How Do Insecticides Work?

To get rid of insects on a larger scale, insecticides are often used. These substances work to prevent the growth and interference of insects with our everyday lives. While we may come into contact in some way with our homes or purchased products that have come as a result of insecticides, a large number of people don’t actually know how it works. Learn more about the process behind insecticides and how these work to rid our lives of pests.

The Beginning

The first insecticides to be used came from natural substances proven to work. These used things such as sulfur, borax, camphor, and tobacco plant extract. It wasn’t until the 1940s that chemical substances were instead used using compounds including organic phosphates and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Twenty years after this, concerns arose about the health implications that came about with these synthetic compounds. By the 1990s, natural compounds were once again brought to the forefront, as these were less harmful than the synthetic options. Today pest control companies work to use these better products that are able to rid homes and commercial land of insects while keeping families, crops, and more protected.

How They Work

There are a few different types of insecticides, each working to rid the area of pests. These insecticides vary based on how they enter the insect, and the way they work from there:

• Contact insecticides – this substance is sprayed directly onto the insects. The compound is then absorbed by the bug through the wall of their bodies. This type of treatment works well on most soft-bodied insects as they easily take in the insecticide.

• Stomach insecticides – these are put on the surface of where the insects are residing, including on plant leaves, wood, and fabrics they are commonly on and consume. The pests come by these materials and will begin to eat, consuming the insecticides right alongside their normal meal. These types of insecticides work best with caterpillars, ants, and other pests such as these.

• Fumigant insecticides – these insecticides are in gas form. The bugs present in the air will take in the poison when they breath in the gas. These are most commonly used in the home to get rid of the more resilient bugs including bedbugs and cockroaches.

While each insecticide may function differently, they all are working towards the same purpose. The advancements in the products have created insecticides that are not only effective in getting rid of bugs, but will be safe for you and your family.