What does "residual action" refer to in the context of pesticides?

Residual action in the context of pesticides refers to the ability of a pesticide to remain effective after application. This characteristic is crucial for ensuring prolonged control of pests, as it allows the pesticide to continue working over a period of time rather than being effective only at the moment of application. A pesticide with strong residual action can kill or repel pests that come into contact with it for days, weeks, or even months after it has been applied, depending on its formulation and the environmental conditions.

Understanding residual action is particularly important for pest management strategies, as it helps in planning the timing and methods of application to achieve the best pest control results. Pesticides with good residual action can minimize the frequency of applications needed, thus potentially reducing costs and labor for pest management while providing ongoing protection against pest populations.