What types of substances are classified as pesticides?

Pesticides are substances used to prevent, control, or eliminate pests that can harm plants, animals, or humans. The correct answer includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides, all of which are recognized categories of pesticides that serve specific purposes in pest management.

Herbicides target unwanted plants and weeds, making them essential in agricultural and landscaping practices. Insecticides are used to control insect populations that can damage crops and spread diseases. Fungicides are applied to combat fungal infections that affect plants and crops. Rodenticides are employed to manage rodent populations that may cause destruction to property or carry diseases.

By encompassing all these categories, the correct choice highlights the comprehensive nature of what is classified as a pesticide, illustrating the broad application of these substances in agriculture and pest management. This classification is critical for understanding the different roles that pesticides play in protecting crops and public health, as well as for complying with safety regulations and usage guidelines.