What defines an active ingredient in a pesticide?

An active ingredient in a pesticide is defined as the primary component that directly affects pest control. This is the substance in the formulation responsible for the pesticide's intended effects, such as killing, repelling, or mitigating the growth of pests. Active ingredients are specifically designed to target pests, making them essential for the effectiveness of any pesticide product.

In contrast, other components of pesticide formulations often support the active ingredient. For example, some ingredients may be added to improve stability or enhance the physical characteristics of the product, like color, but they do not directly contribute to pest management. Additionally, while active ingredients can be present in various formulations—both solid and liquid—the term does not limit their presence to only solid mixtures. Therefore, identifying the primary role of the active ingredient as the effective means of pest control is crucial for understanding how pesticide products function.