What type of pesticide control targets insect life cycles specifically?

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) target specific developmental stages in the life cycles of insects. Unlike conventional insecticides that kill insects outright, IGRs disrupt the regular growth and maturation processes of insects, preventing them from reaching adulthood or reproducing successfully. They work by mimicking hormones that are essential for insect development, or by interfering with the normal hormonal functions needed for processes like molting. This allows for more targeted pest control that can be less harmful to beneficial insects and the environment.

Herbicides are designed for controlling unwanted plants, while fungicides target fungal diseases, making them unsuitable for dealing with insect life cycles. Insecticides primarily kill insects but do not specifically target their developmental stages as IGRs do. Consequently, IGRs provide a specialized and strategic approach to managing pest populations by focusing on the growth stages of insects, leading to longer-term control solutions.