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Mode of Action of
Structural Pest Control Chemicals
Pesticide Information Leaflet No. 41
To understand how insecticides and rodenticides work (their mode of action), it is necessary
to understand how the pests’ targeted systems normally function. Insecticides used in structural
pest control operations generally target the nervous system, growth and development, energy
production, or water balance. Most rodenticides used in pest control interfere with blood
clotting. A general description of these processes is presented in this leaflet, followed by a table
listing the mode of action of pesticides (insecticides and rodenticides) used by structural pest
control operators.
The Nervous System respond, and 2.) the central nervous system
(CNS) that interprets the signals and
The nervous system functions as a fast- coordinates the body’s responses and
acting means of transmitting important movements.
information throughout the body. The
nervous system has two components: 1.) the A neuron is a single nerve cell. It
peripheral nervous system to receive and connects with other neurons and with
transmit incoming signals (taste, smell, muscle fibers (the basic units of muscles)
sight, sound, and touch) and to transmit through gaps at the end of each neuron. The
outgoing signals to the muscles and other gap between neurons, or between a neuron
organs, effectively telling them how to and a muscle fiber, is called a synapse.
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becomes bound and is unavailable to do its the macrolactones. Fipronil is a member of
job. Although cholinesterase inhibition by the class of insecticides known as
carbamates is somewhat reversible, phenylpyrazoles. Avermectins and fipronil
organophosphate poisoning is not reversible. both bind to the GABA-gated chloride
This means the insecticide does not release channel. This channel normally blocks
the bound cholinesterase. Fortunately, the reactions in some nerves, preventing
body continually produces cholinesterase, excessive stimulation of the central nervous
although it may take several weeks to again system (CNS).
reach the desirable circulating level.
Avermectins activate the chloride
Applicators using cholinesterase- channel, causing an inhibitory effect, which,
inhibiting pesticides regularly should when excessive, results in the insect’s death.
consider having their cholinesterase level Fipronil has the opposite effect on the
monitored. A simple blood test performed chloride channel, blocking it from
in the preseason and at intervals throughout performing its normal inhibitory action.
the application season predicts whether an Thus, when fipronil binds to the channel, the
applicator is being exposed to too much nerve is overstimulated, and death
organophosphate or carbamate. For more eventually occurs.
information, refer to Pesticide Information
Leaflet Nos. 7 (Cholinesterase Testing) and Sodium Channel Modulators
30 (Cholinesterase Monitoring -- A Guide
for the Health Professional). Pyrethrins are naturally-occurring
compounds derived from members of the
Acetylcholine Mimics chrysanthemum family. While they have a
quick knock-down effect against insects,
Imidacloprid, a nicotinoid insecticide, they are unstable in the environment, so may
mimics the action of the neurotransmitter, not last long enough to kill the pest.
acetylcholine (ACh). Although Pyrethroids are synthetic versions of
cholinesterase is not affected by this pyrethrins, specifically designed to be more
insecticide, the nerve is continually stable in the environment (although still
stimulated by imidacloprid itself, and the lasting only days or weeks), and thus
end result is similar to that caused by provide longer-lasting control.
cholinesterase inhibitors – overstimulation
of the nervous system leads to poisoning and Pyrethrins and pyrethroids act on tiny
death. Fortunately, imidacloprid is a closer channels through which sodium is pumped
mimic for the insect’s ACh than for human to cause excitation of neurons. They prevent
ACh, giving this insecticide more specificity the sodium channels from closing, resulting
for insects and less ability to poison humans. in continual nerve impulse transmission,
tremors, and eventually, death.
Chloride Channel Modulators
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are well-
Avermectins are derived from a soil known irritants of humans’ respiratory
microorganism and belong to a group called systems as well as of the skin and eyes.
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Applicators who have an allergic reaction to Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
these insecticides must either increase the
amount of personal protective equipment Insects produce a special protein,
worn during handling, or stop working with juvenile hormone, which is circulated
this class of insecticides. throughout the insect’s body and “tells” the
insect to stay in its current stage. When it is
time to metamorphose into its next life
Growth and Development stage, the insect stops producing juvenile
hormone. Some insecticides, called insect
Unlike humans, insects must shed their growth regulators (IGRs), mimic juvenile
skin in order to grow and to develop into hormone. Insects poisoned with IGRs act as
their next life stage. Insects’ skin is a hard if they have not stopped making juvenile
exoskeleton, also called the cuticle, which hormone. They cannot molt or reproduce,
provides both protection and structure. and eventually they die.
Molting is necessary not only for the insect
to grow, but also for the insect to reach the Humans do not make or use juvenile
adult stage so that it can reproduce. Some hormone. IGRs are considered to have little
insecticides target the insect’s growth and human toxicity.
development processes.
Because humans do not make chitin, Boric acid also disrupts water balance
CSIs are not considered toxic to humans. in insects, but its mode of action is not
However, CSIs are very toxic to any completely understood. It appears to disrupt
organism that has an exoskeleton, such as digestion, causing the insect to starve to
crustaceans (shellfish), and should be used death. Boric acid is toxic to humans and can
with great care, if at all, in areas where they harm the stomach, intestines, blood, and
could contaminate the environment. brain, and can irritate the respiratory tract
and skin.
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Interference with Energy Production Cholecalciferol is the activated form of
vitamin D, and this substance has a use as a
All organisms must generate energy rodenticide. Cholecalciferol mobilizes
from the food they take in. Several classes calcium and phosphorus from the bones into
of insecticides inhibit or disrupt energy the blood stream. Too much calcium causes
production. Exactly how they work differs, calcification (hardening) of soft tissues.
but the end result is the same. Initially, the Eventually, death occurs, usually from heart
insect can mobilize enough stored energy to failure.
continue its basic functions. While it can eat
and digest food in the initial stages after
being poisoned, it cannot produce energy The Circulatory System
from the food. Eventually, the insect “runs
out of steam,” stops eating and even moving, Anticoagulants
and dies.
Several rodenticides interfere with the
Hydramethylnon, sulfuryl fluoride, production of vitamin K, which is necessary
chlorfenapyr, and sulfluramid are all in for blood clotting. The anticoagulants also
different classes of insecticides, and work increase the permeability of the capillaries,
through different mechanisms, but all allowing blood to seep out of the vessels and
disrupt energy production. Chlorfenapyr and into the organs and surrounding body cavity.
sulfluramid must be converted to an active When poisoned with an anticoagulant, the
form before they can cause this effect. rodents bleed internally and, since the blood
Fortunately, humans do not seem to be as will not clot, the animal eventually bleeds to
able to produce the activated form as insects, death.
so are less affected by chlorfenapyr and
sulfluramid. There are two classes of anticoagulants
– coumarins and inandiones. Coumarins
Interference with Micronutrient Balance are usually effective in only a single dose,
while inandiones must be eaten in several
Micronutrients are substances that the doses to cause death. The anticoagulants are
body needs in order to function properly, but considered to have low toxicity to humans.
excessive amounts can be toxic. Vitamins
and elements such as phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, calcium, and other
inorganic compounds are examples of
micronutrients.
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Common name and Class of Targeted Mode of action
examples of trade pesticide system/process
names1
abamectin B1 (Advert) Avermectin Nervous system Chloride channel activator
insecticide
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Common name and Class of Targeted Mode of action
examples of trade pesticide system/process
names1
diatomaceous earth Mineral product Metabolic processes W ater balance disruptor
mined from
fossilized algae;
used as an
insecticide
fenoxycarb (Insegar, Logic, Insect growth Growth and Juvenile hormone mimic
Pictyl, Torus, Varikill) regulator (IGR) development
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Common name and Class of Targeted Mode of action
examples of trade pesticide system/process
names1
silica gels and dusts Inorganic Metabolic processes W ater balance disruptor
insecticide
sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) Fumigant Metabolic processes Disruption of the glycolysis and
/ Energy production fatty acid cycles
1
Trade names are provided solely as an aid to the reader. No assurance is made that the list is inclusive of all trade
names for a given active ingredient.
References
Gilkeson, LA and RW Adams. (Undated.) Integrated Pest Management Manual for Structural
Pests in British Columbia. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Pollution Prevention and
Pesticide Management Branch, British Columbia, Canada. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/
accessed 01/24/2005.
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