What are pestisides used for?

Pesticides are chemical substances used to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest. Pesticides are used in agriculture, forestry, and to protect human and animal health. They include insecticides (used against insects), fungicides (used against fungi), herbicides (used against weeds), and rodenticides (used against rodents). Some pesticides are also used as disinfectants and preservatives.