‘Pesticide’ is a general term which includes all chemical and biological products used to kill or control pests. Pests are living organisms such as rodents, insects, fungi and plants that harm our food, our health or our environment.

The following are all pesticides:

• Animal and bird repellents;

• Food storage protectors;

• Insecticides and acaricides (mite killers);

• Mould-killing substances;

• Anti-fouling products (paints to prevent marine growth on boats);

• Plant growth regulators;

• Products to prevent lichen, moss and fungi growing on and in

buildings;

• Products to prevent fungi growing on crops or stored commodities;

• Rat and mouse poisons;

• Soil sterilants;

• Herbicides (weedkillers);

• Wood preservatives.

Types of pesticides use

Under the system for approval of pesticides each product is classified as agricultural or non-agricultural according to the purpose for which it is used.

A distinction is also made between professional and amateur use. Professional products may only be used by people as part of their work and they must be competent in their use. Amateur products may be used by the general public. Wood preservatives may also involve an industrial pre-treatment process.