Eco-friendly pesticides, often referred to as biopesticides, are substances derived from natural materials such as plants, bacteria, fungi, or certain minerals, which are used to control pests while minimizing harmful effects on the environment, non-target organisms, and human health. Unlike conventional synthetic pesticides that often persist in soil and water, accumulate in the food chain, and lead to resistance in target pests, eco-friendly pesticides offer a sustainable alternative, aligning closely with the principles of environmental chemistry by reducing chemical load and promoting ecological balance. They can be classified broadly into three main categories: microbial pesticides, biochemical pesticides, and plant-incorporated protectants. Microbial pesticides involve microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoans that specifically target certain pests. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium widely used against lepidopteran larvae. Bt produces crystal proteins that, when ingested by caterpillars, disrupt their gut lining, leading to death without affecting humans, livestock, or beneficial insects. Similarly, fungal species like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae infect and kill insect pests through natural infection processes. These microbial agents are self-limiting, as they multiply only in the presence of the target pest, reducing the risk of environmental contamination. Biochemical pesticides include substances that interfere with pest behavior or physiology without causing direct toxicity to other organisms. Examples include insect pheromones that disrupt mating patterns, plant-derived compounds such as neem extracts, and essential oils with repellent properties.