insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd 
plural insecticides
: an agent that destroys one or more species of insects
broadly
: an agent that destroys insects as well as other small pests (such as mites or nematodes)
Aphids, mealybugs, and cyclamen mites are all common problems and can be controlled with any low-toxicity insecticide sold specifically for houseplants. —
Horticulture
Horticulture Examples of insecticide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This can be done by using a systemic insecticide through a soil drench.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024
Use insecticides with care: In severe infestations, insecticides labeled for crane fly control can be used.
—The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024
However, if 20% of agricultural land held organic crops — as the California Air Resources Board envisions — total insecticide use fell by 17%.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024
For more stubborn infestations, using insecticides or professional pest control services may be necessary.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024
If trying an insecticide for stubborn outbreaks, consider horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or the active ingredient spinosad.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2024
Try using an insecticide rinse to wash away the residue left behind.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2024
The insecticide is mixed with water in a watering can or bucket.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024
The most common forms of management are insecticides and sticky bands, a strip of tacky material wrapped around a tree trunk to trap pests.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024
Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024
Use insecticides with care: In severe infestations, insecticides labeled for crane fly control can be used.
—The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2024
However, if 20% of agricultural land held organic crops — as the California Air Resources Board envisions — total insecticide use fell by 17%.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024
For more stubborn infestations, using insecticides or professional pest control services may be necessary.
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 13 Feb. 2024
If trying an insecticide for stubborn outbreaks, consider horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or the active ingredient spinosad.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2024
Try using an insecticide rinse to wash away the residue left behind.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2024
The insecticide is mixed with water in a watering can or bucket.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2024
The most common forms of management are insecticides and sticky bands, a strip of tacky material wrapped around a tree trunk to trap pests.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insecticide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near insecticide
Cite this Entry
“Insecticide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insecticide. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insecticide
noun
in·sec·ti·cide
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌsīd
: a chemical used to kill insects
insecticidal
adjective
(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsīd-ᵊl
Medical Definition
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