How Do Insect Growth Regulators Work?

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are chemicals that are used to control the populations of certain types of insect pests. They work by killing the immature stages of these pests. These pests include caterpillars, scales, leafminers, mealybugs, shoreflies, and thrips. These insecticides are not harmful to humans and other mammals.

When used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program, these compounds can be a valuable tool for managing pest populations. They are less harmful to the environment than conventional insecticides and work well with other biological controls. They are also more effective because they do not adversely affect nontarget species. They do, however, affect insect growth by inhibiting reproduction and disrupting normal development. This prevents insects from reproducing and eventually causes them to die.

Although IGR work mainly on young insects, they can indirectly affect adult stages as well. They may inhibit reproduction in adult females by preventing the development of the ovaries. The labels of insect growth regulators will list which stages they affect. This way, you can choose the right insecticide for your particular situation.

Insect growth regulators mimic an essential hormone in an insect's body that helps it molt. By imitating this hormone, the IGRs prevent the insect from progressing to the next developmental stage. This means that the flea larvae and eggs will die off before reaching the adult stage.

An IGR is a liquid formulation that is mixed with water and sprayed on the area where insects breed. It can be used to control cockroaches that are resistant to standard insecticides.

Cockroaches that survive the treatment will not be able to reproduce. This is useful when the infestation is too large to be eliminated by standard insecticides. However, it is not recommended for use alone, because most people do not want to wait for the insects to die off. Therefore, they use IGRs in combination with another pesticide.

Cyromazine interferes with the formation of the cuticle and exoskeleton of insects. This interferes with the insect's development, but it has a limited effect on non-dipteran insects. Insect growth regulators will not affect the development of non-dipteran insects, such as grasshoppers and crickets.

Another type of insect growth regulator is methoprene, which mimics the insect's juvenile hormone. It was first registered and marketed in 1975, and it works by inhibiting the insect's growth. Insect growth regulators are used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program, which includes the reduction of adult populations through least invasive methods, cultural modifications, and structural modification.

Some insect growth regulators also interfere with the production of chitin, which is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the exoskeleton. These chemicals also interfere with the embryonic development of the insect's eggs. Some of these chemicals also inhibit the synthesis of chitin after molting. Without chitin, the insect cannot develop its exoskeleton, and will eventually die.