Chloronicotinyls are primarily used to target which type of pests?

Chloronicotinyls are a class of insecticides that act on the nervous system of insects, specifically targeting receptors that are similar to those affected by nicotine. This mode of action makes them particularly effective against sucking insects, such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, as well as certain beetles. These pests are known for their feeding habits which involve piercing plant tissue and extracting plant sap, leading to damage to crops and ornamental plants.

Using chloronicotinyls is advantageous because they provide systemic activity, meaning they can be absorbed by plants and subsequently affect pests that feed on them. This systemic nature, combined with their selectivity for certain insect groups, makes them valuable tools in integrated pest management strategies aimed at controlling sucking insects and beetles.

In contrast, other options such as rodents and burrowing animals, carpet beetles and larvae, or fleas associated with domestic pets do not align with the primary target of chloronicotinyls, which is focused on insect species that are significant agricultural pests.