Pesticides and biocides

Pesticides and biocides are chemicals or organisms used to control pests such as harmful or unwanted animals, plants, fungi, viruses or bacteria which cause damage.

Pesticides and biocides can harm human health if you do not store and use them properly.

Pesticides and biocides can cause significant water pollution and land contamination if there is an accident or if they are not used in a responsible way. If they enter surface water or groundwater, even in very small amounts, they can have devastating effects.

What is the difference between pesticides and biocides?

Pesticide is a broad term for products used to control pests. In this guide, it usually means plant protection products (PPPs) used on crops or to control unwanted vegetation.

Biocide usually means a non-agricultural pesticide used to protect people, animals, materials or articles, for example disinfectants, preservatives and rodenticides.

Examples of pesticides and biocides

Pesticides and biocides include:

• fungicides
• insecticides
• herbicides
• plant growth regulators
• rodenticides (rat and mouse poisons)
• animal and bird repellents
• mole control products
• wood and masonry preservatives
• disinfectants
• human and veterinary medicines
• anti-fouling products
• molluscicides (snail and slug pellets)
• algaecides
• earthworm control agents

Common uses of pesticides and biocides

Businesses that use pesticides and biocides include those involved in:

• agriculture - arable, vegetable and fruit growing, pasture, livestock and poultry
• aquaculture - fish and shellfish farming (veterinary medicine)
• forestry and woodland management
• horticulture
• wood and masonry preservation
• managing invasive species and removing bracken
• pest control
• weed control, such as on pavements, industrial complexes and alongside roads and railways
• marine anti-fouling painting and coating
• gardening and landscaping
• managing parks and golf courses (amenity sector)
• food storage and preparation
• healthcare
• care of domestic pets