What classification refers to pesticides that alter the behavior of pest organisms?

The classification that refers to pesticides which alter the behavior of pest organisms is behavioral pesticides. This type of pesticide is specifically designed to interfere with the normal behavior patterns of pests, either by disrupting their ability to feed, breed, or carry out other necessary functions for survival.

These behavioral changes might include repelling pests from a specific area or affecting their mating habits, which can lead to a reduction in pest populations over time without necessarily killing them immediately. By influencing behavior, these pesticides can help manage pest populations in a more environmentally friendly manner, as they may reduce reliance on more toxic lethal options.

The other classifications mentioned focus on different aspects of pesticide action. For example, contact pesticides work by physically touching and affecting the pest, while systemic pesticides are absorbed into the plant and affect pests that consume plant tissues. Chemical pesticides is a broader term that encompasses various kinds of pesticide products and does not specifically refer to those that alter behavior, making it less specific than the term behavioral pesticides.