Propoxur

Bed bugs, fleas, and ticks are a terribly frustrating problem to have when they have invaded your home due to their itchy biting. However, these biting insects may have met their match in the form of professional products which contain the active ingredient of Propoxur, a fast-acting insecticide which can deliver a quick knockdown of fleas and ticks on pets, ants, and more.

On this page, you can learn more about propoxur and why it works so effectively to kill even the most stubborn of pest invasions.

What is Propoxur?

Propoxur is a popular pesticide active ingredient that is part of the carbamate family of chemicals. Propoxur is used to control a broad range of insects and parasites on pets and animals. Propoxur was first introduced in 1959 and manufactured by Bayer and registered for use in the United States by the EPA.

Propoxur is a contact insecticide that comes in a variety of formulations such as wettable powders, dusts, granules, liquid concentrates, ready to use aerosols and baits.

How Does Propoxur Work?

Propoxur comes from an insecticide family known as carbamates. Propoxur and other carbamate products mode of action is via inhibiting an essential insect enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase. As a result, Propoxur quickly disrupts the nervous systems of insects, which produces a rapid "knockdown" effect and paralysis of the insect. 

Benefits of Propoxur

Propoxur has proven to be effective against a wide variety of pests such as ants, cockroaches, fleas, flies, mosquitoes and ticks. It has also proven to be lethal against bed bug infestations. It is also safe to apply on pets that are bothered by fleas and ticks.

Drawbacks of Propoxur

Propoxur is non-systemic meaning that it won't be absorbed by plants and only kills target insects on contact. It is also not an instant kill insecticide. Insects that come into contact with the product succumb to the chemical effect may take as long as 10 minutes to an hour to die. 

Is Propoxur Safe?

Propoxur is safe to use when applied carefully according to label directions. We recommend when using Propoxur products to wear personal protective equipment such as goggles, a breathing mask and long-sleeved clothing. 

What To Expect

Depending on the insect being treated and the Propoxur product being used, you should expect insects to be knocked down quickly by the product and die within an hour. Propoxur has a residual effect of up to 4 weeks but can be applied every 7 to 10 days to control sizable infestations.

Featured Products

We currently do not have any products with Propoxur at this time. In the meantime, we suggest using Pyrid Aerosol which delivers similar results to Propoxur products. Pyrid also delivers a quick knockdown of pests and is safe to apply indoors to treat bed bugs, flying pests, fleas and other common indoor pests.