According to the U.S. EPA, a pesticide is any "substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest." Pests can include insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or microorganisms. Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Under United States law, a pesticide is also any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

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