A pesticide that needs to be ingested to work effectively is known as what type?

A pesticide that needs to be ingested to work effectively is classified as a systemic pesticide. Systemic pesticides are absorbed by the pest once they consume the treated plant or substance, leading to the pesticide moving throughout the organism's body to disrupt biological processes. This mechanism is particularly effective for controlling certain pests because it allows for targeted action within the pest itself rather than relying solely on external contact.

In contrast, contact pesticides act on pests when they come into direct contact with the surface where the pesticide has been applied, without the need for ingestion. Ingested pesticides is not an official term used in pest management; instead, the term would be systemic. Residual pesticides refer to those that remain effective for a period of time after application, but this characteristic does not specifically relate to how they must be administered, such as through ingestion.