Broadly defined, a pesticide is any agent used to kill or
control undesired insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, bacteria, or
other organisms. Pesticides are classified according to their
function: insecticides control insects; rodenticides control
rodents; herbicides control weeds; and fungicides control fungi,
mold and mildew. Pesticides have enabled growers to produce some
crops profitably in otherwise unsuitable locations, extend
growing seasons, maintain product quality and extend shelf life.
It enabled us to maintain our right-of-way reliable and safe, a
major conduit for the flow of goods and services vital to our
economy; also protected us from vector borne diseases and other
emergency situations. Nevertheless, these chemicals also pose
some risks if used improperly or too frequently. Several
problems and limitations have become apparent by relying solely
on pesticides to control pests. Some of the problems include:
pest resistance to pesticides; increased costs; toxicity to
fish, wildlife, beneficial natu