Insecticides are used to eliminate insects from farms by disrupting their nervous system or by damaging their exoskeleton. It is important to know how insecticides like cypermethrin work to understand how to use them in farming lands.

An insecticide is used to kill insects that infest crops in a farming land. It is vital to eliminate them as these disease-carrying pests can damage the crops. There are several ways to classify insecticides based on their chemistry, mode of penetration, and toxicological action. 

Some organic compounds that occur naturally in plants can be used as insecticides such as pyrethrin produced by flowers of pyrethrums. They are sprayed or dusted onto plants and other surfaces that the insects feed upon. Many insecticides are made by combining different substances known as synthetic insecticides. The main types of synthetic groups include chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic phosphates (organophosphates), and carbamates.

Classification of Insecticides

There are three ways in which the classification of insecticides is initiated. One of them is based on their chemical composition i.e. organic or inorganic nature. They are classified based on their chemical nature into four groups given as follows:

• Organic insecticides

• Synthetic insecticides

• Inorganic insecticides

• Miscellaneous compounds

Classification of insecticides is also done based on their action or the mode of entry into the insect body, classified as stomach poisons, contact poisons, systemic poisons, and fumigant poisons. 

Another classification of insecticide is done based on their mode of action as physical poisons, protoplasmic poisons, nerve poisons, general poisons, respiratory poisons, and chitin inhibitors.

How Do Insecticides Function?

Insecticides are formulated to kill, mitigate or repel the growth of insects. They work in two different ways, given as follows:

• Systemic – This gets absorbed by the plant roots when introduced into the soil. It enters through the roots and gets distributed to leaves, fruits, twigs, and branches. It then forms a layer on the plant surface and poisons any insect that comes in contact with, for example, DDT.

• Contact - This insecticide acts like a bullet that aims at a target to kill insects. Household insect sprays are an example of contact insecticides. Cypermethrin is an example of this type of insecticide as well. 

Tips to Use Insecticides

It is essential to understand the use of insecticides to get the maximum benefit. Mentioned below are some tips that will help you use insecticides correctly. 

1. It is recommended not to use more than one insecticide in the same area as it can increase or decrease the effectiveness and deplete the environment.

2. Choose a broad-spectrum insecticide to get effective action against all types of insects.

3. Nowadays, several insect growth regulators are available in the market. These include pyriproxyfen and methoprene, which do not kill insects but make unsuitable conditions for them to grow or lay eggs.

4. Another recommendation is to use insecticidal baits that are beneficial for social insects like ants. However, it is important to make sure that you place the baits where children and pets cannot reach or have direct access. 

Insecticides play a key role in farming lands as they deter unwanted insects from harming fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Farmers are recommended to buy high-quality insecticides from reputed sellers to get the best results.