insecticidal

adjective

in·​sec·​ti·​cid·​al (ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl 

1

: destroying or controlling insects

2

: of or relating to an insecticide

insecticidally

(ˌ)in-ˌsek-tə-ˈsī-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of insecticidal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If your Easter cacti develop sticky leaves, leaf yellowing and spotting, or other signs of pests, treat them every 7 to 10 days with an organic insecticidal soap spray until the pests are gone. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Mar. 2025

The treatment will vary depending on the invader, such as applying insecticidal soap to remove aphids or dabbing mealybugs with rubbing alcohol. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025

Take infected pots outside, submerge them in a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap per quart of water, and allow the solution to cover the soil for 20 minutes or more. Remove whatever attracted the ants. —Barbara Robertson, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025

Many pest problems in home gardens respond well to organic products such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. 7. —Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insecticidal

• apsidal
• subtidal
• bridal
• bridle
• idle
• idol
• idyll
• seidel
• sidle
• tidal
• widal
• fratricidal