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Pest control has its own vocabulary. Understanding the key terms helps you research products, read labels, and execute treatments correctly. Here is the essential glossary.
Common pest control terms
- Active ingredient
- The chemical in a pesticide product that kills the target pest. Same active ingredient may be sold under multiple brand names.
- Adulticide
- Insecticide that kills adult insects.
- Bait
- Pesticide combined with food attractant. Insects eat the bait and die.
- Cellulose
- Plant fiber that termites and certain pests consume.
- Concentrate
- Pesticide that must be mixed with water before application. Most cost-effective form.
- Exclusion
- Physical sealing of entry points to prevent pest entry. Most-effective long-term pest prevention.
- Frass
- Insect waste/droppings. Often used to identify wood-destroying organism activity.
- IGR (Insect Growth Regulator)
- Chemical that disrupts insect development. Prevents juveniles from maturing into adults. Used in roach, flea, and termite control.
- Larvicide
- Insecticide targeting larval stage. Examples: Bti for mosquitoes, IGR for fleas.
- Microencapsulated
- Insecticide formulated as tiny capsules that release active ingredient over time. Extends residual life.
- Non-repellent
- Insecticide that pests do not detect and avoid. Examples: Termidor, Taurus SC. Allows pests to track treatment back to nest.
- Pyrethroid
- Class of synthetic insecticides modeled on natural pyrethrins. Includes bifenthrin (Bifen IT), permethrin, deltamethrin.
- Residual
- How long an insecticide remains effective after application. “30-day residual” = effective for 30 days.
- Swarmer
- Reproductive winged termite or ant. Establishes new colonies. Often confused between species.
- Synergist
- Compound added to insecticide that increases effectiveness. PBO (piperonyl butoxide) is common synergist.
- Termiticide
- Insecticide specifically labeled for termite treatment.
- WDI (Wood-Destroying Insect)
- Inspection category covering termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-decaying fungi. Required for most Florida home sales.
Verdict
Knowing pest control vocabulary helps you read labels, compare products, and make informed treatment decisions. Bookmark this glossary for reference.
Reminder: Always read product labels and follow safety instructions.