What is the purpose of insect growth regulators (IGRs) in mosquito control?

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are specifically designed to disrupt the normal development of insects, particularly by interfering with their growth processes. The primary purpose of IGRs in mosquito control is to prevent immature stages, such as larvae or pupae, from maturing into adult mosquitoes that can reproduce. By targeting the hormonal systems that regulate development, IGRs effectively inhibit the maturation of these stages, which decreases the overall population of adult mosquitoes over time.

This method of control is beneficial because it does not rely on the immediate lethality associated with traditional insecticides. Instead, IGRs offer a more environmentally friendly approach, thereby reducing the potential for impact on non-target insect species and enhancing long-term control strategies. The use of IGRs helps to manage mosquito populations by ensuring that fewer individuals reach the reproductive stage, ultimately leading to a decline in mosquito numbers.