What are systemic insecticides or miticides primarily used for?

Systemic insecticides or miticides are designed to be absorbed by plants and transported throughout their tissues. This means that when pests, such as insects or mites that feed on the plant, consume parts of the plant—like leaves or stems—they ingest the insecticide, leading to their control. This method is particularly effective for dealing with pests that are difficult to reach with contact insecticides, as it allows for ongoing protection against pest damage from within the plant.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of systemic insecticides or miticides. For example, eliminating soil-borne pests typically involves different types of pesticides that target organisms living in the soil rather than being absorbed by the plants. Similarly, fertilizing plants to enhance growth is the function of fertilizers, not insecticides, which focus solely on pest management. Attracting beneficial insects involves the use of other substances that promote the presence of natural pest predators, while systemic insecticides are geared towards controlling harmful pests rather than attracting beneficial ones.