What are "contact insecticides" designed to do?

Contact insecticides are specifically formulated to eliminate pests upon direct contact. This type of insecticide works by disrupting the insect's nervous system or damaging its external structures when the pesticide touches the insect's body. When applied to surfaces such as plants or soil, these insecticides are effective on pests that make contact with the treated areas, leading to rapid action against visible insects.

In contrast, options referring to ingestion or absorption into plant systems focus more on different mechanisms of pest control. Some insecticides are designed to be ingested by pests, affecting them internally, while others are systemic and absorbed by plants, making the plant tissues toxic to those feeding on it. The mention of long-term effectiveness may pertain to residual pesticides, which remain active over time, but contact insecticides are primarily about immediate action through direct contact rather than prolonged activity. Thus, the essence of contact insecticides lies in their ability to act swiftly and effectively when pests touch the treated surfaces.