Purdue Pesticide Programs Introduction Pesticides are designed to stop or limit pest occurrence.
Insecticides kill insects, while herbicides kill weeds and fungicides suppress or kill fungi.
All of these products are pesticides. Most of us recognize that pesticides allow agricultural producers to improve the quality, quantity and diversity of our food supply. Many homeowners and home gardeners also apply pesticides to their houses, yards and animals. It is important to understand the fate of a pesticide once it is applied, as this allows applicators to select the most effective and environmentally safe product. This publication provides a general overview of how pesticides interact with the environment.