What type of pesticide affects some species but not all?

A selective pesticide is designed to target specific pests while minimizing effects on non-target species, including beneficial organisms. This specificity allows for the control of particular pests without significantly disrupting the broader ecosystem or harming other types of insects, plants, or animals that may be present in the area. For instance, a selective herbicide may effectively control a particular type of weed without affecting surrounding crops or desirable plants.

In contrast, non-selective pesticides affect all types of pests indiscriminately, which can lead to collateral damage among beneficial species. Broad-spectrum pesticides similarly target a wide range of pests, potentially impacting various organisms in the environment. Fumigants are gaseous pesticides that can be used to eliminate pests in an enclosed space but do not specifically refer to their selectivity regarding certain species. Therefore, selective pesticides are characterized by their narrow target range, making them a preferred choice when conservation of beneficial organisms is important.