Pyriproxyfen is an insect growth regulator that prevents egg and larval development. Pyriproxyfen is effective against a variety of insect pests in crop protection, animal and public health. It was first introduced to control whitefly in cotton but found to be useful in controlling many other insects in crop and forestry. It is extensively used for the control of fleas on small animals and in household insecticides to controlling ants, cockroaches, fleas and beetles. In public health it is approved for use as a larvicide to the control of vector and nuisance mosquito larvae. It is used in a wide variety of formulations that include: emulsifiable concentrates, wettable and water dispersible granules, baits, dusting powders, total release foggers, shampoos, and pet collars.

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.