What does a pesticide's formulation refer to?

A pesticide's formulation refers to its mixture of ingredients. This includes not only the active ingredient that directly affects the target pest but also various inert substances and adjuvants that enhance the effectiveness and stability of the product. The formulation is crucial because it determines the pesticide's properties, such as how it is applied, its solubility, and how it interacts with the target pests and the environment. Different formulations can affect the application method, efficacy, and safety profiles of the pesticide, emphasizing the importance of understanding what formulation a particular pesticide uses when considering its use for pest control. In contrast, aspects like effectiveness, application methods, and storage conditions are influenced by the formulation but are not what the term "formulation" specifically refers to.