Which of the following best describes a carrier in pest control?

A carrier in pest control refers to a substance that acts as a vehicle for transporting an active ingredient, which is the component responsible for controlling the pest. Carriers can be in the form of gas, liquid, or solid and are essential for ensuring that the active ingredient is effectively delivered and utilized in the target environment. For example, in liquid formulations, water or oil can serve as carriers, allowing the active pesticide to spread evenly and penetrate the intended area, enhancing its efficacy in pest control.

The other options do not accurately represent what a carrier is. For instance, referring to a carrier as a specific type of pesticide is misleading, as a carrier can exist in various forms and does not encapsulate the specific chemical nature of a pesticide itself. Describing it as an application technique overlooks its role in transport and delivery, focusing instead on how products are applied rather than what aids their application. Lastly, identifying a carrier as a type of pest is incorrect, as it denotes a living organism rather than a substance used in pest management.