Insecticides are substances used to kill or manage the population of insects. They play a critical role in agriculture, public health, and other areas by controlling pests that can damage crops, spread diseases, or cause discomfort.
There are different types of insecticides, such as:
- Contact Insecticides: These kill insects upon direct contact.
- Systemic Insecticides: These are absorbed by plants and make the plant toxic to insects that feed on them.
- Ingested Insecticides: These must be eaten by the insect to be effective.
- Repellents: These do not kill insects but keep them away from the treated area.
Using insecticides properly can help manage pest populations while minimizing harm to non-target organisms and the environment.