What is the common term for a pesticide that manages or prevents damage from insects?

The term "insecticide" specifically refers to a type of pesticide that is formulated to target and manage insect populations. These chemicals work by disrupting the biological processes of insects, leading to their mortality or preventing them from causing damage to plants, structures, or stored products. Insecticides can come in various forms and can operate through different modes of action, such as contact or ingestion, making them highly effective for pest control in both agricultural and residential settings.

Fumigants are designed to be used as gases to penetrate spaces and control pests; they are not limited to insects. Herbicides target unwanted plants or weeds rather than insects, so they do not apply to this question. Miticides, on the other hand, specifically focus on managing mites and tick populations, which are not classified as insects despite their similar characteristics. These distinctions highlight why "insecticide" is the most appropriate term in this context for managing or preventing damage caused by insects.