The present invention relates to a method of combating pest, which method comprises contacting said pest or their food supply, habitat, breeding ground or their locus with a 3-pyridyl compound of the formula (I). In formula (I) n is 1 or 2, y is 0 or 1 and X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are as defined in the claims and in the specification. The invention also relates to novel 3-pyridyl compounds which are useful for combating animal pests, in particular insects and to pesticidal composition, which comprises at least one 3-pyridyl compound and an agriculturally acceptable carrier. ##STR00001##