Which active ingredient is known for low toxicity to mammals?

Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides modeled after nicotine, designed to target the nervous system of insects. One of the notable characteristics of neonicotinoids is their relatively low toxicity to mammals compared to many other classes of insecticides. This lower toxicity is primarily due to differences in receptor sensitivity between insects and mammals, allowing neonicotinoids to effectively kill pests while posing minimal risk to non-target species, including humans and pets.

The mode of action of neonicotinoids involves their binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in insects, causing paralysis and death to pests. However, these receptors are significantly less abundant or have different structural properties in mammals, resulting in reduced toxicity.

In comparison, other insecticide classes such as pyrethroids and inorganic insecticides can have higher toxicity profiles. Pyrethroids, while also more selective for insects, can still pose risks to mammals in certain contexts, particularly at higher exposure levels. Inorganic insecticides, such as those containing heavy metals, can also have considerable toxicity to mammals, leading to potential health hazards.

Botanical insecticides, derived from natural plant sources, can vary greatly in their safety profiles, with some being highly toxic. Therefore, neonicotinoids