insecticidal

adjective
in·​sec·​ti·​cid·​al | \ (ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl How to pronounce insecticidal (audio) \

Definition of insecticidal

1 : destroying or controlling insects
2 : of or relating to an insecticide

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Other Words from insecticidal

insecticidally \ (ˌ)in-​ˌsek-​tə-​ˈsī-​dᵊl-​ē How to pronounce insecticidally (audio) \ adverb

Examples of insecticidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As if that's not reason enough to avoid them, those insecticidal shampoos often don't even work any more, because so many lice have also become resistant to pyrethrins and pyrethroids. Mariko Zapf, Good Housekeeping, "This 3-Step Natural Head Lice Remedy Works For My Family Every Time," 15 Aug. 2017 If necessary, spray plants with an insecticidal soap, and as a last resort try neem oil. The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Defend Your Garden Against Japanese Beetles," 26 Jan. 2018 Use of a natural insecticidal soap spray may help if applied before blooms begin to open. Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Poor root system hinders plant growth," 19 May 2018 Some organic materials to use might include pheromone traps, horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, hot pepper sprays and organic compost. Evan Frank, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Planning your garden? Don't have space? Oconomowoc community gardens could provide an answer.," 30 Apr. 2018 Control aphids feeding in new shoots with an insecticidal soap spray. Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "May in the garden," 28 Apr. 2018 Some gardeners wash them off and others use an insecticidal soap. Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Find the ideal spot to plant hydrangeas," 14 Apr. 2018 One key is to limit insecticidal spraying to a specific target such as stink bugs on your peaches or cabbage loopers on your broccoli. Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "Attracting and producing butterflies in your landscape," 6 Apr. 2018 Most can be quashed with insecticidal soap or Neem oil. Chris Thomas, idahostatesman, "Beauty blooms in Idaho’s backcountry in the spring and summer | Idaho Statesman," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insecticidal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of insecticidal

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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