Which type of pesticide is specifically designed to control insects?

Insecticides are the specific type of pesticide formulated to target and control insects. They function by interfering with the insect's biological processes, including growth, reproduction, and behavior, resulting in control of pest populations. This makes them essential for agricultural practices and pest management, as they help protect crops, livestock, and human health from the harm that insect pests can cause.

Herbicides are designed to control unwanted plants, known as weeds, while fungicides target fungal infections. The term "pesticides" is a broader category that includes any substance intended for preventing, destroying, or mitigating pests, which encompasses herbicides and fungicides in addition to insecticides. However, when the question specifically asks about controlling insects, insecticides are the precise answer.