What term describes any substance used to control pests and prevent damage to health or wildlife?

The term that describes any substance used to control pests and prevent damage to health or wildlife is "pesticide." Pesticides encompass a broad category of substances that are specifically developed to manage various types of pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, and unwanted plants. This terminology is comprehensive and includes solutions that protect crops, public health, and the environment from harmful organisms.

Fertilizers, while valuable in agriculture, are primarily substances that provide essential nutrients to plants rather than controlling pests. Herbicides specifically target unwanted plants or weeds, and insecticides are designed to control insect populations. While both herbicides and insecticides are types of pesticides, the broader category of pesticides includes all substances used for pest control, making "pesticide" the most accurate and inclusive term in this context.