Tired of repetitive pest attacks inside the house? So, you may be wondering about resorting to the Home Defense pesticide lineup from the famous Ortho group. But you’re confused about which one to choose!
So, what are the differences when comparing Ortho Home Defense vs Home Defense Max?
Ortho Home Defense Max is a stronger and more effective, but pricier pesticide than Ortho Home Defense. The max version (gray bottle) also dries 30% faster than the general white bottled one and penetrates further into the cracks and nicks where insects manifest.
This short answer won’t clear up the confusion between these two alike products. So, let’s dive into the article for further clarification.
Ortho Home Defense Vs Home Defense Max: Quick Overview
Ortho home defense and Ortho home defense max both are fantastic insecticides, yet they lock horns in some perspectives:
| Factor | Ortho Home Defense | Home defense max |
| Ingredients | Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin | Bifenthrin and Zeta-Cypermethrin. |
| Application type | Trigger, Refill, Concentrate, Comfort wand, Ready-to-use Spray applicator | Aerosol, Refill, Comfort wand, Ready-to-use Spray applicator, Reusable Spray applicator. |
| Use For | Kills ants, spiders, roaches, or other home-invading insects | Kills ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and other insects as listed. |
| Usability | Dries slowly | Penetrate further and dries 30% faster. |
| Effectiveness | Moderate | Excellent. |
| Protection Warranty | 12 months | 12 months. |
| Product lineup | Vast | Moderate. |
| Price range (per gallon) | $18 to $21 | $22 to $25. |
Home Defense vs Home Defense Max: Detailed Discussion
Factor 1: Ingredients
Both Ortho Home Defense and Ortho Home Defense Max use a combination of Bifenthrin (0.05%) and Zeta-cypermethrin (0.0125%) as the main ingredients. Take a glimpse at the formula in a more detailed manner:
| Component | CAS Number | Weight (%) |
| Bifenthrin | 82657-04-3 | 0.05 |
| Zeta-cypermethrin | 52315-07-8 | 0.0125 |
Bifenthrin belongs to the Pyrethroid class of insecticides and has broad insecticidal properties. It works by disrupting the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and eventually their death.
As Bifenthrin kills bedbugs, it’s a wonderful remedy for bed bug attacks. Then, Zeta-cypermethrin is also a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that exhibits insecticidal properties.
As per the company, The Max version (gray bottle) is a stronger formula than the general-purpose one (white bottle). The other details are not shared publicly, stating that they are trade secrets.
Factor 2: Application type
Ortho Home Defense has 5 different types of applicators to choose from. You can opt for a trigger, a wand, or a sprayer. Getting a refill or a concentrated version is also at the ease of your hand.
Meanwhile, Ortho Home Defense Max doesn’t have the trigger or concentrated version, but rather an aerosol can, wand, refill, and sprayer.
Also in the sprayer section, you can get a ready-to-use sprayer or reusable spray applicator, which is unavailable for the general one. In case your Ortho Home Defense spray not working, you can opt for the comfortable wands.
Factor 3: Used for
Since both are pyrethrin-based products, they are effective at killing common household insects. Ortho Home Defense and Home Defense Max can kill ants, spiders, roaches, or other home-invading insects.
The product label also includes insects like aphids, caterpillars, fleas, millipedes, centipedes, moths, boxers, beetles, mites, mosquitoes, ticks, termites, wasps, etc.
Factor 4: Usability
The Ortho Home Defense Max dries 30% faster and penetrates deeper into the cracks where the pests usually hide and grow. This is in comparison to Ortho Home Defense which relatively takes more time to dry.
Factor 5: Effectiveness
According to the company, The Max version bottled in a gray plastic container is superior to the normal one in a white container.
The user feedback is also the same for these two products. Users have found the Max version to be more effective. This is also the same when comparing Temprid Fx vs Talstar P.
Factor 7: Longevity of Protection
The Protection longevity is usually 365 days or 12 months for both versions of the insect killer. Re-application is necessary for heavy infestation or if the pests start showing up again.
Factor 8: Product Variation
Ortho Home Defense has numerous products in its line-up. Some of them are Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter, Liquid Ant Bait, Insect Killer Granules, Roach Bait, Dual Action Bed Bug Killer, Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes, etc.
- Up to 12-month protection (against ants, roaches and spiders indoors on nonporous surfaces)
- Kills all common listed household bugs (see product label for complete list of insects)
- Non-staining, odor-free and dries fast
- Long lasting bug barrier
Although the lineup for Ortho Home Defense Max is not as vast as the aforementioned products, it also has a few up its sleeves.
It includes Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier, Bed Bug, Flea & Tick Killer, Bed Bug Killer, Bed Bug Trap, etc.
- Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier kills and prevents insects inside your home (12-month control for ants, roaches & spiders indoors on non-porous surfaces)
- KILL LISTED INSECTS FAST: Kills all common household bugs like ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, earwigs, silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, and other listed insects
- INDOOR USE: Apply wherever insects are: in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, around doors and windows; spray the hard to reach places where bugs are a recurring problem
- USE WITH CONFIDENCE: Dries up to 30% faster (vs. other Ortho formulas) and leaves no stains or fumes; people and pets may enter treated areas after spray has dried
Factor 9: Price
The price of the Max product is higher than the general lineup. A gallon of Ortho Home Defense will cost you around $18 to $21. In contrast, Max Defense will set you back around $22 to $25 per gallon.
Which One is Better?
In terms of effectiveness and drying time, Ortho Home Defense Max is clearly the winner here. But, this is a strong formula.
So, for mild infestation and a friendlier-budget Ortho Home Defense also works remarkably. Moreover, if you want to save some pennies, Ortho home defense would be a holy grail for you.
FAQs
Is Ortho Home Defense Max safe for indoor use?
Yes, Ortho Home Defense Max is safe for indoor and outdoor household use. It’s also safe for your pets. Along with killing the insects, this pesticide also creates a barrier to prevent future infestation.
How Fast Does Ortho Home Defense Max Work?
Within 5-6 days, pests should disappear after proper application. The company recommends to re-treat outdoors at least once every three months. This product may be reapplied as needed, especially after heavy rain.
How Long Does Ortho Home Defense Stay Good?
When properly stored, Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer has a minimum shelf life of 3 years. It is possible for products to lose their effectiveness after 3 years. So, to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of Ortho Home Defense, it is essential to use the product within 3 years.
Conclusion
I hope you’re now clear about deciding which one to pick Ortho home defense vs Home defense max.
Whatever you use, prevention will ultimately be your best friend in pesticide problems. So, try to keep your home free from dust debris. If you still suffer from insect issues, pick any of them to get rid of them. Stay safe!
- Does Hot Shot Fogger Kill Roaches (Let’s Find Out) - September 4, 2023
- Miracle Gro Liquafeed Sprayer Not Dispensing (Easy Fixes) - August 31, 2023
- Havahart Trap Problems (4 Ways to Fix Them) - August 29, 2023
