What is the function of insecticides within the term "pesticides"?

Insecticides are a specific type of pesticide designed to target and control insect populations that can harm crops, spread diseases, or damage other environments. The term "pesticides" encompasses a broader range of chemicals used to manage pests, which includes not only insecticides but also herbicides for weeds, fungicides for mold and mildews, and antibacterial agents for harmful bacteria. Therefore, when focusing specifically on the function of insecticides within the context of pesticides, the primary role they play is to effectively reduce or eliminate insect populations. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why "control insects" is the correct focus within the term "pesticides."