Cypermethrin was initially synthesized in 1974 and first marketed in 1977 as a highly active synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, effective against a wide range of pests in agriculture, public health, and animal husbandry. In agriculture, its main use is against foliage pests and certain surface soil pests, such as cutworms, but because of its rapid breakdown in soil, it is not recommended for use against soil-borne pests below the surface.