What is the characteristic of a contact pesticide?

A contact pesticide is characterized by its action at the site of application, meaning it damages only the localized areas where it comes into contact. These pesticides work by directly affecting pests that are present on the surface of the plants or soil where they are applied. Since contact pesticides do not permeate through plant tissues or travel within the plant's vascular system, their efficacy is limited to the immediate area of application.

In contrast, systemic pesticides are designed to be absorbed and distributed throughout a plant's tissues, allowing for a broader range of effects, which does not apply to contact pesticides. Similarly, contact pesticides do not cure diseases, as they mainly target external pests and do not address internal plant structures.