In general, a pesticide is a chemical or biological agent (such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus) that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests.

Jun 24, 2013 · Pesticides kill, repel, or control forms of animal and plant life considered to damage or be a nuisance in agriculture and domestic life. Used broadly, the term includes these types of chemicals: Herbicides destroy or control weeds and other unwanted vegetation.

4 days ago · Learn about EPA's recent actions on pesticides. EPA regulates pesticides under broad authority granted in two major statutes, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Food Quality Protection Act, of 1996 (FQPA).

5 days ago · pesticide, any toxic substance used to kill animals, fungi, or plants that cause economic damage to crop or ornamental plants or are hazardous to the health of domestic animals or humans.

Oct 26, 2020 · Pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi and unwanted plants (weeds). Over 1000 different pesticides are used around the world. Pesticides are used in public health to kill vectors of disease, such as mosquitoes, and in agriculture to kill pests that damage crops.

Feb 13, 2025 · Learn about the definition of pesticide, which in broad terms is a product that claims to kill, prevent, reduce, destroy or repel a pest.

Understanding the different categories of pesticides, such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and biopesticides, helps us comprehend how each function to control pests.