What type of pesticides are designed to target larvae specifically?

Larvicides are specifically formulated to target and control the larval stage of insects, particularly mosquitoes. These pesticides are designed to disrupt the development of larvae in standing water environments where mosquitoes breed. The active ingredients in larvicides often inhibit growth or interrupt the life cycle of the larvae, preventing them from maturing into adult mosquitoes that can then reproduce and contribute to the population. This targeted approach is particularly effective in integrated pest management strategies, as it reduces the mosquito population at its source without affecting adult mosquitoes directly.

Other pesticide types, such as adulticides, are aimed at targeting adult insects, while herbicides focus on controlling unwanted plants, and fungicides are used to combat fungal diseases. Each type has a distinct purpose and use within pest management, which underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate product for the specific life stage of the pest being targeted.