Which of the following would best describe an insecticide?

An insecticide is specifically designed to target and kill insects. This classification is based on the active ingredients and mechanisms of action that are effective against insect pests. Insecticides may work by disrupting the insect’s nervous system, interfering with growth processes, or causing other lethal effects that are particularly suited to the biology of insects.

The other choices describe substances that target different types of organisms. Fungi are killed by fungicides, while herbicides are used to control weed populations, and antibacterial agents target bacteria. Each type of pesticide is formulated with specific properties that make them effective against their respective organisms, which underscores the importance of using the correct pesticide for pest management. The specificity of insecticides to insects distinguishes them from these other categories.