Active Ingredient Classes
Understanding major insecticide chemical classes (pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, fipronil, IGRs) and their characteristics for product selection.
Detailed Overview
Insecticides grouped into chemical classes sharing similar chemistry and mode of action. Major classes PCOs use: (1) Pyrethroids: synthetic versions of natural pyrethrins. Examples: permethrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin. Pros: fast knockdown, broad spectrum, cost-effective. Cons: repellent, widespread resistance, toxic to fish and beneficial insects. Common uses: perimeter treatments, general pest control. (2) Neonicotinoids: synthetic nicotine-like chemicals. Examples: imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran. Pros: non-repellent, systemic in plants, good for ants and termites. Cons: pollinator concerns, some resistance developing. (3) Fipronil: phenylpyrazole class. Pros: non-repellent, excellent transfer effect, long residual. Cons: highly toxic to fish, resistance in some roach populations. Primary use: ant and termite baits, roach gels. (4) Phenylpyrroles: chlorfenapyr. Pros: non-repellent, effective on resistant pests. Cons: slow acting. (5) Oxadiazines: indoxacarb. Pros: non-repellent, excellent for ants and roaches. (6) Organophosphates: largely phased out due to toxicity. (7) Carbamates: propoxur, bendiocarb - restricted use. (8) IGRs: separate class disrupting development. Know chemical class to rotate MoA groups preventing resistance.
When to Use
Select chemical class based on target pest, resistance history in area, and MoA rotation needs. Avoid repeated use of same class. Understand characteristics of each class for appropriate situations.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Understanding classes enables MoA rotation
- Each class has unique advantages for specific pests
- Resistance management requires class knowledge
- Appropriate class selection improves efficacy
- Explains product performance differences
Limitations
- Requires learning chemistry beyond product names
- Resistance varies by pest and location
- Some classes have environmental or toxicity concerns
- Regulatory restrictions on some classes
Related Concepts
Other product types that may be useful
Reduced-Risk Pesticides
Low-toxicity pesticide products that pose minimal risk to humans, pets, and the environment while remaining effective against target pests.
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
Pesticides that disrupt insect development and reproduction by mimicking or blocking growth hormones - providing long-term population suppression.
Non-Repellent vs Repellent Chemistry
Understanding the difference between insecticides pests cannot detect (non-repellent) versus those they avoid (repellent) - critical for colony elimination.