Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of general use pesticides?

The selection of "are effective against all types of pests" is indeed the characteristic that sets it apart from the others when discussing general use pesticides. General use pesticides are designed to be user-friendly and versatile, meaning they can be utilized by the general public without special training. However, they are typically formulated to target specific pest types rather than being universally effective against every possible pest.

Pesticides come with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the formulation, active ingredients, and intended application. For instance, a herbicide is effective against weeds but not against insects or fungi. This specificity is key in pest management, as different pests require tailored solutions for effective control.

The other characteristics highlight that general use pesticides are accessible, allowing individuals without specialized training to purchase and apply them, and they follow basic safety guidelines to ensure user safety and environmental protection. However, the notion that they are effective against all pest types is not accurate, which clarifies why this statement stands out as incorrect in this context.