Insect growth regulators are chemicals that are used in commercial pest control management. They are mixed with insecticides and interrupt the development of targeted insects from larvae to adult stage. This prevents insects from reaching adulthood and laying eggs. They have low toxicity levels, and some of them are safe for use on food crops.
Cyromazine, a common IGR, inhibits the production of chitin, the substance that forms the exoskeleton of insects. This prevents the formation of the exoskeleton, resulting in the death of the insect. This chemical also affects the eggs of insects, which inhibits the development of embryos.
Insect growth regulators interfere with the growth and development of insects, but they do not affect the growth or development of other organisms. Insect growth regulators are especially effective in controlling cockroaches, as they can prevent nymphs from maturing. Insect growth regulators also interfere with the molting process, which is one of the most important functions of insects. Insect growth regulators inhibit the formation of chitin during the molting process, so many nymphs die. Males who survive to adulthood have reduced life spans, and females tend to abort the oothecae.
Insect growth regulators are mainly active against young insects, but they may also affect adult stages indirectly. For example, some insect growth regulators prevent the formation of ovaries in adult females, which is an important step in reproduction. This means that these insect growth regulators are less toxic to biological control agents than conventional broad spectrum pesticides.
Insect growth regulators are widely used in commercial pest control. Their main use is in killing the immature stages of plant-feeding insects. These pests include fungus gnats, caterpillars, leafminers, mealybugs, scales, shoreflies, whiteflies, and thrips. These pesticides are safe to use and have few side effects for humans or pets.
Insect growth regulators are often used in baits to control pests. Because they are very effective in suppressing adult reproduction, they are used to reduce pest populations. Their effectiveness in killing insects is limited by the residues they leave behind, which can damage the agroecosystem and increase pesticide costs.
Insect growth regulators are an effective and safe way to control many insect pests that pose threats to human health. Their specific mode of action makes them safer for nontarget organisms and the environment. This is one of the main reasons why they are preferred over synthetic insecticides. They are extremely effective against a wide range of pests, including mosquitoes.