Insecticides

An insecticide is a substance used to kill insects including ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae. They are usually classified into ‘mode of actions’ which describe how they kill or inactivates a pest. Mode of action is important to understand if an insecticide will be toxic to unrelated species. Insecticides can be classified in into three categories – natural, inorganic and organic. Natural insecticides (like nicotine, pyrethrum and neem extracts) are made by plants as defences against insects. Inorganic insecticides are metals. Organic insecticides are organic chemical compounds mostly working by contact. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, and by consumers.