Which chemical would you most likely use for subsurface feeders, neonicotinoids or pyrethroids?

• A. Fungicides
• B. Neonicotinoids
• C. Herbicides
• D. Pyrethroids

Answer: (B)

Subsurface feeders are pests that attack roots and other underground plant parts, so you want an insecticide that moves inside the plant to reach those feeding sites. Neonicotinoids are systemic; when applied to the soil or as a seed treatment, the plant roots absorb them and they are transported through the plant to tissues all around, including the root zone. This makes them effective against pests that feed below ground.

Pyrethroids, on the other hand, are mainly contact or surface-acting insecticides. They don’t reliably move into the plant to reach underground feeding sites, so they’re less effective for subsurface feeders. Fungicides and herbicides don’t target insects at all, so they wouldn’t control these pests.

So, the best choice for subsurface feeders is neonicotinoids.