The effectiveness of an insecticide varies according to the type of pest, the mode of action and the form of application. Studies conducted by the State University of Londrina (UEL) reinforce that efficiency depends on the active ingredient, the technology used and precision in management.
These findings help explain why solutions based on contact, ingestion and respiration deliver different results for flying insects, crawling insects or garden pests.
This guide presents the main types of insecticide, explains how each one works and highlights the criteria that help choose the most suitable option to protect homes and outdoor areas safely and conveniently.
How does insecticide work?
Insecticides work by interfering with vital processes of the insect, such as the nervous system, respiration or feeding. This quickly reduces pest activity and prevents reproduction.
Besides the way they reach the insect, they also differ in their mechanism of action. Some groups act as neurotoxins, others regulate growth or affect the insect’s ability to feed and complete its life cycle.
Insecticides act in three main ways:
- contact: contact action occurs when the insect touches the product applied on surfaces;
- ingestion: ingestion action works when the insect consumes the substance;
- respiration: insecticides that interfere with respiration act through particle or vapor penetration, directly affecting metabolism.
Types of insecticide
Insecticides vary in their presentation format. This choice influences reach, practicality and the type of pest each solution can control inside the home.
Each category meets specific needs, whether for flying insects, crawling insects or difficult-to-reach infestation points. See below.
Aerosol insecticide
Aerosol is the most common format in homes because it allows fast and targeted application. It works well against flying and crawling insects and makes it easier to reach corners, baseboards and high areas.
An example is JIMO Anti-Inset Aerossol, recommended for daily control of flies, mosquitoes, gnats, cockroaches and ants.
Powder insecticide
Powder is ideal for cracks, conduits, corners and areas where insects hide. It provides long-lasting action and works especially well for cockroaches and ants.
The JIMO Inseticida em Pó is a practical option for this type of application, as it remains in place and reaches pests that move through narrow areas.
Electric insecticide and liquid refill
Electric insecticides release the active ingredient continuously into the environment. They are mainly used to reduce mosquitoes in bedrooms and living rooms, working best in closed spaces.
The JIMO Anti-Inset Elétrico, for example, acts continuously to repel mosquitoes for long periods. The product also has a refill option, JIMO Anti Inset Líquido, with a 60-night duration and effective against dengue mosquitoes.
Liquid insecticide
The liquid spatial insecticide is available in a 500 ml version, can be applied with manual sprayers and is proven effective against flying and crawling insects.
Application should be done in a closed area, using the sprayer directed at walls and ceilings. After a few minutes, airing out the environment is recommended.
Bait insecticide
Baits work through ingestion and are effective for ants or cockroaches with active nests. The insect carries the product inside the colony, expanding control.
The JIMO Antiformiga, for example, works this way and helps progressively reduce infestation.
How to choose the ideal insecticide?
Choosing the insecticide depends on the type of pest, the environment and the speed required for control. Reviewing the mode of action, application method and product safety helps determine which solution delivers the best result for each situation.
For indoor environments, the ideal is to choose products with proven effectiveness, simple application and low risk of use. For outdoor areas or plants, criteria vary depending on pest behavior and the need for continuous protection.
For flying insects
Mosquitoes, flies and gnats require products with efficient dispersion in the air and quick action.
The product JIMO Anti Inset Jato Seco offers broad coverage for both flying and crawling insects, with a formulation suitable for domestic use.
For outdoor areas or windows, repellent coils such as JIMO Espiral help reduce the presence of flying insects at night. You can also count on JIMO Open Air, designed for outdoor areas such as patios, balconies and poolside spaces.
For crawling insects
Crawling insects hide in baseboards, corners or behind furniture. In these cases, JIMO Mata Baratas, for example, is effective against cockroaches, but also fleas, moths and ants in infested areas, reaching their hiding spots.
The product has one of the fastest knockdown times in its category, meaning quicker results.
Application should be done directly into cracks, baseboards and insect pathways.
For plants and gardens
In gardens, pots or areas with ornamental indoor plants, pests such as aphids require products that act through ingestion or that move through the plant, ensuring continuous protection. In these situations, light sprays and natural solutions usually offer good initial control.
Also check product registration and toxicological classification on the label, which indicate risk level and proper usage conditions.
What are natural insecticides?
Natural insecticides are formulated with plant-based active ingredients or compounds found in nature, such as pyrethrins extracted from flowers and botanical oils. They offer good effectiveness with a more favorable safety profile for domestic environments, suitable for those seeking lower chemical impact.
Pyrethrins are the best-known and most widely used natural insecticides, due to their fast action against flying and crawling insects. They form the basis of modern home-use products that combine performance and safety, offering a direct transition to practical options available on the market.
JIMO Multi-Inseticida Origem: protection with natural active ingredient
The JIMO Multi-Inseticida Origem provides efficient control of flying and crawling insects with a formula based on 100% natural pyrethrins extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. This natural ingredient guarantees fast action and suitable performance for domestic environments.
The product is tested and recommended against flies, cockroaches, household ants, mosquitoes that transmit dengue, Zika, chikungunya and gnats.
Application is simple:
- for flying insects: spray the environment in various directions, keeping 50 cm from surfaces and respecting action time in areas of up to 12 m²;
- for crawling insects: apply directly on the insect or in passage points such as baseboards and cracks. Following the indicated waiting time ensures better performance and safer use.
Because it uses a natural active ingredient, the product combines effectiveness with a safety profile suitable for domestic use. This combination meets the needs of those who seek convenience in pest control routines without giving up a reliable product.
Best practices for insecticide use
Correct insecticide use ensures effective control and reduces risks to the environment and people. Basically, you should:
- air out the environment after application, keeping doors and windows open for the amount of time indicated on the label;
- respect the minimum distance of 50 cm when spraying, avoiding product buildup on surfaces and ensuring better dispersion;
- avoid excess product, since applying more than recommended does not improve results and may leave unnecessary residue;
- keep children and pets away until the reentry time indicated, avoiding accidental contact with still-wet surfaces;
- avoid homemade mixtures, which may react with the insecticide, stain surfaces or reduce effectiveness;
- call a professional in cases of persistent infestations, especially when there are signs of active nests, large numbers of insects or rapid reinfestations.
Other precautions help make use even safer. Avoid applying the product near food or heat sources. Read the label before use, since each formula has specific safety and performance instructions.
After use, store the product in a high, closed place, out of reach of children and pets.
Origin of insecticides
Insecticides also differ based on the origin of their active ingredients. There are synthetic chemical formulations, natural-origin insecticides and biological insecticides.
Synthetic chemicals are widely used in urban and domestic environments, offering fast action and broad control over different pests.
Natural-origin products use plant extracts with insecticidal effects.
Finally, biological insecticides use organisms or substances produced by microorganisms to control pests more specifically.
Most common chemical groups of insecticides
Insecticides can also be classified by chemical group. These include:
- pyrethroids: synthetic compounds derived from pyrethrins. They offer fast, broad action and are common in domestic applications;
- organophosphates: act on the insect nervous system. Effective but more toxic, suitable for technical or professional use;
- carbamates: similar to organophosphates in mechanism, with variations in toxicity profile. Used in controlled environments;
- neonicotinoids: act on specific insect nerve receptors. Widely used in crops and ornamental plants. Require careful application and proper dosage;
