Which of the following is a characteristic of a broad-spectrum pesticide?

A broad-spectrum pesticide is effective against a wide range of pests, which is why the correct answer is that it is effective against multiple types of pests. This characteristic allows it to be utilized in various pest management scenarios, making it versatile for controlling infestations in agricultural, residential, or commercial settings.

Broad-spectrum pesticides are designed to target numerous species, which can be beneficial when multiple pest populations are present. However, this feature can also lead to a greater impact on non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects and wildlife, due to its lack of specificity.

The other options describe characteristics that do not align with broader spectrum definitions. For instance, targeting specific pests without harming others pertains to narrow-spectrum pesticides, which selectively affect certain categories of pests while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms. The requirement of a special applicator's license would apply to certain types of pesticides based on their toxicity or usage restrictions, rather than being a defining characteristic of broad-spectrum pesticides. Lastly, the usage in organic farming is generally not applicable to broad-spectrum pesticides, as many of these products are synthetic and may not comply with organic farming standards.