Un insecticida es un compuesto químico utilizado para matar insectos. El origen etimológico de la palabra insecticida deriva del latín y significa literalmente matar insectos. Es un tipo de biocida. Los insecticidas tienen importancia para el control de plagas de insectos en la apicultura o para eliminar todos aquellos que afectan la salud humana y animal. Los ácaros no son insectos y pueden ser inmunes a algunos insecticidas (se eliminan con productos específico, los acaricidas). En el lenguaje cotidiano este término se utiliza para referirse a los productos que tienen la propiedad de matar insectos y de una forma restringida a las suspensiones en botes de aerosol, o como una crema para aplicación.

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An insecticide is a substance used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to be a major factor behind the increase in agricultural 20th century's productivity. Nearly all insecticides have the potential to significantly alter ecosystems; many are toxic to humans; some concentrate along the food chain. Insecticides can be classified in two major groups: systemic insecticides, which have residual or long term activity; and contact insecticides, which have no residual activity. Furthermore, one can distinguish three types of insecticide. 1. Natural insecticides, such as nicotine, pyrethrum and neem extracts, made by plants as defenses against insects. 2. Inorganic insecticides, which are metals. 3. Organic insecticides, which are organic chemical compounds, mostly working by contact. The mode of action describes how the pesticide kills or inactivates a pest. It provides another way of classifying insecticides. Mode of action is important in understanding whether an insecticide will be toxic to unrelated species, such as fish, birds and mammals. Insecticides are distinct from insect repellents, which do not kill.

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