Propoxur is not a “new” chemical compound.  It was originally registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1959 as a “general use pesticide”.  Although specific state or local restrictions vary, general use pesticides may be purchased and used by any person, not just a licensed pest control professional.

Propoxur is a non-systemic insecticide which is not used on food crops.  In the past, Propoxur was successfully used on a widespread basis outdoors to treat for mosquitos and black flies.  This versatile chemical has proven effective in the treatment of snails, ants, aphids, leafhoppers, and cockroaches at homes and businesses alike.   The pesticide can also be found in many flea and tick collars.  Because of the residual effect, Propoxur mostly replaced DDT usage for some insects once it was banned from use in 1972.

Some health experts and the EPA believe that Propoxur may be dangerous and could cause cancer.  A 1993 study of the pesticide classified it as “highly toxic to humans” but also states that the effects from exposure are “short-term and reversible”.

The good news about Propoxur is that researchers have found that it is very effective in the treatment of bed bug infestations.  It’s rapid knockdown effect and residual properties have proven to be the best line of defense in bed bug killing laboratory trials.  The bad news is that after years of low sales, the manufacturers of Propoxur allowed its registration to lapse in the United States so it is no longer approved for home use.

Many of Ohio’s cities are running a close second to NYC’s bed bug infestation rates.  In 2010, the Governor of Ohio’s request for an emergency exemption to use Propoxur for bed bug infestations within the state was denied by the EPA.  Last week the Ohio House Health Committee unanimously passed a resolution urging the EPA to let the state use Propoxur in homes that are infested with bed bugs.  Ohio officials are hoping that the resolution will send an message to the EPA that emergency action is required, not only in Ohio, but in other states as well.  The question is…will the EPA listen?