Which substance is commonly used to control both insects and mites?

The correct response is the term referring to a broad category of chemical agents designed to control pests, specifically those belonging to the insect class. Insecticides are formulated to target a wide range of insects and can also have efficacy against certain other pests, including some mite populations, due to the biological and chemical similarities between these organisms.

Insecticides work by disrupting physiological processes within the insect, such as nervous system function or growth regulation, making them a common choice in pest management strategies. This can include various active ingredients that are effective against both insects and, in some cases, mites, depending on their specific mode of action.

The other options target more specific types of pests: acaricides are specifically designed to target mite populations; miticides are also directed primarily toward mites. Nematicides are used to manage nematodes, which are different from insects and mites entirely. The specificity of those agents makes insecticides the most versatile choice for controlling a wider array of pest types.