Acephate is an organophosphate foliar and soil insecticide of moderate persistence with residual systemic activity of about 10–15 days at the recommended use rate.

It also controls leaf miners, caterpillars, sawflies, thrips, and spider mites in the previously stated crops as well as turf, and forestry.

Acephate is sold as a soluble powder, as emulsifiable concentrates, as pressurized aerosol, and in tree injection systems and granular formulations.

Acephate emits toxic fumes of various oxides of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur when heated to decomposition.

[3] The EU classifies Acephate as an Annex III substance, meaning that it meets the requirements to be considered a health and environmental hazard.