What is a contact pesticide designed to do?

A contact pesticide is specifically formulated to eliminate or control pests upon direct contact with them. When applied, these pesticides act by adhering to the surface of the target pest, allowing the active ingredients to disrupt biological functions such as respiration or nervous system operation. This mechanism necessitates that the pesticide comes into direct contact with the pest for it to be effective, which is why the term "contact" is used.

In contrast, other methods involve systemic action, where a pesticide is absorbed by plants and affects pests that ingest plant tissues, or preventative measures that thwart pest movement or development in various ways. The primary focus of a contact pesticide is to deliver a quick and direct mode of action on the pest when it touches the treated surface.