Which type of pesticide contains a living organism that helps control pests?

The correct choice is microbial pesticide, as this type of pesticide utilizes living organisms—such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses—to target and control pest populations. These organisms can suppress pest numbers by infecting them or exerting other forms of biological control.

Microbial pesticides are beneficial because they often pose fewer risks to non-target organisms, including humans, pets, and beneficial insects, compared to traditional chemical pesticides. They also can be part of an integrated pest management strategy, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and promoting ecological balance.

In contrast, inorganic pesticides are typically synthetic compounds that do not involve living organisms and can be less environmentally friendly. Organic pesticides, though they are derived from natural sources, do not specifically indicate the involvement of living organisms for pest control. Chemical pesticides encompass a broad range of synthetic products and do not inherently involve the use of living entities for pest management. Therefore, microbial pesticides best characterize the use of living organisms in pest control.