Compounds of formula I wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each selected from halomethyl and halo and R is nitro, cyano, lower alkoxycarbonyl, lower alkylcarbonyl, or di- or trifluoromethyl, and n has a value of zero to four, and compositions comprising them are useful as insecticides in agriculture, horticulture and other outlets. They may optionally be combined with other pesticides and/or synergists. The compounds may be prepared by conventional esterification processes from the corresponding acids and appropriately substituted benzyl alcohols or halides, some of which are novel. ##STR1##