Which type of pesticide classification includes Boric acid?

Boric acid is classified as a desiccant pesticide. Desiccants work by causing the dehydration of target pests; they absorb moisture from the insects, leading to their eventual death. Boric acid disrupts the normal process of water absorption in insects, effectively dehydrating and killing them over time.

In addition to its usage as a desiccant, boric acid has insecticidal properties, which further supports its classification. It is particularly effective against pests like cockroaches, ants, and termites, where it can be used in various formulations, including baits and powders.

This classification is unique because it distinguishes boric acid from fungicides, which are designed to combat fungal organisms, and from natural insecticides, which might refer to substances derived from natural sources that kill or repel insects without necessarily being a drying agent. Pest repellents, on the other hand, are substances intended to deter pests rather than kill them, which is not the primary function of boric acid.