Propoxur (Baygon) is a carbamate non-systemic insecticide, produced from catechol,[2] and was introduced in 1959.

It has a fast knockdown and long residual effect, and is used against turf, forestry, and household pests and fleas.

[4][5][6] Several U.S. states have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use propoxur against bedbug infestations, but the EPA has been reluctant to approve indoor use because of its potential toxicity to children after chronic exposure.

[7] Carbamate insecticides kill insects by irreversibly inactivating the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, thus it is a Cholinesterase inhibitor.

[6] It is moderately to slightly toxic to fish and other aquatic species.