Transfluthrin is a photolabile synthetic pyrethroid with rapid knock-down, killing and repellency action by contact, ingestion and inhalation against cockroaches, bed bugs, ants, silverfish, wasps, flies and fleas. At very low concentrations it exhibits extraordinary efficacy against mosquitoes and moths. Transfluthrin is also reported to be effective against highly resistant strains of Anopheles funestus. Due to its excellent heat-stability and high evaporation rate at room temperature, it is used against moths and flies using impregnated paper and cellulose pads. Transfluthrin is particularly suitable for use in heated mats, liquid emanator devices, mosquito coils, aerosols including total release aerosols, metered aerosols and smoke generators.

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.