A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended
for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any
pest.Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides,
the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides,
rodenticides, molluscicides and various other substances used to
control pests. Under United States federal law, any substance or
mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator,
defoliant or desiccant is also considered a pesticide. Pests are
living organisms that occur where they are not wanted or that
cause damage to crops or humans or other animals. Examples
include: - mice and other animals, - unwanted plants (weeds), -
microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, and - prions. (See
This PDF) Many household products are pesticides. All of these
common products are considered pesticides: - Cockroach sprays
and baits; - Insect repellents for personal use; - Rat and other
rodent poisons; - Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet
collars; - Kitchen, laundry, a