An agent that destroys insects. adj. insecticidal.
A chemical agent used to destroy insects either by contact or by stomach poisoning.
A toxic chemical that kills unwanted insects.
A substance which kills insects.
A preparation used to kill destructive or disease-carrying insects. Ideally, an insecticide should have no toxic effects when ingested by human beings or animals, but modem powerful compounds have inherent dangers and have caused fatalities. Some insect powders contain organic phosphorus compounds and fluorides; when ingested accidentally they may cause damage to the nervous system. The use of such compounds is generally under strict control.
Substances which kill insects. Since the discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT in 1940, a steady stream of new insecticides has been introduced. Their combined use has played an outstanding part in international public health campaigns, such as that of the World Health Organization for the eradication of malaria.