Imidacloprid is a broad-spectrum, systemic insecticide with contact and stomach action. Readily taken up by plants and further distributed acropetally, with good root systemic action. Used as a pesticide coated seed treatment and for the control of a wide range of sucking insects in different crops when used as a foliar treatment. Widely used in foundation treatments to control soil insects such as termites. In animal health it is used for flea control in companion animals. Formulations include wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, suspension concentrates, wettable granules, water dispersible powder, flowable concentrates, wettable powders, baits, granules and dusting powders.

It can be used on its own or in combination with other insecticides and the synergist piperonal butoxide that enhances the activity of an insecticide and assists in overcoming metabolic (detoxification) resistance.