Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Neonicotinoid Insecticides:  Neonicotinoid, or chloronicotinyl, compounds are a relatively new class of insecticides now used widely for insect control in field and vegetable crops.  Examples include imidacloprid (Trimax® and Gaucho®), thiamethoxam (Centric® and Cruiser®) and acetamiprid (Intruder®).  The class name originates from the mode of action.  These compounds affect nicotinic receptors, similar to nicotine, essentially mimicking the function of acetylcholine within insect nerve cells.  Neonicotinoids are characterized by more specialized activity and are most often used for the control of sucking insect pests such as aphids, plant bugs and whiteflies.  They are also used extensively to control fleas on pets.  This class of insecticides has relatively low toxicity to humans and other non-target organisms.