What is a lasting action of a pesticide called?

A lasting action of a pesticide is referred to as a residual effect. This term describes how some pesticides remain active in the environment after their initial application, continuing to control pests over a period of time. The residual effect can be influenced by various factors, including the chemical properties of the pesticide, environmental conditions, and the application method used.

Pesticides with strong residual effects are designed to provide ongoing protection against pests, which can be particularly beneficial in agricultural settings where long-term pest control is needed. This characteristic allows for less frequent reapplication, which can save time and resources for farmers.

Other terms like immediate impact, active ingredient, and environmental hazard address different aspects of pesticide usage. Immediate impact refers to the quick effects a pesticide has upon application, while the active ingredient is the component that targets pests. Environmental hazard relates to the potential risks pesticides pose to non-target organisms and the surrounding environment. These concepts are important but do not specifically describe the long-lasting action that residual effect conveys.