to reapply after heavy rain.

Can I use this on my lawn? — No. This is labeled for livestock and premises (barns, coops, kennels, outbuildings). For lawn and garden use, look for a product specifically labeled for turf applications.

The verdict

Buy it if: You need an economical, effective premise spray for livestock areas and you’re comfortable mixing concentrates. The cost per gallon of finished spray is unbeatable.

Skip it if: You want a ready-to-use product, you have cats that roam freely through treated areas, or you need something for edible plants.

At 4.6 out of 5, this is a solid purchase for the right buyer. It’s not a lifestyle product — it’s a tool. And for the job it’s designed to do, it’s one of the best values on the market.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.