What are the four main categories of pesticides?

The correct answer identifies the four main categories of pesticides as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides. Insecticides are designed to control insect pests, making them crucial for managing agricultural and urban pest populations. Herbicides target unwanted plants or weeds, which can compete with crops for nutrients, water, and light. Fungicides are employed to combat fungal diseases that can compromise plant health and agricultural productivity. Lastly, rodenticides are specialized pesticides used to manage rodent populations, which can damage crops and spread disease.

Each of these categories plays a vital role in integrated pest management, addressing various pest problems that can affect both agricultural outputs and public health. This classification is widely accepted within the industry and helps professionals categorize their approach to pest control effectively.

Understanding these categories is essential for anyone in the field, as it allows for better-targeted pest management strategies that minimize harm to non-target species and promote sustainable practices.