Which type of pesticide consists of microorganisms as the active ingredient?

Microbial pesticides are specially formulated products that utilize microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa as their active ingredients. These microorganisms, when applied, can help manage pest populations by disrupting their life cycles or infesting them directly. This approach is part of a growing trend in integrated pest management, where biological control methods are favored for their environmental benefits and lower toxicity to non-target organisms.

In contrast, synthetic pesticides generally consist of chemically manufactured substances designed to control pests through various mechanisms, which may involve toxicity to certain pests but can also pose risks to humans and the environment. Biochemical pesticides focus on naturally occurring substances that control pests by non-toxic mechanisms but do not primarily involve microorganisms. Herbicides are a specific type of pesticide that targets plants, particularly weeds, and are not classified under microbial pesticides. Therefore, microbial pesticides stand out by relying on living organisms to achieve pest control.