- Insecticides: These chemicals are used to kill insects, and they come in a variety of forms, including sprays, dusts, granules, and baits. Some common insecticides include:
- Pyrethroids: These are synthetic chemicals that are similar to natural pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are effective against a wide range of insects, but they are harmful to bees and other beneficial insects.
- Organophosphates: These were once the most widely used insecticides, but they have been phased out in many countries due to their toxicity to humans and the environment. Organophosphates are still used in some countries for controlling pests in agriculture and public health.
- Carbamates: These are another class of insecticides that are less toxic than organophosphates, but they can still be harmful to humans and the environment. Carbamates are used to control a variety of pests, including aphids, thrips, and caterpillars.
- Herbicides: These chemicals are used to kill weeds, and they come in a variety of forms, including sprays, granules, and dusts. Some common herbicides include:
- Glyphosate: This is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is effective against a wide range of weeds, and it is relatively safe for humans and the environment.
- 2,4-D: This herbicide is used to control broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions, ragweed, and poison ivy. 2,4-D can be harmful to aquatic plants and animals.
- Atrazine: This herbicide is used to control weeds in corn and soybeans. Atrazine can be harmful to aquatic plants and animals, and it has also been linked to endocrine disruption in humans and wildlife.
- Fungicides: These chemicals are used to kill fungi, which can cause diseases in plants. Some common fungicides include:
- Copper-based fungicides: These fungicides contain copper sulfate or copper oxide, and they are effective against a wide range of fungal diseases. Copper-based fungicides can be harmful to aquatic plants and animals.
- Sulfur-based fungicides: These fungicides contain sulfur, and they are effective against a variety of fungal diseases. Sulfur-based fungicides can be harmful to plants and humans, and they can also emit a strong odor.
- Mancozeb: This is a dithiocarbamate fungicide that is effective against a wide range of fungal diseases. Mancozeb can be harmful to aquatic plants and animals, and it can also cause skin and eye irritation in humans.
- Rodenticides: These chemicals are used to kill rodents, such as rats and mice. Some common rodenticides include:
- Warfarin: This is an anticoagulant rodenticide that causes rodents to bleed to death. Warfarin can be harmful to humans and other animals if ingested.
- Bromethalin: This is a neurotoxic rodenticide that causes rodents to lose coordination and die. Bromethalin can be harmful to humans and other animals if ingested.
- Strychnine: This is a very potent rodenticide that is used to kill rats. Strychnine is extremely poisonous to humans and other animals, and it should only be used by trained professionals.