What type of mode of action does Phostoxin utilize?

Phostoxin, which is comprised of aluminum phosphide, functions as a fumigant. It releases phosphine gas upon contact with moisture, which then diffuses through materials, effectively reaching pests in enclosed spaces such as storage facilities, ships, and warehouses. This mode of action allows it to penetrate various substrates and even target pests that are not directly contacted, making it highly effective for controlling pests like insects and rodents in hard-to-reach areas.

In contrast, the other modes of action are distinct. A desiccant works by damaging the outer layer of pests, leading to dehydration, while insect growth regulators disrupt the lifecycle and development of pests but do not kill them immediately. Contact insecticides require direct application to be effective, necessitating that pests come into contact with the product. Phostoxin’s unique ability to diffuse into an environment and affect pests from within categorizes it firmly as a fumigant.