Propoxur is a broad-spectrum, non-systemic carbamate insecticide with contact and stomach action. It exhibits rapid knockdown and residual action against a wide variety of crop, turf, forestry, public health, animal health and household pests. It is currently used to control a broad range of insect and arthropod pests in a wide variety of sites including indoor and outdoor structures, transportation vehicles, on companion animals (collars) in human habitat and recreational areas against mosquitoes, biting flies and midges. Household pests include cockroaches, fleas, beetles, silverfish, ants. Formulations include residual surface spray aerosols, wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrates, ultra-low volume space sprays, 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.