How does the insecticide malathion work?

Answer by  primatefreak (1616)

Malathion kills insects by stopping their nervous systems from working the way they should. Normally nerves send signals (chemicals) back and forth.Those signals stop when an enzyme is released between the nerves. Malathion attachs to the enzyme and prevents the signal from stopping.It becomes a constant signal, the insect can't breathe or move and dies.

Answer by  Novemberfire (322)

Malathion is sprayed for application. When it comes in contact with an insect, it attack the nervous system, causing all functions, including breathing, to stop until the insect dies.

Answer by  questionkid (146)

The mode of action for the organo-phosphate malathion is by inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase which leads to disruption of neural pathways. At the lethal dose the mosquito dies due to over-excitation of neural receptors from excess neurotransmitters floating freely as the enzyme can no longer inhibit them.